The Canton of Zurich, the most populous canton in Switzerland, is a dynamic hub with a rich history and diverse geography. The city of Zurich is known for its charming Old Town (Stadt Zürich) with cobblestone streets and historic buildings along the River Limmat. The Old Town’s narrow streets are home to shops, restaurants, museums, and other family friendly activities. While there are many activities in the city of Zurich, there are also many things outside of the main city to explore including Lindt Chocolate Factory and Alpamare Indoor Swim Park. Although the canton doesn’t have high mountains, the Alps are visible on the horizon, and there are many places to hike in the area.
Zurich City Things to Do:
Things to Do in Zuirch Canton (Outside Zurich City):
Zurich Guides + Itineraries
This guide highlights the springtime activities for families in Switzerland, featuring vibrant gardens, cultural events, and outdoor adventures across Zurich and beyond.
Zurich City Things to Do Indoor Activities:
Natural History Museum – is home to over 1,500 animal specieis and 1,000 fossils, Entrance is free and it is located at the University of Zurich.
Giacometti Frescos – visit for free the vibrant “Hall of little Flowers” originally commissioned for a orphanage now converted to the Zurich police
Kunsthaus Zürich – Switzerland’s largest art museum, offering an impressive collection including works by van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, and Picasso.
Fraumünster Church – founded in 853 stands with its iconic green steeple in Zurich’s old city center and contains 5 beautiful Chagall stained glass windows
Zurich Opera House – enjoy a 60-minute private guided tour which takes you behind the scenes, exploring the tailoring, orchestra pit, props, costume departments, and the stage itself.
Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum) – explore Swiss history with family friendly interactive stations and free audio guides
Hürlimannbad & Spa – enjoy indoor thermal baths or view the Zurich city skyline in the rooftop pool or relax at the unique Roman-Irish bath
Schweizer Heimatwerk – go-to for authentic Swiss souvenirs, featuring handcrafted toys, glassware, and textiles located in the heart of the city.
focusTerra – offers a free and educational experience with interactive exhibits on geology and Earth sciences, making it an ideal family outing in Zurich.
Pegasus Zürich offers a charming shopping experience for families with unique souvenirs, holiday decor, and beautifully painted Easter eggs.
Zurich City Things to Do Outdoor Activities:
Zoo Zurich – boasts over 4,000 animals across a variety of indoor and outdoor exibits and animal experiences like Penguin Parade and Giraffe Feedings
UBS Polybahn – is a funicular that connects Zurich’s city center with the ETH Zurich University with beautiful views and access to free family friendly museums.
Zurich Botanical Gardens – enjoy the three greenhouses (featuring tropical, desert, and temperate environments) and the large outdoor green space with trails
Villa Patumbah – unique example of 19th-century architectural eclecticism with its captivating Asian-inspired glass dome and beautiful English style garden
China Garden – beautiful temple garden with a central pond and pavilions showcasing traditional Chinese plants like pine trees, bamboo, and plum blossoms
The playground at Lindenhof offers a delightful play experience for children amidst beautiful surroundings, complemented by stunning city views from the nearby viewpoint.
Zurich City Where to Eat:
Bear St. Bakery – specializes in large cookies, known for their crisp crust and soft, chewy center. Also make sure to try their hot chocolate.
Goody’s Smash Burgers – has delicious burgers and crispy fries. Great place for a yummy and quick bite to eat in the city with a nice seating area
Le Cèdre Lebanese Restaurant – is located in the heart of the old town servising a variety of delicious meze appetizers and main courses.
St. Jakob Beck & Kafi Münsterhof – child friendly café located near the Fraumünster Church that offers unique 3-ear chocolate bunnies during Easter
STAMP Burgers –handcrafted burgers m ade with local ingredients which can be enjoyed with a fresh berry ice tea and tasty sides like sweet potato fries
Restaurant zum Kropf – located in Zurich’s Old Town this charming eatery with elegant interior wood paneling and baroque paintings offers traditional Swiss cuisine
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer – American-style comfort food like juicy burgers, chicken tenders, truffle fries and delicious milkshakes
Trattoria Sempre – an Italian dining experience with a fun atmosphere and shareable dishes in the heart of Zurich’s old town.
Delish – la pinseria – offers delectable pinsas and quick bites in a charming setting within Zurich’s historic old city
Mövenpick Ice Cream Gallery – enjoy premium Swiss ice cream near Zurich’s Opera House, savoring flavors using high-quality Swiss ingredients
Rooftop Restaurant – offers Asian fusion cuisine with panoramic city views located on Bahnhofstrasse, the main shopping street in Zurich
Holy Cow!– a Swiss gourmet burger chain in Zurich’s old town that offers delicious, locally-sourced meals in a family-friendly atmosphere
Griechische Taverne – offers authentic Greek cuisine in a family-friendly setting, conveniently located near Lake Zurich’s attractions
Hiltl – the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant in Zurich, offers a family-friendly dining experience with diverse plant-based options in an elegant setting.
Gelati am See – charming retro trolley serving tasty artisanal gelato by Lake Zurich from March to October, offering a taste of Italian summer in Zurich
Brasserie Lipp – offers a quintessentially French dining experience with a Parisian vibe, making it a great spot for families seeking authentic elegance.
Cue Restaurant BBQ in Zurich’s old town offers a cozy atmosphere with American barbecue and diverse meals, catering to vegetarians and meat lovers alike
Vittorio Vanini, a renowned Swiss chocolatier since 1871, offering high-quality chocolates and artisanal gelato, located next to the Limmat River.
Things to Do Indoors in Zuirch Canton (Outside Zurich City):
Trampolino Kinderparadies – is a family friendly indoor playground with soft play areas and pay for rides
The Lindt Home of Chocolate – offers a museum tour with chocolate tasting, hands-on chocolate-making courses, large chocolate shop, and café.
Alpamare – largest covered water park including water slides, wave pools, toddler splash area, and outdoor heated pools
Winterthur Nature Museum – affordable two-story museum features interactive exhibits for children, several fossils, and many animal exhibits.
Aathal Dinosaur Museum (Sauriermuseum) – offers an immersive experience with its collection of dinosaur fossils, interactive exhibits, and playground
Fun Bowl Stockmatt – family friendly bowling with lane bumpers and ramps. The venue also offers arcade games, Pit-Pat billiards, standard pool, and darts.
Things to Do Outdoors in Zuirch Canton (Outside Zurich City):
Wildnispark Zürich Langenberg – is a free wildlife park featuring native and formerly native animals in a natural environment
Türlersee – enjoy a 4km (~2mi) loop trail around the lake all year long or in the summer months, SUPs and swimming
Park Seleger Moor – beautiful botanical garden spanning 120,000 square meters and is renowned for its vibrant rhododendron and azalea blooms.
Rhine Falls – views the largest waterfall in Europe, and then explore Schloss Laufen, take a hike, or enjoy a boat ride.
Felsenegg Cable Car – offers beautiful views of Zuirch, hiking trails, playground and restaurant conveniently located close to Zurich