Best Summer Activities in Switzerland for Families 2026
Swiss summers are glorious — long days, warm lakes, and mountains carpeted in wildflowers. Here are the best family activities for summer 2026, organized by type.
Lake Adventures
Swimming in Lake Brienz — The turquoise glacial water is refreshing (18-22°C in summer) with free beach access at Brienzersee. The Bönigen beach has a shallow area perfect for young kids.
Paddle boarding on Lake Thun — Rent SUP boards from CHF 25/hour at multiple lakeside stations. The calm waters are ideal for beginners and families.
Boat cruises on Lake Lucerne — Historic paddle steamers cross the lake with stunning mountain scenery. CHF 30-70 depending on route. Free with Swiss Travel Pass.
Lake Caumasee, Flims — An emerald-green forest lake with a natural swimming area. Entry CHF 9 adults, CHF 5 kids. Water reaches a swimmable 24°C in July and August.
Mountain Fun
First Flyer & Mountain Cart, Grindelwald — Zipline at 84km/h (CHF 31) or ride a mountain cart (trottibike) downhill (CHF 19). Kids 10+ can ride the Flyer; younger kids love the cart.
Trotti Bike Rides, various locations — Scooter-style bikes you ride downhill on mountain paths. Available at Grindelwald First, Pilatus, and several other resorts. From CHF 15-25 per ride.
Rope parks and via ferrata — Seilpark Interlaken (from CHF 37), Ropetech Engelberg (from CHF 29), and many more. Most have courses for kids as young as 4.
Alpine coasters — Ride the Fräkigaudi at Niederhorn (CHF 9/ride), the Rodelbahn at Pilatus (CHF 10/ride), or the Glacier Ride Coaster at Glacier 3000. Thrilling and safe for kids.
Animal Encounters
Zurich Zoo — One of Europe's best, with the massive Masoala Rainforest hall. CHF 29 adults, CHF 17 kids. Plan at least half a day.
Papiliorama, Kerzers — A tropical butterfly dome and Nocturama with nocturnal animals. CHF 20 adults, CHF 10 kids. Great for younger children.
Natur- & Tierpark Goldau — An open wildlife park where deer and goats roam freely and kids can pet them. CHF 22 adults, CHF 10 kids.
Ballenberg Open-Air Museum — Over 100 original Swiss buildings relocated to a beautiful outdoor setting. Watch traditional crafts, pet farm animals, and explore 66 hectares. CHF 32 adults, free for kids under 6.
Adventure Parks & Theme Parks
Swiss Vapeur Parc, Le Bouveret — A charming miniature steam train park on Lake Geneva. Kids ride real mini trains through a scaled-down Swiss landscape. CHF 21 adults, CHF 15 kids.
Aquaparc, Le Bouveret — Indoor-outdoor water park with slides, wave pool, and lazy river. CHF 45 adults, CHF 35 kids. Open year-round.
Conny-Land, Lipperswil — Switzerland's largest theme park with roller coasters, water rides, and dolphin shows. CHF 49 per person. Best for kids 4-12.
Free Summer Activities
- River swimming in Bern — Float down the Aare River through the capital, completely free
- Hiking everywhere — All 65,000km of trails are free to use
- Lake swimming — Most lake beaches are free (some Badis charge CHF 5-8)
- Playground hopping — Swiss playgrounds are world-class, especially in Zurich and Bern
- Wildflower walks — Alpine meadows are carpeted in wildflowers from June to August
Sample Family Day Budgets
Budget day (CHF 50-80 for a family of 4): Lake swimming (free) + picnic lunch (CHF 20) + playground + ice cream (CHF 20) + local transport (CHF 30)
Mid-range day (CHF 150-200): Mountain coaster (CHF 40) + mountain restaurant lunch (CHF 60) + gondola ride (CHF 60) + ice cream (CHF 20)
Splurge day (CHF 300+): Jungfraujoch tickets (CHF 200) + mountain restaurant (CHF 80) + souvenirs (CHF 50)
Pro tip: The SBB Family Card (free with any adult pass purchase) lets all children under 16 travel free on trains when accompanied by a parent. This single card can save a family hundreds of francs per trip.