10 Entertaining Things to do in Bern with Kids

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Switzerland isn’t all about the mountains, though they are a prime reason to travel there any time of year. Swiss cities, towns and villages offer families a surprising number of things to see and do. One of our favorite cities is the UNESCO World Heritage Site capital city of Bern, Switzerland. Its slower pace, beautiful historic buildings, green spaces and museums offer something for everyone. We enjoy it so much, we’ve put together a top ten list of family-friendly and entertaining things to do in Bern with kids.

old town of bern in springtime

Things to do in Bern with Kids

Visit the Gurten

The Gurten is Bern’s local mountain, and it’s a short tram and funicular ride from the Old Town of Bern to access this family-friendly attraction. Known to the locals as The “Güsche”, it’s a great day trip destination, featuring a kids wonderland of playgrounds, miniature trains and riding cars, an observation tower, loads of green spaces for napping or picnicking, and cafes and restaurants.

Located over 800 metres above the city of Bern, the Gurten offers great views of 360 degrees of the city and countryside, as well as the Alps of the Bernese Oberland. During the spring and summer months, families can enjoy hiking (the Gurten loop trail is perfect for wee legs) as well as a summer toboggan run. The run is a blast for all ages, with tight bends, quick straights and even a tunnel, all with stunning alpine views.

boys sitting in miniature train on gurten in bern
Riding the mini-train at Bern’s Gurten Park

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Enjoy watching the Zytglogge

Bern is a city filled with history. One of the most amazing historical attractions is the still-working Zytglogge – an astronomical clock built as the city’s main clock in 1530. It’s one of the most popular free things to do in Bern, Switzerland.

Given the Swiss reputation with time-pieces, it’s hardly surprising that it’s still working. It chimes every 15 minutes, but saves the biggest show for the top of the hour, when the jester rings the bells and the medieval figurines (human and bear) turn round.

bern's historic old town
The 15th Century Zytglogge Clock Tower is one of Bern’s most popular tourist sites

Visit the BarenPark | Bear Pit

Bern is named after the German word for bear ‘bär’. The Bern bear symbol is on the city and canton’s coat of arms. The Bernese have kept a Barengraben, or Bear Pit, as a tourist attraction, since 1857. Fortunately for the bears, their home was transformed in 2009 with the opening of the BarenPark.

The Bear Park is a much larger, treed area for the bears to roam along the banks of the Aare River, just below the original pit location. There is a tourist information building above the BarenPark, with movies and displays about the history of the city.

brown bear in bern
Bernese bears along the Aare River in the Barengraben

Spend the day at the Aarebad Marzili

The old town of Bern is encircled by the very fast moving Aare River. In summer, the vast (and free) Aarebad Marzili is open on the banks of the Aare, just below the Parliament buildings. The Aarebad Marzili includes several kid-friendly wading pools, a diving pool and a 50m swimming pool, all set within extensive green lawns for families to enjoy a full day of sun and swim.

swimming in the aare river
Nothing beats swimming in the Aare River on a hot summer day

The most unique – and best – draw is the opportunity to swim in the Aare River itself. The Aare is cold, fast-moving, Alpine melt water, usually a beautiful blue in colour. You don’t even have to swim – you can usually just float along for the ride. Our kids loved jumping off of one of the bridges crossing the river, an acceptable practice as long as you’re looking out for swimmers below. The trick is to enter near the Marzili bathing area, and stay close to the banks to catch your arm on one of the exit steps to get out. Don’t wait for the last exit!

Look for Bern’s Old Town Fountains and Statues

The 15th century, medieval sandstone arcades and narrow streets of Bern’s old town centre make for wonderful (and weatherproof) walking, shopping and sight-seeing. You can easily walk from the Bahnhof (train station) to the Barenpark and back in a few hours, visiting many sites along the way, including the more than 100 fountains. Eleven of the fountains are of particular interest, topped with vibrant Renaissance figures with their own unique histories.

fountain statue in the old town
The child-eating statue in Bern’s Old Town may provoke sudden good behavior

The most interesting (and disturbing perhaps) is the Ogre Fountain, which depicts an ogre devouring (presumably disobedient) children. A good cautionary tale for encouraging good manners on the road when visiting Bern with kids!

Enjoy Bern’s many museums

Like any good state capital, Bern has a great selection of museums. Albert Einstein’s stay in Switzerland is showcased in Einstein House, in the old town. The Bern Historical Museum has great historical treasures & exhibitions in a old castle, and also has an Einstein Museum focusing on his life and work. The Alpine Museum is across the Helvetiaplatz from the BHM, and chronicles the Swiss relationship with, and the glory of, its famous mountains. For more avant garde visual art, visit the Kunst Museum Bern.

Visit the Munster Cathedral

The construction of the impressive gothic Munster Cathedral began in the 15th and finished in the 19th century. The fit and brave can climb the over 344 steps of the bell tower for an incredible view of the city and the Alps. The portal over the main doors show the detailed sculpture of the Last Judgement – more cautionary tales! Adjacent to the Cathedral on the south side is a beautiful Rose Garden and extensive park, perfect for walking or simply enjoying the views. [Note: The Park is high above the riverbank, and young children should be secured near the edge.]

munster catherdral in summer
The Gothic Cathedral in Bern is a somber place of worship

Take a day trip to the coolest mall in Europe

The Westside Mall in Bern is a large shopping and leisure centre just outside the city. The reason that Westside makes this list is for its swimming facility, Bern Aqua. This impressive water park includes pools, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and water slides that are sure to be a hit with littles and adults alike. If faced with a day of poor weather, head indoors and spend it splashing around at the mall.

Visit the museum Paul Klee

Just outside the city is one of the newest and unique Museums in Bern, the Zentrum Paul Klee. This incredible architectural masterpiece (by Renzo Piano), showcases the life of Switzerland’s most famous modern artist and his works. The Children’s Museum ‘Creaviva‘ within the Zentrum offers child-specific programming in several languages, promoting individual artistic expression.

paul klee museum in summer
Indulge your love of the fine arts at the Paul Klee Museum

Stroll through Tierpark Dahlholzli

The outdoor Tierpark Dahlholzli (Animal Park), is across the Aare River from the Old Town. There is a vast array of animals & reptiles, a KinderZoo, playground, and an excellent restaurant on the banks of the river. The Tierpark is made for children playing from one section to the next, and leisurely strolls through the extensive grounds.

Looking to go beyond Bern? Check out this post on the best things to do in Interlaken.

Tip: Switzerland is notoriously expensive. A good family-friendly value hotel option is Hotel Alpenblick, within walking distance of the Old Town. If money is no object, the Bellevue Palace Hotel in the heart of the city is top drawer.

More family travel tips for Europe

The Top 10 Things to do in Rome with Kids and Families

The Top 6 Things to do in Bruges for Families

Enjoy the Good-Good Life in Baden-Baden, Germany

How to Enjoy a Scandi Chic Weekend in Gothenburg

Essential Tips for Driving in Europe

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Switzerland and its capital city of Bern are filled with art, culture, food, and fabulous things to see with the family. Our best tips for fun experiences in Bern with kids. | #switzerland #bern #familytravel #travel

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Photo Credit: C. Laroye

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Claudia Laroye
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