Switzerland isn’t just a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers; it’s also a haven for families with young children. During our 14-day Swiss adventure, we discovered that the country is home to some of the most picturesque and well-designed playgrounds and play areas, offering endless fun and exploration for kids of all ages. From enchanting alpine playgrounds with stunning mountain views to lakeside beaches perfect for a summer day, each play area provided a unique blend of Swiss charm and child-friendly entertainment. Below is a list of the playgrounds and play areas we visited, each adding a special touch to our family travel experience.
Berner Oberland Region (Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Gimmelwal, Interlaken)
Alpine Herdsman’s Playground
Alpine Herdsman’s Playground in Männlichen is a captivating destination that offers families an immersive experience amidst the Swiss Alps. Perched at 2,343 meters, the playground provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Designed to reflect the traditional Alpine lifestyle, it features wooden huts, life-sized cow models, and interactive games that educate children about herdsman life and cheese making. The well-maintained facilities include clean restrooms and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable visit. Accessible via the Männlichen cable car, this playground is stroller-friendly and offers a range of activities year-round, from vibrant summer meadows to winter sledding. The combination of educational play, stunning scenery, and family-friendly amenities makes the Alpine Herdsman’s Playground a standout attraction in the Swiss Alps.
Why did we love this? The playground is huge and offered hours of fun for the kids. The restaurant next door allowed the adults and kids to get drinks and stacks. Nearby hikes offer plenty to do for people of any age.
Allmendhubel “Flower Park” Playground
3825 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Allmendhubel “Flower Park” Playground in Mürren is a delightful family destination that combines imaginative play with the stunning beauty of the Swiss Alps. Located at 1,907 meters, the playground offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The park is surrounded by vibrant wildflower meadows, creating a colorful and fragrant environment. The playground features creative and well-crafted play structures inspired by local flora and fauna, including flower-shaped towers, petal-like slides, and tunnels resembling plant roots. Educational elements teach children about the alpine ecosystem, enhancing their play with learning. Family-friendly amenities, such as picnic areas, clean restrooms, and a nearby restaurant, ensure a comfortable visit. Accessible via a scenic funicular ride from Mürren, Allmendhubel “Flower Park” Playground is a magical place where children can explore, learn, and play amidst the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Why did we love this? The playground offered tons of fun for the kids. The restaurant adjacent to the playground allowed the adults to relax and have drinks while the kids burned off energy. The views are breathtaking.
Spielplatz Gimmelwald
3826 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Spielplatz Gimmelwald, nestled in the charming village of Gimmelwald, is a serene and picturesque playground that offers families a peaceful retreat amidst the Swiss Alps. The playground is set against a backdrop of lush green meadows and towering mountain peaks, providing a breathtaking setting for children to play. It features rustic wooden play structures, including swings, slides, and climbing frames, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The tranquil atmosphere and lack of crowds allow children to play freely while parents relax and enjoy the stunning views. Easily accessible via the Schilthorn cable car or a scenic hike, Spielplatz Gimmelwald is a perfect stop for families exploring the area. The friendly local community adds to the welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful and enjoyable family outing.
Strandbad Brienz
Strandbad Brienz, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Brienz, is a fantastic destination for relaxation and recreation. Surrounded by the stunning Swiss Alps, the beach offers breathtaking views of turquoise waters and majestic mountains. The well-maintained facilities include grassy lawns for sunbathing, shaded areas, and a clean beach area perfect for swimming. Families will appreciate the designated shallow areas for children, as well as playgrounds and sports facilities like volleyball courts and table tennis tables. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. With amenities including clean restrooms, changing rooms, and a snack bar, Strandbad Brienz ensures a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Its combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly facilities make it an ideal spot for a day out by the lake.
Why did we love this? Strandbad Brienz was a nice of change of pace from our itinerary. Lake Brienz, while a little bit on the cold side, was beautiful with crystal clear blue water. The kids didn’t seem to mind the cold water one bit. The beach club also has a swimming pool if the lake is too chilly for you. The onsite restaurant had great food and drinks.
Spielplatz Staubbachfall
Mösli 410D, 3822 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Spielplatz Staubbachfall, located near the iconic Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen, is a charming playground that combines natural beauty with fun activities for children. Nestled in the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley, it offers breathtaking views of one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls. The playground features well-crafted wooden play structures, including swings, slides, climbing frames, and a sandbox, all designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. It is well-maintained, clean, and safe, providing a spacious environment for kids to explore freely. Informational signs add an educational aspect, offering insights into the local flora, fauna, and geology. Conveniently located near the center of Lauterbrunnen, it’s easily accessible and a perfect stop during a day of exploring the valley. Despite its popularity, the playground maintains a peaceful ambiance with the soothing sound of the waterfall in the background, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
Bern
Wasserspiel Bundesplatz
Bundesplatz, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
Wasserspiel Bundesplatz, located in Bern’s historic Bundesplatz (Federal Square), is a captivating water feature that provides a unique and refreshing experience for visitors of all ages. While not technically a “playground”, it’s a ton of fun for kids so it made the “Playground” list. Situated in front of the Swiss Parliament building, the water display consists of 26 water jets that rhythmically shoot up from the ground, representing the 26 cantons of Switzerland. This playful and interactive fountain is especially popular with children, who enjoy running through the jets and cooling off on warm days. The square itself is spacious and well-maintained, offering plenty of room for relaxation and people-watching. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a great spot to take a break while exploring Bern’s charming old town. The combination of historical significance, modern design, and playful water elements make Wasserspiel Bundesplatz a delightful attraction that brings joy and a sense of community to both locals and tourists.
Bärengraben/Bärenpark
Grosser Muristalden 4, 3006 Bern, Switzerland
Bärenpark, located in Bern, is a beloved attraction that offers visitors a chance to observe bears in a spacious and naturalistic environment. Situated near the historic old town, the park provides a picturesque setting along the banks of the Aare River. The bear park is home to several brown bears, which can be seen roaming, climbing, and playing in their large, well-maintained enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. Educational displays around the park offer insights into the lives and conservation of bears, enhancing the visitor experience. With its central location, Bärenpark is easily accessible and provides a serene and enjoyable outing for families, tourists, and locals alike. The combination of wildlife observation, educational value, and scenic beauty makes Bärenpark a standout destination in Bern.
Gurten Park im Grünen
3084, Gurtenweg, 3084 Wabern bei Bern, Switzerland
Gurten Park im Grünen, located on Bern’s local mountain, Gurten, is a popular destination that offers a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and breathtaking views. Easily accessible via a funicular ride, the park provides expansive green spaces ideal for picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor activities. Families and children will particularly enjoy the well-equipped playground, miniature railway, and toboggan run. The park’s scenic trails cater to hikers and cyclists, offering panoramic vistas of Bern, the surrounding countryside, and the distant Alps. Additionally, Gurten Park features a restaurant and a viewing tower, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Its combination of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and accessibility make Gurten Park im Grünen a cherished spot for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and adventure.
Why did we love this? Gurten Park had a little bit of everything. A toboggan run, railway, a car track, playground, great views, and an excellent restaurant.
Spielplatz Rosengarten
Alter Aargauerstalden 31B, 3006 Bern, Switzerland
Spielplatz Rosengarten, located within Bern’s beautiful Rosengarten (Rose Garden), is a delightful playground that combines picturesque surroundings with engaging play structures for children. Situated atop a hill, the playground offers stunning panoramic views of Bern’s old town and the Aare River. The playground features a variety of well-maintained equipment, including swings, slides, climbing frames, and sandboxes, ensuring children of all ages find something to enjoy. The Rosengarten itself is a serene and enchanting space, home to over 200 varieties of roses, as well as peaceful walking paths and plenty of seating areas for relaxation. Easily accessible and well-loved by both locals and visitors, Spielplatz Rosengarten is an ideal spot for families to enjoy a fun and relaxing day out amidst the beauty of one of Bern’s most charming gardens.
Why did we love this? Great views of historic Bern. A medium-sized playground with a restaurant next door for the adults to get snacks and drinks while still keeping the kids in sight.
Spielplatz Längmuur, Langmauerweg 20A, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
Lucerne
Swiss Museum of Transport
Haldenstrasse 44, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland
The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne is an engaging and educational attraction that offers a comprehensive exploration of Switzerland’s transportation history. The museum features a vast collection of exhibits, including vintage cars, airplanes, trains, and ships, showcasing the evolution of transportation over the years. Interactive displays and simulators provide hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to pilot a plane, drive a train, or navigate a ship. The museum also houses the Swiss Chocolate Adventure, where visitors can learn about the history of Swiss chocolate and enjoy tastings. A planetarium offers fascinating shows about astronomy and space exploration. With its well-maintained facilities, including a café, gift shop, and picnic areas, the Swiss Museum of Transport ensures a comfortable and enjoyable visit for families and individuals alike. Its rich variety of exhibits and activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in transportation and Swiss history.
Why did we love this? While not technically a playground, there’s plenty of things for the kids to play on and keep their attention. There’s even a large slide in the Aviation section. The museum exhibits kept both the kids and adults equally amused.
Fräkmüntegg
Fräkmüntegg, located on the majestic Mount Pilatus near Lucerne, is an exhilarating adventure destination that offers a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. Set amidst stunning alpine scenery, the area features a variety of high ropes courses with different difficulty levels, catering to beginners and experienced climbers alike. The well-designed courses include rope bridges, zip lines, and swinging obstacles, providing a fun and challenging way to explore the great outdoors. Safety is a top priority, with comprehensive briefings and high-quality equipment ensuring a secure experience.
In addition to the high ropes courses, Fräkmüntegg boasts an exciting mountain coaster. This thrilling ride takes visitors on a winding journey down the mountainside, offering spectacular views and an adrenaline rush. The coaster’s twists and turns add an extra layer of excitement to the adventure park experience.
Accessible via the Pilatus cable car, Fräkmüntegg combines adrenaline-pumping activities with the beauty of the Swiss Alps, making it an ideal destination for families, groups, and adventure enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience. The breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Lucerne make every visit even more memorable.
Why did we love this? The toboggan run, duh! This is the largest mountain coaster in Switzerland. It’s very fun and the kids enjoyed it. At the top of the toboggan run, there is a small cafe offering snacks and drinks as well as a large area with picnic tables.
Spielplatz PILU-Land Krienseregg
Krienseregg, 6010 Kriens, Switzerland
Spielplatz PILU-Land Krienseregg, located on the scenic Mount Pilatus near Lucerne, is a delightful adventure playground that offers an exciting and enjoyable experience for children and families. Nestled amidst beautiful alpine surroundings, PILU-Land features a variety of imaginative and well-designed play structures that cater to children of all ages. The playground includes climbing frames, slides, swings, and a large sandpit, providing endless fun and opportunities for active play. The playground’s theme is inspired by PILU, the friendly dragon mascot of Mount Pilatus, adding an extra layer of enchantment and adventure to the experience.
Accessible via the Pilatus cable car, Spielplatz PILU-Land Krienseregg combines playful activities with the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a memorable day out. The area also offers picnic spots and seating areas where parents can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. With its enchanting atmosphere and diverse play options, PILU-Land Krienseregg is a perfect spot for family fun and outdoor adventure.
Lake Geneva
Maison Cailler
Rue Jules Bellet 7, 1636 Broc, Switzerland
The playground at Maison Cailler, located in the picturesque village of Broc, is a delightful destination for families visiting the famous Swiss chocolate factory. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Swiss countryside, this charming playground offers a variety of imaginative and well-designed play structures that cater to children of all ages. The playground features climbing frames, slides, swings, and a sandpit, providing endless fun and opportunities for active play. The playground’s design is inspired by the enchanting world of chocolate, adding an extra layer of excitement and adventure to the experience.
Zurich
Bauschänzli
Stadthausquai 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
The play area at Bauschänzli, situated on a scenic island in the Limmat River in Zurich, is a delightful spot for families looking to relax, get some food, and let the kids burn off some energy. While not technically a playground, the open-air beer garden has play structures among the tables for the kids to play on while the adults relax.
Seestrasse Spielplatz
Seestrasse 185, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland
Spielplatz Bendlikon
Dorfstrasse, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland
Lindenhof Park
Situated in the historic Lindenhof park, this small and basic playground offers a variety of play structures that cater to children of all ages. The playground features climbing frames, slides, swings, and a sandbox, providing endless fun and opportunities for active play.
