Family Days in Lucerne by Weather and Age
Families in Lucerne mostly choose by weather, because the lake and the mountains reward a clear day and the museums cover a wet one. Costs are in Swiss francs (CHF) and refer to 2026.
If it rains
| Place | Child price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Verkehrshaus (Swiss Museum of Transport) | CHF 16 (6 to 15), under 6 free | Open daily, 10:00 to 18:00 in summer and to 17:00 in winter |
| Gletschergarten | CHF 12 (under 16), under 6 free | Open daily 10:00 to 17:00, March to November |
At the Verkehrshaus, children can sit in vehicles and try simulators, and the Planetarium and the Swiss Chocolate Adventure are on the day pass. Adults pay about CHF 37 for the museum alone. The Gletschergarten is smaller and suits a two hour visit, with a mirror maze from 1896 that younger children enjoy. Family tickets there cost CHF 60 for two adults with up to five children, and CHF 45 for one adult with children.
If the sun is out
Lake Lucerne is the main playground. A short boat trip on a steamer or motor ship is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, and the Strandbad Lido baths and beach are open in summer, from 9 May to 20 September in 2026. Children must stay within designated swimming areas and away from piers and landing stages. The lake stays cold even in August. Boat schedules are on the SGV website .
For animal lovers
At Goldau, about half an hour by train, children can watch bears, wolves, lynx, deer and ibex along walking paths. Entry is about CHF 13 for ages 6 to 16 and about CHF 26 for adults. Use only the feeding options that the park signs allow, and stay out of enclosures.
For a mountain day
Rigi is the easiest because children up to 15 travel free with an adult on its railways, and the cogwheel train from Vitznau is a ride in itself. The adult day pass is about CHF 84. On Pilatus, the Fräkmüntegg station has a Dragon Glider rope slide (CHF 8 for adults and CHF 6 for children) and a 1,350 metre summer toboggan run that opens in dry weather. The gondolas stop for maintenance from 19 October to 27 November 2026. Summits are cold, so pack hats and jackets, and check the webcams on the Pilatus site before going.
Tips for the day
- The Lucerne Visitor Card is free with an overnight stay and gives free buses and trains in city zone 10.
- Pilatus and Titlis are half price with the Swiss Travel Pass and free with the Lucerne Travel Pass.
- Strollers are easiest on the lakefront, and the Old Town cobbles are uneven.
- Keep one rest day between mountain trips for younger children.
Read more: Lucerne sightseeing and Multi-day trips around Lucerne .
Family tours are listed on Viator if you want a guide.