Valais Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Valais with kids.
Valais is Switzerland's third-largest and most dramatically alpine canton, home to 40 of the Alps' 52 four-thousand-metre peaks including the iconic Matterhorn. With the driest climate in Switzerland, over 300 sunny days a year, and the country's largest wine-growing region, it offers an extraordinary blend of high-altitude adventure, luxury resorts, and centuries-old culture.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Valais.
Gornergrat Railway
Europe's highest open-air cog railway from Zermatt to 3,089m — a magical journey through alpine scenery with Matterhorn views throughout. Children are captivated by the miniature train, the station at altitude, and the snow.
Leukerbad Thermal Baths (Burgerbad)
Europe's largest alpine thermal spa resort includes outdoor and indoor pools, water slides, and shallow warm pools perfect for children. The outdoor pool with mountain views is particularly magical in winter.
Les Marécottes Alpine Zoo
A charming alpine wildlife park near Martigny with bears, wolves, lynx, ibex, and chamois in natural-style enclosures. Also features a small swimming pool and playground. A children's favourite in Valais.
Saas-Fee Glacial Ice Grotto
An underground ice gallery carved directly inside the Fee Glacier at 3,500m, with sculptures and tunnels of deep blue ice. A genuinely otherworldly experience for children of all ages.
Ski School at Zermatt
Zermatt's ski schools (Zermatters and Swiss Ski School) offer certified instruction from age 3 upward, with dedicated children's ski areas (Magic Carpet, Kinderland) that are gentle and fun.
Snowshoeing Tour
Guided family snowshoe tours through winter landscapes are available throughout Valais — no experience needed, and children find the large circular shoes hilariously fun.
Rhône Glacier Ice Grotto
Walk inside the Rhône Glacier near Gletsch through carved ice tunnels lit in blue and white. The world's most accessible glacier interior experience — a fascinating natural wonder for children.
Saillon Thermal Baths
The Bains de Saillon are Valais' most family-affordable thermal baths, with warm outdoor pools, water slides, and a fun pool environment at approximately one-third the cost of Leukerbad.
Verbier Bike Park
Verbier's summer bike park has dedicated green (easy) and blue (moderate) downhill trails suitable for older children and beginners, with a dedicated kids' zone and instructors available.
Grand St Bernard Hospice Dog Visit
Meeting the famous St Bernard rescue dogs at their historic kennel at 2,473m is one of the most memorable experiences for children in Valais. The hospice museum tells the thousand-year story of mountain rescue.
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
Valais Family Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa
Saas-Fee's premier family-friendly luxury hotel with a kids club (ages 4–12), indoor heated pool, large family suites, and babysitting service on request. The car-free village setting means children can explore independently.
Hotel Ambassador
A well-regarded Saas-Fee hotel with indoor pool, family rooms, and access to the car-free village. Comfortable and well-priced relative to Zermatt equivalents.
Art de Vivre Hotel
A sun-drenched Crans-Montana hotel with outdoor pool, spacious family rooms, and easy ski lift access. Children under 6 stay free.
Romantik Hotel Julen
A warm, family-run Zermatt hotel with a sauna, family rooms, and genuine hospitality. The owners have children of their own and understand family travel needs well.
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.
Most Valais restaurants warmly welcome children; high chairs available on request at virtually all establishments
Kids menus typically include pasta, rösti, and simple grilled items at CHF 10–18
Mountain restaurants (Riffelhaus, Chez Vrony) accessible by train or gondola are exciting for children and have good food
Self-catering from Migros or Coop supermarkets is excellent and affordable — perfect for ski chalet stays
Traditional raclette is a great family meal — children usually love the communal tabletop melting process
Family Travel Tips
Make traveling with kids easier.
Children under 16 travel free with a paying adult on SBB trains with the Swiss Travel Pass
Many Valais resorts offer free lift passes for children under 9 when parents purchase passes — check resort websites
Car-free Zermatt and Saas-Fee are the safest resort environments for young children — no traffic stress
Book ski school for children at least 2 weeks before Christmas and February school holidays
Pack high-SPF sunscreen — UV radiation at altitude is much stronger than at sea level, even on cloudy days
The Matterhorn Express gondola from Zermatt to Schwarzsee (2,583m) offers an exciting journey for young children without the cost of the full Gornergrat Railway
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.