Lucerne is a breathtaking lakeside city in central Switzerland, famous for its medieval architecture, stunning mountain backdrop, and pristine Lake Lucerne. The canton blends alpine grandeur with cultural sophistication, offering visitors world-class museums, legendary mountain railways, and one of Europe's most picturesque old towns.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Lake Lucerne Paddle Steamer Cruise
A cruise on one of the historic paddle steamers on Lake Lucerne with mountain views throughout. The shorter Tell-Express circular cruise (1.5h) is ideal for young children; longer routes to Vitznau or Flüelen suit older families.
Duration: 1-4 hours
Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus)
Switzerland's most visited museum with interactive exhibits on trains, planes, cars, boats, and space travel. The IMAX cinema, Swiss Chocolate Adventure, and planetarium make this a full-day family experience.
Duration: 3-5 hours
Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip
The world's steepest cogwheel train to the summit, cable car descent, and boat across the lake — a complete Swiss adventure that captivates children and adults equally. Dragon caves and summit trails add excitement.
Duration: Half day (4h)
Glacier Garden and Mirror Maze
The Alhambra Mirror Maze is a guaranteed hit with children of all ages, and the glacial potholes teach Earth science in a hands-on way. Adjacent to the free Lion Monument — two sights in one stop.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Fräkmüntegg Summer Toboggan and Rope Park
The mid-station of Pilatus (Fräkmüntegg) has a summer toboggan run, a large rope park with multiple difficulty levels, and a children's play area. Accessible by cable car from Kriens.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Mt. Rigi Hiking and Marmot Spotting
Mt. Rigi's marked trails and easy-to-follow paths make it the best mountain for family hiking. Marmot sightings are common on the alpine meadows, and the summit views are extraordinary.
Duration: Half day to full day
Lucerne Lido Swimming
Lake Lucerne swimming at the Lucerne Lido with crystal-clear alpine water, a water slide, diving platforms (for older children), and lawns for picnicking. A quintessential Swiss summer experience.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Stanserhorn CabriO Cable Car
The world's first open-top double-decker cable car provides a unique mountain experience — children love riding on the open upper deck as the cable car ascends to the Stanserhorn summit (1,898m) with panoramic views.
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Radisson Blu Hotel Lucerne
A centrally located hotel with spacious family rooms, excellent breakfast buffet, and just steps from the train station and Old Town. The lake views from upper floors delight children.
Family features: Family rooms sleeping 4, rollaway beds, children's buffet items, luggage storage, central location
Youth Hostel Lucerne
Modern, excellent-quality Swiss hostel with family rooms, a self-catering kitchen, garden, and very affordable prices. Children feel very welcome here.
Family features: Family rooms available, self-catering kitchen, garden, bike rental, babysitting on request
Camping Luzern (Horw)
A beautiful lakeside campsite just south of Lucerne with direct lake access, playground, and a relaxed atmosphere that children love.
Family features: Children's playground, lake swimming, rental cabins available, BBQ areas, bus connection to city
Hotel Balm
A charming family-run hotel on the hillside above Lucerne with a lovely garden, comfortable family rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere for families with children.
Family features: Garden, family rooms, breakfast included, free parking, quiet location
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Swiss restaurants are generally child-friendly and welcoming to families with young children
High chairs are available at most mid-range and upscale restaurants — ask upon arrival
Children's menus (Kindermenu) typically offer pasta, sausage, and simple dishes for CHF 12-18
Supermarkets (Migros, Coop) have excellent children's snack sections — great for picnic supplies
The Lucerne farmers' market (Tuesday/Saturday) has affordable snacks and fresh fruit ideal for children
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Children under 16 travel free on Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) when traveling with a parent holding a valid ticket — get the free Family Card at the station
The Swiss Museum of Transport is open daily and is the safest choice for a rainy day with children
Keep young children close on mountain terraces and along the Pilatus summit ridge — some areas have drop-offs
Pack a change of clothes for lake activities — children inevitably end up splashed or swimming unexpectedly
Mountain excursions require warm layers even in summer — pack a fleece and waterproof jacket for the whole family
The Lucerne tourist office provides a free family activity guide with current events and child-focused activities