Bern Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Bern with kids.
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.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Bern.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Activities by Age Group
Find activities suited to your children's ages.
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- Parks with shaded play areas
- Short, stroller-friendly walks
- Swimming pools at family hotels
- Animal encounters
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- Interactive museums
- Easy outdoor adventures
- Cultural shows and performances
- Market explorations
🧑 Older Kids (8-12)
- Historical site tours
- Adventure activities
- Cooking classes for kids
- Nature excursions
👦 Teens (13+)
- Adventure sports
- Photography walks
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Food tours
Bern Family Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
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.
Hotel Savoy Bern
Excellent mid-range family option in central Bern with spacious rooms, family room configurations, and proximity to all Old Town sights.
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.
What to Look For
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pool (supervised)
- Restaurant with kids' menu
- Babysitting/kids' club services
- Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces
- Proximity to attractions
Kid-Friendly Dining
Where to eat with children.
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
Make traveling with kids easier.
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
Health & Safety
- Check recommended vaccinations for children
- Pack enough prescription medications
- Bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Research nearest hospitals/clinics
- Get travel insurance covering the whole family
Plan Your Family Adventure
Get our complete family travel guide with kid-friendly itineraries, packing lists, and activity recommendations.