12 Delicious Family Outings in Zurich

The smell of chocolate is in the air before you even reach the door. Inside, a giant chocolate fountain takes centre stage, while tasting stations throughout the exhibition keep little and big chocolate fans happily busy. Save room for homemade ice cream or freshly made waffles at the café.

A restaurant where no one gets restless at the table? This is it. After burgers, brunch or grilled favourites, children usually make a beeline for the garden playground or the play corner, stocked with games and toys. That leaves the grown-ups with a rare treat: enjoying their coffee while it’s still hot.

Big family? No problem. At Park im Grüene, there is plenty of room for everyone. Children can ride the miniature train, build sandcastles, ride the donkeys or splash around in the water play area. Meanwhile, grown-ups relax on the restaurant terrace, stroll through the spacious park or simply enjoy a few peaceful moments on the lawn.

A boat trip on Lake Zurich can feel like a mini vacation, even if you’re home again by evening. There’s a breeze on deck, dessert to share in the onboard restaurant and views of lakeside villas, vineyards and the Alps. The longer the journey, the further everyday life seems to slip away.

This ride is not about speed or clocking up miles. It is about enjoying the best spots along the River Sihl. From Sihlwald to Zurich, the mostly flat route follows the river, with plenty of time for waterside picnics, ice-cream stops and perhaps even a dip in the cool water.

There is something special about watching a film on the big screen. At Kino Houdini in Kalkbreite, afternoons are for young movie fans, with a hand-picked programme of children’s films from around the world – from animated adventures to award-winning family movies. Popcorn, snacks and an afternoon treat from the cinema bar complete the outing.

Sometimes it is the simple things that stay with you: a ride on the Polybahn up to Zurich’s university district, a view across the city’s rooftops and an ice cream shared on the Polyterrasse. It is a small adventure in the middle of the city, with plenty of time to sit back, watch the trams below and enjoy Zurich from a new perspective.

The apple strudel at Felsenegg has long been a local classic — and the cable car makes the journey up part of the fun. Once at the top, gentle walks along the Albis ridge invite families to wander a little further, with sweeping views across Zurich and Lake Zurich. Afterwards, settle in for an ice cream, a coffee or maybe even another slice of strudel.

You could just stop by for dessert, but it is worth staying longer. At the foot of Uetliberg, families can enjoy traditional Swiss dishes while children put together their own favourite meal. Afterwards, there is a playroom, playground and colouring and puzzle sheets at the table to keep the little ones entertained.

Spread out a picnic blanket, settle in and watch the children play: Josefwiese in Zurich-West is made for relaxed family afternoons. The wide lawn has plenty of room for running around and kicking a football, while the kiosk keeps everyone well fed with salads, grilled favourites and cold drinks. It is an easy place to linger a little longer.

Fancy a meal out without having to cook? At Alter Tobelhof, thoughtfully prepared children’s meals are on the menu, with baby food available for the youngest guests too. Families can sit outside beneath old trees, while children explore the small playground. Just next door, dwarf rabbits and guinea pigs are waiting for a visit.

Some restaurants make family dining especially easy. On selected Saturday evenings at Restaurant Freilager in Zurich-Albisrieden, younger guests take centre stage. During Dinner for Kids, children are looked after at Dandelion and treated to a buffet of tasty favourites, while the grown-ups enjoy a little time to themselves.