Hello everyone, after a few months struggling to settle in Switzerland (arrived last November) I am starting to feel I am actually living in this country. This forum seems like a great way to start socializing and introduced to the country, can't wait to meet some of you.

This weekend I have all saturday off with my daughters (3 yro and 1 1/2) , as my wife needs some "me" time. But I have no idea where to take them. I'm leaving in Winterthur ZH, so please keep in mind managing 2 small kids in a long train ride is not for the faint of heart.

All ideas are welcome!


Cheers


Alex

Hi - will you be travelling from Lausanne with the girls? By car?

If from Lausanne, go over to Vallorbe and visit the famous caves, then over to Juraparc (www.juraparc.ch) to see the bears, wolves and other animals (not a zoo- they are in very large natural enclosures. There is a restaurant there too.

I would take them to Signal de Bougy. Huge outdoor playground, animals, indoor play area, decent Migros cafeteria, plenty of space to walk around or have a picnic or whatever you feel like doing. And it's free (aside from some fancy stuff like bumper boats (but that's for older kids).

Signal de Bougy

It's just a few minutes up the mountain from Rolle, so quite close to you.

Edit- Sorry I saw your location as Lausanne, I guess you are in Wintertur and travelling by train. Probably scratch the above suggestion (though there's always Mobility!)

OP says Winterthur in his post but the location in the profile is Lausanne.

Sorry about that, I've corrected it. I lived in Lausanne for a few months before finding a job, it is part of my comment about feeling finally "living in Switzerland". Also the newbie status really shows huh?

Thanks for all the replies, I missed those: only went to Ouchy with them a few times and Parc Milan while living in Lausanne.

So I am in Winterthur, Zurich now!


Again thanks!

Zürich Zoo is always a good option. Also http://www.kindercity.ch/.

Take them to Rapperswil -

Spend the morning in the Kinderzoo and then go to the Rappi brewery for lunch

Thanks! The zoo is the more obvious option I guess but kindercity looks great!

I would love something a little bit more outdoors though (we are not going to have this weather forever!), we were in Bern a while ago and they loved being close to the river, throws rocks at the water, pretend they were fishing, stuff like that. Now tthat the weather actually allows for some splashing or at least getting their feet wet I would love to find some spot where we could do that.

I still cannot hand out those fancy thank you notes, but THANKS to all!

Alex

How about the Wildpark Bruderhaus in Winterthur? Animals, playground, self-serve/cafeteria-style restaurant or indoor restaurant and picnic options.
Take Citybus #12 from the Hauptbahnhof.

http://www.forstbetrieb.winterthur.c...uppe=3&Seite=0

Thanks, that looks pretty nice!

Also the Rapperswil idea sounds great (both zoo and brewery! )

I just wanna be around when you explain to their mum that you took the girls to a brewery for lunch *L*

"No, you are not understanding... they were the designated drivers you see"

Yes I agree. My 2.5 year old daughter loves to feed the goats in Knie's zoo. It is a small establishment where children get to feed, touch and even ride (ponies, camels, elefants) animals. The sea lion show is also a great way to spend half an hour. Food is also decent, with sausage/schnitzel/chicken nuggets on the menu.

Rapperswil city center is also very decent to walk around

That's pretty young. Do they need anything more than a playground?

When I lived in Winterthur I loved the parks in the city. (Most on here never leave Zurich... so they don't know how nice the town actually is)

If the weather is nice I don't think you need to go anywhere by train, simply make a nice walk through the Stadtgarten.

Winterthus even has a museum for kids, but 3 is a bit young for any of that.

I completely agree, the parks in Winterthur are amazing, I love it here. But it is me personally who also needs to change of air a little bit.

They are quite young true, it is going to be great watching them grow here.


Thanks again!

I'd like to second the Bruderhaus nomination Have been there several times with my daughter (now 4.5) and also twice already with my son (now 13 mos). Even though so young, he really loved the animals.

It's a nice forest setting, there aren't too many animals to trek around to, there are a couple spots where you can grill, but also a self-serve or serviced restaurant and some little "houses" in the forest - which my daughter found much more interesting than the bigger playground at the entrance.

But whatever you do, I'm sure they'll be thrilled to have you all to themselves for the day!!

If it's hot, I wouldn't drag them too far, a year old baby will be happy just pulling some grass somewhere, having a paddle pool for herself...Are there some nice pools nearby? A half day at the pool side, then an icecream for the bigger one, some baby biscuits for the older one, or, a picknick with other dads and babes, if you have time to organize?

http://www.wildnispark.ch/
Or try this place. Maybe a little too far from Winterthur but is free and both yourself and the kids will love it. I have been there twice recently and enjoyed it more than Zurich Zoo. There are a number of baby animals this time of year so a great time to visit.
Have a good Saturday whatever you decide to do.

http://www.alpamare.ch/

http://www.connyland.ch/