Switzerland is a great place for families to visit because it has snow-covered mountains, attractive villages, clear lakes, and fun things to do for kids and adults. Switzerland has something for everyone, whether you're going on your first trip to Europe or going back for a relaxing family vacation. There are chocolate factories, beautiful train journeys, Alpine adventures, and interactive museums. Every moment here is great for taking pictures.
This guide lists the top 10 family-friendly destinations to visit in Switzerland, along with fun things to do, must-see sights, and useful travel recommendations.
1. Lucerne
Lucerne is a city that looks like it sprang out of a storybook. It has medieval buildings, a lake that sparkles, and snow-covered mountains in the background. For families who want to see central Switzerland, this is the perfect place to start. This beautiful lakefront spot has the right mix of history and outdoor fun. Lucerne has a lot to see and do for both kids and adults. Kids can play on the picturesque cobblestone streets or take a quiet cruise on the lake. Without a question, it's one of the best places to visit in Switzerland with family.
Things to Do in Lucerne:
- Walk on the historic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
- The Swiss Transport Museum has engaging, hands-on exhibitions.
- Take a beautiful boat ride on Lake Lucerne.
Must Visit Attractions: The Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, Mount Pilatus, and the Swiss Transport Museum are all must-see places.
Travel Tip: If you want to get about the area without limits, buy a Tell-Pass. It works for boats, railroads, and mountain cable cars.
2. Interlaken
Interlaken is a family-friendly place for adventure and environment that situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. This tourist town is close to the best peaks and valleys in the Bernese Oberland. Families may go for easy walks, exciting train journeys into the mountains, or just have picnics by the lake. If you want to have fun outside with kids, it's one of the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland.
Things to do in Interlaken:
- Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for a glimpse from above.
- Go see the Trummelbach Falls, which are inside a mountain.
- Older kids might like paragliding or boat rides.
Must Visit Attractions: Harder Kulm, Höhematte Park, Lake Brienz Cruise, and Trummelbach Falls are must-see places.
Travel Tip: For a more beautiful and relaxing family base, stay in Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, which are close by.
3. Zurich
Zurich is a great place to visit in Switzerland with kids because it has both modern amenities and old-world charm. There are a lot of interactive museums, parks, and lakeside activities in the city. Families love Zurich because it's easy to do things like feed swans at Lake Zurich or visit museums in Old Town.
Things to Do in Zurich:
- Go to Zurich Zoo, which has more than 400 types of animals.
- Technorama (in nearby Winterthur) has interactive science games that are fun.
- Walk around the Old Town and have picnics by the lake.
Must Visit Attractions: Uetliberg Mountain, Lake Zurich, and Old Town (Altstadt) are all must-see places in Zurich.
Travel Tip: The Zurich Card lets you use public transportation for free and gives you discounts on museums and other attractions.
4. Zermatt
This car-free Alpine town is at the foot of the Matterhorn and is one of the 10 most beautiful places in Switzerland to visit. Zermatt is a real Alpine hideaway because of its clean air, magnificent peaks, and countless snow activities. Kids will love the glacier paradise, and parents will love the views.
Things to Do in Zermatt:
- To see the Matterhorn, ride the Gornergrat Railway.
- Have fun skiing or playing in the snow all year round
- Learn about the past as you visit the Matterhorn Museum.
Must Visit Attractions: Matterhorn, Gornergrat Bahn, Glacier Paradise, and the Matterhorn Museum are all must-see places.
Travel Tip: If you have a Junior Card, kids under 9 can ride public transportation for free with a parent.
5. Geneva
Geneva has a lot of different cultures from across the world, as well as nature and things to do with your family. Its beautiful lakes and fun museums make it one of the greatest places in Switzerland for families to visit. Geneva has everything for youngsters of all ages, from science museums to outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Geneva:
- Find more about CERN's science exhibitions and the Globe of Science
- Spend some time relaxing in the Botanical Gardens.
- Go on a boat ride on Lake Geneva.
Must Visit Attractions: Jet d'Eau, the Museum of Natural History, Lake Geneva, and Parc La Grange are all must-see places.
Travel Tip: If you're traveling with kids, you can get a free public transit card in Geneva when you book a hotel.
Must Read: Travel Switzerland on Budget
6. Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch, also called the "Top of Europe," is a beautiful mountain adventure that your family will never forget. The train trip with a view is something youngsters will never forget, especially if it's their first time witnessing snow. The Alps are the best place to go for adventure, beautiful views, and family time.
Things to Do at Jungfraujoch:
- Play in the snow and walk through the Ice Palace.
- Take a ride on Europe's tallest train - "Top of Europe" and beautiful views of Alps
- From the Sphinx Observatory, you can see the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Aletsch Glacier.
Must Visit Attractions: Ice Palace, Sphinx Terrace, Snow Fun Park, and Alpine Sensation are must-see places.
Travel Tip: Even in the summer, wear layers because it becomes a lot colder at the summit.
7. Bern
There are a lot of UNESCO-listed attractions, kid-friendly museums, and beautiful parks in the capital of Switzerland. Kids appreciate the fairy-tale feel of Bern's old town, with its fountains and cobblestone streets. With a bear park and scientific museums, you have the best family combination.
Things to do in Bern:
- Go to the Bear Park (BärenPark)
- The Natural History Museum is a great place to learn about science and history.
- Have fun with your family at the Gurten funicular and playground.
Must Visit Attractions: Bear Park, Zytglogge Clock Tower, the Einstein Museum, and Rosengarten are all must-see places.
Travel Tip: Use the Bern Ticket for free public transport within the city and discounts on attractions.
8. Montreux
Montreux, which is next to Lake Geneva, is a tranquil and lovely place that is great for family vacations. The flower-lined walkways and trips to the castle make for magical days. This village on the lake is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland for a relaxing trip with a lot of culture.
Things to Do in Montreux:
- Visit the lovely Chillon Castle
- Take a walk or ride your bike along the lakefront promenade.
- Have fun at the Montreux Jazz Festival this summer.
Must Visit Attractions: Chillon Castle, Lake Promenade, Rochers-de-Naye, and the Queen Studio Experience are all must-see places.
Travel Tip: To get to Montreux, use the GoldenPass Line. It's one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland.
9. Lugano
Lugano is in the Italian-speaking section of Switzerland. It has sunny weather, lakes, and a laid-back Mediterranean feel. It's great for families who want to relax yet still see cultural sites. Lugano is sometimes forgotten, yet it's still one of the best family friendly places to visit in Switzerland.
Things to Do in Lugano:
- Take the cable car to Monte Brè for great views and hiking.
- Parco Ciani is a great place to have picnics by the lake and play.
- Check out the Swissminiatur Park that is close by.
Must Visit Attractions: Monte Brè, Parco Ciani, Swissminiatur, and Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) are must-see places.
Travel Tip: A family-friendly lake cruise is a great way to experience the city from a different angle.
10. St. Moritz
St. Moritz is known for its opulence, but it's also a great place for families in the winter. In the mountains, you may do everything from play in the snow to ride on gorgeous trains. After a cold day, families can enjoy toboggan runs, snowshoe routes, and even thermal baths.
Things to do in St. Moritz:
- Go sledding or ice skating on the frozen lake.
- Take the Bernina Express to see more of the Alps.
- Kids can take ski lessons in areas that are easy for beginners.
Must Visit Attractions: Lake St. Moritz, the Bernina Express, the Corviglia Ski Area, and the Segantini Museum.
Travel Tip: Go to the Snow Polo or Ice Cricket tournaments for a one-of-a-kind winter experience.
Conclusion
Switzerland has a lot of family-friendly places to visit that are safe, beautiful, and exciting. There is something magical for every family, from walks by the lake and chocolate tasting to exhilarating rides in the mountains.
Book your Switzerland tour package with Best Value Tourism today and enjoy the fun of traveling with itineraries that are tailored to your family's needs. We can make your dream come true without any hassle and make it last forever.