In Switzerland, sunny weather is never guaranteed. Thankfully, there are many family-friendly things to do indoors on rainy or cloudy days within an hour’s drive from Zurich. Whether you’re into museums, chocolate factories, zoos, swimming pools, soft-play parks, bowling alleys, or castles, there’s no shortage of ideas to keep kids entertained while staying dry. Here are some of the best rainy-day activities near Zurich for families.
Indoor Activities Inside the city of Zurich
FocusTerra
For a fun and educational family visit in Zurich, focusTerra at ETH Zurich offers free entry and interactive exhibits on earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, climate change, gemstones, minerals, and “Urban Mining.” Located in the city center near public transit and the UBS Polybahn funicular, the museum features bilingual signage, accessible amenities, and on Sundays, an earthquake simulator for children aged 5 and up. Though compact, focusTerra’s scientifically accurate, hands-on displays—plus its proximity to the free Natural History Museum—make it a valuable learning destination; note it is closed on Saturdays. For more information, click here.
Natural History Museum
Looking for a fun, educational, and budget-friendly outing in Zurich, the Natural History Museum at the University of Zurich is a great choice. This free museum houses over 1,500 animal species and 1,000 fossils, featuring highlights like dinosaur skeletons, ancient ammonites, and a wooly mammoth skeleton. Visitors, including children, enjoy interactive exhibits such as a microscope station to view bugs up close. The museum is located on a hill overlooking the city, easily accessible by the iconic Polybahn funicular from the city center, which offers scenic views. Facilities include a cloakroom, stroller storage, and a small shop selling souvenirs and real fossils. Note the presence of stairs to the lower animal exhibit and plan for a visit of 1-2 hours to fully explore this enriching experience that sparks curiosity in natural science for the whole family. For more information, click here.
Landesmuseum Zürich
Located right next to Zürich’s main train station, the Landesmuseum Zürich (Swiss National Museum) is an ideal family outing for those interested in Swiss history and culture. Just steps from the city center, it offers interactive exhibits, themed family rooms like a pirate’s cove and a train zone, and free discovery kits filled with maps and puzzles to keep children engaged. The museum’s app provides free multilingual audio guides that make exploring its vast collection simple and fun. Families will also find practical amenities such as stroller access, free lockers, a cozy café serving snacks and sandwiches, and a well-stocked gift shop. Plan to spend a few hours enjoying this educational, hands-on experience perfect for families visiting or living in Zürich. For more information, click here.
Zoo Zurich
Zoo Zurich, located about 10 minutes from the city center, is a great indoor and outdoor family destination, perfect for rainy days. The Masoala Rainforest offers a warm, tropical environment with free-moving birds, monkeys, and chameleons, while the Reptile House and aquarium feature snakes, lizards, and penguins. Families can enjoy lunch at the Masoala Restaurant, which overlooks the rainforest, or at Restaurant Pantanal, which has a playground. The zoo often hosts special events like the penguin parade and has convenient facilities for kids and strollers. Easily reached by public transport, Zoo Zurich is one of the best family-friendly attractions near the city. For more information, click here.
Hürlimannbad & Spa
Located in the heart of Zurich, Hürlimannbad & Spa is a relaxing family-friendly destination set inside a former brewery just 10 minutes from the city center. Families can enjoy the warm indoor thermal baths and the rooftop infinity pool, which offers views of Zurich’s skyline and is open to children aged 4 and up. The spa includes bubble jets, loungers, and cozy seating areas ideal for a calm afternoon together. For adults, the Roman-Irish spa ritual offers a special 10-step wellness experience with saunas, steam rooms, and thermal pools. Guests can also enjoy light snacks and drinks at the on-site bistro. Tickets are best booked online, and the spa is easily reached by public transport or a short walk from Parkhaus Sihlcity. For more information, click here.
Indoor Activities Outside the city of Zurich
Umwelt Arena
Located just 20 minutes from Zurich, Umwelt Arena in Spreitenbach is an ideal indoor family destination combining fun, learning, and sustainability. Families can ride bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles on the arena track, with age-appropriate options for kids and adults. Younger children can enjoy a toddler play area and even ride along in cargo e-bikes. Across multiple levels, interactive exhibits explore energy, recycling, and food waste through hands-on activities like an energy slide and a car simulator. Kids can join a themed treasure hunt, while parents appreciate the family-friendly restaurant serving Swiss meals, picnic space, and easy underground parking. Expect to spend at least three hours discovering this engaging, educational attraction perfect for rainy or chilly days near Zurich. For more information, click here.
Dinosaur Museum in Aathal
Just 20 minutes from Zurich, the Dinosaur Museum in Aathal is a fantastic family-friendly destination for anyone intrigued by prehistoric life. Spread across two floors, the museum showcases impressive dinosaur skeletons and fossils, including a diplodocus, stegosaurus, and allosaurus, with interactive exhibits. Outdoor highlights include a playground with a sand pit for bone digging, life-sized dino models, and picnic spots for a break between discoveries. Visitors can enjoy light meals at the museum café overlooking the exhibits or visit the nearby Dino Beiz’li restaurant for a full meal. Plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring, and arrive early on weekends for easier parking or take the train to Aathal for a short walk to this fun and educational attraction. For more information, click here.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Located in Kilchberg, just 15 minutes from Zurich, the Lindt Home of Chocolate is a great choice for families and chocolate lovers alike. The experience begins with a stunning 9-meter chocolate fountain before leading visitors through interactive exhibits that explore the origins of chocolate, Swiss chocolate pioneers, and the production process. Families can enjoy hands-on learning, audio-guided tours, and unlimited tasting opportunities, including samples from the chocolate fountain and famous Lindt balls. Optional chocolate-making courses with Lindt Master Chocolatiers add an extra layer of fun, especially for older children. The attraction also features a large chocolate shop and a café serving desserts and light meals. With stroller parking, lockers, and an underground garage, it’s an easy, sweet-themed day trip from Zurich that combines education, indulgence, and family enjoyment. For more information, click here.
Schloss Wildegg
Located about 40 minutes west of Zurich in the canton of Aargau, Schloss Wildegg is a beautifully restored Baroque castle offering a perfect family day out. Visitors can tour over 30 richly decorated rooms, explore gardens bursting with roses and vegetables, and watch pheasants in the aviary. Kids will love the large play barn where they can dress up as knights, play games, and enjoy imaginative activities. Outside, families can relax at the small playground, meet farm animals, or picnic near the BBQ stations. The on-site bistro serves homemade dishes and wine from the castle’s own vineyard, while tickets and souvenirs are available at the entrance shop. Check out Swiss Coupon Pass for discounts on tickets. With its mix of history, hands-on fun, and scenic surroundings, Schloss Wildegg is one of the most family-friendly castles near Zurich. For more information, click here.
Schlangenzoo
Located in Eschlikon, about 40 minutes east of Zurich, the Schlangen (Snake) Zoo is a small but interesting attraction for families, especially those with kids who like reptiles. The zoo has more than 150 snakes and a chameleon, and visitors can watch feedings or even hold some of the snakes. Step stools make it easy for children to see all the enclosures. There is a small café upstairs that serves simple food like hot dogs, and free parking is available next to the zoo. It’s an easy, family-friendly outing that offers a closer look at snakes and other reptiles in a safe, educational setting. For more information, click here.
Alpamare
Located in Pfäffikon, about 30 minutes south of Zurich, Alpamare is Switzerland’s largest indoor water park and a top choice for families year-round. With 12 water slides spanning over 2,100 meters, a large wave pool, and heated outdoor pools overlooking Lake Zurich, it offers excitement for all ages. Younger children can enjoy a quieter toddler area with slides, water guns, and splash zones, while older kids gravitate toward the racing and thrill slides. The tropical décor and Mayan-inspired layout add to the fun atmosphere. Visitors can dine at the on-site Restaurant Rio, which serves family favorites and overlooks the lake, and make use of locker rooms and a baby changing area. Crowds tend to build on weekends, so arriving early or buying discounted online tickets is recommended for this fun-filled family outing close to Zurich. Check out Swiss Coupon Pass for further discounts on tickets. For more information on Alpamare, click here.
Fun Bowl Stockmatt
Located in Affoltern am Albis, just 20 minutes from Zurich, Fun Bowl Stockmatt is a lively, family-friendly bowling center perfect for a casual outing or rainy day activity. The alley features lane bumpers (Kinderwand) and lightweight balls, allowing even young children to enjoy the game. Families can relax on sofas while snacking on pizza, chips, and guacamole served from the on-site bar. In addition to bowling, kids can try arcade games like air hockey, obstacle billiards, pool, or darts for extra fun. Plan to spend about two hours enjoying this comfortable and entertaining spot. For more information, click here.
Trampolino
Located in Dietikon, about 20 minutes from Zurich, Trampolino Kinderparadies is a huge 4,000-square-meter indoor playground designed for children of all ages. The space includes climbing tents, trampolines, soft play zones, rope structures, and a giant inflatable blob, plus pay-per-ride attractions like a mini ferris wheel, train, and bumper cars. Younger kids have their own safe play area, while older ones can explore more challenging sections. Families can grab pizza, chicken nuggets, and drinks in the on-site snack area or bring their own cold food for picnics at the many tables available. With a coat and shoe area, non-slip socks recommended, and parking just behind the building, Trampolino offers an easy, active, and fun indoor day out—best enjoyed early before it fills up. Note that Trampolino only accepts cash. For more information, click here.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of things to see and do when the weather isn’t perfect. Zurich and the surrounding region offer so many family-friendly indoor attractions, from museums and castles to water parks and chocolate factories. With this list, you’ll always find something that fits your family’s interests—rain or shine. And as we continue exploring, more favorites will be added to ensure every rainy day near Zurich turns into an adventure to remember.