Best things to do in Switzerland with elderly and children. Top picks with family friendly ideas.
Let’s be honest. Planning a Switzerland trip for family groups that include both elderly travellers and young kids sounds lovely until you realise everyone wants something different. The little ones want fun. The seniors want comfort. And you’re in the middle trying to make it work.
This guide is for those trying to balance it all. Whether you’re planning a full Switzerland family tour or squeezing in a weekend trip as part of a longer Europe itinerary, here’s what actually works.
Best scenic train rides for families in Switzerland:
Glacier Express and Bernina Express. These two are regularly searched by families looking for relaxing yet immersive experiences. The Glacier Express connects Zermatt to St Moritz in about eight hours. The Bernina Express takes around four hours from Chur to Tirano. Both give you window seat access to some of the best views in Europe.
These scenic rides are perfect for families with grandparents. There’s no rushing around.
Children get mesmerised by the mountains. And for many of our clients travelling from Singapore, this becomes the most memorable part of their trip.
Is a lake cruise in Lucerne or Interlaken worth it?
Short answer… yes. Both Lake Lucerne and Lake Thun offer gentle, scenic cruises that require no walking. You can just sit, chat and enjoy the view. This is one of those activities that suits everyone in the family.
We often plan these on travel days or after more active excursions. Think of it as a moving picnic with photo ops. What to expect at Mount Titlis and Gornergrat with kids and elderly Mount Titlis has a rotating cable car that starts in Engelberg and takes you up in under thirty minutes. Gornergrat has a cogwheel train from Zermatt that climbs in about thirty minutes too. Both are family friendly. There’s seating throughout. Paths are wide and views are incredible.
For families travelling from Singapore who aren’t used to high altitudes, we plan stops and buffer time so no one feels rushed.
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Lucerne’s Swiss Transport Museum: is it good for kids and seniors?
It’s one of the most searched indoor attractions for families in Switzerland. With interactive exhibits, cafes and rest areas, it works well for groups. Children can explore, press buttons and learn. Grandparents can sit back with a coffee nearby.
GoldenPass Line: scenic rail from Lucerne to Montreux:
The Golden Pass Line is one of the most recommended train journeys in Switzerland. It takes about five hours and connects Lucerne to Montreux through villages, lakes and mountains. The panoramic windows are a hit with every age group. Many of our clients book this route as a full day activity. It feels effortless but looks like a postcard every ten minutes.
Is Lindt Home of Chocolate worth visiting with kids?
Located just outside Zurich, the Lindt museum is easy to reach, doesn’t require long walks and appeals to every sweet tooth in the family. You can expect tasting rooms, a massive chocolate fountain and a guided walkthrough. Plan for about an hour and a half here.
What to know about Rhine Falls for families:
Rhine Falls is just under an hour from Zurich. It’s one of the best day trips from Zurich with children and elderly travellers. There are accessible viewing platforms and optional boat rides. Paths are paved and signage is clear. Great for a half-day trip
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Where to go in the Bernese Oberland with kids and seniors?
Popular searches include Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and Mürren and for good reason. These villages are peaceful, scenic and car free. But don’t worry, they’re all connected by reliable trains and cable cars. That’s what makes them perfect for families.
Is the Lucerne old town family friendly?
Yes. Very. Flat paths, lakeside walks and short distances between attractions. You don’t need to pack a full itinerary here. Just enjoy a few hours of walking, eating and resting. For elderly travellers, there are benches everywhere. For kids, there’s always something to watch.
Chaplin’s World in Vevey: a hidden gem:
Not as commonly searched, but highly rated by our clients. This museum is built inside Charlie Chaplin’s former home. Seniors love the nostalgia. Kids enjoy the hands-on elements. Great add-on if you’re staying near Montreux or Lausanne.
Is Lauterbrunnen family friendly?
It is. And it’s often one of the most appreciated stops. You don’t need an itinerary. Just let your family explore slowly. Waterfalls, wildflowers and flat walking paths make this a peaceful visit.
It’s easy to reach from Interlaken:
What’s the best thing to do in Switzerland with families? Add an extra day. We say this a lot. And we mean it. Adding a free day into your itinerary with no activities, no movement gives everyone a breather. Sit outside your hotel. Make your own meals [where possible!]. Watch the clouds. These are the days that usually get talked about most.
Why this matters when planning a Switzerland trip from Singapore?
You’re flying far. You want to make it count. But overplanning or picking the wrong stops can burn everyone out. That’s why we tailor our Switzerland tour packages for families carefully. We consider energy levels, accessibility and local experience- not just tourist checklists.
Final thoughts: things to do in Switzerland with elderly and children:
Not every attraction suits every family. That’s the honest truth. We help you cut through the noise and focus on what brings connection, not stress. We’ll tell you if something’s not worth your time or budget. That’s why families trust us to plan their trips year after year.
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FAQs: planning a family trip to Switzerland
What are the best cities in Switzerland for families?
Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux are excellent choices. All offer access to lakes, mountains and reliable public transport.
Are scenic trains in Switzerland suitable for seniors?
Absolutely. The Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass Line are top picks for relaxed sightseeing.
Can we combine Switzerland with other countries?
Yes. And we often recommend it. For trips over 8 days, combining Switzerland with France or Italy adds more value and variety.
Planning a Switzerland family trip from Singapore?
Let us help you build the right itinerary for your pace, interests and budget. Our team at Fayyaz Travels creates personalised family tours that actually make sense and memories that actually last.