6 Family-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés in Zurich

The biggest draw for kids at Geerlisburg isn’t on the menu. It’s a 200 m² indoor playground with climbing structures, slides and a ball pit. Kids can climb, slide and play to their hearts’ content before and after eating (CHF 5 per child), while parents enjoy the views from the garden terrace. On weekends from October through March, families can pile their plates high at the generous brunch buffet, with plenty of sweet and savory options.

Coffee for the parents, chalk for the kids. At Kafi für Dich in Zurich’s District 4, little artists get busy drawing on a giant chalkboard, while others hop on the rocking horse or rummage through the toy box. When it’s time to eat, the whole family gathers around the table for a light meal or homemade cake. Kids get their own dishes at reduced prices, and Sundays are for brunch. Afterwards, it’s just a short walk across the street to the playground at Bäckeranlage park.

Have you ever tried arepas, plantain chips or empanadas? At Zurich’s Europaallee, even the youngest diners can discover the flavors of Latin America, with smaller portions available from a dedicated kids’ menu. Between courses, kids can head to the playroom to practice their balance, play foosball, take care of dolls or get creative with crayons and coloring supplies. Weekends bring brunch, and on the first and last Sunday of every month, the restaurant hosts a free afternoon kids’ disco with Latin American beats.

Pizza Margherita or Pasta Carbonara? At Santa Lucia on Zurich’s Paradeplatz, kids aged 12 years and under get their own menu, featuring classic Italian favorites for CHF 10. While pizzas bake in the wood-fired oven and the pasta cooks, kids can head to the play corner or grab a coloring kit. And if it’s their birthday, they can swap their seats for a spot in the kitchen and make their own pizza like a real pizzaiolo.

A culinary trip around the world without leaving Zurich? At Bridge on Europaallee, near the main train station, families can sample everything from dumplings and pasta to dishes from around the globe. Everyone picks their favorites from the different food stalls before sitting down to eat together. Afterwards, the kids head upstairs to a cozy play corner with stuffed animals, toy boxes and a reading sofa, while parents enjoy another coffee with the little ones still in sight.

Lunch, a little playtime or a run around the playground: At Café Schütze in Zurich-West, families can turn a meal out into a neighborhood outing. Locals of all ages gather here for lunch, coffee and cake, while kids explore the play corner. On selected days, the community center also hosts family activities, from storytelling at the Märli-Café and creative workshops to playgroups where little ones can make their first friends.