The Canton of Bern is Switzerland's second-largest canton, stretching from the UNESCO-listed medieval capital city to the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Home to the federal capital of Switzerland, picturesque alpine lakes, and world-class ski resorts, Bern blends political significance with breathtaking natural beauty.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Bear Park Visit
Watch Bern's symbolic brown bears roam in their riverside habitat along the Aare. Feeding times and cub births (in season) make it particularly exciting for young children.
Duration: 1 hour
Jungfraujoch Snow Experience
Ride Europe's highest railway through glacier tunnels to the Jungfraujoch at 3,454m. Children can play in the snow year-round, explore the Ice Palace, and experience the surreal snowy world atop the Alps.
Duration: Full day
Gurten Funicular & Children's Park
Bern's city mountain is a favourite local family destination with a historic funicular, a dedicated children's playground, mini-train, and panoramic views. Picnic facilities are excellent.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Grindelwald First Toboggan Run (Bob Grindelwald)
The Bob Grindelwald is a 680-metre mountain cart descent from the First gondola station—one of the most exhilarating and family-friendly mountain activities in the Bernese Oberland.
Duration: 2 hours
Dählhölzli Animal Park
Bern's naturalistic European wildlife park features wolves, lynx, otters, deer, and foxes in large naturalistic enclosures along the Aare River—entirely focused on native Swiss and European species.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Oeschinensee Rowing Boats
Rent a rowing boat on the spectacular turquoise Oeschinensee alpine lake near Kandersteg. Children love the extraordinary colour of the water and the towering cliffs rising on all sides.
Duration: 2 hours
Paul Klee Centre Creaviva Workshop
The Paul Klee Centre's dedicated Creaviva children's museum runs hands-on art workshops inspired by Klee's colourful and playful work. One of the best children's museum experiences in Switzerland.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Aare River Riverside Walk & Marzili Lido
A gentle riverside walk along the Aare below the Old Town combined with the Marzili lido outdoor pool—perfect for a summer family afternoon. The heated pool is suitable for all ages.
Duration: 2 hours
Zytglogge Hourly Show
Watch the entertaining mechanical figure show on Bern's medieval clock tower every hour—the dancing bears, rooster, and jester are delightful for children and a highlight of any Old Town walk.
Duration: 30 minutes
Harder Kulm Funicular & Two-Lakes View
The 10-minute Harderbahn funicular from Interlaken to 1,322m is a thrilling ride for children, followed by the glass-floored viewing platform jutting over the valley—memorable for older children.
Duration: 2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Interlaken's grande dame hotel is outstanding for families with a dedicated children's programme, indoor pool, direct view of the Jungfrau, and exceptional service.
Family features: Children's club, indoor pool, family rooms, extensive grounds, baby equipment available, babysitting service
Hotel Savoy Bern
Excellent mid-range family option in central Bern with spacious rooms, family room configurations, and proximity to all Old Town sights.
Family features: Family room configurations, central location, generous breakfast, luggage storage
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof Interlaken
A beautiful Victorian villa hostel in Interlaken with private family rooms, a large garden with hammocks, and a friendly communal atmosphere perfect for family travellers.
Family features: Private family rooms, large garden, communal kitchen, relaxed atmosphere, Jungfrau views
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Swiss restaurants warmly welcome children—high chairs (Hochstuhl) are standard and most have children's menus
Children's meals typically CHF 12-18; many restaurants offer half portions of adult dishes
Tibits vegetarian buffet is ideal for fussy eaters—children choose exactly what they want, priced by weight
Pack snacks for mountain excursions—mountain restaurant prices are high and children's energy needs are great at altitude
Migros and Coop supermarket self-service restaurants offer family-priced hot meals across Switzerland
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
The 'Junior Travelcard' (CHF 30) makes children under 16 travel free on all SBB trains when with a paying adult—essential purchase
Swiss Cable Cars have minimum age/weight requirements—check before booking
Altitude at Jungfraujoch (3,454m) can cause headaches in children—ascend slowly, give time to acclimatise, and descend immediately if unwell
The Bern Ticket from accommodation provides free city transport for the whole family
Nappy-changing facilities are available at Swiss train stations, major museums, and most family restaurants
Switzerland has strict child seat laws—hire a child seat with any rental car