Thinking of visiting Zurich with kids?
Zurich is one of the best city break options in Europe for children. This beautiful and vibrant city offers a range of family-friendly activities. Here are the top things to do in Zurich with kids, the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and much much more. Let’s dive in!
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Is Zurich Child Friendly?
Zurich is a highly family-friendly destination, offering plenty of activities that are suitable for kids of all ages. From the interactive Lidnt chocolate museum and fun parks to scenic hiking trails and fantastic day trip options, there’s something for all ages in Zurich.
Read More: Visiting Switzerland with Kids
When is the Best Time to Visit Zurich?
The best time to visit Zurich is from June to August and from December to February, although the very best months are June for a summer trip and December for a winter trip.
The summer months offer pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 31°C.
The winter months offer a magical experience, with Christmas markets and snowy landscapes.
Zurich in June
Zurich is a great place to visit in June as the weather is warm and pleasant, with an average temperature of 23-29°C . The city is bustling with activity during this time, with a range of festivals and events taking place.
The days are long, with around 16 hours of daylight, and the weather is generally sunny and dry.
What’s on in Zurich
Zurich Pride Festival + Opera for All: This annual festival takes place in early June and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a range of events, including a parade and a street party.
Caliente: Europe’s biggest Latin festival with delicious South American food and craft stalls.
Zurich in December:
Zurich is a magical place to visit in December, with its beautiful Christmas markets and festive atmosphere. The weather is cold and crisp, with an average temperature of around 3-9°C.
What’s on in Zurich in December
Christmas Markets: Christmas markets in Zurich usually open in mid-November and run until Christmas, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere for several weeks
New Years Eve: A popular celebration in Zurich, with fireworks and parties taking place throughout the city. Zurich is one of the best places to spend New Year in Europe with kids.
Top 11 Things to Do in Zurich with Kids
Zurich offers a plethora of fun activities and attractions for families travelling with kids. Here are the top 10 things to do in Zurich with kids:
1. Zurich Zoo
Located in the heart of the city, Zurich Zoo is a must-visit for families. The zoo is home to over 360 animal species, including elephants, lions, and penguins.
Kids can also enjoy a petting zoo and a play area. The zoo is open all year round, and there are special events and activities throughout the year.
2. Swiss National Museum
The Swiss National Museum is a great place to learn about Swiss history and culture. The museum features a range of interactive exhibits and artifacts, including medieval armor, musical instruments, and traditional Swiss costumes. Kids can also participate in hands-on activities and workshops.
3. Technorama Science Center
The Technorama Science Center is a popular attraction for families, offering a range of interactive exhibits that are fun and educational. Kids can explore the world of physics, chemistry, and biology through hands-on experiments and demonstrations.
4. FIFA World Football Museum
For football-loving families, a visit to the FIFA World Football Museum is a must. The museum features interactive exhibits and artifacts from the history of football, including the original World Cup trophy. Kids can also test their football skills in a range of interactive games and activities.
5. Lake Zurich and the Limmat River
Lake Zurich is a beautiful natural attraction and a great place to spend a day with the family. You can enjoy a scenic boat ride or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
There are also several beaches and parks around the lake where you can have a picnic or play some sports.
6. Uetliberg Mountain
Take a train to the top of Uetliberg Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Alps. Kids will love the adventure of the train ride and the breathtaking views from the top. You can also hike or bike down the mountain if you’re feeling adventurous.
7. Zurich Toy Museum
The Zurich Toy Museum is a charming museum that features a collection of over 1,200 toys from the 18th century to the present day. Kids can explore the history of toys and play with vintage toys from the past.
8. Jucker Farm
Located just outside Zurich, Jucker Farm is a working farm that offers a range of fun activities for kids. You can pick your own pumpkins, taste fresh apples, and take a pony ride. There are also several play areas and a petting zoo.
9. A Bus Tour
Take a ride on the Hop on Hop off Bus and explore the city at your own pace. The bus stops at all the major attractions and landmarks, and you can get on and off as many times as you like.
This is the tour I went on >>>
10. Zurich Opera House
The Zurich Opera House is a great place to introduce kids to the world of opera. The theater offers family-friendly performances throughout the year, and kids can enjoy a backstage tour and workshops.
11. The Lidnt Chocolate Museum
Located just outside of Zurich in Kilchberg, the Lindt Chocolate Factory and Museum is a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers of all ages.
You can also can also shop for Lindt chocolates and souvenirs at the on-site store.
The highlight of the museum is the tasting room, where visitors can sample a range of Lindt chocolates, from pure melted chocolate to chocolate pieces and the finished product.
12. Try the Local Cuisine
Swiss cuisine is known for its delicious cheeses, chocolates, and hearty dishes like fondue and raclette.
A popular option for kids is Rösti, a crispy potato pancake that can be served with a variety of toppings, from cheese and bacon to eggs and vegetables. Another kid-friendly option is Zurcher Geschnetzeltes, a dish made with sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce. For a sweet treat, try Luxemburgerli, a type of small, colourful macaron that’s a popular souvenir for visitors to Zurich.
How to Get to Zurich
Now you’ve decided on Zurich for your family trip; you’ll need to plan how to get there. Zurich is well-connected to major cities around the world, with flights arriving at Zurich Airport.
The airport is located just 13 km north of the city and can be reached via train, bus, or taxi. You could also fly into the other major airports in Switzerland which include Geneva, Bern and Basel.
Find Your Perfect Flight to Switzerland Here >>>
Train travel in Switzerland is efficient and affordable, with Zurich being a major hub for both local and international trains.
You can easily travel to Switzerland by train from the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Austria. The main train station in Zurich is Bahnhof, located in the city center.
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If you prefer driving, Zurich is easily accessible by car, with highways connecting it to other cities in Switzerland and neighbouring countries. If you’re stopping in Zurich as part of a Europe road trip, it’s easily accessible.
🚗 Check Car Rental Availability for Your Dates Here >>>
Best Places to Stay in Zurich with Kids
If you’re planning a family trip to Zurich, finding the right accommodation can make all the difference. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, here are our top picks for family-friendly accommodation in Zurich.
Luxury: FIVE Zurich
Located in a quiet residential area of Zurich, FIVE is a five-star luxury hotel that offers a range of amenities for families.
The hotel’s spacious rooms and suites are designed with families in mind, and many feature separate living areas and private balconies with stunning views of the city and the lake.
The hotel also has an outdoor pool that’s open during the summer months. The hotel’s restaurant offers a kids’ menu, and there’s also a bar and a lounge where you can relax and unwind.
Mid-Range: Hotel Montana Zurich
Hotel Montana Zurich is a mid-range hotel that’s located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of several attractions. The hotel’s family rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable.
The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city, and there’s also a restaurant that serves a range of Swiss and international cuisine.
Budget: Hotel Limmanhof
Located in the heart of Zurich’s historic old town, the Hotel Limmathof is a great choice for families looking for affordable and centrally located accommodation.
The hotel features simple but comfortable rooms that are perfect for families with children, and some rooms even offer stunning views of the Limmat River.
The hotel is just a short walk away from popular attractions like the Swiss National Museum and the Zurich Opera House, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
The hotel also offers a breakfast buffet at an additional cost, and there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and cafes nearby.
Overall, the Hotel Limmathof is a great option looking for comfortable, affordable accommodation in the heart of Zurich. It had everything we needed for a fantastic stay, and the location was amazing!
Day Trip Options from Zurich with Kids
Rhine Falls
Located just 45 minutes from Zurich, Rhine Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Europe and offers breathtaking views and boat tours.
Older children and teens will love the boat tour which takes you right to the bottom of the falls, where you can feel the mist on your face. There is also a viewing platform that offers stunning views of the falls. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir from the gift shop.
Mount Titlis
Take a scenic train journey to the top of Mount Titlis and enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps. Mount Titlis is 3,238 meters high and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The mountain also offers a range of fun activities, including snow tubing and ice skating, which kids will love. At the top, there is a suspension bridge that offers amazing views of the mountains and a glacier cave that will leave your children amazed.
Read more: The Best Christmas Markets in Austria
Lucerne
Take a train to the beautiful city of Lucerne and explore its charming old town, historic bridges, and stunning lake.
Your children will enjoy a boat tour on the lake and the Swiss Transport Museum.
The city also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including a children’s museum, where they can learn about the history of Switzerland.
Read More – Exactly How to Get from Zurich to Lucerne
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FAQs: Zurich with Kids
Zurich is a beautiful city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a picturesque setting along the banks of Lake Zurich. It’s a cosmopolitan hub of finance, art, and culture that offers visitors a wide range of attractions, from world-class museums to outdoor adventures in the nearby Alps.
Switzerland is an excellent destination for families, with plenty of activities and attractions that cater to all ages. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer, Switzerland offers a wealth of outdoor adventures. The country is also home to many family-friendly museums, amusement parks, and cultural events.
While you can certainly see the highlights of Zurich in a day or two, we recommend spending at least three to four days in the city to fully explore its many attractions and enjoy its beautiful surroundings. If you have more time, consider taking day trips to nearby destinations such as Lucerne or the Rhine Falls.
Discover More of Switzerland
Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.