The most updated version will be at the end of this thread. Please let me know of any additions/corrections...

Thanks Carmen - excellent list!

I don't have kids, but if I did it would be very useful

Mark

You should read throughouly through the list. They are family friendly places but many on there are fun even without kids:-)

Yeah I think I'll have to check out that Bambino Indoor Fun Park - sounds like a blast

What about that big water park thing on the "other" side of the lake - Alpamare - http://www.alpamare.ch

At only 39 francs per adult and 29 for a child 6-16 for a 4 hour stay, and no family ticket it's got to be a fun day out for the whole family!

No seriously - probably a good thing to add for your list ?

I wish someone would compile a list "What to do on a rainy day in and around Zurich (for young adults)" The list should include more than just "Landesmuseum"

Mark

My kids and husband love that place! I hate it...

It's already on the list under SCHWYZ

I've replaced the first post with an updated list:-)

Carmen

Family Friendly Places to Visit in Switzerland

Updated.... September 23, 2008
carmencrenshawhovey@yahoo.com

Playgrounds throughout Switzerland
http://www.kids.ch

Ausflug-Tipps für aktive Familien!
http://kids.en-force.ch

Ausflugs Tipps
http://www.ausflugstipps.ch

Ausflugziele
http://www.ausflugsziele.ch

Erlebniswelt
http://erlebniswelt.liliput.ch

Castles in Switzerland
http://www.swisscastles.ch
http://www.burgen.ch

Finder for Family Hiking & Biking Routes
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/page.cfm/93753

35 Children Friendly Museums in Switzerland
http://museumslupe.ch

Sleep in the Straw in Barns throughout Switzerland
http://www.abenteuer-stroh.ch

AARGAU

Rolling Rock Inline Skate Park - Aarau
Climbing Walls & Inline Skating.
http://www.rollingrock.ch

Schweizer Kinder Museum - Children's Museum - Baden
http://www.kindermuseum.ch

Lenzburg Castle - Lenzburg
Children's Museum inside and a playground outside.
http://www.schlosslenzburg.ch

Murimoos Organic Farm - Muri
A playground, small pet farm, horseback rides & little cafe.
http://www.murimoos.ch

Wildegg Castle - Wildegg
Indoor Children's Experiential Room and a play area outside.
http://www.musee-suisse.ch/wildegg

BASEL

Dampfbahn - Mini Steam Engine - Psychiatrichen Universitaetsklinik Basel
Mini Steam Engine rides every second Sunday (middle of April through middle of October).
http://www.dampfbahn-basel.ch

Puppenhausmuseum - Doll House Museum - Basel
http://www.puppenhausmuseum.ch

Tierpark Lange Erlen - Basel
Animal Park
http://www.erlen-verein.ch

Zoo - Basel
http://www.zoobasel.ch

Wiesner's Beeriland - Bottmingen
Berry picking in June & July.
http://www.beeriland.ch

Park "Im Grünen" - Münchenstein
Playground, Mini-Golf, Restaurant...
http://www.seegarten-gruen80.ch

Solarbob - Langenbruck (BL)
A rodelbahn (alpine summer sled run) that uses solar energy for the lift.
http://www.solarbob.ch

BERN

Museum of Communication - Bern
This museum has plenty of hands on activities and interactive exhibits.
For stamp buffs, it houses more than 500,000 stamps from all over the
world – one of the largest collections in Switzerland that is open to the public.
http://www.mfk.ch

Zentrum Paul Klee - Bern
Includes a children's museum.
http://www.zpk.org

Zoo Tierpark Dählhölzli - Bern
http://www.tierpark-bern.ch

Ropetech Adventure and Seilpark - Thunplatz in Bern
Children (from school age allowed) under 14 have to be accompanied by an adult.
http://www.ropetech.ch

Reichenbachfall in Meiringen BE
Very nice family friendly town to visit
http://www.meiringen.ch/tourismus
with the water falls where Sherlock Holmes "died"
http://www.reichenbachfall.ch
Seilpark Gantrisch - Rüschegg Heubach BE
Children under 12 have to be accompanied by an adult.
http://www.seilpark.ch

Zoo, Playground & Restaurant - Studen
http://www.seeteufel.ch

Gurten Park im Grünen - above Bern in Wabern
Lots of open space, play areas, kid's train, and restaurant,
kids sledding in winter as well. Good views on the city and the Alps.
http://www.gurtenpark.ch/gurten

Ballenberg Open Air Museum - Brienz
http://www.ballenberg.ch

Brienz Steam Engine Train Ride
Hour long train ride with stunning views and a restaurant at the top.
The bottom station of the railway is just a stones' throw
from Lake Brienz and its boat rides, pedaloes, mini train etc.
http://www.brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch

Aare Gorge - near Interlaken
http://www.aareschlucht.ch

St. Beatus-Höhlen - near Interlaken
http://www.beatushoehlen.ch

Sensorium - Walkringen
Hands-on experiences for young and old:-)
http://www.sensorium.ch

Fribourg

Charme(y) Aventures - Charmey
5 adventure trails (parcours) in the woods.
http://www.charmeyaventures.ch

Papiliorama Swiss Tropical Gardens - Kerzers
Butterfly / Nocturnal animal place.
http://www.papiorama.ch

Espace Junior - Fribourg
Indoor play park for kids ages 2-12.
TEMPORARY from November 18, 2006 - end of March 2007.
http://www.espacejunior.com/cest-quoi.htm

Geneva

Beaches in Geneva
http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000112

City Parks
The town has some great parks with lots to do for children - such
as "Les Eaux Vives" and "Bois de la Bâtie (Bâtie Woods). They both
have paddling pools in the summer and the latter has a free mini-zoo.
http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubri...db3d0ec0c9daf1

Espace Junior - Geneva Palexpo
Indoor play park for kids ages 2-12.
TEMPORARY from November 18, 2006 - end of January 2007.
http://www.espacejunior.com/cest-quoi.htm

Excursions by Minitrain - Geneva
http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000030

Natural History Museum - Geneva
Free entrance - The largest museum of natural history of Switzerland.
http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000479

Swimming Pools in Geneva
http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/?rubrique=0000000384

Yatouland in Vernier-Geneva
Indoor play place for 0-10 year olds
http://www.lasergame.ch/index2.php?a=7&l=1

Summer Bobsledding & Mini Golf - La-Roche-sur-Foron (France)
http://www.larochesurforon.com/engli...sirs/index.htm

Forestland - Divonne-les-Bannes (France)
Just across the border about 20 km from Geneva: great pool,
mini golf, go-carting and "Forestland".
http://www.forestland.net

GRAUBÜNDEN

Pradaschier Rodelbahn & Seilpark - Churwalden GR
The largest Rodelbahn in the world.
http://www.pradaschier.ch

LUZERN

A Place for Us - Luzern
An indoor play area for kids up to the age of 4 - also has playgroups/courses
http://www.aplace4us.ch

Glacier Garden - Luzern
It has a great room of mirrors to walk through.
http://www.gletschergarten.ch

Swiss Transport Museum - Luzern
http://www.verkehrshaus.ch

Lido in Luzern - across from the Transport Museum
An outdoor swim area on the lake with a big playground.
A mini-golf course is nearby.
http://www.lido-luzern.ch

Rigi Mountain - near Luzern
http://www.rigi.ch

Schongliand Amusement Park - Schongau
http://www.schongiland.ch

Pilatus Mountain - near Luzern
Gondola/cograil, metal toboggan run, large playground
and hiking, caves at the top with Dragon stories.
http://www.pilatus.ch

Pilatus Seilpark - Kriens Luzern
Fun for the whole family, 8 years and older.
http://www.pilatus-seilpark.ch

Glasi Hergiswil - Hergiswil near Luzern
Children watch glass being blown and can blow their own glass ball.
http://www.glasi.ch

SCHAFFHAUSEN

Rheinfalls - near Schaffhausen
The largest waterfall in Europe.
You can take a boat ride and there is a playground.
http://www.rhinefalls.com

SCHWYZ

Natur- und Tierpark Goldau
Children can throw food to the bears (who catch it in their mouths),
pet and feed deer. Great playground and restaurant.
http://www.tierpark.ch

Alpamare - Pfäffikon
Indoor Water Park
http://www.alpamare.ch

Sattel Hochstuckli - Sattel
Summer: Roller park, bouncy trampolines, metal toboggan run, chair lifts...
http://www.sattel-hochstuckli.ch

SOLOTHURN

Storchensiedlung Altreu - Stork Colony - Grenchen
It's on the River Aare and you can visit the info center for free.
There are various restaurants in the area and boat trips are also
possible. Lots of storks are in the trees!
Open from April to the end of September.
http://www.witi-schutzzone.ch

ST. GALLEN

Säntispark - Abtwil bei St. Gallen
Waterpark
http://www.saentispark.ch

Abenteurerland Walter Zoo - Gossau
http://www.walterzoo.ch

Sportbahnen Atzmännig - Goldingen
Summer: Playground, trampolines, metal toboggan run...
http://www.atzmaennig.ch

THURGAU

Connyland - Lipperswil
Outdoor amusement theme park.
http://www.connyland.ch

Pferdehändler - Märstetten
Donkey & Pony rides, horse camps...
http://www.pferdehaendler.ch

TICINO

The 3 medieval castles of Bellinzona
http://bellinzona.arounder.com/test/...tles/java.html

Sledding and beginner skiing 14 km from the center of Lugano
http://www.novaggio.ch/Societ%C3%A0/...bmontelema.htm

Alprose Chocolate Museum in Caslano-Lugano
http://www.alprose.ch

Caslano Minigolf
Great little place with minigolf, trampolines and small cars
http://www.minigolfcaslano.ch

Lido di Caslano
Nice small sandy beach on the lake between Ponte Tresa and Lugano
http://www.lidodicaslano.ch

Lama Trekking - Iseo
http://www.lama-trekking.ch.vu

Lido di Lugano
Great place in the summer months with huge fun paddling pool
http://www.lugano.ch/sport/welcome.c...256A45003C16F9

Play Planet in Pregassona-Lugano
Pizzeria & Indoor playground for 0-12 years
http://www.playplanet.it

Swiss Miniatur in Melide-Lugano
An open-air museum with the most important
Swiss buildings and means of transportation.
http://www.swissminiatur.ch

Tassino Park - Lugano
Great park with lots of space, picnic and play areas.
http://tinyurl.com/bz3ml

Zoo al Maglio - Magliaso
The zoo is situated on the banks of the
Magliasina river and is especially suited
for young children since the animals can be petted and fed.
http://www.zooalmaglio.ch

Monte Tamaro
Take the cable car to the top of the mountain - Lots
of activities for children, summer bob sledding, adventure park and
play ground for the youngest
http://www.montetamaro.ch

Lamatreks - Ponte Capriasca
Lama trekking in the mountains for children and families...
http://www.lamatreks.ch

VALAIS

Chez Gaby - Champoussin
Farm, restaurant, horse back riding & adventure park in the woods.
http://www.pointsud.ch

Labyrinthe Aventur Parc - Evionnaz
http://www.labyrinthes.ch

Happyland New - Granges
Minigolf, game rooms & amusement park rides.
http://www.happylandnew.ch

Aquaparc Water Park - Le Bouveret
http://www.aquaparc.ch

Swiss Vapeur Parc - Le Bouveret
Located near the lake not far from Montreux, close to France.
Great fun for the little ones to ride the trains through miniature towns
http://www.swissvapeur.ch

VAUD

Parc Aventure - Aigle
Outdoor adventure park fun for the whole family, 8 years and older.
http://www.parc-aventure.ch

Espace Junior - Aigle
Indoor play park for kids ages 2-12.
http://www.espacejunior.ch

Park Im Grüene Signal de Bougy - Bougy
Located between Lausanne & Nyon.
Large open air park with mini-golf and playground.
http://www.signaldebougy.ch

Château de Gruyères
http://www.chateau-gruyeres.ch

Espace de Inventions Vallee de la Jeunesse - Lausanne
http://www.espace-des-inventions.ch/info.html

Swiss Museum of Games - La Tour-de-Peilz
Located in a castle on Lake Geneva between Montreux and Aigle.
http://www.museedujeu.com

Zoo La Garenne - Le Vaud
http://www.lagarenne.ch

Tobagganing Park - Leysin
Located in the mountains above Aigle.
http://www.tobogganing.ch/en

Billy's Indoor Playplace - Montreux
Ages 7 months to 7 years accompanied by an adult.
http://www.montreux.ch/billys

Payerneland - Payerne
Go-carting, Mini Golf and Indoor play park.
http://www.payerneland.ch

Château de Chillon - Villeneuve
near Montreux
http://www.chillon.ch

Fun Planet - Villeneuve
Located between Montreux & Aigle, it has
arcades, bowling, go-carts, indoor children's playroom...
http://www.funplanet.ch

ZUG

Kids Meeting Point - Baar
Indoor play place for kids ages 1 1/2 to 12
http://www.kidsmeetingpoint.ch/indexie.html

ZURICH

Grüt Farm - Adliswil
Mövenpick Restaurant with Playground & Small zoo
http://www.moevenpick-gastronomy.com...de/Welcome.htm

Bruno Weber Skulpturenpark - Dietikon
Open from April to the end of Ocotber,
every Saturday and the first Sunday of the month.
http://www.bruno-weber.ch

Starbie Indoor Play Park - Dietikon
http://www.starbie.ch

Trampolino Indoor Play Park - Dietikon
http://www.trampolino.info

Milandia - Greifensee
Migros Indoor Adventure Park
http://www.milandia.ch

Minigolf at Gasthof zum Morgenthal Restaurant - Hirzel
http://www.morgenthal.ch/minigolf/index.html

Wildpark Langenberg - Langnau am Albis
Playgrounds, restaurant, great walking paths to view animals...
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/navp...ture-8734.html

Naturzentrum Sihlwald - just after Langnau am Abis
The outside area is open year round. It has a small play area and nice
walks along the Sihl river. The museum and small café/gift shop are open
from about the middle of March until November.
http://www3.stzh.ch/internet/gsz/hom...urzentrum.html

Park Im Grüene - Rüschlikon
Outdoor playground, miniature train rides, puppet shows,
swimming pool, cafeteria...
http://www.parkimgruene.ch

Jucker Farm - Seegräben
They have a cafe, petting zoo, a store selling fresh produce
and homemade food, and a playground.
http://www.juckerfarmart.ch

Kindercity - Volketswil
Indoor educational activities for kids up to age 12.
http://www.kindercity.ch

Planeta Magic - Wädenswil
Indoor Play Park for kids from 1-12 years
http://www.planetamagic.ch

Minigolf at Restaurant Schönegg - Wädenswil
http://www.schoenegg.ch/schoenegg/01...W261010007.asp

Technorama Science Center in Winterthur
Wonderful hands-on activites for ages 4 and up
http://www.technorama.ch

Urania Observatory - Zurich
http://urania.astronomie.ch

Waldhaus Katzensee - Zurich
The perfect family restaurant with a collection of 1-franc
rides out front, a small train to ride, and a playground - all
within view of an outdoor eating area.
http://www.waldhaus-katzensee.ch

Zoo - Zurich
http://www.zoo.ch

Thank you! We will be visiting Zurich and Bern this summer with our 3-yr-old. I've been there many times, but this will be my first visit to Switzerland, where I've had a lovely host family now 17 years, as a mom!

Can anyone advice how to reach the Katzensee by public transport. I see from sbb search that its near to Affoltern, but still looks a good way away to walk by foot to the place.
Also I read Katzenruti is a picnic spot, but cant find where it actually is. Any information will be helpful . thanks.

http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/internet...katzensee.html

Wow, awesome list
Has anyone been to Connyland? If so, would you reccomend it (for 5 year olds)?

PS- You can strike Mystery Park from the list
PPS- You can add Reichenbach Falls in Meiringen (BE), it's a nice place, especially for Sherlock Holmes fans:
http://www.reichenbachfall.ch/

I've been there twice, its a lovely place for families, there are lots of them coming with little kids... a 5 year old would enjoy the place so much. They have a Dolphin show which is fantastic, and a lovely sea lion show, parrot show. Also an acrobatics show and some easy rides for kiddies. All in all a great day out you can easily spend the day there. I would recommend going on weekends as the crowd(not so much) adds to the atmostphere.

Oh and by the way, if you take the train, the change of train from Winterthur mentioned on sbb is not correct. So when you get off at Winterthur, enquire at the info counter about which train to catch.

A fantastic list! Thanks for putting this together, Carmen.

Here's another one for Basel:

Puppenhausmuseum (Doll house museum), Barfüsserplatz
www.puppenhausmuseum.ch
(actually, my mother-in-law currently gets more out of this than my daughter, but that is sure to change in time)

If you check at your local library, they are likely to have a travel guide that is family-or-kids-friendly for Switzerland. I've seen it in the library of little Cham which has only a population of 5,000.

I've just posted my most updated version together with ones
posted here:-)

This is a fantastic Thread but judging by the number of people who ask about places to go, it is probably far too hard to find.
Being packed with information, but containing little discussion, the words which one might search for are simply not present in the Thread. I've put in two tags - has anyone ideas for more or better ones?
It might also be better in Day Trips instead of Family Matters if some kind Mod is looking for extra work.

In this Introductions thread (!?!) there are a few ideas for thing to do in the
Lausanne area.

THis is a fab list, thank you Carmen

I would also like to suggest a day trip to Baden, which has a beautiful pedestrianised old city, an old wooden bridge and museum. Best of all, between the old bridge and new bridge is a huge playground for kids. A great free day out.

i have found a blog which lists loads of cool things to do with the kids in the summer.....from petting zoos to castles and sleeping in peoples barns
a fab find so wanted to share with all,it has a list of all areas in switzerland so applies to all as i have only been here 3 weeks its good to find things like this

http://radio.javaranch.com/balajidl/...596271863.html

have a fab weekend!

Although this is just over the border from Basel in Lorrach, I can strongly recommend Oki Doki... my 6 year old son adores it there! You can reach it easily from the end of the number 6 tram route in Riehen.

www.okidoki-loerrach.de