Switzerland with Kids
Tips for the perfect family adventure
Family Friendly?
Great for families
School Holidays & Travel Time
Most families travel during summer holidays (July/August). Plan early and book in advance – expect higher prices and more tourists during this time.
Kid-Friendly Infrastructure
Good facilities for families (changing rooms, childcare, etc.)
Planning a family trip to Switzerland? Here are valuable tips, kid-friendly activities, and everything you need for an unforgettable journey.
Travel Climate for Families
Important information about climate, weather, and the best travel time for your family vacation in Switzerland.
15–20°C·79–116 mm(heavy rain)
For hiking, mountain railways, and pass drives, June to September are best: High Alpine passes are usually snow-free only from about mid-June, and July generally offers the most hours of sunshine. For winter sports, December to March are suitable.
Monthly values are sourced from MeteoSchweiz (standard period 1991-2020) for Zurich, representing the Central Plateau. It's significantly cooler in the mountains, where the weather can change very quickly. In the Central Plateau, most precipitation occurs from May to August, primarily as showers and thunderstorms.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High Season Summer
Winter sport time
Off-season
Inter-season
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.0 | 63 | 1.6 |
| February | 2.0 | 55 | 2.9 |
| March | 6.0 | 65 | 4.5 |
| April | 9.5 | 73 | 5.9 |
| May | 13.5 | 115 | 6.3 |
| June | 17.5 | 112 | 7.2 |
| July | 19.5 | 116 | 7.6 |
| August | 19.0 | 109 | 7.1 |
| September | 15.0 | 79 | 5.3 |
| October | 10.0 | 80 | 3.1 |
| November | 5.0 | 74 | 1.7 |
| December | 1.5 | 80 | 1.3 |
Consider School Holidays
The main travel times for families often fall during school holidays (July/August in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Plan early and book in advance, as higher prices and more tourists are expected during this time.
Summer Holidays
Summer holidays are the most popular travel time for families. In Switzerland, it can get very warm during this time – make sure to have enough shade, sun protection, and cool activities for the children.
Warning: In the winter months, it can get very cold. Make sure children are dressed warmly and plan indoor activities.
Family Tips for Switzerland
Switzerland is well-suited for families: short distances between lakes and mountains, a reliable public transport system, and many excursion destinations easily accessible even with small children. However, it remains expensive, especially for accommodation and food.
Budget Travel Tips
Swiss Family Card: Children aged 6 to 15 travel free with this complimentary card, if at least one parent has a Swiss Travel Pass or a Half-Fare Card. This also applies to mountain excursions, provided the parents have a ticket.
Young Children: Children under 6 years travel free when accompanied by a person holding a valid ticket.
Museums: Children with a Swiss Travel Pass also get free admission to over 500 museums, including the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne.
Excursion Ideas
Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne: This museum of rail, road, air, and space travel is among the country's most popular family destinations.
Swissminiatur in Melide: This miniature park on Lake Lugano has existed since 1959 and displays over 130 models of famous buildings on a scale of 1:25, with model trains, mountain railways, and boats also running. It is open from March to early November.
Lakes and Mountains: Boat trips, swimming spots, and short walks at mountain stations are well-suited for children. Plan shorter stages at higher altitudes.
Practical Tips
Car Seats: In cars, children up to 12 years old and under 1.50 meters tall require an appropriate, approved car seat. For rental cars, you should reserve it in advance.
Travel Documents: Children also require their own valid travel document; a birth certificate is not sufficient.
Health: Information on care and your health insurance card can be found in the "Practical & Travel Info" section.
General Tips
Planning Activities
Plan varied activities that are interesting for both adults and children.
Timing Your Trip
Keep school holidays, climate, and local events in mind.