Family-Friendly 9-Day Switzerland Itinerary: Zurich, Lucerne, and the Bernese Oberland

Day 1: Arrival and Zurich Sightseeing

Zurich, Switzerland on August 2, 2025

10:00am

Arrival at Zurich Airport

Land at Zurich Airport and transfer to your accommodation to drop off luggage and get settled.
CHF0, 1h

11:30am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy brunch and Swiss pastries at Café Sprüngli on Bahnhofstrasse, a famous spot known for Luxemburgerli macarons and kid-friendly options.
CHF25 per person approx, 1h

12:30pm

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Zurich's charming Altstadt with its medieval lanes, the Grossmünster Church, and the Rathaus. This walk is easy and suitable for children.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Visit Zurich Zoo

Spend a fun afternoon at Zurich Zoo which features a Masoala Rainforest hall, perfect to engage the kids with animal exhibits.
CHF26 adults, CHF13 kids, 2h

5:00pm

Rest at hotel

Return to your accommodation to rest and freshen up before dinner.
Included, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss dinners in a historic armory setting, with hearty meals suitable for adults and kids.
CHF40 per person approx, 1.5h

Day 2: Zurich Museums & Lakefront

Zurich, Switzerland on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start your day with delicious coffee and freshly baked goods at this cozy, family-friendly cafe.
CHF20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Swiss National Museum

Discover Switzerland’s cultural history through interactive exhibits that interest both adults and children. Opens at 10:00am.
CHF15 adults, free under 16, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hiltl

Enjoy the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with a large buffet and kid-friendly dishes.
CHF30 per person approx, 1h

1:30pm

Boat ride on Lake Zurich

Take a 1-hour relaxed boat cruise along Lake Zurich, great for scenic views and a break for the kids.
CHF8 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Zurich Toy Museum (Spielzeug Welten Museum)

Visit this charming toy museum to delight both children and adults. Open until 5pm.
CHF14 adults, CHF7 kids, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Lindenhof Park

Enjoy panoramic views of the Old Town and let kids play in the gardens.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Raclette Stube

Taste authentic Swiss raclette dishes, perfect for trying local cheese in a cozy and casual environment.
CHF35 per person approx, 1.5h

Day 3: Travel to Lucerne + City Exploration

Lucerne, Switzerland on August 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check out

Have breakfast at the hotel or nearby café before checking out and departing for Lucerne.
CHF20 per person, 1h

8:30am

Train to Lucerne

Take a direct train from Zurich to Lucerne, approx 1h journey with scenic views.
CHF25 per person, 1h

10:00am

Check in and freshen up at accommodation in Lucerne

Settle into the hotel and prepare for the day’s activities.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Visit the Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Walk across the iconic 14th-century Chapel Bridge and explore Lucerne’s picturesque old town with colorful buildings and fountains.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Dine at this traditional Swiss restaurant offering local specialties in a historic setting, kid-friendly options available.
CHF35 per person approx, 1h

2:00pm

Swiss Museum of Transport

Engage the family in exploring Switzerland’s largest transport museum, featuring planes, trains, automobiles, and interactive kids’ areas. Open until 5pm.
CHF32 adults, CHF13 kids, 2.5h

5:00pm

Leisure time around Lake Lucerne

Enjoy a relaxed stroll or playground time by the lake.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tibits

Enjoy a healthy and buffet-style vegetarian dinner that appeals to all ages.
CHF30 per person approx, 1.5h

Day 4: Lucerne Day Trip Mount Pilatus

Lucerne, Switzerland on August 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before a day of mountain adventures.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Mount Pilatus

Take the boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up to Pilatus (opens at 8:30am).
CHF72 adults, CHF36 kids round trip, 2h

10:30am

Explore Pilatus

Hike around easy walking trails and enjoy panoramic views with the family; there are playgrounds at the summit for kids.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Hotel

Have lunch with stunning mountain views offering Swiss specialties and kid-friendly menus.
CHF40 per person approx, 1h

1:30pm

Descent via aerial cableway and gondola

Descend Pilatus to Kriens by aerial cableways and then bus to Lucerne. Scenic and enjoyable for kids.
Included in round trip, 1.5h

3:00pm

Free time in Lucerne

Relax or explore local shops and cafes in Lucerne old town.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Wirtshaus Taube

Savor traditional Lucerne cuisine with a warm atmosphere suitable for families.
CHF35 per person approx, 1.5h

Day 5: Travel to Grindelwald + Afternoon Leisure

Grindelwald, Switzerland on August 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast & Check Out

Quick breakfast at hotel before checking out and heading to Grindelwald.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Grindelwald

Travel from Lucerne to Grindelwald via train (about 2.5h), enjoying mountain views.
CHF45 per person approx, 2.5h

10:30am

Check in and relax

Check into accommodations in Grindelwald and rest for a bit.
Included, 1h

11:30am

Visit Grindelwald First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Walk the suspension bridge and cliff walk for breathtaking views ideal for families and easy access.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bergrestaurant First

Dine at the mountaintop restaurant with kid-friendly food options and spectacular scenery.
CHF35 per person approx, 1h

2:30pm

Hiking or Scooter Rental

Choose an easy hike or rent mountain scooters suitable for children to explore nearby trails.
CHF20-30 per person, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Grindelwald village

Stroll through the village and visit shops or playgrounds.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Barry’s

Casual dining with delicious pizzas, burgers, and Swiss dishes, good for children.
CHF30 per person approx, 1.5h

Day 6: Grindelwald + Interlaken Day Trip

Grindelwald & Interlaken, Switzerland on August 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Interlaken

Short train ride (~30 minutes) to Interlaken, a scenic town between two lakes.
CHF10 per person, 30m

9:45am

Visit Höhematte Park and playground

Explore this open green space ideal for kids to run and have fun, with mountain views.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Harder Kulm funicular ride

Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm for panoramic views of Interlaken and surrounding mountains; fun for all ages.
CHF38 adults, CHF19 children, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant

Enjoy lunch with stunning views and kid-friendly menu options.
CHF35 per person approx, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Interlaken and visit the Swiss Chocolate Adventure

Experience interactive chocolate-making history attraction, fun and sweet for kids. Open until 5pm.
CHF16 adults, CHF8 kids, 1h

4:00pm

Scenic Lakeside walk or playground

Stroll along Lake Thun or Lake Brienz shorelines and let kids enjoy playgrounds nearby.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Train back to Grindelwald

Return by train to the cozy village of Grindelwald.
CHF10 per person, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Alpenblick

Relax with Swiss specialties and kid-friendly meals in a family-friendly setting.
CHF35 per person approx, 1.5h

Day 7: Lauterbrunnen and Mürren Adventure

Lauterbrunnen & Mürren, Switzerland on August 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading out to Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Lauterbrunnen (train)

Take a short train from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen (about 1 hour).
CHF20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Explore Lauterbrunnen Valley

Visit Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls (inside mountain waterfalls), great natural sights exciting for kids.
Staubbach falls free, Trümmelbach CHF12 adults, CHF6 kids, 2h

11:30am

Cable car to Mürren

Take the cable car and mountain railway to Mürren, a beautiful car-free village with family-friendly walking paths.
CHF25 one-way approx, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Eiger Mürren

Lunch with panoramic views and menu including Swiss dishes and kids’ meals.
CHF35 per person approx, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Mürren and leisure time

Enjoy easy hikes and village exploration, playgrounds available for children.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Return to Lauterbrunnen and back to Grindelwald

Descend back via cable car and train to Grindelwald for evening rest.
CHF25 approx, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at C und M Café

Casual family dining with a variety of Swiss and international dishes.
CHF30 per person approx, 1.5h

Day 8: Grindelwald Leisure + Return to Zurich

Grindelwald & Zurich, Switzerland on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a final breakfast in Grindelwald and pack for departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Leisure morning: Pfingstegg Toboggan Run or small hikes

Fun family activity riding the toboggan run or easy nearby trails.
CHF15 adults, CHF10 kids approx, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Barry's

Return to Barry’s for a relaxed lunch before departure.
CHF30 per person approx, 1h

12:30pm

Train to Zurich

Travel from Grindelwald back to Zurich (approx 3h), check into hotel upon arrival.
CHF50 per person approx, 3h

4:00pm

Settle in Zurich hotel and rest

Relax and prepare for departure next day.
Included, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Zeughauskeller

End your trip with a farewell dinner enjoying Swiss classics at this lively traditional restaurant near hotel.
CHF40 per person approx, 1.5h

Day 9: Departure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on August 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast and final packing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Leisure walk near hotel or lake

Short walk to enjoy fresh air prior to departure.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Check out and transfer to Zurich Airport

Head to Zurich Airport for mid-afternoon flight.
Taxi approx CHF50, 1h