Zürich is Switzerland's largest city and the capital of the canton of Zürich, set on the northern tip of Lake Zürich where the Limmat river leaves the lake, with the Alps visible on clear days. It combines a medieval old town, world-class museums, lakeside swimming, and the luxury shopping of Bahnhofstrasse with famously punctual public transport and very high prices.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Zoo Zürich
One of Europe's leading zoos on the Zürichberg, home to the Masoala Rainforest hall with free-flying lemurs and birds, the Kaeng Krachan elephant park, snow leopards and a large aquarium and penguin area
Duration: Half to full day
Lake Zürich Boat Cruise (ZSG)
Boats depart from Bürkliplatz on the Zürichsee for lake cruises with views of villas, vineyards and the Alps; a relaxing, rain-or-shine outing that children enjoy
Duration: 1-2 hours
Uetliberg and Planetenweg
A city train climbs to the Uetliberg summit at 869 metres, from which the Planetenweg ridge trail leads past a scaled model of the solar system toward Felsenegg, with a playground and family-friendly viewpoints
Duration: Half day
Landesmuseum Zürich (Swiss National Museum)
A castle-like museum next to the main station presenting Swiss history, with a family-friendly Swiss history exhibition, knight armour and interactive stations
Duration: 2-3 hours
Lake Baths and Limmat Swimming (Seebad Enge, Utoquai, Tiefenbrunnen)
Historic wooden lake baths with children's pools, diving platforms and lawns, open in summer; Tiefenbrunnen and Enge have especially gentle entries for small children
Duration: Half day
Lindt Home of Chocolate
A chocolate museum in Kilchberg on the lake, with a 9-metre chocolate fountain, exhibitions about cacao and a tasting at the end of the tour
Duration: 2-3 hours
Technorama Swiss Science Center (Winterthur)
A hands-on science museum in the canton with hundreds of experiments, a tornado and a lightning show, reached by train from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to Winterthur then bus
Duration: Half to full day
Wildnispark Zürich Langenberg
A wildlife park with native Swiss and European animals such as elk, wolves, bears and bison, along forest trails on the Albis hills south of the city, reached by S4 train
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Youth Hostel Zürich
Large, modern hostel in Wollishofen near the lake with family rooms of four to six beds, a restaurant and a playground, and breakfast included
Family features: Family rooms, breakfast included, near the lake, tram to the centre, kitchen and common areas
Sorell Hotel Zürichberg
A hotel on the Zürichberg slope with views of the lake, a short walk from Zoo Zürich and with a direct tram link to the centre
Family features: Family rooms, near Zoo Zürich, quiet green setting, restaurant, tram access
Sorell Hotel Rigiblick
A hotel above the city with a panoramic terrace, reached by the Rigiblick rack railway, with a quiet setting and a garden for children
Family features: Family rooms, garden, city views, rack railway, restaurant
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Restaurants in Zürich are child-friendly; many offer a children's menu (Kinderteller) with smaller portions at about CHF 10-16
Migros and Coop supermarkets sell inexpensive takeaway meals and picnic food, and many have in-store restaurants with highchairs
Bratwurst with bread and Rösti are simple, kid-friendly local dishes
Many parks, lake baths and the Zoo have picnic tables; public fountains give free drinking water
Hiltl and tibits offer vegetarian buffets sold by weight, easy for picky eaters and light on the budget
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.