With experiences on land, lakes, and in the air, this 7- to 10-day Switzerland itinerary with kids this summer has something for everyone! Nestled between Germany, France, Austria, and Italy, you will find the charming country of Switzerland. Famously known for its chocolate, cheese, and of course, the majestic Alps, it’s a fantastic destination on many families’ travel bucket lists. Even though it is a small country, it’s still packed with culture, charm, and kid-friendly activities! But how to begin to plan a Switzerland itinerary with kids? This article covers how to plan a fun-filled 7- to 10-day Switzerland itinerary with kids and what to expect, including stunning scenery and plenty of activities for all ages. From the chic, cosmopolitan city of Zurich to the country’s Jungfrau region, your family will surely find some fantastic locations to enjoy. Keep reading to find out more!
Fly to Zurich
If you’re wondering about the best way to reach Switzerland with kids, keep reading! It’s common for families to fly into Zurich International Airport (ZRH), as it’s the largest international airport in Switzerland. Zurich Airport, also known as Kloten Airport, is about 8 miles north of Zurich’s city center, making it very easy to get to your hotel after landing. It’s also very modern, with many services and facilities for families to enjoy upon arrival. Be sure to exchange some money once you arrive, grab your rental car or hop on the train, and head on your way.
Oftentimes flights from the U.S. arrive in the morning, so you may have the whole day to explore. Hopefully, your hotel will accommodate you to drop your baggage off so you can begin exploring the city of Zurich!
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A Perfect 7- to 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary with Kids
Looking for the ultimate family adventure that’s packed full of breathtaking scenery, exciting activities, and endless opportunities for exploration? Then buckle up and get ready to Plan Your Perfect 7- to 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary with Kids! With so many wonderful travel opportunities in Switzerland, this itinerary only scratches the surface of the best places in Switzerland with kids. Feel free to mix and match your favorite train rides, cogwheel excursions, lakeside towns to mountainside villages, and many thrill-seeking adventures! Lastly, this is a great itinerary for those looking to experience the best of Switzerland and explore several lovely Swiss cities and towns with kids.
Here are 13 Amazing Towns and Villages To Visit With Your Family In Switzerland!
Day 1: Take in the City of Zurich
As your family may experience jet lag for a night or two, it’s best to start your Switzerland itinerary in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. Depending on how much energy you have, drop your bags off at your hotel and wander the beautiful cobblestone streets of old town Zurich.
Head toward Bahnhofstrasse, which is a famous shopping street. Take in the old buildings, luxury shops, and boutiques as you meander toward Lake Zurich. As you continue to stroll around, head over the Quaibruecke and cross the Limmat River as you make your way toward Fraumunster Church. Don’t miss the famous stained-glass windows by artist Marc Chagall!
If the kids are begging for a break, be sure to stop in a Swiss cafe and bakery to enjoy an energy boost as you continue your stroll through the old town. You can also stop by one of the many famous chocolate shops; some of the most popular are Spruengli and Confiserie Teuscher. Add Grossmunster Church, another iconic Zurich landmark, as you walk toward Niederdrof.
Niederdorf is a lively pedestrian area where you can explore the narrow streets and alleys in this area of town and admire many of the historical buildings. Don’t miss the Haus zum Rueden, the Helmhaus, and the Zunfthaus zur Hause. Be sure to take in St. Peter’s Church, where you can climb the tower to get a great view of the city and the surrounding area before you find the perfect restaurant to enjoy your first Swiss meal. Maybe you will choose Bratwurst, Roesti, or even a Fondue.
Other Things to Do in Zurich with Kids
Families with more time to spend in Zurich should visit the Swiss National Museum just outside of the Old Town. This museum is a great starting point for your family to learn more about Swiss culture and the history of Switzerland. Your kids will love seeing the variety of artifacts and costumes in the various exhibits at this family-friendly museum. After your time at the museum, let the kids run around and play on Lindenhof Hill, where you can all enjoy the beautiful Zurich skyline. There’s also a Roman fort for kids to explore.
If your little kids love zoos, add the Zurich Zoo to your Switzerland itinerary with kids. The beautiful 90-year-old zoo offers 380 animal species, including savannah and rainforest enclosures and an aquarium. All of this in a seeming oasis that can easily be reached from the heart of the city. This could be one of the best places in Switzerland for kids to visit while in Zurich!
On a rainy day, pop your head into the small, but wonderful Spielzeugmuseum, or Toy Museum. This kid-friendly museum offers a large collection of toys from different time periods, and your little ones will delight in seeing dolls, trains, and board games from times past. Or, duck into one of the many restaurants and cafes to choose from as well along Limmat River, where kids can feed the swans and parents can people watch.
Another great option on a rainy day, or just to experience Swiss chocolate, is to tour the Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolate Factory. You can enjoy a tasting and a tour at one of the most famous chocolate factories in Switzerland, located in Kilchberg, just outside of Zurich.
Where to Stay in Zurich with Kids
Wondering where to stay in Zurich with kids? The city has several family-friendly accommodations, including Widder Hotel, Storchen Zurich, and The Dolder Grand. Alternatively, Zurich Marriott Hotel is another excellent option.
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Day 2: Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls, Munot Fortress
After a good night’s sleep, everyone will be ready to head to a new location on your Switzerland itinerary with your kids. Hop on the train or drive toward Schaffhausen, where you will spend the day at the powerful Rhine Falls. Once you arrive, be sure to visit the visitor center, where you can learn about the history and geology of the area and the falls. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits as they learn more about the history of the area.
Plan to take a boat ride, where your family can ride to the large rock near the middle of the falls where the powerful, cascading water will spray your family! This will be sure to provide for a fun family memory and picture opportunity at one of the best places in Switzerland with kids.
Then, warm up and dry off a bit as you stroll through the town of Schaffhausen to grab a traditional Swiss meal for lunch. Afterward, get a sneak peek at one of the most beautiful Townhaus of Switzerland, Haus zum Ritter. If you have more time in your afternoon, add Schaffhausen’s landmark, the Munot Fortress, to your visit to the area. From the fortress, you can get a view of the city and the River Rhine. If you stay until 9 p.m., you will also delight in the sounds of the Munot Fortress bell ringing for 5 minutes, hand-rung for those 5 minutes just like it has been done since 1589.
Additional Activity: Rhine Falls Adventure Park
If your family wants a more adventurous experience, enjoy the Rhine Falls Adventure Park, which offers activities for your thrill-seeking family members. Balance from tree to tree on fifteen different courses and even plunge in free fall from a 13-meter platform! The Big Swing will dare you to swing in the middle of the forest. For unforgettable views of the Rhine Falls, check out the flight on the “Panorama Express.” There are truly so many wonderful ways to spend the day in Schaffhausen on your Switzerland itinerary with kids!
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Day 3: Lucerne
Lucerne is a must-stop for families on your 7- to 10-day Switzerland itinerary with kids! This picturesque city, with the historic Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument as its backdrop, is perfect for families looking to discover the charm of central Switzerland.
Lake Lucerne is picturesque and offers many options for boat tours. A short one-hour tour will suffice if you are short on time with your 7-day Switzerland itinerary with kids, but if you have more time, a longer trip is well worth it. Taking a boat tour of the lake gives a different perspective of the region while you can see many of the mountain tops, enjoy the breeze and see many of the Swiss towns and villages along the way.
Make a stop in Vitznau for its beautiful view of Mount Rigi. Take a historical twist, and ride the first mountain railway, which opened in 1871; the Vitnau-Rigi Kulm cogwheel railway. This starts right at the shores of Lake Lucerne, so it is a perfect addition to your boat ride. Children up to the age of 16 travel for free with an accompanying adult on six of the Rigi railways. Add a stop at one of the playgrounds at Rigi Scheidegg, Rigi Burggeist, and Rigi Kaltbad so your kids can stretch their legs and visit one of the best places in Switzerland with kids. To add a family hike, pick one of the thematic trails, such as the Gnome Trail or the South Side Safari. Enjoy beautiful scenery, playground and hikes, and a relaxing boat ride back to Lucerne.
Other Things to Do in Lucerne with Kids
If your time in Lucerne is cold and rainy, don’t despair! The Swiss Museum of Transport is a top museum for kids to explore and one of the best places in Switzerland for kids. Your family can learn about different forms of transportation, including planes, trains, and automobiles. The planetarium and film theater offers a special experience as well.
Or, visit the Glacier Garden, the perfect spot for your kids. Young children to teenagers will enjoy a journey back in time. Enter the portal that transports you to a petrified seashore where you will see fossilized seashells and palm fronds or discover the huge potholes in the Lucerne sandstone. For an extraordinary experience, be sure to take your family through the mirror maze. This maze is inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. The labyrinth offers an illusion of the Moorish palace and garden, and through the maze, you will encounter yourself again and again in a fun and confusing way.
With teens, consider taking a bike tour around Lucerne. It’s a wonderful way to see the beautiful city and adds a little spice to your vacation. There are also many rental shops in the city or even guided bike tours if that is more your style. Teens may also enjoy a visit to the Picasso Museum, which is located in a beautiful old building that is worth visiting on its own.
Additional Activity: Nature and Animal Park Goldau
If you have time to add a day to your Switzerland itinerary with kids, stop in Goldau at the Nature and Animal Park Goldau. Nestled in the heart of a stunning Swiss valley, this park is home to over one hundred animal species that roam free within their natural habitats. One favorite among kids is the animal free-range area, where you can feed sika deer and mouflons. Or, a visit to Blue Pond to feed the water birds and fish. What a unique family experience you don’t want to miss!
Day 4: Mount Pilatus
If you have another day in Lucerne, add a ride on the cogwheel train up to Mount Pilatus! From Kriens, ride a series of two panoramic gondolas and a cableway to get to the top of Mt. Pilatus. This is one of the best places in Switzerland for kids for a fun adventure for both young and old alike! The fun-filled ride offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and the lake below. Find playgrounds, hiking trails, ropes course, and even the longest toboggan run in Switzerland along the way. There’s also a small ropes course that is perfect for young children at the first station, Kriendseregg.
If you’re traveling with older kids or are looking for more of an adventure, head up to the second station, at Fräkmüntegg, where you will find the more advanced ropes course. This is also where you will find the longest toboggan run in Switzerland, Fräkigaudi. What a thrill to ride down the mountain, past the grazing cows! The cowbells are music to the ears and quintessentially Swiss.
Days 5+: The Jungfrau Region
The Jungfrau region is a popular tourist destination in Switzerland and is a must-see on your Switzerland itinerary with kids. It consists of two valleys near Interlaken: Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. The highest mountain in this region of the Berner Oberland is Jungfrau, and then notably, Eiger and Moench also dominate the region. The draw to the area is hiking, mountain biking, and many extreme adventure sports, such as paragliding or skydiving, as well as quintessential villages that are picturesque and truly depict Switzerland. Here are some mix-and-match ideas to plan days 5 through 10 of your Switzerland trip itinerary with kids.
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Interlaken
Interlaken, literally meaning “between two lakes”, is the perfect stop for your next adventure in Switzerland. It’s also a fantastic option to make your home base while visiting the Jungfrau area. Outdoor adventures abound in this region, where you can hike, spend time on the water, and even paraglide off the mountainside. If you spend the day in Interlaken and breathe in the surrounding beauty, you will want to add these places to your visit!
Photo Courtesy (L-R): Kathryn Skondin, Amanda Short
Learn how to make chocolate from the finest and attend a chocolate-making workshop for kids and adults at Funky Chocolate Workshops. You can even make your own chocolate to take home. What a delicious gift to give someone back home, but likely it won’t make it that far!
If you are looking for information about the traditional architecture and way of life of different regions in Switzerland, visit the Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg in Brienz, about a 20-minute drive from Interlaken. Kids will love to learn about traditional crafts, see farm animals, and play in the children’s area.
If your trip didn’t allow for a ropes course experience on Mt. Pilatus, visit the Ropes Park Interlaken. With a children’s course as well as higher routes, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. Add some fun with the zip lines and the swings throughout the course. Be sure to make a reservation!
Murren and Allmendhubel
Murren is a charming Swiss village without cars. Perched on an alpine balcony with pastures surrounding the village, it’s a beautiful place to spend an extra day on the Switzerland itinerary with kids. Enjoy the village, and then from Murren, visit Allmendhubel. You can easily spend the day here with the whole family. The best way to reach the area is by taking the cable car from Murren, where you will be awed by the views!
Explore the Flower Trail, a nature trail that is both educational and fun for the family. The trail is full of colorful local flowers and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Learn about the flora and fauna of Switzerland by reading the descriptions along the way. The trail cuts through cow pastures, so watch out for cow pies!
Any energy the kids didn’t expend on the hike, they can burn off on the swings, slides, and other play equipment near the trail. Water the cow, and have the kids try to “milk” the cow or stack the cheese rolls on the playground. It’s a great place for outdoor fun or even to enjoy a family picnic Swiss style. Pack some sausages and rolls from the local market while in Murren in your rucksack, and be sure to try a Morenkopf. Your kids will thank you for it. If you would rather, you can also enjoy a Swiss meal at the adjacent mountaintop restaurant.
Lauterbrunnen
Photo Courtesy: Irina Simon, Laura Snoek
Another great home base to explore the Berner Oberland Region is Lauterbrunnen, a scenic village surrounded by soaring alpine peaks. With easy access to all the region has to offer, it’s a beautiful place to stay.
Near Lauterbrunnen, you can find another UNESCO world natural heritage site. If you want a grand experience or have older kids, add the Trummelbach Falls to your Switzerland itinerary with kids. These falls could be the best place to visit in Switzerland with kids! The Trummelbach Falls is a series of ten subterranean waterfalls fed by the meltwater of Eiger, Moench, and Jungfrau. They are easily accessible; however, you do have to be in good physical shape to visit them. There is an elevator, but you’ll miss seeing all 10 of the waterfalls. Plan your trip accordingly. Also, the noise and the power are incredible to experience, so any who may be sensitive could plan another outing for the day. The Trümmelbach waterfalls are truly a unique experience to add to your Switzerland itinerary with kids!
Best Hiking in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland for Families
If hiking in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland is on your family bucket list, be sure to check off some of these family-friendly hikes. This list is not exhaustive but is a great starting point for the region. Of course, before you set off, check the weather on the day of your hike and bring various layers, enough food, and water, as temperatures can change quickly in the mountains.
Here Are Our Top Picks for Hiking in Switzerland with Kids:
- The Lauterbrunnen Valley Hike is a perfect hike for families with younger children, as it’s only around 2.5 miles. See the mountains and a waterfall on your hike, a feature that always draws children’s interest. This is a trail that doesn’t require any access with a gondola, so it’s a perfect choice if you need to focus on your budget. Plus, there’s a paved path, so you can easily add a scooter or a bike if your kids’ legs need a break from hiking.
- If you decide to head to Kandersteg, take the gondola up to Lake Oeschinesee. This is a perfect area to picnic in the summer. Bring some sausages and fresh bread from the bakery on your picnic, and pack some Gruyere. Not to mention, a Swiss pocket knife and picnic like the locals! Be sure to try a Landjaeger sausage and Cervela; these are local specialties that you do not want to miss.
- Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is a beautiful approx. 2-hour hike through alpine meadows with stunning views of the surrounding mountains of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. This is a hike that can be done from either direction. If you choose to end in Mannlichen, your children can play on the playground with amazing cow slides!
- Wengen is another great option for hiking. The North Face Train, the most popular hiking trail in Wengen, offers panoramic views of the valleys and mountains alike. It’s just over a 5-mile hike with a steep start. The views of Eiger, Moench, and Jungfrau are absolutely spectacular, though!
Additional Activity: 1 or 2 Days in Wengen
If you have an extra day to spend in this region of Switzerland, stop by Wengen. This is a quaint area full of adventure and offers lots of fun for families! Paragliding is a popular activity here, with many companies to choose from. It’s also a wonderful way for those adventurous at heart to see the beautiful scenery from a different perspective. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, skydiving is also available in the area. Both of these jaw-dropping adventure thrills would add to your itinerary in Switzerland.
For those who are looking to stay on the ground, mountain biking or trotti biking are wonderful options. For adventurous families that want to keep their seats closer to the earth, check out the First Mountain Cart. Or, for those who decide to head to Grindlewald, your family may enjoy the First Glider or the First Flyer.
For a unique adventure, try the Via Ferrata in Wengen. This is not for the faint of heart! Your most experienced thrill seekers can sign up for this activity. Walk across a tightrope above the Lauterbrunnen Valley or a rushing river, or you can even walk across a wobbly, narrow suspension bridge. If this sounds like fun for one of your family members, be sure to add it to your Switzerland itinerary.
Additional Activity: Thrill-Seeking Adventure for Families in Jungfrau
For a full day of adventuring and hiking, take the cable car up to Jungfraujoch, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the Aletsch Glacier. This awe-inspiring journey will take you through glistening glaciers, sparkling snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking Alpine landscapes. Snow crunching underfoot and chilly air blowing on your face, you will not be disappointed by the long-range views. Plus, kids will love a tour of the Ice Palace to see the sculptures. What a day to spend at the Top of Europe!
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Happy Travels!
We hope you liked this guide on how to Plan Your Perfect 7- to 10-day Switzerland Itinerary with Kids! Whether you want to learn more about history or take in epic views via a hike, this European country has many unique experiences to offer a family on their travels. Undoubtedly, this mix-and-match itinerary style will guide you in your planning, giving you the flexibility needed to customize the experience to your family’s preferences. Enjoy your trip to Switzerland with your kids!
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
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