Lucerne with Kids: Museums, Boats, Mountains
Lucerne works well with children because the sights are compact and many are hands-on. Prices below are in Swiss francs (CHF) and are for 2026. Several outdoor attractions are seasonal, so match the list to the month you travel.
Swiss Museum of Transport
The Verkehrshaus der Schweiz on Lidostrasse is the biggest draw for families. Locomotives, cars, aircraft and ships can be explored hands-on, and the day pass adds the Planetarium, the Filmtheater, the Media World and the Swiss Chocolate Adventure, a ride with tastings. Entry for children 6 to 15 is CHF 16, adults pay about CHF 37 and under 6s are free. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 in summer and 10:00 to 17:00 in winter, and Swiss Travel Pass holders pay half at the desk. Allow most of a day.
Gletschergarten
The Gletschergarten on Denkmalstrasse has glacial potholes carved during the Ice Age, a rock world called the Felsenwelt and a mirror maze built in 1896. Children under 16 pay CHF 12 and under 6s are free. Family tickets cost CHF 60 for two adults with up to five children, or CHF 45 for one adult with children. The garden is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 from March to November. Prices and hours are on the Gletschergarten admission page .
Wildlife at Goldau
Natur- und Tierpark Goldau, about 30 minutes by train at Arth-Goldau, keeps native Swiss and European animals such as bears, wolves, lynx, deer and ibex in a large park with walking paths. Children 6 to 16 pay about CHF 13 and adults about CHF 26. Follow the signs about feeding and keep to the paths.
On Lake Lucerne
A paddle steamer or motor ship cruise suits all ages and is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Pick a short leg because the full run to Flüelen takes about 2 hours 40 minutes each way. Strandbad Lido, the lakeside public baths, is open in summer only (9 May to 20 September in 2026). Children should swim only at designated bathing areas, never near piers or boat landing stages. The SGV site lists the current timetable.
Pilatus for families
On the Pilatus side of Lucerne, the Fräkmüntegg mid-station has the Dragon Glider rope slide (CHF 8 per ride for adults, CHF 6 for children, weight limits 10 to 120 kg) and the Fräkigaudi summer toboggan run, 1,350 metres long, which runs in dry weather only. The gondolas run from 1 April to 18 October and again from 28 November, with a maintenance closure from 19 October to 27 November 2026. Mountain weather turns cold quickly, so pack jackets and hats even in summer.
Tips
Rigi is easy for children because those up to 15 ride its railways free with an adult. The Lucerne Visitor Card, free with an overnight stay, gives free buses in zone 10 and some discounts.
Read more: Group activities in Lucerne and Lucerne day trips .
Family tours and tickets can be compared on GetYourGuide .