Family outings in Zurich
Zurich is a clean, calm city that is very easy with kids. The lake offers swimming in summer and boat rides, trams and trains run on time, and the nearby hills bring fresh air a few minutes from the centre. The zoo, with its covered rainforest, is one of the best rainy-day outings in the country. Prices are high: favour parks, the lake and museums with children's activities, and use public transport to connect everything. The city is also a good base for day trips, such as the Rhine Falls or the villages around the lake, all reachable by train and easy to combine with a few days in town.
Must-do activities
Zurich Zoo
A large covered rainforest, the Masoala, with lemurs and free-flying birds, plus enclosures for elephants and penguins. Allow half a day.
Swiss National Museum
History galleries with interactive routes and spaces for kids, in a castle-shaped building. A good rainy-day pick.
Uetliberg
A train takes you up the mountain overlooking Zurich, with a viewpoint and trails for an easy family walk.
Lakefront and Zürichhorn
A lakeside promenade, parks, water play and picnic areas; in summer you can swim in the designated areas. Free to walk.
Lake Zurich cruise
A boat trip of about an hour, calm and stroller-friendly; little ones love going up on deck.
Zurich Botanical Garden
A garden with greenhouses and lawns to run on, ideal for a green break near the centre. Free.
Free parks and playgrounds near Zurich
- 🌳 Vorplatz Globusprovisorium
- 📚 Bibliothek des Schweizerischen Nationalmuseums
- 🛝 Urania
- 🌲 Biodiversitätsfläche Weineggstrasse
- 💦 Freibad Oberdorf
- 🌳 Pestalozzianlage
- 📚 Pestalozzi-Bibliothek Altstadt
- 🛝 Platzspitz
- 🌲 Naturschutzgebiet Binz
- 💦 Hallen- und Freibad Tal
- 🌳 Weinbergpark
- 📚 Jesuitenbibliothek
Making the most of Zurich as a family
Whether you live in Zurich or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of family outings: parks, playgrounds, libraries, museums and seasonal events are often free or low cost. FamiSwipe gathers these ideas in one place so you can stop searching.
To choose well, think about your children's ages, the weather and the travel time. A park with a splash pad suits hot days, while a library or community centre saves rainy or freezing ones. Pack a snack, water and a change of clothes.
Tip: swipe through the suggestions in the app, keep your favourites and share the shortlist with the other parent. Free activities are perfect for trying something new without pressure, and short trips close to home spare everyone a long car ride.
Bookable activities in Zurich
Tours, attractions and tickets in and around Zurich, often with free cancellation.
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Family outings not to miss
→ Discover activities in Zurich on FamiSwipe
FAQ
What can kids do in Zurich when it rains?
The zoo's covered rainforest and the Swiss National Museum are the best options. The botanical garden's greenhouses also offer shelter.
What are the free family activities in Zurich?
The lakefront, the botanical garden, neighbourhood parks and a walk through the old town. FamiSwipe shows parks and playgrounds around you with the real distance.
Is Zurich expensive for families?
Yes, restaurants and paid activities cost more than elsewhere in Europe. Lakeside picnics and outdoor activities help keep spending down.
Can kids swim in Lake Zurich?
Yes, from June in the public lake baths and designated beaches, with supervision in season. The water stays cool in early summer, so check local guidance.