Switzerland Family Holidays 2024

How to get the most out of a Swiss holiday with your family

 

Fun for all the family

Switzerland is the perfect place for a family holiday, with enough excitement to keep children of all ages happy. Mountainous adventures and water rafting offer thrills for active children. And for those who are yet to experience the Swiss snow, there are amazing high alpine landscapes adorned by snow all year round. Our 30 years of experience allows us to create a bespoke holiday package that will keep both the adults and the children entertained. We make sure that your travel and accommodation are perfectly suited to your family's needs. Take your family on a Swiss adventure of a lifetime. 

Create memories that last a lifetime with a holiday in Switzerland

Get your holiday quotation today

Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com


A natural paradise for children

Switzerland is just waiting to be explored! Most regions have themed trails which are suitable for smaller walkers such as the Apple Fritter Trail on the Männlichen. On many mountain walks such as Spielboden near Saas-Fee, you may come across marmots: comical mountain creatures that will delight children. Cycling in the countryside is also very popular here and you can hire bikes in resort or at mountain stations. 

Most children enjoy the water but probably haven't experienced swimming in a beautiful mountain lake. Head for Lake Untersee in Arosa or Lake Cauma in Flims for an unforgettable experience - warm water, resort facilities close at hand and a magical mountain backdrop.  

Children will also be fascinated by natural wonders such as the thundering Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen or the echoing Aare Gorge in the Bernese Oberland. If they want to experience Swiss snow, you can find it year round at Glacier 3000 near Lake Geneva or Mount Titlis in Central Switzerland. 

A natural paradise for children

Switzerland is just waiting to be explored! Most regions have themed trails which are suitable for smaller walkers such as the Apple Fritter Trail on the Männlichen. On many mountain walks such as Spielboden near Saas-Fee, you may come across marmots: comical mountain creatures that will delight children. Cycling in the countryside is also very popular here and you can hire bikes in resort or at mountain stations. 

Most children enjoy the water but probably haven't experienced swimming in a beautiful mountain lake. Head for Lake Untersee in Arosa or Lake Cauma in Flims for an unforgettable experience - warm water, resort facilities close at hand and a magical mountain backdrop.  

Children will also be fascinated by natural wonders such as the thundering Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen or the echoing Aare Gorge in the Bernese Oberland. If they want to experience Swiss snow, you can find it year round at Glacier 3000 near Lake Geneva or Mount Titlis in Central Switzerland. 

 
Explore by land, water and air

The sheer variety of different modes of transport in Switzerland will fascinate many children. You can take a cruise on a paddle steamer along Lake GenevaLake Lucerne and Interlaken's Lakes Thun & Brienz. Some of these traditional boats are more than 100 years old. If steam is the thing, a ride on the Brienzer Rothorn steam train is highly recommended, or you could try the Furka steam train across some of the highest mountain passes (must be booked in advance).

Funiculars abound across the country. Again, some of them are over 100 years old and are a joy to travel on. Try the one from Interlaken to Harder Kulm or Lugano's Monte San Salvatore. The cable cars which glide smoothly up and down the higher mountains are a real treat for children; try the CabriO on the Stanserhorn which even has an open top deck for a truly thrilling ride.

Explore by land, water and air

The sheer variety of different modes of transport in Switzerland will fascinate many children. You can take a cruise on a paddle steamer along Lake GenevaLake Lucerne and Interlaken's Lakes Thun & Brienz. Some of these traditional boats are more than 100 years old. If steam is the thing, a ride on the Brienzer Rothorn steam train is highly recommended, or you could try the Furka steam train across some of the highest mountain passes (must be booked in advance).

Funiculars abound across the country. Again, some of them are over 100 years old and are a joy to travel on. Try the one from Interlaken to Harder Kulm or Lugano's Monte San Salvatore. The cable cars which glide smoothly up and down the higher mountains are a real treat for children; try the CabriO on the Stanserhorn which even has an open top deck for a truly thrilling ride.

 
Family fun days out

There are a variety of other attractions around the country to keep the whole family happy. 

Many of the alpine villages offer a cheese making experience which the children will love. In Interlaken's Café Schuh you can try your hand at chocolate making, while the Kambly Experience is all about biscuits. Childen can see how the rural Swiss lived 100 years ago at Ballenberg or Heidiland and explore Swissminiatur near Lugano. In Lucerne, the Transport Museum is a must with a vast array of interactive exhibitions to keep you entertained all day.

Zurich and Basel have large zoos, and children will be fascinated by the bears sanctuaries Bern and Arosa. A number of mountain destinations such as Davos' Rinerhorn have petting zoos with goats, marmots and the like. For prehistoric animals, head to Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fossils galore.

Most resorts offer sports and leisure activities such as mini golf and tennis. There are also many lidos with outdoor bathing, such as the one near Lenzerheide.

Family fun days out

There are a variety of other attractions around the country to keep the whole family happy. 

Many of the alpine villages offer a cheese making experience which the children will love. In Interlaken's Café Schuh you can try your hand at chocolate making, while the Kambly Experience is all about biscuits. Childen can see how the rural Swiss lived 100 years ago at Ballenberg or Heidiland and explore Swissminiatur near Lugano. In Lucerne, the Transport Museum is a must with a vast array of interactive exhibitions to keep you entertained all day.

Zurich and Basel have large zoos, and children will be fascinated by the bears sanctuaries Bern and Arosa. A number of mountain destinations such as Davos' Rinerhorn have petting zoos with goats, marmots and the like. For prehistoric animals, head to Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fossils galore.

Most resorts offer sports and leisure activities such as mini golf and tennis. There are also many lidos with outdoor bathing, such as the one near Lenzerheide.

 
Thrills for older childen

Older children and teenagers seeking a more exciting experience need not worry. Interlaken has become a centre for adventure sports such as paragliding. You can head for First Flyer near Grindelwald for a truly thrilling ride, or try the Stoos funicular, which is the steepest in the world. Rafting and canoeing can be enjoyed on the waters near Flims

Many mountain resorts offer summer toboggan experiences which can be great fun - try the ones on Mount Pilatus near Lucerne or Saas-Fee 'Feeblitz'. There are plenty of fixed rope parks in or near our resorts such as Zermatt and Flims.

Your family may also enjoy the electric 'Trotti' scooter bikes (normally suitable for age 8 and over) which can be found on mountains such as the Pfingstegg and Niederhorn in the Bernese Oberland. 

Thrills for older childen

Older children and teenagers seeking a more exciting experience need not worry. Interlaken has become a centre for adventure sports such as paragliding. You can head for First Flyer near Grindelwald for a truly thrilling ride, or try the Stoos funicular, which is the steepest in the world. Rafting and canoeing can be enjoyed on the waters near Flims

Many mountain resorts offer summer toboggan experiences which can be great fun - try the ones on Mount Pilatus near Lucerne or Saas-Fee 'Feeblitz'. There are plenty of fixed rope parks in or near our resorts such as Zermatt and Flims.

Your family may also enjoy the electric 'Trotti' scooter bikes (normally suitable for age 8 and over) which can be found on mountains such as the Pfingstegg and Niederhorn in the Bernese Oberland. 

 
Your accommodation

Your choice of hotel is naturally very important when travelling with children. Our team will be able to offer advice on hotels with family rooms and inter-connecting rooms. You may even find that a Junior Suite works out to be better value for you.

Many of our hotels have a swimming pool, often an major consideration for families. Again, we can suggest suitable hotels. 

When it comes to dinner, timing and suitability of food can be vital for younger children. The Sunstar group of hotels (in resorts across the country) allow children up to the age of 11 to order meals directly from the restaurant, whenever they feel hungry.  They also offer a children's menu of simple dishes or the option of ordering individual dishes from the standard menu at half price.

If outside space is an essential for letting off steam, a couple of examples of hotels with gardens include the Hotel Saratz (Pontresina) which also has tennis courts and the Hotel Belvedere (Locarno), with outdoor games including badminton and petanque.

Your accommodation

Your choice of hotel is naturally very important when travelling with children. Our team will be able to offer advice on hotels with family rooms and inter-connecting rooms. You may even find that a Junior Suite works out to be better value for you.

Many of our hotels have a swimming pool, often an major consideration for families. Again, we can suggest suitable hotels. 

When it comes to dinner, timing and suitability of food can be vital for younger children. The Sunstar group of hotels (in resorts across the country) allow children up to the age of 11 to order meals directly from the restaurant, whenever they feel hungry.  They also offer a children's menu of simple dishes or the option of ordering individual dishes from the standard menu at half price.

If outside space is an essential for letting off steam, a couple of examples of hotels with gardens include the Hotel Saratz (Pontresina) which also has tennis courts and the Hotel Belvedere (Locarno), with outdoor games including badminton and petanque.

 
Travelling to Switzerland

You may wish to consider travelling by rail, a journey which allows your family more room to stretch their legs and 'explore'. Eurostar coaches 1 and 18 have baby changing facilities, extra space, more family tables and the train's buffet cars have plenty of snacks. You will also be allowed to bring a pushchair in addition to the normal luggage allowance.

For those travelling by air, SWISS, British Airways and easyJet all allow free carriage of a pushchair in addition to normal luggage allowances. Most SWISS flights give out children's activity packs as well as complimentary chocolates! SWISS flights include a small snack, while easyJet have kids snack packs available to buy, which include games and activities. 

Onward travel to your resort

Upon arrival at Zurich and Geneva airport, you will be relieved that the transition to your onward rail transfer is very simple since the stations are housed within the airport terminals. We'll even tell you in advance which platform to head for. The double-decker InterCity trains have 'Ticki Park' family coaches with a small play area and tables fitted with board games, while single-deck trains have 'family zones' with plenty of space for pushchairs. Families can relax here knowing that a higher level of noise will be tolerated than in other parts of the train. Stewards will pass by your seats with Lavazza coffee for the adults as well as snacks to keep the children happy. 

Travelling to Switzerland

You may wish to consider travelling by rail, a journey which allows your family more room to stretch their legs and 'explore'. Eurostar coaches 1 and 18 have baby changing facilities, extra space, more family tables and the train's buffet cars have plenty of snacks. You will also be allowed to bring a pushchair in addition to the normal luggage allowance.

For those travelling by air, SWISS, British Airways and easyJet all allow free carriage of a pushchair in addition to normal luggage allowances. Most SWISS flights give out children's activity packs as well as complimentary chocolates! SWISS flights include a small snack, while easyJet have kids snack packs available to buy, which include games and activities. 

Onward travel to your resort

Upon arrival at Zurich and Geneva airport, you will be relieved that the transition to your onward rail transfer is very simple since the stations are housed within the airport terminals. We'll even tell you in advance which platform to head for. The double-decker InterCity trains have 'Ticki Park' family coaches with a small play area and tables fitted with board games, while single-deck trains have 'family zones' with plenty of space for pushchairs. Families can relax here knowing that a higher level of noise will be tolerated than in other parts of the train. Stewards will pass by your seats with Lavazza coffee for the adults as well as snacks to keep the children happy. 

 
Get a personalised holiday quotation

Experience everything that Switzerland has to offer, from the idyllic mountainscape to the Swiss culture of the rural towns. Make your next family holiday one to remember with a bespoke itinerary the whole family can enjoy. Find out more about our tailor-made packages and request a customised holiday quote today. Alternatively, contact us on the number or email address below for more information.

Get a personalised holiday quotation

Experience everything that Switzerland has to offer, from the idyllic mountainscape to the Swiss culture of the rural towns. Make your next family holiday one to remember with a bespoke itinerary the whole family can enjoy. Find out more about our tailor-made packages and request a customised holiday quote today. Alternatively, contact us on the number or email address below for more information.

 

Request your holiday quotation

Speak to our team today to find out more!

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

FREE travel in Switzerland

Children up to 5 years old travel free on public transport in Switzerland. For families with 6-15 years olds, we will send you the Swiss Family Card, which entitles children to travel free when accompanied by a parent.

Family ski holidays

Switzerland is perfect for a ski holiday with the family, with well maintained nursery slopes and ski schools in each resort. Our team will help you to find the perfect ski hotel for your family's requirements - speak to us on 0800 619 1200.  

Planning your ski holiday

Call 0800 619 1200

  • Airports around the UK
  • 1st or 2nd class rail transfers
  • 3 and 4 star hotel accommodation 
  • Flexible number of nights  
  • Room upgrades
  • Bed & breakfast or half board
Request your ski holiday quote

Scenic rail holidays

Ask us about the Swiss scenic rail journeys - a great way of combining resorts to create your own two or multi centre holiday
Glacier Express
Bernina Express
GoldenPass Express
Gotthard Panorama Express

Planning your holiday 2024

Call 0800 619 1200
  • Decide where you would like to stay
  • Choose your scenic journeys
  • 1st or 2nd class rail travel in Switzerland
  • How many nights in each resort
  • Decide on bed & breakfast or half board
  • 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
  • Plan visits with your Half Fare Card
Request your holiday quote
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