Zürich’s reputation as a costly business hub often deters families from considering it as a vacation spot. However, during the summer months, this picturesque Swiss city reveals a different, more approachable side — one that invites families to enjoy its lakeside charm and urban pleasures.
Why Choose Zürich for a Family Holiday?
Contrary to popular belief, Zürich in summer is far from the bustling financial center it is known to be. As the city’s residents (known locally as Zürchers) escape to the Alps or the warmer Ticino region, Zürich transforms into a tranquil retreat. Business travel slows, and the city embraces a relaxed pace, making it an ideal family destination.
Temperatures hover comfortably below 28°C, offering a pleasant alternative to the often scorching Mediterranean. The city’s jewel, Lake Zürich, warms to an inviting 25-27°C, effectively serving as a vast, crystal-clear swimming pool without the nuisance of jellyfish common in sea resorts. The pristine water quality even allows for drinking, with only occasional cautions about sunscreen residue on certain days.
Getting Around Made Easy
Zürich’s extensive and punctual tram network is the preferred mode of transport for visitors. The Zürich Card offers excellent value, providing unlimited travel on trams, buses, trains, and boats for 72 hours — priced at 56 Swiss francs for adults and 37 francs for children over six. The card also includes access to lake and river cruises, a cableway ride up to the Uetliberg mountain, airport transfers, and free or discounted entry to numerous museums and attractions.
Families will appreciate the convenience and affordability of public transport, which efficiently connects the city’s highlights without the need for a car.
Summer Activities: Badis and Beyond
Zürich’s open-air swimming spots, or “Badis,” are at the heart of the city’s summer experience. These public bathing areas along Lake Zürich and the Limmat River offer sandy beaches, decking, immaculate changing facilities, and cafés, all at modest entry fees. Each Badi caters to different tastes and ages:
Strandbad Mythenquai: Known as “family-friendly heaven,” this Badi features a 250-meter sandy beach, grassy picnic areas, table tennis, diving platforms, and a communal barbecue space. Perfect for children and parents alike, it is easily accessible via tram No. 7.
Seebad Enge: Favored by adults and teens, this Badi boasts a floating swimming platform, 44-meter lanes for serious swimmers, a mixed-gender sunbathing area, a women-only section, and a kiosk café serving cocktails and salads. Visitors can also enjoy yoga, shiatsu, massages, and a seasonal sauna.
Flussbad Oberer Letten: This free-access concrete river bathing spot offers a unique urban swimming experience. Here, locals practice the viral “summer river commute,” floating downstream with waterproof bags. The area features diving platforms, sun terraces, and book-sharing boxes, providing a lively social atmosphere.
Seebad Utoquai: Dating back to 1890, this lakeside Badi exudes a sophisticated ambiance with wooden decking, a café-bar serving rosé, separate male and female terraces, diving boards, rafts, and a small internal pool. Seasonal massages and sauna services are available.
Paddleboarding on Lake Zürich
Paddleboarding offers a serene way to enjoy the lake. Beginners can take private lessons at Strandbad Mythenquai, where families learn to balance and paddle under professional guidance. Rental options are also available at various Badis for skilled paddlers.
Cultural and Family Attractions
Beyond swimming and water sports, Zürich offers several attractions to keep the whole family entertained:
Zoo Zürich: Home to 6,000 animals across 27 hectares, this well-managed zoo features the impressive Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park and the Lewa Savanna enclosure, where rhinos, zebras, and giraffes roam. Entry supports conservation efforts globally, and on-site eateries cater to all tastes.
WOW Museum: Located near the Hauptbahnhof, this optical illusion museum provides interactive fun with twelve illusion rooms that challenge perception and create memorable photo opportunities.
Lindt Home of Chocolate: A must-visit for chocolate lovers, this interactive museum offers insights into chocolate making alongside tastings.
For further details on tickets, transport, and opening times, visitors are encouraged to consult official Zürich tourism websites or the Zürich City Guide App.
