Winter with kids
Snow at your doorstep and some of the best sledging in Switzerland. Days are short and cold, so plan around lunch and layers, and remember most valley waterfalls are switched off until spring.
Sledging, everywhere
The region is sledge heaven, with long marked runs above Grindelwald and Wengen. Rent a sledge at the top and ride the train back up for another go.
The Velogemel
Grindelwald's own wooden bike-sled, a local heritage thing the children will remember, and great for photos.
Snow play up high
Gentle beginner areas at Kleine Scheidegg and the family slopes above Wengen and Mürren. You do not need to ski, just snow and a flask.
Spring with kids
The quiet sweet spot. Waterfalls roar back to life on the meltwater, the valley floor is green and buggy friendly, and you get the lower trails to yourselves before the summer crowds.
The valley waterfall walk
Flat, paved and jaw-dropping, the walk along the valley floor past cliff after cliff of waterfalls. Easy with a pushchair.
Trümmelbach Falls
Ten glacier waterfalls thundering inside the mountain, reached by a lift and walkways. Loud, dramatic and rainy-day proof. Reopens around April.
Playgrounds and lambs
Village playgrounds start to dry out, the cows and lambs are back in the fields, and the lower hikes clear of snow first.
Summer with kids
The big one. Everything is open, the lakes are swimmable, and the mountains are full of things built for children. This is where a pass earns its keep, so add the kids in the calculator before you buy.
Grindelwald First adventures
Cliff Walk, First Flyer zip-line, First Glider and Trottibike scooters down the mountain. Older kids love it.
Ballenberg open-air museum
Near Brienz, with old Swiss farmhouses, animals, crafts, playgrounds and space to run. A brilliant day rain or shine.
Schynige Platte
A vintage cogwheel train up to an alpine flower garden, marmots and a short, stroller-tolerant ridge walk.
Autumn with kids
Golden larches, warm days, thin crowds and one of the most charming things kids will see all year, the cows coming home from the high pastures.
The cow parades
In September the herds descend from the alps decked in flowers and giant bells, village by village. A proper spectacle and free. Dates vary.
Golden low-level walks
The valley turns gold, the summer crowds have gone, and the weather is often settled. Ideal for relaxed walks and playground stops.
Wet-weather back-ups
Keep Trümmelbach, Ballenberg and the Interlaken pool up your sleeve for the days the tops are in cloud.
Every playground, mapped
The giant mountain playgrounds and the free valley and lakeside ones, filterable by what your family needs.
Themed family trails
Playgrounds you can walk between, with a story to follow.
Lieselotte Trail
A themed walk down from the Männlichen cow playground, where kids hunt for mountain crystals, try a real alphorn, climb the "Eiger North Wall" and help the chickens. One honest note: it is not suitable for strollers.
Lily's Puzzle Trail
Nine puzzle stations where kids collect letters to spell a solution word and claim a small prize. Pick up the puzzle card at Wilderswil station or the top restaurant. The theme changes every year, so it is worth a repeat visit.
Follow Milly and the Gang
Follow Milly and the Gang for sledging tips, secret playgrounds and family ideas across the valley, season by season.
@lauterbrunnen_guide on InstagramWork out the cheapest way to do it
Kids fares in this region are cheap and the right pass can save a family a lot. Build your days and our calculator finds the cheapest option, or tells you honestly when no pass is worth it.