Read our 10 best activities for a family holiday in Switzerland

Switzerland in summer is all about one thing – the great outdoors! The amazing alpine scenery was made to be explored, and what better thing to do with your little ones than to get them active in nature. If you’d like to visit Switzerland in the warmer months, but you’re not sure what there is to do as a family, read below are top things to do with our kids when we visit the alps in summertime.

1. Go on a hike

We love to walk in the mountains, and so we  need the kids to enjoy walking in the mountains too! I hope that by encouraging the kids with hiking, they grow up to appreciate outdoor activites like we do. It’s such a great way to keep you healthy and happy and to enjoy the stunning scenery.

We try to make it fun by incorporating races, scavenger hunts, and games. We tell stories and give out sweets for motivation to keep walking. We let the kids have plenty of breaks for play and always take a ton of snacks.

Read more about our favourite kid friendly hikes that are short, sweet, and have the wow factor in terms of those mountain views that we all go to Switzerland for.

2. Swim in the lake

OK, so I’m going to put it out there… swimming in the lake is better than going to the ocean (don’t come for me!) The water is calm, clear, there are less scary creatures and the water is soft and fresh- no salt, yay!

The lakes of Switzerland are amazing for swimming. On a hot day in the mountains there is nothing better than spending the day by the lake. As we normally base ourselves around the Interlaken area, there are loads of swimming spots around Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and  Oschininsee is another classic  swimming lake that we often visit on our trips to Switzerland. There are also several very popular swimming spots in Ticino that look incredible. Packing a picnic and spending a day by the water is a simple yet perfect way to spend a day in Switzerland.

3. Kayaking

Another way to enjoy the incredible lakes that is super fun, is to go kayaking or paddle boarding. Bring your own equipment, or like us,  you could rent some stuff from a local shop and have a day playing in the lake. We had so much fun renting kayaks on Lake Brienz: the views are amazing, making it a perfect way to enjoy some peace on the water.

Renting a kayak or SUP gives you freedom to explore, we hadn’t done it before, but it was easy, and the kids loved it. We got a two-seater so James could paddle with our youngest. Check out Hightide Kayak School in Interlaken for rentals and prices.

4. Take a ride on a mountain train

If your kids are anything like mine, they love a train ride, and there are plenty of options for the most scenic train ride of your life here in Switzerland!

Some great train rides we have done are Wilderswill to Schynige Platte,  Gornergratt in Zermatt, and the Mount Pilatus train.  We have yet to experience the famous Kleine Scheidegg/ Jungfraujoch (as they call it, the ” top of europe”) as it is so expensive, but it is on our Swiss bucket list for sure.

5. A gondola ride

There are no shortage of amazing, scenic gondola’s to ride in Switzerland. Just chose a nearby town or village and chances are there will be several.gondola stations waiting to carry you to beautiful mountain viewpoints and alpine restaurants in the clouds!

The boys always think this is a fun experience (as do we), and our favourites include the Shilthorn Gondola, the cable to Wengen in Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald First, but really, take your pick out of any of them and you’re pretty much guaranteed amazing views and a brilliant day out.

6. Hire a bike

We love to go on a bike ride on our holiday, and we always rent our bikes in Lauterbrunnen at Imoden bikes and have always had a great experience.  We ride our bikes down the valley, stopping at the various waterfalls and scenic beauty spots (including Trummelbach Falls). We take a picnic, and take our time exploring the valley on our bikes.  It takes about 30 minutes one way (without stops) to reach Stechelberg from Lauterbruunen. Once past Stechelberg, you can attempt the numerous mountain bike paths (alot of them are paved aswell). We never have been that adventurous with the kids as we weren’t sure they ( or we!) had the stamina, so tend to stick to the valley. But there are lots of bike trails in this area to explore if you want to!

7. Go to the playground

I am throughly impressed with the standard of Swiss playgrounds; truly, I think they have the best play areas of anywhere we’ve been in the world! They certainly win the award for most scenic of playgrounds.

Kids and parents seem really well catered for – there seems to be a large, well equipped play area with cafe everywhere we want to visit in Switzerland, which makes it a lot more appealing for the kids and in turn, makes life alot easier for us! Going to the playground takes on a whole new meaning when you go to Switzerland and becomes a day out in itself. Read our post with details of the great playgrounds we have discovered on our trips to Switzerland.

8. Cliff Walks

For a thrill that is still safe and easy for the kids, you could try a cliff walk – a walkway attached to the side of a cliff that has enclosed sides and railings, viewing platforms and views! The Grindelwald First Cliff walk is spectacular, as is the one at Birg, which includes a glass bottom section. The walks are free ( although you have to pay for the gondola to get up to them in the mountains).

9. Visit Lucerne

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne is a picturesque gem perfect for family adventures. With its stunning lake, charming old town, and the iconic Chapel Bridge, there’s a magical feel around every corner. Kids will love the Swiss Transport Museum, while parents can enjoy leisurely strolls along the lakeside promenades. Whether you’re cruising on Lake Lucerne or exploring nearby Mount Pilatus, this beautiful city offers a mix of relaxation and excitement that’s perfect for all ages.

10. Furka Ice cave

The Furka Ice Cave in Switzerland is a must-see for families seeking a unique adventure. Nestled within the Rhone Glacier, this enchanting ice cave offers a cool, blue-hued wonderland that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Kids will be fascinated by the shimmering ice walls and tunnels, while parents can marvel at the natural beauty. It’s an easy and exciting day trip that combines a bit of hiking with the awe-inspiring experience of walking inside a glacier—an unforgettable memory for everyone!