Europe: Top things to enjoy with kids in Bern

The Gurten Summer Toboggan run offers thrilling rides for families visiting Bern’s local mountain. Suitable for children aged 3 and up, this fun activity allows kids to control their own speed as they glide down the hill on the toboggan. The ride is safe, with brakes for slowing down, making it suitable for even younger children. After a few rounds on the toboggan, families can explore the rest of Gurten, enjoying the playgrounds, hiking trails, and scenic views. It’s a fun, exciting way for children to experience the outdoors.

Bern’s Tierpark Dählhölzli is a fantastic family-friendly zoo located along the Aare River. The zoo features a wide variety of animals, including native Swiss species and exotic wildlife. Children will love exploring the different enclosures, learning about animal habitats, and interacting with animals at the petting zoo. The zoo also offers playgrounds, picnic spots, and scenic walking trails, making it a great destination for families looking to combine education with outdoor fun.

The Zentrum Paul Klee museum showcases the works of Swiss artist Paul Klee, and it’s a great spot for families with creative children. The museum offers hands-on art workshops specifically designed for kids, allowing them to explore their artistic talents. The large, colorful spaces of the museum make it a visually engaging place for young children. In addition to the art exhibits, the museum’s outdoor area offers space for kids to run and play, making it a well-rounded destination for a cultural yet active family outing.

The Swiss Alpine Museum offers a glimpse into Switzerland’s alpine culture and landscapes, making it an engaging experience for families. The museum features interactive exhibits that explore topics such as mountain climbing, alpine wildlife, and life in the Swiss Alps. Children will enjoy hands-on displays and multimedia experiences that bring the alpine world to life. The museum is a great way for families to learn more about Switzerland’s unique geography and cultural heritage, while keeping younger visitors entertained and engaged.

In addition to its beautiful views and playgrounds, Gurten also offers a fun miniature golf course for families. The 18-hole course is set against the scenic backdrop of Bern’s local mountain, providing a relaxing yet entertaining activity for children and adults alike. Mini-golf is a great way for families to spend quality time together while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. After a game, families can explore the rest of the mountain’s activities, making it a perfect spot for a full day of family fun.

AdventureRooms offers escape room experiences tailored to families, with kid-friendly themes and puzzles. It’s a fun, challenging, and interactive way for families to work together, solving mysteries and finding clues to escape the room. The games are designed to be suitable for children, making it an exciting activity for those over six years old. The engaging atmosphere and teamwork involved make AdventureRooms a memorable experience for families who enjoy solving puzzles and working together.

On hot summer days, swimming in the Aare River is a popular activity for families in Bern. The Marzili and Lorraine pools are safe swimming spots along the river, offering shallow areas for young children to enjoy the water. Lifeguards are present during peak times, ensuring a safe environment for families. Parents can relax on the grassy banks while kids splash in the river. It’s a refreshing and fun way to spend a summer afternoon, experiencing one of Bern’s most beloved outdoor activities.

The Bern Puppet Theater is a charming venue offering family-friendly performances that captivate young audiences. With shows based on classic fairy tales and original stories, the theater provides an engaging and magical experience for children. The puppet shows are interactive and designed to appeal to children of all ages, making it a wonderful cultural outing for families. Performances are often scheduled on weekends and during school holidays, providing a great opportunity for families to enjoy a unique theatrical experience in Bern.

The Bear Park is one of Bern’s most famous landmarks, offering an exciting experience for kids to see real bears up close. The park provides a natural habitat for the city’s bears, with plenty of space to roam. Children can watch the bears swim, climb, and interact with their environment. There’s also an educational component, teaching visitors about bear conservation and wildlife protection. Located near the Old Town, the park is a fun and unique place for families to learn about animals while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

The Münsterplattform is a large terrace overlooking the Aare River, featuring a great playground for children. The space includes swings, slides, and climbing structures, with plenty of benches and shaded areas for parents to relax. The terrace offers stunning views of the river and surrounding hills, making it a perfect spot for a family picnic. With its central location near Bern’s Old Town, the Münsterplattform is a convenient and enjoyable destination for families looking to combine sightseeing with playtime.

Bern is surrounded by family-friendly hiking trails that are perfect for young children. The Wanderweg trails offer easy, well-marked paths through forests, fields, and hills. Many of these trails are stroller-friendly and provide scenic views of Bern and the surrounding countryside. Families can enjoy a leisurely hike, stop for a picnic, and experience the beauty of the Swiss outdoors. These hikes offer a gentle introduction to nature for children, making them an ideal way for families to enjoy the outdoors without needing advanced hiking skills.

The Creaviva Children’s Museum at the Zentrum Paul Klee offers interactive art experiences for young children. Kids can participate in workshops where they create their own artwork using different materials and techniques. The museum’s creative atmosphere encourages children to explore their imagination and express themselves through art. It’s a hands-on, educational experience that introduces children to the world of art in a fun and accessible way. Parents can join in or watch their little ones create masterpieces, making it a perfect family outing for budding young artists.

The Bern Mini Train (Bärner Bähnli) is a delightful experience for young children. Located in Rosengarten, this small train takes kids on a ride through the park, offering a fun and relaxing activity for families. The train ride is short but entertaining, and it’s a hit with younger children who enjoy the novelty of riding a miniature train. After the ride, families can explore the park, play at the playground, and enjoy a picnic. It’s a simple but enjoyable way to spend time outdoors while keeping kids entertained.

The Bundesplatz Fountain, located in front of the Federal Palace, is a great spot for families to relax and let children play. In the summer, the fountain shoots jets of water from the ground, providing a fun and interactive water feature for kids to splash in. Parents can enjoy the surrounding cafes and shops while keeping an eye on their children as they cool off in the fountain. It’s a lively and fun attraction, especially on hot days, offering a refreshing break in the heart of Bern’s city center.

The Rosengarten (Rose Garden) is a beautiful park in Bern with over 200 types of roses, offering a serene environment for families. Children can run and play on the wide lawns while parents enjoy stunning views of the city. The park also has a café, picnic areas, and a small playground, making it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon. It’s an ideal place for a peaceful family outing, with plenty of space to unwind, enjoy nature, and take in the view of Bern’s picturesque Old Town.

Gurten is a perfect family getaway, offering panoramic views of Bern. Accessible via a funicular railway, the mountain has an expansive playground, miniature trains, and picnic areas. Families can hike or take a leisurely walk while kids enjoy the large play area, which includes swings, slides, and climbing equipment. In the summer, there’s even a toboggan run for extra fun. It’s an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy nature, relax, and let the children play freely in a safe and beautiful environment.

The Bern Historical Museum is an excellent destination for families with curious minds. The museum’s interactive exhibits and special sections dedicated to children make learning fun. Kids will especially enjoy the Einstein Museum, where they can learn about Albert Einstein’s time in Bern and his groundbreaking scientific discoveries. The museum offers family-friendly tours and hands-on exhibits that engage younger visitors, making it an educational yet entertaining experience for all.

Kornhauskeller is a family-friendly restaurant located in a historical building in Bern’s Old Town. The grand dining hall offers a unique ambiance that will fascinate children, while the menu features Swiss classics and dishes suitable for all ages. The restaurant often accommodates families with young children, offering high chairs and a kid’s menu. Dining here provides a cultural experience in addition to a meal, as families can soak in the historical atmosphere of the Kornhauskeller while enjoying a delicious Swiss meal.

A day trip from Bern to the Bernese Oberland offers families an unforgettable adventure. With its stunning mountain views, lakes, and charming villages, the region is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and exploring nature. Families can take the train or drive to popular destinations like Interlaken, Grindelwald, or Lauterbrunnen. These areas offer easy, family-friendly trails, boat trips, and opportunities to experience Swiss culture. It’s a wonderful way to escape the city and enjoy Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes with children.

The Einstein House in Bern offers a glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most famous scientists. Families can explore the apartment where Albert Einstein lived while developing the theory of relativity. The museum includes exhibits on Einstein’s life, scientific achievements, and personal history. While the museum is geared toward adults, it also offers an engaging experience for children interested in science. The compact nature of the house makes it a quick and informative stop, perfect for a short family visit.