What to do with your children during the summer holidays in Switzerland?

The essentials: The long summer holidays are just around the corner—and with them comes the question every parent knows all too well: “What are we going to do for six weeks?”
Don’t worry—you live in one of the most beautiful playgrounds in the world. From mountain hikes and chocolate factories to crystal-clear lakes and panoramic trains, Switzerland is full of family-friendly activities. And if you’re looking for an option that combines holidays, language learning, and adventure for the whole family, we might just have the perfect idea for you. But one thing at a time.

 

Hiking with the family (yes, even with kids who complain)

 

Switzerland has more than 65,000 km of marked trails. In other words, you’ll never run out of options—even if your child claims they “can’t walk anymore” after 200 metres. The trick is to choose themed trails: marmot trails, giant marble runs, interactive paths… When hiking feels like a treasure hunt, even the most reluctant kids keep going without noticing.

Some classics: the Sound Trail in Toggenburg with musical installations along the way, the Aare Gorge near Meiringen, or the famous bisses in Valais—historic irrigation channels offering flat walks (yes, they do exist in Switzerland!) with spectacular views. And if you’re in the Grand St. Bernard region, the hike up to the famous historic pass is well worth it—if only for a selfie with the iconic St. Bernard dogs.
 

 

Dive in (literally)

 

With more than 1,500 lakes, Switzerland is a true water paradise. In summer, nothing beats a swim in a mountain lake after a morning hike. Lake Champex, nestled at 1,500 metres in Valais, is a hidden gem: turquoise water, mountains all around, and family-friendly activities like paddleboarding and pedal boats. Lake Thun, Lake Lucerne, and Cauma Lake in Graubünden are also fantastic options.

For families seeking thrills, rafting on the Vorderrhein through the “Swiss Grand Canyon” is an unforgettable adventure (from age 10). Prefer to stay dry? The historic steamboats cruising across Switzerland’s major lakes offer beautiful, relaxing trips—perfect for slower days.
 

 

Take the train (and never get bored of it)

 

One piece of advice: never underestimate the magic of Swiss trains for children. Panoramic routes like the GoldenPass (Montreux–Interlaken), the Bernina Express, or the Glacier Express are just as impressive for adults as they are for kids. Some long-distance trains even feature family carriages with slides and play areas (look for the teddy bear symbol in the SBB timetable).

And in Switzerland, the journey is part of the adventure: funiculars, cable cars, rack railways… every mode of transport is an experience. The Braunwald funicular, for example, takes families up to a car-free alpine village. Yes—car-free. A dream.
 

Visit postcard-perfect towns and cities

 

You don’t have to travel far to amaze your children. Lucerne with its wooden Chapel Bridge, Bern with its famous bear park (a big hit with kids), Lausanne and its Olympic Museum, Gruyères and its medieval castle… Switzerland is full of charm, and most of these places are perfect for a family day trip.

Sion, in Valais, is also worth a visit: its hilltop castles fascinate children, and the old town is full of terraces where parents can relax while kids play. Morat and Estavayer-le-Lac, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, are also beautiful medieval towns—ideal for combining cobbled streets with a refreshing swim.
 

 

Chocolate and cheese: museums you can eat

 

Let’s be honest—this is often everyone’s favourite activity. Switzerland offers unforgettable gourmet experiences.

For chocolate lovers, Maison Cailler in Broc (near Gruyères) offers an immersive visit with unlimited tasting at the end, plus workshops where you can make your own chocolate. Lindt Home of Chocolate near Zurich impresses with its 9-metre-high chocolate fountain. And House of Läderach in Bilten offers a more hands-on experience, where you can create your own chocolate bar with pistachios, hazelnuts, or dried fruits.

For cheese lovers, La Maison du Gruyère in Pringy lets you watch the production of the famous cheese—and taste it, of course. The classic Gruyères combo (cheese + chocolate + castle in one day) is a family favourite.

Adventure parks and thrill activities

For families who love adrenaline, Switzerland has plenty to offer: rope parks (we especially recommend La Fouly in the St. Bernard region), summer toboggan runs, mountain scooters, and breathtaking zip lines. Grindelwald’s First Flyer is a spectacular zip line (from age 10). The summer sled runs in Davos, Les Diablerets, or Interlaken are guaranteed to make kids—and sometimes parents—scream with joy.

And if your kids are a bit too attached to screens, a digital detox camp might be exactly what they need. Which brings us to our next point.
 

What if this summer combined holidays and languages? Welcome to friLingue

 

All these activities are wonderful—but let’s be honest: organising six weeks of summer takes time, energy, and creativity. That’s where friLingue comes in.

Our summer camps in Switzerland (St. Bernard, Braunwald, Schwarzsee, and Estavayer-le-Lac) offer a unique concept: your children learn a language in the morning in small groups of around six, and enjoy incredible adventures in the afternoon and evening. All of this in an immersive environment where they make friends from all over Switzerland and beyond.

And here’s something many parents don’t know: at friLingue, you can join too. Our Family Camps in Braunwald and St. Bernard allow parents to stay on site, take language classes if they wish, and join excursions and activities with their children. You don’t have to do everything together—you choose your level of involvement. Many parents enjoy having some time to themselves in the morning while the kids are in class, and then sharing the adventure in the afternoon.
 

What families experience at camp

Our excursions include exactly the kind of activities you dream of doing in Switzerland:

Paddleboarding on Lake Champex surrounded by mountains and forests—one of the highlights for our St. Bernard participants. Visiting Lausanne and its lakeside, combining the Olympic Museum with artisan ice cream. Hiking to the Great St. Bernard Pass, following in the footsteps of Napoleon and Hannibal (yes, your kids will think that’s cool). Making your own chocolate at Läderach and taking home your personalised bar. Visiting a cheese dairy and discovering Swiss traditions. Exploring the Aosta Valley just across the Italian border, with Roman ruins and pizza on the agenda. Discovering the fascinating underground world of the Bex salt mines. Playing laser tag in the forest before heading into the charming city of Lausanne.

All of this surrounded by children and teenagers speaking French, German, English—and learning naturally, without even realising it.
 

 

 

FAQ

Can parents really stay at the camp?
Yes! Our Family Camp and Family Workation options in Braunwald and St. Bernard are designed exactly for that. You can take language classes, join excursions, or simply relax while your children are in good hands—it’s entirely up to you.

What ages are accepted?
Our camps welcome children and teenagers aged 8 to 17 depending on the destination (from age 6 if accompanied by parents). There is no age limit for parents in Family Camps (fortunately!).

What if my child doesn’t speak the language at all?
No problem. Courses are adapted to all levels, from complete beginners to advanced. Small groups ensure personalised support, and outside the classroom, the language is learned naturally through interaction and play.

How long do the camps last?
Stays range from one to seven weeks, with arrivals every Sunday. You can choose the duration that suits your family best.

Is it more expensive than organising holidays yourself?
The camp includes accommodation, full board, language lessons, all activities and excursions, and 24/7 supervision. When you add up all these elements separately, the camp option is often very competitive. And on top of that, your children leave with memories, language skills, and friendships for life.

This summer, don’t choose between holidays and learning
Your children deserve both. And you deserve a holiday too.