12 Action-Packed Outings for Active Kids in Zurich

Another lap? Of course. At the Bike Park near Sihlcity, little ones roll over gentle waves on their own balance-bike track, while older kids pick up speed on the pump track, jump track or urban BMX course. Hills, bends and small craters make every lap a chance to sharpen their skills.

Calling all high-energy kids! At Flip Lab in Rümlang, feet rarely stay on the ground for long. A hall full of trampolines invites kids to jump, bounce and perhaps even try their first somersault. When they fancy a change, there are slacklines to balance on and dodgeball games to join.

Keep moving, keep looking up: around Zurich Airport, smooth, wide paths lead through the Glatt Valley, mostly away from traffic. Pick a stretch that suits your family, then set off by bike, scooter or inline skates. When it’s time for a break, the viewing points around the airport are made for watching planes come and go.

Surfing in the middle of Zurich? In Zurich West, a day in the city turns into a little wave-riding adventure. Right beside Hardbrücke station, even first-timers can hop on a board and try to find their balance on the steady wave, while everyone else cheers from the poolside.

Fancy a dose of fresh air and a little height? In Kloten, 15 treetop courses with more than 200 obstacles weave through the forest canopy. Children as young as four can tackle their own course, while older kids take on rope bridges, nets and long zip lines. With five difficulty levels, everyone can find a suitable challenge.

Airtime beats screen time at Zurich’s Freestylehalle in Werdhölzli. Whatever the weather, kids can ride skateboards, BMX bikes and stunt scooters through ramps and obstacles. It is a great place to try a first jump, drop into the halfpipe or practise a new trick. Under-tens have dedicated sessions on Wednesdays and Sundays.

A city tour for budding detectives: on a Foxtrail, Zurich becomes one big treasure hunt. Starting at the main station, families follow secret messages, crack codes and hunt for clues left behind by the fox. Depending on the route, the trail winds through the Old Town, along the rivers or up to viewpoints.

Ready for the next mission? In Dübendorf, families with children aged nine years and up can choose from 20 different challenges. One mission might test strength and stamina, the next a steady hand or quick thinking. Two hours fly by as everyone climbs, solves puzzles and works out which skills will get the team through.

Climbing without ropes, but with plenty of brainpower: at two bouldering gyms in Zurich, families work their way up between colorful holds and thick crash mats. Sometimes it’s all about strength; other times, a well-placed foot or a clever move makes the difference. Children can join classes from age 3.5, while 10-year-olds climb independently with a junior bouldering certificate.

Rainy day? There’s still plenty of running, climbing and jumping to be done near Schiffbau in Zurich West. Children up to age 12 can explore the obstacle and ninja courses for free with an accompanying adult, play street soccer or tackle digital routes on the interactive climbing wall. At “Lü”, the hall transforms into a changing lineup of interactive games.

Puzzles and fresh air go hand in hand on Uetliberg. On the ComicTrail, families help Uta and Ueli find the right way. Starting at Uetliberg station, the roughly 4 km trail passes playgrounds and picnic spots, with plenty of clues to follow along the way. Solve the challenges and the final secret code is yours.

Buckle up and take the controls: at Fly & Race Simulations in Zurich’s main station, children from 1.50 m tall can pilot a race car, a Boeing, a fighter jet or even a spaceship. The simulators feel remarkably real, from the cockpit controls to the view beyond the windscreen. Experienced airline pilots are on hand to guide budding aviators through their flight missions.