Museums In Switzerland Kids Will Love

Family-friendly museums in Switzerland

Switzerland offers a wide range of family‑friendly museums — from hands‑on transport and science centres to game, sport and open‑air history sites. They keep children aged about 3–16 actively engaged. We, at the Young Explorers Club, suggest planning visits around recommended durations and booking needs like planetarium shows, IMAX screenings and workshops. Compare single tickets with the Swiss Museum Pass to save. Choose weekday mornings or other off‑peak dates to avoid crowds.

Key Takeaways

Tailor visits to age

• Toddlers (3–4): Prefer soft‑play areas and vehicle rides — for example, rides at the Verkehrshaus.

• Kids (5–12): Get most from train controls, hands‑on science stations and game tables.

• Teens (9–16): Prefer simulators, workshops and VR sessions.

Typical durations

• City museums: Expect 1–2 hours for focused visits.

• Science centres (e.g., Technorama): Plan 2–4 hours to explore exhibits and demos.

• Large attractions (e.g., Verkehrshaus, Ballenberg): Allow 3–5 hours or a half‑to‑full day.

Pre‑booking and practical prep

• Pre‑book: Planetarium shows, IMAX/VR slots and popular workshops often sell out.

• Bring spare clothes: Useful for water play at places like Technorama.

• Check demo schedules: Many centres run timed demonstrations — align your visit to catch these.

Tickets and savings

• Compare options: Single tickets (adults ~CHF 10–35, children ~CHF 10–20), family rates or the Swiss Museum Pass — choose the best value for your itinerary.

• Verify current prices: Always check up‑to‑date fares and age cutoffs before you leave.

Timing, facilities and accessibility

• Best times: Weekday mornings and other off‑peak slots reduce crowds.

• Check facilities: Confirm cafés, changing rooms, stroller access and lockers at each site.

Packing essentials

1. Sunscreen

2. Rain gear

3. Ear protection for noisy exhibits

https://youtu.be/WNsfsFtJCWo

Hands-on favourites — Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus), Lucerne

We at the Young Explorers Club send families here because kids can touch, sit in and steer history. The museum stacks interactive train layouts, full‑size planes and real locomotives with flight simulators, rockets, space displays and a planetarium. A dedicated hands‑on kids’ area combines soft‑play and a toddler zone with vehicle rides and child‑friendly controls. Vintage vehicles and technical exhibits sit beside IMAX‑style screenings for a mix of play and depth.

Plan for 3–5 hours on site; we recommend 3.5 hours as a practical target. Allow extra time for planetarium and IMAX‑style screenings — add roughly 45–90 minutes to your visit. The museum works brilliantly for ages 3–14 and engages best between 5–12.

Below are concrete exhibit examples by age so you can plan what to hit first:

Concrete exhibit examples by age

Here’s what we suggest for each age group to get the most out of the museum:

• Toddlers (3–4): soft‑play and the toddler vehicle rides keep small kids moving and happy.
• Ages 5–8: hands‑on train controls, interactive layouts and the kids’ zone let them experiment with switches and signals.
• Ages 9–14: flight simulators, deeper technical displays and the IMAX‑style screenings deliver a more challenging, immersive experience.

Ticketing, opening hours and practical notes follow the typical ranges you’ll see when you check the museum: adults CHF 20–35; children (6–16) CHF 10–20; family tickets often run CHF 60–80. Opening hours typically sit around 09:00–17:00, with planetarium showtimes tied to the museum timetable. Prices are correct as of Jun 2024; verify current official prices and offers before you travel.

Getting there and access is straightforward. The museum is a 10–15 minute walk from Lucerne railway station and has good bus and tram links. On‑site parking is available. The site generally accepts major museum passes; check whether the Swiss Museum Pass covers the Verkehrshaus for your chosen date.

Visitor tips: arrive for a morning planetarium slot or reserve planetarium and IMAX tickets in advance. Start with the train layouts and kid zone to tire little legs, then move to simulators and screenings. Combine indoor time with an easy lakeside stroll afterward; it gives kids fresh air and keeps the day varied.

Facilities checklist you can copy into messages or itineraries:

• Café ✓
• Picnic nearby ✓
• Stroller access ✓
• Changing room ✓
• Lockers ✓

We at the Young Explorers Club often pair this stop with a family trip that includes lakeside time and easy public‑transport links.

Hands-on favourites — Swiss Science Center Technorama, Winterthur

We love Technorama for its unabashed “touch everything” approach. The centre packs hands-on physics exhibits, water and light experiments, kinetic displays and scheduled demo shows and family workshops that keep kids moving and thinking.

The exhibits break down by age and interest. Younger children gravitate to fluid dynamics tables and water play zones that teach flow, buoyancy and vortices through direct play. Older kids dive into optics benches, electricity experiments and circuit challenges that reveal invisible forces. Workshops focus on engineering and making — building simple machines, testing structures and prototyping in short, guided sessions.

Plan on 2–4 hours; most families spend about three hours exploring. We think the site is best for ages 6–16, though many exhibits engage adults too. Typical ticket ranges are Adults CHF 15–30 and children (6–16) CHF 10–20; family packages and group rates are often available. Opening hours are commonly 10:00–17:00, with special workshop times and extended hours during school holidays, so check the calendar before you go. The centre offers hundreds of interactive exhibits — some reports quote over 500 — and demo shows that usually last 20–60 minutes. Book workshops in advance when required.

Access is straightforward. Technorama sits about a 10–15 minute tram or bus ride from Winterthur station, and on-site parking is available. Weekday mornings or quieter afternoons work best if you want room to repeat experiments without crowds. We suggest letting kids return to their favourite stations — repetition is part of the learning.

For planning a family outing, see our family trip guide.

Practical tips and facilities

Below are quick, practical notes to make your visit smoother; check specifics before you leave.

• Time: Allow 2–4 hours; aim for a weekday morning to avoid lines.
• Booking: Reserve workshops and special demos ahead; some fill fast.
• Clothing: Bring spare clothes for water play and summer workshops.
• Repeat play: Encourage kids to repeat experiments — learning deepens on the second try.
• Accessibility: Stroller access is available and most areas are wheelchair friendly.
• Facilities checklist:
  • • Café ✓
  • • Picnic area ✓
  • • Changing room ✓
  • • Lockers ✓
  • • On-site parking ✓
• Transit tip: Take the tram/bus from Winterthur station (10–15 minutes) to save parking time.

Hands-on favourites — Swiss Museum of Games (Musée Suisse du Jeu), La Tour-de-Peilz (Vevey / Montreux region)

The Musée Suisse du Jeu puts play at the centre of the visit. Kids can try playable games from around the world, dive into large board-game collections, and join family game sessions around facilitated tables. Historical displays appeal to older kids and adults; modern interactive kiosks keep younger visitors engaged. The collection is commonly described as containing thousands of games (Musée Suisse du Jeu) — check with the museum for the exact count.

We, at the young explorers club, recommend planning 1.5–3 hours for a standard visit and allocating extra time if you want a long game session or a themed workshop. Structured play works best for ages 6 and up, though the museum welcomes all ages and offers casual play areas for little ones.

Ticketing and programs

• Typical ticket price ranges fall between CHF 10–18 for adults, with discounts for children and family tickets often available; verify the official site for current prices.
• The museum runs regular workshops, demonstrations and facilitated play sessions. They sometimes offer long-play tables or a game-lending option for groups — check the event schedule and book group sessions in advance.
• Themed workshops introduce strategy games and make a neat way to deepen skills; they suit school groups and family parties.

Copy-ready blurb

This museum is a social experience: recommend booking a dedicated game session if visiting with a group.

Facilities & practical items to check before you go

Below are the typical amenities and the key things we tell families to confirm ahead of time:

• Café/refreshments ✓
• Play areas ✓
• Stroller access ✓
• Changing room ✗/✓ (verify with the museum)
• Group booking available — reserve if you want a guided or extended session

When you plan a visit, remember to align session times with your travel day; a relaxed schedule makes family play smoother. For ideas on combining museums with outdoor fun, see our guide for a family trip in Switzerland.

Outdoor adventures — Ballenberg open-air museum (near Brienz/Interlaken region)

We, at the young explorers club, love Ballenberg for its mix of open space and living history. Kids adore wandering historic farmhouses, meeting live animals, watching seasonal craft demonstrations, and taking horse-and-cart rides. Toddlers especially light up around animals and the wide lawns. If you’re planning a family trip in Switzerland, this site makes an easy full-day highlight.

I recommend budgeting half a day to a full day (about 4–7 hours). Plan a full day in fine weather so kids can explore without rush. The site is very large — commonly stated as “over 100” historic buildings and farms (Ballenberg fact sheet). Expect some walking between exhibits and plenty of outdoor play opportunities.

Timing, transport and access

Aim for a weekday or early opening on weekends to avoid crowds. The museum is mostly seasonal, open mainly from spring through autumn; some buildings close or have limited hours in winter. It’s roughly a 15–25 minute drive from Brienz, and local buses run from nearby towns. Public transport can be limited in shoulder seasons, so check timetables before you go. Paths are stroller-friendly in parts, but many routes are steep or rough and historic houses have steps.

Facilities checklist

Here’s a quick facility checklist and practical advice I use when planning a visit:

• Café/restaurant ✓
• Picnic areas ✓
• Stroller access partial ✓
• Toilets ✓
• Changing facilities: variable (check ahead)

Pack water, sunscreen, rain gear and snacks or a picnic. Wear comfortable shoes and supervise kids around animals and uneven paths. Check the calendar for seasonal craft demos, harvest events and family workshops; book special programs in advance if needed.

Admission and programs

Admission prices vary by season and there are usually child and family options. I recommend checking the official site for current rates and any special family tickets. Seasonal craft demonstrations and animal feeding times are the big draws for kids, so plan your route around scheduled shows to get the most hands-on moments.

For sporty kids — Olympic Museum, Lausanne

What kids love and the exhibits

We love how the Olympic Museum turns sport into an active experience. Sport-themed interactive displays and multimedia challenges get kids moving and thinking. Hands-on tests measure speed and coordination, so children can race against a virtual opponent or time their jump. Temporary exhibitions rotate often, while a permanent Olympic Collection traces the history and legacy of the IOC (IOC). The outdoor Olympic sculpture park gives kids space to run and discover art linked to sport.

The museum suits ages 6–16 best, though younger children will enjoy many of the interactive games and displays. Plan for 1.5–3 hours to see the highlights and let kids try the activity zones without rushing.

Planning your visit and facilities

If we’re planning a family trip to Lausanne, keep these practical points in mind and bring what you need for active kids.

• Café ✓
• Picnic friendly grounds ✓
• Stroller access ✓
• Changing room ✓
• Lockers ✓

Expect typical ticket prices in the range of about CHF 15–25 for adults; children are often discounted or free under certain ages — check the museum for the current policy and age thresholds. The museum sits on the Ouchy waterfront and is roughly 10–15 minutes by tram or bus from Lausanne main station, making it easy to combine with lakeside time.

A few quick tips we recommend:

• Try the speed and coordination zones first; kids stay focused early and those challenges are the most fun.
• Visit on a weekday morning to avoid longer queues during school holidays.
• Use lockers for backpacks and wet clothes after outdoor play.
• Bring a picnic for the gardens if you want to stretch the visit into a full afternoon.
• Expect family facilities like baby-changing and stroller access to be available, but confirm accessibility options before arrival.

We, at the young explorers club, find the Olympic Museum perfect for sporty kids who want to move, measure themselves, and learn a bit of sport history while having fun.

For sporty kids — FIFA World Football Museum, Zurich

Highlights & interactivity

We find this museum a live hit with children who love action. Interactive exhibits put kids on the pitch: shooting and skill tests, match-simulation kiosks and VR penalty-shootout experiences bring football to life. Trophy displays and original World Cup memorabilia spark big eyes and quick questions. Multimedia storytelling ties matches, players and moments into short, kid-friendly sequences that even younger visitors follow. The museum suits ages 5–15 best, and it thrills football fans of any age. I recommend planning 1.5–3 hours so kids can play, explore and refuel without rushing. For a full day in Zurich, we often combine the visit with other stops as part of a relaxed family trip.

Practical info and facilities

Below are the key practical details to help you plan the visit.

• Recommended length: 1.5–3 hours.
• Age range: great for ages 5–15; appeal extends to older fans.
• Typical ticket prices (examples — verify on the official site): Adults CHF 15–25; children and family tickets discounted. Check for any free-entry policies for very young kids.
• Location / transport: central Zurich location; about 5–10 minutes’ walk from Zurich HB (main station).
• Crowd guidance: busiest on weekends, match days and school holidays — book timed entries in advance where offered.
• What kids love: hands-on shooting/skill tests, VR penalty-shootout, match-simulation kiosks, trophy displays and multimedia stations.
• Pairing suggestion: combine with nearby playgrounds or small museums to fill the afternoon; compare walking times for a smooth schedule.
• Facilities checklist:
  • Café ✓
  • Picnic nearby ✓
  • Stroller access ✓
  • Changing room: check current availability
  • Lockers ✓

Tip: I advise checking up-to-date exhibit availability and timed-entry options on the museum’s official pages before you go, since special exhibitions and VR stations can rotate.

Curious minds — Natural History Museum Basel (Naturhistorisches Museum Basel)

We, at the young explorers club, send families here for straightforward curiosity fuel. It features impressive skeletons, animal dioramas, occasional dinosaur displays when on show, interactive touch tables and kid-friendly trails with scavenger-hunt prompts. We also point families planning a family trip to this stop as a reliable rainy-day option.

We recommend budgeting 1–2 hours. That window lets children absorb the big displays, try the hands-on stations and finish a short scavenger hunt without rushing. We find the museum works best for ages 4–12; younger toddlers will enjoy the visuals but may need shorter visits.

We usually tell parents to expect modest admission fees. Typical ranges run around Adults CHF 5–15; children are often free or carry a small charge. Exact age thresholds and current prices change, so verify locally before you go.

We like the museum’s large specimen collections and taxidermy displays for their educational clarity. If you want exact specimen counts, check the museum’s current collection catalogue before using numbers in planning or school materials. Exhibits mix mounted animals, skeletons laid out for easy study and occasional special exhibits that highlight paleontology or local biodiversity.

We encourage families to check the museum’s program calendar. Regular offerings include educational workshops, guided scavenger hunts and school-holiday activities. Some workshops require advance booking; other activities are drop-in. Confirm dates and any booking rules on the museum’s site.

We compare this visit to a hands-on science center and call it shorter but more focused. The museum delivers visual storytelling and specimen study rather than prolonged experimental play. For a half-day outing, pair it with a nearby park, café or another short cultural stop.

Facilities checklist (verify details with the museum)

• Café/refreshments: ✓/✗ (confirm on arrival)
• Stroller access: ✓
• Changing room: ✓
• Lockers: ✗/✓ (verify availability)

Curious minds — Tinguely Museum, Basel

We, at the Young Explorers Club, pick the Tinguely Museum for kids who love movement, noise and hands-on discovery. Children light up at the clanking, whirring kinetic sculptures; the artworks move, bang and sing in ways that feel like a giant, playful machine. Parents enjoy the design history and the changing contemporary shows that keep repeat visits fresh.

Plan for a 1–2 hour visit. That gives time to see the permanent kinetic-art collection, catch a rotating exhibition and join a short family activity if one’s running. The museum runs weekend creative workshops and family-talk programmes; we recommend booking those in advance via the events calendar.

Kids love the clanking and whirring — ideal for curious minds. The museum’s sensory appeal makes ages 6+ the sweet spot, though younger children are often fascinated by motion and sound. Typical ticket prices sit in the CHF 10–20 range for adults; children usually get a reduced rate, so check current prices and any free-entry ages before you go. For more ideas to pair with a museum day, see our family activities guide.

Facilities and practical info

Quick practical checklist before you go:

• Recommended visit length: 1–2 hours.
• Best age range: 6+ (younger children often captivated by motion).
• Typical ticket price range: Adults CHF 10–20; children discounted — verify current figures and free-entry ages.
• Family offerings: weekend creative workshops and family-talk programmes — check the events calendar and book ahead.
• Facilities: Café ✓ | Stroller access partial ✓ | Changing room: check with the museum (may vary) ✗/✓ | Lockers ✓.
• Accessibility: Parts of the museum are accessible; confirm specifics for mobility needs before arrival.

https://youtu.be/MutNdlfq42Q

Tickets, passes and savings for families

At the young explorers club, we focus on choices that cut costs without cutting fun. The Swiss Museum Pass often grants access to hundreds of museums across Switzerland — check the current participating sites before you buy. A pass can simplify logistics and reduce per-visit stress for families.

How the Swiss Museum Pass and single tickets compare

I compare pass vs single-entry costs with simple math so you can decide fast. Use local entry fees and current pass prices when you plan.

Sample worked example (prices correct as of Jun 2024 — verify current fees before booking):

• Adult entry = CHF 20. Child entry = CHF 12. Two adults + two children for one museum = CHF 64.
• Visiting two museums in one day at single entry = CHF 128 for the same family.

If a one-day Swiss Museum Pass costs less than CHF 128, you save. If it costs more, buy single tickets or a selective pass. Passes also remove the need to buy multiple timed tickets and can speed entry at busy sites. I always advise checking exact age cutoffs and participating museums before committing.

Booking tips, discounts and group rates

Follow these practical steps to lock in the best deal:

• Confirm family-ticket options and age thresholds at each museum; many venues offer discounted family rates or free entry for young children.
• Ask about group and school rates early; book guided workshops or school-group slots 2–6 weeks ahead.
• Pre-book planetarium shows, timed entries, VR experiences and holiday workshops to avoid sold-out sessions.
• Carry proof of pass ownership and student or school IDs at all times to access discounts.

I include a short planning tip: if you want inspiration for itinerary and family-friendly activities linked to museum visits, see our family trip suggestions.

Practical planning, accessibility, family facilities and quick-fact templates

We, at the young explorers club, recommend weekday mornings and other off-peak periods for calmer galleries and shorter queues. Pick dates outside July–August and local school holidays if you can, since those months are busiest. Call or check each museum’s calendar before you go so you don’t hit a closed gallery or a sold-out workshop.

Many city museums sit 10–20 minutes from main stations by public transport. For quick orientation: Lucerne station to Verkehrshaus is a 10–15 minute walk; Winterthur station to Technorama is 10–15 minutes by tram or bus; Zurich HB to the FIFA Museum is a 5–10 minute walk. Factor in extra time for strollers or small legs when you plan transfers.

Plan full-day visits for open-air sites and check seasonal opening months for Ballenberg before you travel. Pack sun protection for summer and rain gear for shoulder seasons. I also advise bringing ear protection for noisy exhibits and a small first-aid kit for scrapes. Some sites have cafés; others—Ballenberg among them—recommend packing a picnic.

See our what to pack guide for detailed packing lists and season-specific tips.

Checklists, sample day and quick-fact template

Use the following ready-to-use lists to cut planning time. Copy them into your trip notes and edit per museum.

Accessibility checklist:

• Stroller-friendly routes (varies by site)
• Lifts and step-free access
• Baby-changing rooms
• Breastfeeding spaces or quiet rooms
• Lockers for bags
• Allergy-friendly café options (varies)
• Ear protection recommended for loud exhibits

Lucerne family day — copy-ready itinerary:

• Morning: Verkehrshaus — 3–5 hours; allow extra 45–90 minutes for the planetarium
• Midday: Lakeside picnic and playground — 30–60 minutes
• Afternoon: Optional small museum visit or boat ride — 1–2 hours
• Transit: Allow 10–20 minutes between activities

Quick-fact box template (copy-ready):

• Location | Best ages | Duration | Price (adult/child/family) | Opening hours (checked on [date]) | Transport time from nearest major station | Swiss Museum Pass status | Why kids will love it (1–2 sentences) | Parent tips (3 bullets)

Editorial reminders for every listing:

• Always include the exact date you checked prices and opening hours
• Recommend packing: water, picnic, rain gear, sun protection, ear protection
• Suggest booking lead times for workshops and planetarium shows
• Verify Swiss Museum Pass inclusion and exact ticket prices on the museum’s official pages before travel

Sources

Verkehrshaus der Schweiz — Swiss Museum of Transport

Technorama – Swiss Science Center

Ballenberg — Ballenberg Open-Air Museum

Musée Olympique — The Olympic Museum

FIFA World Football Museum — FIFA World Football Museum

Swiss Museum of Games — Musée Suisse du Jeu

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel — Natural History Museum Basel

Museum Tinguely — Museum Tinguely Basel

Swiss Museum Pass — Official site

Switzerland Tourism — Family travel & experiences

Swiss Federal Statistical Office — Tourism statistics

Lonely Planet — Family travel in Switzerland