Rainy Day Activities In Switzerland With Kids

Rainy days in Switzerland — family travel overview

Rainy days are common across Switzerland. Expect roughly 100–150 precipitation days on the Plateau and 150–200+ days in many Alpine and windward valleys. When travelling with children, plan flexible, indoor-first itineraries to keep days smooth and fun.

Key Takeaways

• Plan for frequent rain: Plateau about 100–150 days/year; Alpine and windward areas often 150–200+. The wettest months tend to be May–June and October.
• Pack and prepare: waterproof jackets, splash-proof footwear, compact umbrellas, spare clothes, and at least one indoor backup activity per day.
• Choose engaging indoor options: hands-on science museums, transport and natural history exhibits, chocolate and cheese workshops, indoor pools, covered playgrounds, puppet theatre and library storytimes.
• Book smart: prebook timed-entry and workshops for wet weekends and compare per-visit costs with a museum pass if you plan multiple museum days.
• Logistics and budget: visit museums in the morning, allow 15–30 minute transit buffers, expect typical family-day costs from about CHF 0–150, and consider a Swiss Travel Pass or regional passes for travel-heavy days.

Packing checklist

1. Waterproof outer layers: breathable rain jacket and rain pants for adults and children.
2. Splash-proof footwear: easy-to-dry shoes or sandals and an extra pair.
3. Compact umbrella for quick cover between stops.
4. Spare clothes and quick-dry layers for each child (and a spare set for caregivers).
5. Plastic bags or waterproof stuff-sacks for wet clothes and shoes.
6. Small first-aid and comfort kit: tissues, hand sanitizer, snacks, and a small toy or activity for downtime.

Indoor activities that work well for families

Prioritize hands-on, sensory and short-duration experiences so kids stay engaged. Consider the following options:

• Science and discovery centres with interactive exhibits and play zones.
• Transport museums (trains, trams, automobiles) — often great for toddlers to teens.
• Natural history museums with tactile exhibits and child-focused trails.
• Chocolate and cheese workshops — both educational and delicious for children.
• Indoor pools and public baths with family-friendly changing areas.
• Covered playgrounds, puppet theatres and library storytimes for varied age groups.

Book smart and logistics

Timing

Visit museums in the morning when crowds are smaller and kids are fresher. Allow 15–30 minute transit buffers for ticket lines, toilet breaks and changing wet clothes.

Prebooking

Prebook timed-entry and workshops on rainy weekends and holidays. If you plan multiple museum visits, compare single-entry prices with multi-attraction passes to see if a museum pass or a Swiss Travel Pass will save money.

Budget

Typical family-day costs vary widely: some parks and libraries are free, while workshop-based experiences can push costs toward CHF 100–150 for a family. Factor in transport, snacks and any workshop fees when budgeting.

Quick tips for rainy days with kids

• Have a daily backup indoor plan for each day — a short museum, an indoor pool visit or a craft workshop.
• Rotate activities (quiet reading time, hands-on play, and active pool time) to avoid cabin fever.
• Use local resources: check municipal websites for covered playgrounds, library events and cheap indoor options.
• Pack snacks and small activities to bridge gaps between timed entries and transport waits.

We, at the Young Explorers Club, recommend packing waterproof gear, spare clothes and quick-dry layers and prebooking key activities to keep rainy days enjoyable and stress-free for the whole family.

What to expect from Swiss rain (Quick facts to plan around)

Expect about 100–150 rainy days a year on the Plateau; Alpine valleys and windward slopes are wetter. We, at the young explorers club, use these figures to shape flexible family itineraries and backup plans.

Annual precipitation varies a lot by region. The Lowland Swiss Plateau averages roughly 800–1,200 mm/year with about 100–150 precipitation days/year — MeteoSwiss. Alpine and windward slopes often exceed 1,500–2,000+ mm/year and commonly see 150–200+ precipitation days/year — MeteoSwiss. The wettest months are late spring/early summer (May–June) and autumn (October) in many areas — MeteoSwiss.

Tourism still peaks in summer and school-holiday periods, and several million international overnight stays are recorded annually — Swiss Federal Statistical Office. Families travelling then should expect regular summer showers and occasional longer wet spells, not just sunshine.

Altitude and the Alpine divide change the picture quickly. The north and windward slopes get more frontal precipitation. The south (Ticino) sees frequent convective summer showers but milder temperatures. Higher altitudes increase total precipitation and precipitation days, though much of that falls as snow in cold months — MeteoSwiss. We factor altitude into activity choices so kids stay warm and dry.

Representative-city snapshot

• Zurich: ~100–130 precipitation days/year; wetter in May–June and October, with regular summer showers — MeteoSwiss.
• Geneva: ~100–120 precipitation days/year; similar spring/autumn peaks and slightly drier than some Plateau spots — MeteoSwiss.
• Lugano (Ticino): ~130–170 precipitation days/year; Mediterranean-influenced climate with warm showery summers and autumn rain peaks — MeteoSwiss.

Practical planning tips for families

I keep tips short so you can act fast.

• Pack a good waterproof jacket, fast-drying layers and splash-proof footwear.
• Bring a compact umbrella and a dry bag for electronics.
• Book flexible activities and reserve at least one indoor backup per day.
• Check monthly and local stats before you go and pull current totals from MeteoSwiss for accurate charts.
• When rain looks likely, pivot to museums, indoor pools, soft-play centres, or family workshops; I often link families to our suggestions for local family activities.
• Finally, build buffer time into travel days; wet weather slows mountain passes and public-transport connections.

https://youtu.be/3zuB-YMjPmI

Top indoor attractions: museums, science centres, chocolate and cheese workshops

I pick indoor highlights that keep kids curious and parents relaxed. Technorama (500+ hands-on science exhibits; typical visit 2–4 hours) — Technorama delivers interactive physics and chemistry stations that teens and inquisitive younger kids adore. The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne offers trains, planes, automobiles and flight and driving simulators; plan 2–4 hours for hands-on play.

Chocolate and cheese experiences make rainy days feel like treats. Lindt Home of Chocolate (Kilchberg) and Maison Cailler (Broc) pair factory-style exhibits with chocolate tasting and family-friendly tours; workshops and tastings are common. Maison du Gruyère demos and several artisanal chocolatiers run 60–120 minute sessions that suit families and groups. Workshops typically accept groups of 8–20 and welcome children from about age 4.

Museums with clear family programming win rainy-day votes fast. The Olympic Museum (Lausanne) and Swiss National Museum (Zurich) each offer family trails and interactive zones you can cover in 1–2 hours. Natural history museums and the indoor Masoala Hall rainforest at Zurich Zoo deliver immersive biology and animal displays that feel like a mini expedition without the umbrellas.

Practical tips, passes and booking

• Consider Museumspass Schweiz (access to 500+ museums) — choose Museumspass Schweiz if you’ll do two or more museum days; it often breaks even versus pay-as-you-go.
• Typical museum entry runs around CHF 8–25 per adult; children are frequently discounted or free at certain ages — always check each site for exact offers.
• Book workshops and timed-entry tickets in advance, especially for chocolate workshops and popular science exhibits; slots fill fast on wet weekends.
• Remember workshop logistics: sessions usually last 60–120 minutes, group sizes commonly 8–20, and family-friendly ages generally start at 4+.
• Match attraction to interests: choose Technorama for science-curious kids (best from about 6+), or Swiss Museum of Transport for broader age appeal and vehicle fans.
• Run a quick break-even check: add expected per-visit fees for two adults and two children and compare to the current Museumspass price before you commit; always verify current CHF prices on attraction sites.

We, at the young explorers club, recommend planning one hands-on stop plus one relaxed tasting or demo per rainy day. For ideas on combining indoor options with other family activities, see our family trip page.

Active indoor fun and DIY accommodation activities

We, at the Young Explorers Club, keep rainy-day energy high with a mix of active venues and easy DIY projects you can run in any holiday rental. I’ll cover what to expect, what to pack, and quick ideas that keep kids aged toddlers to teens engaged.

Indoor options and practicalities

Indoor playgrounds and activity centres are my go-to for burning off excess energy. Entrance is typically CHF 8–20 for a half- or full-day session. Bring socks; most venues require them and may charge extra for supervision or peak-hour access. Hallenbad visits and thermal baths are perfect for mixed-age families — consider Leukerbad or Bains de Lavey for a half-day splash and relaxation. I recommend checking seasonal maintenance; pools sometimes close for upkeep in autumn or winter. Indoor climbing gyms often have kids’ areas and beginner routes, usually suitable from about 4–6 years depending on the facility. Seasonal indoor ice rinks run public skate sessions in many towns and provide rental skates on site.

Practical rules to follow:

• Prebook busy sessions on rainy holiday days to avoid disappointment.
• Confirm facility rules before arrival: age limits, helmet or harness requirements, and peak-hour pricing.
• Pack swimsuits, towels and pool socks when you plan a pool or bath visit.

DIY at your accommodation (screen-free, family-friendly)

Use short, hands-on activities that take 20–90 minutes to keep things lively and screen-free. Try these Swiss-flavored and food-based options at any rental:

• Swiss-themed crafts: make paper Alpine cowbells, simple map games, or colour Swiss flags and mountain scenes.
• Food activities: run a guided chocolate tasting with small samples; set up a no-heat fondue alternative such as bread-and-cheese tasting boards; or do a simple baking session with a cookie mix.
• Short science or craft kits: 20–90 minute projects using paper, glue, colouring pens, small chocolate samples and basic craft tools.

Pack or buy locally these compact materials to run activities easily:

• Basic craft kit: paper, glue, scissors, colouring pens.
• Small portable chocolate samples for tastings.
• Compact fondue kit if allowed by your accommodation.
• Swimsuits, towels and pool socks for Hallenbad or baths.
• A quick cookie mix for easy baking.

For a full checklist and more packing tips, see our packing guide.

Cultural and entertainment options for quieter or language-rich rainy hours

Puppet theatre shows in cities like Zurich, Geneva and Bern are perfect for rainy afternoons. We pick performances aimed at preschool to elementary ages that run about 45–60 minutes. Many venues run matinées, so you get a shorter, child-focused experience that fits nap and snack schedules. Children’s theatre of 45–60 minutes keeps attention high and fuss low.

Cinemas in larger towns often schedule family matinées and offer multi-language dubbing. Expect a family cinema ticket to cost CHF 20–40 depending on location and time. We check language options before buying tickets so kids hear the story in a familiar tongue. Multilingual performances also show up at theatres and cultural centres; always confirm the language for each show.

Municipal libraries are quiet wins for toddlers and early readers. Look for municipal library storytime sessions that pair reading with simple crafts and songs. Many libraries run multilingual programs, which work well for bilingual families or visitors. These sessions are short, interactive and easy to combine with a warm drink or snack break.

Practical tips and a short checklist

Use the following quick tips to plan a smooth, rainy-day cultural outing:

• Check schedules and book kid-specific matinées well in advance. Matinées are often shorter and cheaper.
• Confirm language availability per show. Many tourist-area venues list English, French, German or Italian options.
• Alternate a quiet cultural slot (a puppet show or library storytime) with a high-energy indoor play session to keep children engaged.
• Bring a small comfort item and snacks; kids focus more when they feel secure and aren’t hungry.
• Factor travel time and coat storage—some theatres have limited cloakroom space.
• Consider budgeting for a family cinema at around CHF 20–40; twilight or weekend prices can be higher.

We also recommend browsing our family activities page for adaptable ideas and local timing tips. That resource helps match shows and library events to your itinerary.

Choose one structured cultural block of 45–60 minutes early in the day. Follow it with free play or an indoor climbing cafe so energy levels stay balanced. If language is a concern, pick puppet theatres and libraries—visual storytelling and short storytime formats work well across languages and keep the whole family entertained.

https://youtu.be/oBnHz4C4SfI

Sample city rainy-day itineraries (Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva, Bern) with timing guidance

City itineraries — quick, rainy-day plans

Compact day plans that keep kids engaged while staying dry.

• Zurich:

  Morning at Lindt Home of Chocolate — 1–1.5 hours (Lindt Home of Chocolate). Midday at the Swiss National Museum — 1–2 hours (Swiss National Museum) with lunch nearby. Afternoon: pick an indoor play centre or visit Masoala Hall at Zurich Zoo — 1–2 hours if time (Masoala Hall Zurich Zoo). Keep transfers short by grouping Old Town stops with the museum.

• Lucerne:

  Morning at the Swiss Museum of Transport — 2–4 hours (Swiss Museum of Transport). Midday enjoy covered lakeside promenades or an indoor boat option and lunch. Afternoon options include mall play areas or a local indoor pool for splash time.

• Geneva:

  Morning at the CERN visitor centre for older kids (prebook) or the Natural History Museum — 1–2 hours (CERN visitor centre). Midday lunch followed by an indoor pool session or a seasonal ice rink. Afternoon: book a hands-on science centre visit or family workshop to burn energy.

• Bern:

  Morning at the Einstein Museum or the Historical Museum family exhibits — 1–2 hours. Midday plan a family workshop at Zentrum Paul Klee (check schedule) and lunch (Zentrum Paul Klee). Afternoon options: local indoor playground or a library storytime for quieter downtime.

Timing and transit tips

We recommend planning museum visits in the morning while kids are fresher. Aim for family itinerary times of 1–4 hours per attraction so you don’t overpack each day. Slot a one-hour workshop or play session after lunch to reset energy.

I advise geo-linking activities to minimize travel time and to plan short intra-city tram or bus legs. Check SBB for current transit times before you head out and build 15–30 minute buffers for tram connections and rainy-day crowds. If you’re planning a family trip in Switzerland, stagger high-attention activities with free play so kids stay cooperative and the day stays flexible.

Practicalities, costs, booking, health & safety and resources to check

We plan transport so indoor options are easy to link across towns and cities. Children under 6 usually travel free on public transport, and we always confirm the current rules with SBB. Consider a Swiss Travel Pass or regional day passes for travel-heavy days; we compare convenience against the number and length of journeys.

We budget activity costs conservatively. Many indoor attractions fall in the CHF 0–25 per person range. A sample family day (2 adults + 2 children) will typically run CHF 40–150 depending on admissions and meals. We use three simple scenarios to set expectations:

• Low-cost day: CHF 0–50
• Mid-range day: CHF 50–150
• Premium day: CHF 150+

We book workshops and timed-entry attractions in advance. Demand spikes during school holidays such as Easter, summer and autumn break, so we reserve spots early and choose off-peak time slots where possible. We also stagger arrivals to avoid crowded entry times and to keep kids calm.

Packing checklist for rainy family days

Use this checklist to avoid soggy surprises; we pack compactly and for versatility:

• Waterproof jacket for each child
• Waterproof shoes or boots
• Compact umbrella per adult
• Spare clothes and extra socks
• Small backpack with snacks and quiet toys
• Swimsuits and towels if we plan pools or thermal baths
• Socks for indoor playgrounds and soft-floor venues

We keep health and safety details on hand at all times. For emergencies we carry 112 (EU-wide), plus local Swiss numbers: 117 (police), 118 (fire) and 144 (medical emergency). We note the nearest Apotheke/Pharmacie in towns and recommend travel insurance for medical costs and cancellations. We also pack a small first-aid kit and any prescription meds clearly labeled.

We check accessibility before booking. Most major museums and train stations have elevators, but historic sites and castles can have limited access. We verify lifts and stroller access with venues ahead of time and ask about baby-changing facilities and quiet rooms where available.

We follow a quick decision guide to save money on museum-heavy days. If we plan two or more museum visits, we tally estimated admissions and compare that total with the Museumspass Schweiz price to see if we break even. For longer regional plans that include thermal baths plus travel, we sum individual tickets and compare them with regional day passes.

We verify these resources before finalising itineraries or publishing plans: MeteoSwiss for month-by-month precipitation and current forecasts, SBB for transit times and ticket rules, Museumspass Schweiz for current pricing and participating museums, and the Swiss Federal Statistical Office for broader tourism figures. We also confirm opening hours, language options and facility rules on each official attraction site.

For ideas on indoor options and family-friendly venues we point families to our list of family activities, which we update seasonally. We always recheck CHF prices and facility rules close to travel dates to avoid surprises.

https://youtu.be/y1MtieihXwk

Sources

MeteoSwiss — Klima in der Schweiz

Swiss Federal Statistical Office — Tourism

SBB CFF FFS — Travelling with children

Museumspass Schweiz — Museumspass Schweiz (500+ museums)

Lindt Home of Chocolate — Lindt Home of Chocolate

Maison Cailler — Maison Cailler

Technorama — The Swiss Science Center Technorama

Swiss Museum of Transport — Verkehrshaus der Schweiz

Zoo Zürich — Masoala‑Halle

La Maison du Gruyère — La Maison du Gruyère

MySwitzerland — Switzerland Tourism

Zurich Tourism — Zurich