5 Spectacular Alpine Playgrounds to Explore in Switzerland

These 5 spectacular alpine playgrounds in Switzerland are the best combination of incredible views and creative fun. If you have ever been a little bored waiting for your kids at the playground, then these alpine playgrounds are the answer. While your kids zip around on a mini zip line or pump their own water for water play, you can enjoy the majestic views of the Swiss alps and its many waterfalls.

The views at these alpine playgrounds are the same that you would see by going up to the summits, but a lot more entertaining for your kids. There generally is not a lot to keep your kids entertained at the mountain summits, so kids can get bored quickly. These spectacular alpine playgrounds have something fun and unique to engage kids of all ages, which means more time for you to actually enjoy the views. Because getting to these playgrounds involves a train or cable car ride, even getting to the playground is part of the adventure. Best of all, kids under 6 ride free on all of these transportation systems. You can pack a picnic lunch or every playground has a restaurant right next to it. Read on for all the details on how to get to these extraordinary playgrounds! 

1. Allmendhubel Flower Park Playground

The Allmendhubel Flower Park playground was our kiddo’s favorite alpine playground and mine as well. Our kiddo was so into the water and sand area that he was happy to play independently. This meant I could actually enjoy the views knowing he was also having fun. This playground is flower themed and features a water maze, a mini zip line, a play structure, and a water and sand play area.

On the hill behind the playground there is a short flower trail hike that features different types of alpine wildflowers. The views from this hike are AMAZING and rival what you would see at the top of Schilthorn. I have been up to the top of Schilthorn before, and I don’t think you would be missing out on any views by going to Allmendhubel instead. With kids, Allmendhubel is the obvious choice. There is not a lot for kids to do at the summit of Schilthorn. But you can bet kids will not want to leave the Allmendhubel playground.

The restaurant next to the playground has a large deck with plenty of shade. The restaurant also has family meals that are a great deal (by Swiss pricing standards). 

How to get there: from Lauterbrunnen, take the cable car up to Grutschalp, then take the connecting train from Grutschalp to Murren. After exiting the train station at Mürren, take the left fork downhill to walk through town. The Allmendhubel funicular to the playground will be on your right about halfway across town, just after Chalet Fontana.

Cost: the Swiss travel pass will cover the cable car to Grutschalp and train to Murren. The Swiss travel pass does not cover the funicular to Allmendhubel. The funicular costs 7 CHF round trip with the Swiss travel pass discount. Can buy tickets at the window.

2. Winteregg Restaurant Playground

The Winteregg restaurant playground playground is on the way to the Allmendhubel Flower Park playground. The playground is attached to the Winteregg restaurant and has amazing views of the alps at a slightly lower altitude. It’s a smaller playground, but still a fun place for kids to play so the adults can actually eat their lunch while it’s hot and enjoy the views. 

How to get there: from Lauterbrunnen, take the cable car up to Grutschalp, then take the connecting train from Grutschalp to Murren. The Winteregg station is halfway between Grutschalp and Murren. 

Cost: completely covered by the Swiss travel pass.

3. Mannlichen Alpine Herdsman’s Playground

The star of the Mannlichen Alpine Herdsman playground is undoubtedly this giant wooden cow slide. Inside the cow, there are cowbells to ring and you can climb to the cow-top deck for amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The highlight for most kids is sliding down the cow’s tongue. There are also balance beams, a bowling area, swings, and small trampolines to keep the kiddos entertained. The restaurant next to the playground has a deck with umbrellas for shade.

How to get there: from Lauterbrunnen take the train to Wengen. From Wengen, take the cable car up to Mannlichen. The playground is downhill to the right after exiting the cable car station.

Cost: the Swiss travel pass covers the train to Wengen. With the Swiss travel pass discount, the cable car from Wengen to Mannlichen costs 14.5 CHF one way (29 CHF for a round trip). You can book tickets online here or just buy them at the ticket window.

4. PILU Land Playground

The PILU land playground is a dragon and castle themed playground on the way to or from Mount Pilatus. There is a seriously long slide and a play structure that might be better for older kids. Younger kids will enjoy the little stream and small pond, perfect for splashing and throwing pebbles. There is also a mini zip line and small ropes course. Since it is one of the stops on the way to or from Mount Pilatus, this playground is a good stop to tire your kids out before sightseeing at the top of the summit, or as a reward for waiting patiently while you took pictures at the summit. 

How to get there: PILU land playground is at the Krienseregg station of the panorama gondolas from Frakmuntegg to Kriens. To get to Mount Pilatus from Luzern, take the train or boat to Alpnachstad. Then take the cogwheel train from Alpnachstad up to the summit of Mount Pilatus. When coming down Mount Pilatus, you will first take an aerial cableway from the summit to Frakmuntegg. Then switch to the panorama gondolas to go from Frakmuntegg to Krienseregg, and then finally back down to Kriens. From the Kriens gondola station, walk about 10 minutes downhill to find the Bus no. 1 stop back to Luzern.

Cost: The Swiss travel pass covers travel between Luzern to/from Alpnachstad and Kriens, but it does not cover the cogwheel trains, panorama gondolas, and aerial cableways up to the summit of Mount Pilatus. With the Swiss travel pass discount, it costs 39 CHF to cover the portion of the trip up and down the summit. Tickets can be purchased online here but keep in mind that tickets are only applicable for the day selected, so it would be better to wait until you are sure of the weather forecast before purchasing. The website recommends making a reservation for your seat on the Alpnachstad cogwheel train during busy season (costs 5 CHF extra per seat) to avoid long waiting times.

5. Lauterbrunnen Playground

I have been to Lauterbrunnen a couple times before without kids, and never noticed this playground. But one of the superpowers you develop as a mom is playground vision, a special sense for locating playgrounds wherever you are. I spied this playground on our way to the Lauterbrunnen valley hike. We ended up spending some time here every day. This is a small playground with a water pump, swings, see saw, climbing structure, and slides. Although it’s small, it is enough to keep kids entertained and burn off some energy. And it boasts an amazing view of the Staubbach falls. 

How to get there: the playground is located behind the cemetery in Lauterbrunnen. Walk along the main drag of Lauterbrunnen towards Camping Jungfrau. You will pass the cemetery and see the playground behind it. 

Cost: assuming you’re staying in Lauterbrunnen, it doesn’t cost anything to enjoy this playground!

If these unbelievable alpine playgrounds are not enough to convince you that Switzerland should be your next family vacation, then check out my post with other reasons why your kids will absolutely love Switzerland! And if you’re ready to book your next vacation to Switzerland, check out my 10 day toddler-friendly Switzerland itinerary which links up all these playgrounds into a trip both toddlers and parents can enjoy!