Zermatt with Kids
The Perfect Destination for a Family Adventure
Zermatt in Switzerland is the perfect holiday destination for families. The picturesque village offers plenty of variety and fun for children of all ages. Parents and guardians can also look forward to relaxing hours while visiting Zermatt, as there are a variety of services and activities waiting to be discovered in walking distance in the small mountain town.
Immerse yourself and your kids in the special atmosphere that surrounds Zermatt. It almost seems as if time has stood still when you walk through the narrow streets or stroll through the woods. The most famous mountain in the world towers high above: the Matterhorn. It overlooks the hustle and bustle of the inns and cafés. Whatever the season, our region offers unforgettable adventures and is always worth a visit with the whole family. Visiting Zermatt should definitely be on your bucket list.
There are age-appropriate activities for children in the small town, on the slopes, hiking, biking or indoors in bad weather. Adventure and sport are not neglected either: Wolli, the mascot of the Zermatt Matterhorn region, makes sure of that for its smaller visitors. Tourists confuse Wolli with a mountain goat, but he is a black-nosed sheep native to our region.
Is Zermatt child-friendly?
Definitely. The mountain village in Switzerland may make a rather sleepy impression, but behind the scenes there are plenty of varied activities waiting for children and their guardians. From a joint treasure hunt to family-friendly restaurants, hotels, picnic areas and excursions to remember. And with the free Wolli Card, numerous discounts and free admissions await your children up to the age of 9. The Wolli adventure park for Zermatt with kids in summer and the Wolli beginners’ park in winter are particularly popular. With us, holidays are guaranteed not to be boring! The area around the Zermatt Matterhorn region is excellently served by various mountain railways, which run punctually and reliably and allow you and your family to immerse yourself in the Valais adventure world. Young people also get their money’s worth and get to know our region as a fun adventure with its different trips and ski schools.
Important: Before travelling to Zermatt, please check that your family does not have any problems with the altitude at which the Zermatt Matterhorn region is located. Young kids in particular are susceptible to altitude sickness.
Visiting Zermatt: Arriving with children
If you are travelling by train, you have the option of purchasing a ‘Children’s Day Pass’ at the train station, which gives your child aged 6 to 16 free travel on the entire Swiss public transport network. This is available for as little as 19 CHF and is valid in 2nd class or for 33 CHF and is valid in 1st class. If a day ticket is not worthwhile for your journey, you can buy a half-price pass for your kids aged 6 to 16.
All children under the age of 6 travel free of charge in 1st and 2nd class when accompanied by an adult if their parents have a corresponding ticket for the same class.
Wolli Card Zermatt offers discounts for kids under the age of 9
Wolli, the region’s mascot, has a special surprise for all younger guests: the Wolli Card. It is a free club card for all holiday guests up to the age of 8.99 who spend at least one night in Zermatt with their parents. The list of benefits with the Wolli Card is long. All mountain railways (e.g. Gornergrat train) with its unforgettable train rides and the Zermatt local bus are free for children, they are exempt from visitor’s tax and benefit from other discounts as well as special Wolli events that take place all year round while in ski schools, skiing on the slopes and in the small town.
The Wolli Card can be easily ordered online and then collected locally from the tourist office, the Zermatt Bergbahnen AG sales points or the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and Gornergrat train sales points. A deposit of 5 CHF per card is payable, which will be refunded on return.
In every Zermatt Holidays accommodation, a great Wolli surprise package awaits your children upon arrival.
Money-saving tips for families
Holidays in Zermatt with kids can quickly become expensive, especially if you eat lunch and dinner at the inn. Our small town has two large supermarkets, Migros and Coop, and small shops that offer a wide range of different products. The Zermatt Holidays accommodations always have a fully equipped kitchen allowing you to prepare your breakfast, lunch or dinner in your temporary home.
Local tip: Would you like a nourishing and tasty soup at a fair price? Soupi offers you this possibility. The local team prepares fresh soups every day, which can be collected directly from the location in Zermatt village. Just a short walk from the train station and open almost all year round: during sun and snow.
Soupi
Kirchplatz 18, 3920 Zermatt
Important: For current opening hours and soup creations, check out the Soupi Instagram channel: @soupi_zermatt
Barbecuing at one of the many fireplaces in Zermatt
From early summer to autumn, you can barbecue with your family at one of the many fireplaces around Zermatt. You will find a selection of sausages, meat, grilled vegetables, sauces and fresh bread in the local shops and supermarkets. Fire pits with firewood are available at Lake Stelli and of course with Matterhorn view. And after the meal, the kids can try out the numerous play options around the Stellisee, such as the raft that crosses the lake. From the Stellisee you can start the famous 5-lake hike, which takes you and your family past five lakes or stations. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Valais mountains, the peace and quiet, exercise and fresh air. The hiking trail leads back to our small town. If your children are too small to hike, you can also take the mountain railway back to our small town. Don’t forget taking pictures of the Matterhorn view.
This excursion is ideal for families who want to enjoy the mountains and nature above the Valais mountain village, including playing, swimming and barbecuing.
Important: Please remember to take matches with you, as these are not available on site. You can buy matches in the Migros and Coop supermarkets.
Important to know for a relaxed stay
Restaurant bookings
Especially in the high season, restaurants are quickly fully booked. Avoid unpleasant surprises for the whole family by reserving your seats early enough. If you book through Zermatt Holidays, we will recommend our favourite restaurants and will be happy to make the reservation for you.
Family-friendly restaurants
Most of the restaurants are geared to families, so you can enjoy a relaxed lunch on the slopes or a cozy dinner in the small town. In the Zermatt Matterhorn ski areas, there are some particularly family-friendly restaurants with children’s meals, high chairs and, in some cases, toys for the little ones. These include the Buffet & Bar Riffelberg, the Buffet Bar Sunnegga and the Chämi-Hitta. The ICE Buffet Bar with Asian and regional cuisine on the dry footbridge and the Gitz-Gädi near Furi are also suitable. In the village, we recommend Les Marmottes with regional dishes in different price ranges, the Pizzeria Grampis and the Italian restaurant Molino.
The Pavillon restaurant is a place that is dedicated to families and also offers special events. With two playgrounds, a special kid’s menu and various events for families, such as the children’s cinema, Kids Day and arts and crafts, nothing stands in the way of a cozy family day. Every get-together here is a special experience.
Pavillon
Obere Mattenstrasse 25
3920 Zermatt
- Opening hours: daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Website Pavillon Zermatt
- Phone Pavillon Zermatt
- E-mail Pavillon Zermatt
Wellness with kids
Zermatt offers its guests a variety of different spas and wellness programmes. External visitors are advised to clarify in advance from what age children are allowed in the wellness area and to reserve their place directly, as demand can also be high here depending on the season.
Find out more in our blog post ‘Zermatt Spa’ about the various wellness offers that also welcome external visitors.
For safety: e-cars in the village
Although Zermatt is car-free, there are electric taxis that transport visitors as well as locals who have a special licence for their car. We would like to remind you to keep an eye on your kids and sensitise them to the fact that electric cars are almost unheard of.
Local tips: real tips from the locals
Drink hot chocolate at the Petit Royal
The Petit Royal is a café on Bahnhofstrasse. Visitors can expect a cosy atmosphere and hot chocolate that is second to none. Locals enjoy this café just as much as non residents.
Café Petit Royal
Bahnhofstrasse 7b, 3920 Zermatt
- Opening hours: daily from 8.00 am – 6.00 pm
- Website Petit Royal
- E-Mail Petit Royal
- Phone Petit Royal
Hinterdorf Zermatt, history in everyday life
The Hinterdorf, where our Zermatt Holidays office is also located, offers an insight into the history of Zermatt. Here you can see houses that are up to 500 years old and date from the 16th to 18th centuries. A walk through the alleyways with the whole family is well worthwhile.
Zermatt cheese fridge
Would you like to try some local cheese? Then Zermatt is the right place for you. The Horu cheese dairy gives you the opportunity to buy fresh cheese products on a self-service basis every day from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm. Who wouldn’t want to start the day with a cheese roll or enjoy a delicious fondue in their holiday flat in the evening? Here your money gets easily spend, then Swiss cheese is simply delicious.
Horu Cheese Dairy
Oberhäusern 6, 3920 Zermatt
At any time of year: activities in Zermatt
Playgrounds in Zermatt village
The playgrounds in Zermatt offer variety and fun for your trip to Zermatt with kids in summer and winter.
In the ‘Dossen Glacier Garden’ there are very special attractions for kids: a climbing stone and a large xylophone. If you want to spend a few hours here, you can grill a sausage on the barbecue area.
The ‘Obere Matten 1’ and ‘Obere Matten 2’ playgrounds are located right in the centre of the small town and are ideal for children and young people aged 0 to 15. There are climbing frames, slides, swings, sandpits and a climbing rock. Boccia, beach volleyball, football, and tennis can be played right next door.
The ‘Winkelmatten’ playground is located at the southern end of Zermatt, slightly outside the village centre, but with a magnificent view of the Matterhorn. With a view like this, even the adults love to swing. Right next to the playground is the popular Sonnmatten restaurant, where carers can have a drink while the kids play.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on ALL playgrounds. There are certain zones where dogs are allowed to roam freely. Find out more in our blog post ‘Zermatt with a dog’.
Wolli treasure hunt in the village of Zermatt
A special experience for the whole family: a treasure hunt in the village. The information and the treasure map are available at the tourist information centre in Zermatt and then it’s time to get started: puzzles have to be solved at 11 stations in order to receive a code at the end that opens the treasure chamber. A surprise awaits the kids there.
This adventure is free for kids with the Wolli Card and accompanying adults are also free. The recommended minimum age is 5 years when accompanied by an adult. You can book online your preferred date for the Wolli puzzle fun.
Play tennis whatever the weather
An indoor tennis court awaits you at the Hotel Alex Zermatt. This can be hired for 50 CHF per hour. The equipment is available free of charge at the hotel reception. Here too, it is worth calling in advance and reserving a court to guarantee availability.
Hotel Alex
Bodmenstrasse 12, 3920 Zermatt
Sunnegga: Wolli adventure park and Wolli beginners’ park
The Wolli Adventure Park above Zermatt can be visited all year round and is particularly popular with our younger guests. It offers a playground as well as various activities that vary depending on the season and the Sunnegga inn.
The journey on the Sunnegga-Rothorn cable car takes around 10 minutes. The adventure park is located by Lake Stelli, which in turn is the starting point for the 5-lake hike. However, if you have children with you who are not yet able to hike, you can take the railway back to the village easily and comfortably after your visit to the adventure park.
At Stellisee you have the option of enjoying your own food at the outdoor tables or eating at Sunnegga. In winter, the Wolli beginners’ park is also located here, where children can take their first steps on skis and snowboards professionally supervised by ski schools.
Important: Please note that the adventure park is located at 2,288 metres above sea level. Even when it is cold, the sunlight is intense.
Restaurant Sunnegga
Sunnegga, 3920 Zermatt
- Opening hours: daily 9.00 – 17.00 hrs
- Website Sunnegga Zermatt
- Phone Sunnegga Zermatt
Glacier Palace in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
The Glacier Palace is located at 3,883 metres above sea level, right next to the highest mountain station in Europe. Between ice sculptures and natural ice formations, you and your family can immerse yourselves in the world of ice. An ice slide, a crevasse and other attractions await visitors 15 metres below the surface. A visit is worthwhile all year round. The journey takes around 45 minutes. We recommend good footwear and warm clothing. You can find more information on the official Matterhorn Glacier Paradise website.
Matterhorn Museum Zermatlantis Zermatt
The Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt is an interesting exhibition about the Matterhorn, its history and the village of Zermatt. The moving stories of the mountaineers who attempted to climb the Matterhorn are particularly fascinating.
Admission is free for kids up to the age of 9 when accompanied by an adult.
Matterhorn Museum Zermatlantis
Church square, 3920 Zermatt
Opening hours: daily from 3.00 – 6.00 pm or from 2.00 – 6.00 pm. Opening hours vary depending on the season. Please enquire in advance about the opening hours of the Zermatlantis Museum.
Helicopter sightseeing flight
A helicopter flight over Zermatt is a unique experience. You and your family can get very close to the impressive mountain formations and the Matterhorn and see the mountain world from a different, unique perspective. Junior is sure to be impressed too! You can easily book a sightseeing flight via the Air Zermatt website.
Time for two thanks to the childcare ‘Nanny Service’
Would you like to enjoy an evening, afternoon or whole day just the two of you? For example, a romantic dinner, a long hike or on the ski slopes without your kids? You have the option of booking a nanny service for your children, with multilingual and professionally trained staff. You can do lots of things with the little ones, such as tobogganing, ice skating, snow painting, handicrafts, drawing, baking or playing outside. The prices include pushchairs, nightlights, travel cots, bottle warmers, booster seats etc. and are brought along by the carers depending on the order. You can also book the nannies if you need an extra pair of hands or you don’t have time to take the children to their activities.
Find out more about the nanny service.
Summary of Zermatt with kids
One thing is certain: your children will never be bored in our mountain village. Fun and adventure are guaranteed for kids and teenagers. From the train station arrival to the adventures in our small town and on the hills – Zermatt has different activities to offer, especially for the little ones. Not only in the Wolli beginners’ park or the Wolli adventure park, but also when hiking or biking. If you’re visiting Zermatt with kids in winter, you’ll find plenty of snow-filled fun, from ski schools to sledding. Looking for things to do in Zermatt with kids? How about ice skating, tobogganing, or building snowmen with a view of the Matterhorn?
Whether you’re planning a trip to Zermatt for kids who love outdoor fun, or just need some relaxed family time, you’ll find great options here. Even the youngest visitors will love exploring what Zermatt kids enjoy most: nature, animals, and playful learning. Our guide to Zermatt kids activities includes both indoor and outdoor adventures. Still wondering what to do in Zermatt with kids? Let us show you a side of the Alps that delights all generations. Parents and guardians can also look forward to offers and services that will make their stay an unforgettable experience. Our place can also easily keep up with larger destinations when it comes to sports, ski schools and fun adventures: be it biking, hiking or a speedy descent on various means of transport. To make you feel at home while visiting Zermatt, we offer you our fully equipped Zermatt Holidays accommodation with best price guarantee.
