10 Fun Things to do with Kids in Winter

Winter can be hard on parents (I suppose). In summer kids keep themselves occupied outside, riding bikes and building tree forts. In winter, however, options can be a bit limited. Especially since in most parts of Switzerland snow is a passing occurrence and winter days are usually just gray, wet and cold.

Activities for Kids in Swiss Winter

I tried to remember what kind of activities my mom came up with while growing up and realized most things can still be done today. Have a look:

1. Zoo: visit the zoo in Basel or Zurich. Some animals are even more active in winter such as penguins. Visiting Indoor housing is great for warming up!
2. Alpamare: visit Switzerland's most popular water park. Slides, hot pools and more will keep you busy for a whole day!
3. Sledding: Switzerland has great sledding slopes where you can take a train or gondola up the mountain and sled down at your own pace. Rigi and Bergün are my favourites!
4. Public pool: almost every town in Switzerland has a public pool. The water is usually not hot but at a pleasant temperature for swimming and goofing around!
5. Ice skating: many Swiss towns also have an ice skating rink. Weekends are usually quit busy so if you have a free afternoon midweek make use of it!
6. Movies: yepp, the movies! Treat your kids to a funny film and a bag of popcorn - always a winner!
7. Indoor rock climbing: there's a huge rock climbing gym in Schlieren but also many more all over the country. Most offer activities or courses for (older) children.
8. Technorama: I'll never forget touching that static thing that made hair look really crazy! :) Great fun for kids and adults!
9. Papillorama: personally, I'm not too fussed about butterflies. On a cold day it might still be nice to observe these colorful fliers in a nice warm environment!
10. Kambly Factory: one of Switzerlands more famous cooky factories offers tours and activities for kids. I've never been - let me know about it if you go!

winter fun - berggeist007  / pixelio.de

For more ideas on what to do on those short winter days check the following articles:
10 Fun Things to Do Inside in Winter or 10 Fun Things to Do Outside on a Snowy Winter Day



© 2014 IRENE WYRSCH "A HUMOROUS GUIDE TO SWITZERLAND" ALL RIGHTS RESERVED