8 Reasons Your Kids Will LOVE Switzerland

I bet Switzerland is not very high on your list of places to take your kids on vacation. But would you believe me if I said that you AND your kids will love Switzerland more than Disney? Controversial statement, I know. But I hope this post convinces you to book that family vacation to Switzerland right now, because you will not regret it! 

Many kid-oriented vacation spots are just that – for kids. Parents usually don’t have much to enjoy and come back from vacation just feeling drained from only doing kid things. The beauty of Switzerland is that there is so much that kids will find incredibly fun, and there are amazing views that parents can enjoy at the same time. The best part is that these are all things you would do in Switzerland if you were traveling without kids, but the Swiss have found ways to incorporate fun things for kids into these adult activities so that there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Read on for my list of 8 reasons why your kids will LOVE Switzerland (as much as you)!  

1. Trains, Gondolas, Cable Cars – All The Public Transportation

If your kiddo loves vehicles, then Switzerland will be their transportation paradise. Most kids don’t get to ride public transportation every day, so just riding on the train or tram or bus to get from place to place is an adventure. Some long distance trains even have a family coach with a play area inside the train. The variety of vehicles multiplies when you go to the Berner Oberland region of Switzerland, where there are all kinds of trains and cable cars to ferry you up and down the mountainsides. Every day is filled with a different mode of transport to explore. Best of all, kids under 6 are free on all public transportation. While your kids scream giddily as the cable car ascends the mountain, you can marvel at the majestic views of the lakes and alps as you glide by. 

2. Swiss Museum of Transport

Kids could literally spend a whole day at this museum, which is dedicated to all things transportation. The museum has different buildings, each with exhibits featuring a different mode of transport. The museum buildings surround a gigantic outdoor area with a construction play area, a water play area, and giant planes to explore. We were there for a couple hours and barely had a chance to go inside any of the museum buildings because we spent the majority of our time in the outdoor construction play area. Our kiddo had a blast living his construction site dreams, fiddling around with the controls of a real excavator and riding on the dumper trikes. There are also simulators in the museum building for older kids and young-at-heart adults looking for more advanced play.

3. Alpine Playgrounds

Swiss playgrounds are next level. While kids enjoy the playground, adults can soak up the alpine view with a drink. It’s not every day that watching your kids at the playground comes with these amazing mountain and waterfall views. I was also impressed with the types of play structures on these playgrounds. They were so much more creative than the usual slides and monkey bars. A giant cow slide? These mini zip lines? A water maze that sprays water to create the walls of the maze? So unique. And fun for both kids and adults, to be honest. 

If you want to experience these playgrounds for yourself, check out my post on 5 spectacular alpine playgrounds in Switzerland, which includes all the information you need to get to each playground!

4. Boat Rides

We’re on a boat! There seems to be a lake next to every city in Switzerland, so of course there are scenic boat rides to enjoy. Some boats even have a small water play area in the back of the boat that brings up water from the lake for kids to splash around in, while parents can get their tan on and enjoy the lake views from the deck. 

5. Chocolate

Chocolates from Switzerland just taste better. You could spend a whole afternoon doing a city-wide chocolatier scavenger hunt, or just hit up the local supermarket for your chocolate fix. Even the supermarket chocolate in Switzerland is melt-in-your-mouth-delicious. Must be those happy cows munching on the wildflowers making that sweet milk. If you want to give your kids a real sugar high, you can also visit a chocolate factory and indulge in all the samples.

Check out my list of chocolates that you can only find in Switzerland to whet your appetite!

6. Pristine Nature

Kids in Switzerland seem to instinctively know that when they see a small shallow brook it’s time to take off your shoes and socks and start splashing. It was so heartwarming to see our city kid follow suit and get immersed in nature. Living in a city, it is easy to forget the pure joy kids experience from just running around and exploring nature. The natural beauty in Switzerland is pristine and it also feels very safe, so it was easy to relax and let our kiddo roam and explore during our hikes. There are even hiking trails designed for kids, with different activities along the hike like marble runs, sensory activities, or themes, to keep little minds engaged while hiking. The Swiss seem to have prioritized ways to encourage kids to fall in love with nature at a young age, and we were more than happy to benefit from their efforts.

Looking for ways to display those incredible photos of the Swiss alps? Check out my post on creative ways to display your travel photos!

7. Free-Roaming Animals

You don’t have to go to a zoo to see animals in Switzerland. Cows and sheep graze in the fields next to the train tracks or hiking trails. You can find a free petting zoo at a castle next to the lake. Animals are lounging happily everywhere in Switzerland and so fun for kids to spot in the wild. 

8. Clean Bathrooms

This one is mostly for the parents who have to take kids to public restrooms. But some kids might also appreciate the abundance of clean public restrooms everywhere in Switzerland. On the train, at the playground, in the restaurants – no more dreading what you will find when you hear the phrase “I need to go potty!”. 

Now that I have (hopefully) convinced you that your kids will have a blast in Switzerland, start planning your trip with our detailed itinerary from our 10 day toddler-friendly trip to Switzerland!