Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a city rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do. The Old City is a great place to start, with its maze of cobbled streets and medieval buildings. The Bear Pit, where bears have been kept since 1513, is a must-see, and kids will love the nearby playground and carousel. The Bernese Alps are just a short train ride away, and there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Families can also visit the Bern Zoo, the Einstein House, or take a boat ride on the Aare River.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Bern, Switzerland
1. Enjoy the playgrounds
Bern is full of playgrounds, both big and small, so there’s plenty of opportunity for kids to let off some steam. The Seepark playground is a great option for both younger and older kids, with a wide range of equipment to climb, swing and slides.
2. Visit the Bern Zoo
Home to over 150 different species of animals, the Bern Zoo is a great option for a family day out. Kids will love getting up close to the giraffes, kangaroos, elephants and tigers, and there’s also a petting zoo for some hands-on animal fun.
3. Take a ride on the Gurten funicular
Gurten Park is a huge green space on the outskirts of Bern, and it’s easily reachable by funicular. Once you’re at the top, there’s plenty to explore, including a playground, walking and biking trails, and a petting zoo.
4. See the bears in their natural habitat
Bern’s bear pit might not be the most natural habitat for these animals, but it’s nonetheless a popular attraction for kids (and adults!) nonetheless. Make sure to catch the daily feedings at 11am and 4pm.
5. Visit the Charlie Chaplin Museum
A must-visit for any Chaplin fans, this museum traces the life and work of the famous actor and director. Kids will love seeing Chaplin’s original costumes and props, and there are also some interactive exhibits.
6. Play at the Wankdorf Center
This large shopping centre might not sound like the ideal place for kids, but it actually has a great play area on the top floor. There’s also a cinema and a number of restaurants, making it a good option for a rainy day.
7. Meet the farm animals at Marzili
Marzili is a cute little farm in the middle of the city, and it’s the perfect place to meet some friendly animals. Kids can feed the goats, sheep and chickens, and there are also some rabbits and guinea pigs.
8. Hunt for dragons at the Dragon Statue
This statue, located in front of the parliament building, is a popular spot for kids to climb and explore. Keep your eyes peeled for the many dragons hidden around the statue – there are said to be over 100 of them!
9. Get active at the Juffingtalsportzentrum
This sports centre has a wide range of facilities for kids to enjoy, including a trampoline park, climbing wall, football pitches and a swimming pool. There’s also a coffee shop for parents to relax in while the kids exhaust themselves!
10. Go on a boat trip
Bern is located on the river Aare, and there are a number of boat companies offering trips along the water. These are a great way to see the city from a different perspective, and kids will love being out on the water.
