What to do in Interlaken with Kids – Kid Friendly Daytrips and Activities

Interlaken with Kids: Unforgettable Family Adventures in the Heart of Switzerland

Planning a trip to Interlaken with kids might just turn out to be one of the best family vacations you’ve ever taken — it certainly was for us! Interlaken, nestled in Switzerland’s stunning Bernese Oberland region, offers the perfect mix of breathtaking alpine scenery, effortless transportation, and endless kid-friendly activities.

I’ve traveled to many places across Europe, and not all of them have been particularly toddler-friendly. But Interlaken was different. From easy day trips to storybook villages to playgrounds with epic views, it checked all the boxes for an unforgettable family getaway. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, there are more than enough activities to keep the whole crew happy for days on end.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything we discovered during our own adventure — from scenic hikes and mountaintop playgrounds to chocolate workshops and rainy day escapes. So grab your Swiss Travel Pass, pack some snacks, and let’s explore the best things to do in Interlaken with kids!

Is Interlaken Worth Visiting with Kids?

If you’re wondering whether Interlaken is worth visiting with kids, let me put your mind at ease: it absolutely is. While it may not have the quaint, tucked-away charm of the mountain villages nearby, Interlaken makes up for it with unbeatable convenience, a wide range of accommodations, and excellent access to countless family adventures.

We loved using Interlaken as our home base during our trip. It’s centrally located with excellent train and bus connections that made day trips to the surrounding mountains, lakes, and villages a breeze. Compared to smaller alpine towns, Interlaken offers more affordable lodging options and better access to stores and essentials — a big plus when traveling with little ones.

That said, if your dream is waking up to mountain views from a chalet balcony, then you might consider staying in a higher-altitude village like Mürren or Wengen. But even then, you’ll likely pass through Interlaken anyway for transportation connections. So why not make the most of what this family-friendly hub has to offer?

For us, Interlaken struck the perfect balance: close enough to nature for epic views and hikes, but practical enough to keep travel logistics simple — something any parent can appreciate.

Where to Stay in Interlaken with Kids

We stayed at an amazing, family friendly hostel in Interlaken.  We recommend it wholeheartedly to ANYONE visiting the area. Here are links to reviews of the Backpackers Villa Sonnenhoff on Tripadvisor.com or Booking.com where you can find images, descriptions and reviews.

When traveling with kids, finding the right place to stay can make or break your trip. We were lucky enough to discover Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof, a cozy, affordable, and incredibly family-friendly hostel right in Interlaken. I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough — it was clean, welcoming, and full of thoughtful amenities that made life on the road easier for our family.

The location was perfect: close to shops, restaurants, and public transportation, yet tucked away enough to feel peaceful. They had a small playground on-site, free parking, a guest kitchen (so helpful for prepping picky-eater meals), and even laundry facilities. Plus, our kids loved the big backyard area to run around in after a day of adventuring.

Of course, there are plenty of other accommodation options depending on your family’s needs and budget. From vacation rentals and hotels to hostels and charming B&Bs, Interlaken has something for every family. But if you’re looking for a reliable, kid-friendly stay, Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof was a real gem.

Suggestions for What To Do in and Around Interlaken With Kids

Aare Gorge Canyon Walk, Switzerland (Aareschlucht):

The Aare Gorge Canyon Walk is a surprisingly easy hike with kids that yields some stunning views.  There is a playground at one end where the kids can make a game out of finding little green worm characters that are hidden in the rock walls.  I can’t take credit for this amazing find.  Check out the Moms, Tots Zurich Blog’s Aare Gorge Page for detailed instructions.

• Website: Aare Gorge Canyon Walk Website
• Aare Gorge Tickets: 9 CHF adults, 5 CHF children 6-16, children under 6 are free
• How to Get to Aare Gorge from Interlaken: It is a 1 hour, 21 minute train ride from Interlaken to Aare Gorge.  There are two train stops, east and west.  Neither is a far walk to the gorge.  I suggest starting at the east stop and ending at the west as the west end is where the playground is.

Grindelwald First Cliff Walk  / Bachalpsee Lake Hike / Grindelwald Pfingstegg Toboggan Run

This area is awash with stunning scenery and fun stuff to keep the kiddos amused.  The Grindelwald Cable Car will take you up to Grindelwald First Cliff Walk where you will find a neat cliff walk and the start to the easy, stroller friendly Bachalpsee Lake hike. 

TIP:  If you want to check the conditions at the top of Grindelwald-First, you can check the Grindelwald First webcam here.

The Pfingstegg Cable Car takes you up a different way to access the Grindelwald Pfingstegg Toboggan Run and a small playground. 

• Websites:
  Grindelwald First
  Pfingstegg Cable Car
  Gletscherschlucht Gringelwald
• How to Get to Grindelwald from Interlaken: Take the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald. It will take about 45 minutes. To get to Grindelwald First, take the First Railway from the upper valley station (it is a 30 minute ride). To get to the Glacier Gorge and the Pfingstegg Cable Car, you will take a bus from the train station. Please check https://www.sbb.ch/en/ for the latest schedules and routes.

Lauterbrunnen Valley Switzerland / Trummelbach Falls hike

The Lauterbrunnen Valley Switzerland is an area that we really would have liked to have spent more time exploring.  Surrounded by epic mountains, this area has idyllic Swiss villages and lots of beautiful waterfalls to explore.  The Trummelbach Falls hike from Lauterbrunnen is an easy pathway that leads to Trummelbach Falls.  Trummelbach falls is a series of waterfalls that cuts through the rock to funnel the immense volume of glacial melt off from the surrounding mountains.

Trummelbach falls might not be suitable for small children.  It is extremely loud and somewhat dark, wet and slippery.

Here is a great resource with more ideas for planning your time in the Lauterbrunnen Valley with kids!

• Websites:
  Trummelbach Falls
  Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
• Trummelbach Falls Price: Adults 11 CHF, Children 4 CHF
• How to Get From Lauterbrunnen from Interlaken: Take the train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunen (20 minutes). You can catch a bus from Lauterbrunnen up the valley to Trummelbach Falls. You can also walk there (it is supposed to be a beautiful walk along a flat road, about 30 minutes).

Schilthorn / Murren Switzerland / Allmendhubel Funnicular and Playground

Taking the Schilthornbahn cable cars to the top of the Schilthorn and exploring the village of Murren Switzerland and the Allmendhubel Flower Playground at the top of the Allmendhubelbahn (funicular) was something that we all enjoyed.

The village of Murren Switzerland was easily one of the prettiest places that we have ever been.  It was picture perfect, and it looked like something out of a postcard.  This would be a great place to spend a couple of nights if you were looking for that iconic Swiss mountain experience.

TIP: If you would like to know what the weather is like at the top of Schilthorn, you can check out the Schilthorn webcam here.

• Website
  Schilthorn
  Almendhubel Flower Playground
  Murren Switzerland Tourism
• Cost: Schilthornbahn Tickets: Adults 105 CHF, Children (ages 6-15) 62.50 CHF (free with Swiss Travel Pass) / Almendhubel Funnicular: 14 CHF Adults, 7 CHF Children
• How to Get to Murren from Interlaken: Take the train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunen. Take the post bus to Stechelberg to reach the cable car station. Take the first cable car up to Murren to access the Allmendhubel Funnicular or continue up the mountain to the top of Schilthorn.

Seilpark Interlaken

If your kids love climbing as much as mine do, they will love the Seilpark Interlaken. This climbing ropes park offers courses for the whole family. The minimum height for the smallest course is 3 feet, and there are options for varying levels of adventure from there.

• Website:
  Seilpark Interlaken Ropes Course and Playground
• Cost: 39 CHF adults, 29 CHF children (includes instruction and unlimited courses)
• How to Get to the Seilpark Interlaken: This is located just outside of Interlaken. From Interlaken West Bahnhoff, take the 104 bus 2 stops towards Rugenparkstrasse. Get off at the Heimwehfluhbahn stop. You will have to walk 550 meters from where the bus drops you off.

Harder Kulm Interlaken

Taking the funicular to the top of Harder Kulm Interlaken was a surprise highlight of our trip.  We ended up here on our last day in Interlaken because the weather was bad higher in the mountains.  Harder Kulm is considered Interlaken’s “home” mountain.  Visiting Harder Kulm is one of the best things to do in Interlaken Switzerland and truly one of the easiest Interlaken family activities! 

The bottom of the Harder Kulm funicular is an easy walk, right off of the main street in Interlaken.  The panoramic views from Harder Kulm viewpoint of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz were unforgettable and there were a number of Interlaken hiking trails that are accessible from here. The viewing platform that extends off the side of the cliff giving you incredible views of both lakes is one of the best places to visit in Interlaken.

• Website:
  Harder Kulm
• Harder Kulm Tickets: 38 CHF adults, 19 CHF child 6-16 (half off with Swiss Train Pass)
• How to Get to Harder Kulm: The Harder Kulm funnicular is a short walk from the Interlaken Ost railway station.

Note:  The Interlaken Visitor Card that you will get if you are staying any Interlaken accomodations gives you a discount for the Harder Kulm funicular as well as a host of other great discounts!

A Boat Cruise on Lake Thun Switzerland (or Lake Briensz):

If you want a laid back, super easy way to see the area and the beautiful mountains from a different perspective, a boat cruise on Lake Thun Switzerland (or Lake Briensz) is a perfect choice! 

This is a great choice for a boat cruise that allows you to hop on and hop off as you wish, so you can see the various villages and attractions around the lake at your family’s own pace. This is one of the easiest things to do in Interlaken with kids!

Thun, Switzerland:

Thun Switzerland is a super cute and off the beaten path Swiss village at the opposite end of Lake Thun from Interlaken.  You can either take the train or take a boat cruise across the lake (or do the cruise one way and the train the other.)  There are some great things to do in Thun Switzerland making it an easy daytrips from Interlaken.

• Website: Thun Switzerland Tourism
• How to Get to Thun from Interlaken: Thun is a quick and incredibly scenic 30 minute train ride from Interlaken. Trains depart regularly throughout the day.

Lucerne Switzerland and the Mount Rigi Cogwheel Train

One could easily spend a few days exploring Lucerne on its own merits.  If all you have is a day, it is one of the most pleasant day trips from Interlaken.  You can either DIY this or book a tour for maximum convenience.  The city and its iconic bridge against the backdrop of the mountains are a sight to see.  

Mount Rigi is even more impressive – this was one of our favorite days of our trip!  Taking the Mount Rigi Cogwheel train to the top of Mount Rigi will yield spectacular views that you are sure to remember.

TIP:  Just like other mountains in Switzerland, taking the Mount Rigi Cogwheel Train to the top of Mount Rigi in the morning will give you the best chance of clear views.

• Websites:
  https://www.rigi.ch/en/,
  https://www.luzern.com/en/
• Mount Rigi Price: 72 CHF adult, 18 CHF child, free with Swiss Travel Pass
• How to Get from Interlaken to Lucerne: The train from Interlaken to Lucerne takes approximately 2 hours. There are direct trains approximately every 60 minutes (check to see when you arrive at the train station what the most direct trains are at that time).
• How to Get to Mount Rigi from Lucerne: We took the boat from to Lucerne to Mount Rigi and it was a really fun day trip. You then can take the train back down the other side to Goldnau and take the train back to Lucerne from there.

Ballenberg Open Air Museum:

The museum features 250 traditional Swiss buildings in an idyllic mountain setting with farm traditional farm crops and gardens.  This is a really fun day out for those looking for Interlaken Switzerland activities with kids!

Website:
https://www.ballenberg.ch/en/
Cost: 28 CHF adult, 14 CHF child 6-16
How to Get Here: Ballenberg is 30 minutes by train from Interlaken.

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What to do in Interlaken When it Rains

Rain happens, and some raingear can often salvage a rainy day in Interlaken.   If you just need some ideas for what to do in Interlaken when it rains, here are a few options that should keep you that way.

St Beatus Caves:

St Beatus Caves Switzerland are a neat cave complex and series of impressive waterfalls not far from Interlaken.  There is a captivating dragon themed playground, making this a good half day option for those looking for Interlaken activities with kids.

• Website:
  https://www.beatushoehlen.swiss/en/
• Cost: 18 CHF adult, 10 CHF child 6-16, 49 CHF family pass

A Chocolate Making Workshop at Funky Chocolate Club Switzerland

Your kids will be in heaven.  They can eat as much chocolate as they want!  You will all learn together the origins of chocolate, making chocolate, tempering chocolate, pouring it into molds, and of course takting chocolate!

The workshops are scheduled multiple times a day, and they take about 75 minutes.  If you can’t get in for a workshop, you can always stop in to the cafe on a rainy day for some hot chocolate and treats!

• Website: https://funkychocolateclub.com/
• Price: CHF 69 for Adults and CHF 59 for kids

Jungfrau Park:

This will be a nice treat if your kids are just done with mountains and cutesy little villages.  This is an amusement park that has a great indoor and outdoor play area for kids as well as a variety of other shows and amusements.  It is also great for those looking for an option for what to do in Interlaken with kids on a rainy day!

• Website:
  http://www.jungfraupark.ch/en
• Cost: 40 CHF adults, 22 CHF children over six. If you are just looking for an indoor place to play, there are reduced rates into the Mysty Land part of the park, and some good discounts for Mysty Land

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