3 Days in Zurich in Winter: A Memorable Family Getaway with Kids
Cold weather? No problem! Zurich is a great destination for a family getaway, even in winter. Whether you're escaping the Christmas rush, kicking off the new year with a little adventure or squeezing in one last winter break before spring, there's plenty to keep everyone busy. From citywide treasure hunts and sledding to ice skating and fascinating museums, Zurich has something for every age. Add family-friendly restaurants and great places to stay, and you've got all the ingredients for a memorable trip. Here's how to make the most of three days in Zurich with kids.
Day 1: Arrive and Explore the City
Once you’ve arrived, drop your bags at the hotel and head out to explore Zurich. A walk in the fresh air is a great way to get your bearings – and a treasure hunt makes it even more fun for kids. Wrap up warm and follow the free Confiserie Bachmann Detective Trail from Zurich’s main train station through the Old Town, past famous landmarks and on to Stadelhofen station. Along the way, young detectives search for animals and numbers, solve puzzles at 36 stops and discover fascinating bits of Zurich’s history. There’s a small reward at the end. You can start whenever you like, and the trail usually takes no more than two hours.
After an afternoon of exploring, it’s time for dinner at one of Zurich’s family-friendly restaurants. At Santa Lucia at Paradeplatz, pizza and pasta are on the menu. If everyone feels like something different, head to the food hall at Bridge, where a variety of food stalls offers plenty of choices to suit everyone’s tastes.
When visiting Zurich in winter, check the weather forecast before you go and plan your activities accordingly. It’s also worth checking opening hours and seasonal availability. With kids, a flexible itinerary, plenty of breaks and short distances between stops will make the trip much more enjoyable.
Day 2: Zurich Winter Activities for the Whole Family
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, it’s time for a day of winter adventures. If the weather is good, there’s plenty to do outdoors in and around Zurich. Ice skating is a great place to start. For less than CHF 10 per person, you can take a spin around the Dolder Ice Rink, one of Zurich’s most beautiful outdoor rinks, or head to the Oerlikon Ice Rink. If there’s enough snow, grab a sled and head up Uetliberg, Zurich’s local mountain. The three-kilometer sledding run starts with a gentle stretch before dropping steeply toward Triemli. For younger kids or anyone who prefers a slower ride, the sledding hill near Ringlikon station is a better choice.
After a few hours out in the cold, it’s time to warm up and grab something to eat. At Bergstube Uetliberg or Gasthaus Albisgütli, the whole family can settle in for a meal. And once everyone’s finished eating, the kids can draw, solve puzzles or head to the play area while the adults linger a little longer.
Plan B for Rainy Days: Museums for the Whole Family: If the weather takes a turn, there’s still plenty to explore indoors. Chocolate lovers can discover how their favorite treat is made at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, while soccer fans can immerse themselves in the world of the beautiful game at the FIFA Museum. And for kids fascinated by space, the Urania Observatory offers a chance to get a closer look at distant planets and stars.
Day 3: One Last Family Adventure
It’s already day three, but there’s still time for one more adventure before heading home or moving on. Today, take things a little slower and head to the WOW Museum, where nothing is quite what it seems. Floors appear to shift beneath your feet, perspectives change and your eyes play tricks on you at every turn. Spread across three floors and 400 square meters, this world of optical illusions has plenty to keep the whole family guessing. Admission costs less than CHF 25 per adult and CHF 16 per child.
Before heading home, stop by Kafi für Dich for a bite to eat. The dishes are mildly seasoned, and kids can order smaller portions at lower prices. Once everyone’s finished eating, the adults can enjoy another coffee while the kids explore the toy box, hop on the rocking horse or get creative at the chalkboard.
Money-saving tip: Traveling around Zurich with kids doesn’t have to break the bank. The Zurich Card includes unlimited public transportation, free admission to many museums and discounts at shops and restaurants. It’s worth considering for a family city break.
Where to Stay in Zurich with Kids in Winter
There’s more to Zurich than luxury hotels and business apartments. Family-friendly options like Hotel St. Peter and Zurich Youth Hostel make traveling with kids easier and offer great bases for exploring the city.
A detective trail or mystery trail turns a walk through Zurich into a fun puzzle-solving adventure for the whole family. In the evening, head to Bridge in the heart of the city for dinner.
If the weather is good, hit the ice at the Dolder Ice Rink or grab a sled and head up Uetliberg for some sledding.
If it’s raining, the Lindt Home of Chocolate is a sweet alternative for chocolate lovers of all ages. Tickets are in high demand, so be sure to book well in advance.
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