1 Week in Switzerland with Babies, Toddlers & Kids

Land in Geneva. The airport is a quick train ride or taxi into town. Start your Swiss trip with a fondue dinner at Auberge de Saviese.

The service is quick, which is a plus when eating out with kids and the food is delicious, albeit a bit touristy, but hey, it's vacation! Then head down to the waterfront for gelato, an aperol spritz and to check out the famous fountain.

Hotel Recommendation - Hotel Auteuil. We really enjoyed having two separate rooms that shared one entrance.

After breakfast, make your way to the beautiful Swiss Riviera. You can travel by train, boat or car. There are several amazing accommodation options for families. Once you check in and rest a bit, head over to Cully/Bourg en Lavaux for a gorgeous vineyard hike or train ride! There is also a relaxing park along the water with a playground, gelato cart and a wine cart (open seasonally). Or perhaps head to the waterfront in Vevey and check out playgrounds there. To be completely honest, we have done this trip two years in a row - it is truly a great spot! It's also a great multi-generation trip. To quote my in-laws, "This is the most gorgeous place in the world, thanks for planning this!!"

Tip - Swiss trains offer kids' carts with playgrounds! You can find this information in the SBB app on your phone. Alternatively, first class train tickets also give you spacious seats in a calm environment.

Hotel Recommendation - There are several gorgeous properties, but any with a lake-front balcony would be ideal. The sunsets are absolutely amazing and you can relax outside with wine while the kids sleep! The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is a fantastic example.

Take your time to fill up at breakfast, then head out on a relaxing steamboat cruise around the lake. Kids will love the interior, where they can learn more about how the boat operates. Be sure to stop at Chillon Castle. The water is clear and you can purchase tickets to explore the historic castle. When you need to cool off, head to the beach (plage) on the opposite side of the castle for a dip and photos. Once you're done, it's a quick train ride or about a 30-minute flat walk along the water back to Montreux, where you can enjoy a meal along the water. Montreux is also home to a famous Jazz festival!

Tip - Buy first-class tickets for the boat. You'll have access to the upper deck, more comfortable chairs and drinks/snacks. An ice cream cone might get you an extra 30 minutes of good behavior!

Continue your journey to Zermatt. There are several amazing properties in Zermatt that are sure to offer your family a great vacation. Contact your hotel in advance so that they can pick you up in the electric vehicle, a true favorite with kids. (Zermatt is a car-free area, so you will have to park in Tasch if you are traveling by car).

Hotel Recommendation: We prefer to stay at the Omnia for many reasons:

• The check-in process is personalized and simple (depending on the weather, you can enjoy a welcome drink on the patio while your luggage is delivered to your room.)

• Rooms/Suites are gorgeous with an alpine feel and many are large enough for families.

• The breakfast is phenomenal. You will not leave hungry no matter whether you are an adult or a child. Multiple meats/cheeses, sparkling wine, yum!

• There is an indoor/outdoor pool with views of the Matterhorn (and it allows children). There are also other treatment options, plus a relaxing hot tub.

• Kids are offered petite robes that fit them (which makes for a great photo op.)

• There is a nightly turndown service with whisky and chocolates!

• The main entrance is through a cave underground, which is a hit with kids.

• The service is top-notch. We have been both with and without our child and each time we felt extremely welcome.

There are so many options for how to spend your day. Restaurants - Whymperstube - It is a classic, simple Swiss fondue. We went two nights in a row!

Brown Cow pub - Good burger, simple, reasonably priced great lunch option especially with kids.

Playgrounds - Right outside Sportpavilion you will find two playgrounds and a big space to run around. Not to mention a view of the Matterhorn!

Family Fun area - Sunnegga

Tip - There are so many hiking options, but don't take kids too high. Be sure to grab snacks at the large grocery stores before beginning your hike.

Both of these towns are gorgeous; it really just depends on which is the best vibe for your family. In Spiez, you can stay at the Belvedere Strandhotel overlooking the lake. This hotel offers a gorgeous infinity pool and a delicious brunch that you can enjoy outside while overlooking the castle and lake. We loved having our own private garden area to relax in while our son slept. You can also take a lovely lake cruise while staying here. Or head over to Interlaken for some adventurous activities.

In Adelboden, you can stay at the Cambrian overlooking the mountains and waterfalls. This hotel also offers an infinity pool and very spacious suites. The staff here were extremely kind. Several of my friends have visited without kids and also had a blast!

Tip - Extend your trip and do both!

One night in Zurich is a great way to conclude your trip.

Restaurants

Frau Gerolds Gartens is so cute and a great place to stop in no matter the season. Brisket is a BBQ spot that offers both kid-friendly mac-n-cheese and adult-friendly food/drinks.

Hotel recommendations - It is very convenient to stay near the airport. There are several hotels within walking distance. Plus, there are shops and restaurants!

Airport tip - There is a special room dedicated to families. It offers toys, changing tables, cribs, etc!