Zermatt Family Days: Leisee, Gorge, Trains

October 20, 2026

Zermatt works well for families because the village is car-free, the trains are easy with prams and young children, and several attractions are priced for kids. Everything is in Swiss francs (CHF). The high mountain stations are cold, windy and short of oxygen, so plan one high outing at a time and keep the rest of the day gentle.

Wolli’s adventure park and Leisee

Leisee is a small lake at about 2,230 m, reached from the Sunnegga funicular, a ride of roughly 4.5 minutes from the village. The nearby Wolli’s adventure park has water slides, water play, a wooden marble run, an adventure playground and a bathing beach. There is also a wooden raft hauled along a rope, plus barbecue areas with shade. From Sunnegga it takes about 10 minutes on foot to reach the lake, or about 3 minutes by shuttle. The water is shallow near the beach, but it is mountain water and cold, so keep children within arm’s reach and bring towels and warm clothes. The park is a summer attraction, so check dates. Details are on the Wolli’s park page .

Keep children away from the Mattervispa river that runs through the village. It is a fast, cold glacial torrent in a stone channel, and it is not for paddling.

Rides up the mountain

The Gornergrat railway suits families because it is a comfortable train with big windows. In summer children under 6 travel free and children 6 to 15 pay half, and in winter children under 9 go free. Adults pay CHF 132 return from May to October and CHF 102 return from November to April. Children aged 6 to 15 with a Swiss Junior Card also travel free. The top station is at 3,089 m, so give children water and warm layers. The railway pauses for a couple of weeks in early November, so check ahead for autumn visits. See the Gornergrat Bahn prices .

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883 m is only for children aged 3 and over, because younger children are not allowed on the top stage due to the altitude. Tickets are free for ages 3 to 8 and half price for ages 9 to 15. Watch for headache, tiredness or sickness and go down if a child seems unwell. Never leave the platforms and marked areas on the glacier.

Matterhorn Museum and Gorner Gorge

The Matterhorn Museum is a rainy-day option with an underground village of old houses. Children up to age 9 enter free with an adult, ages 10 to 16 pay CHF 7 and adults pay CHF 12. Opening is seasonal and mainly afternoons. The Gorner Gorge has railed wooden walkways, costs CHF 3 for ages 6 to 15 and is free for younger children. It closes from about mid-October to the end of May. Take a few Swiss francs in case the gate does not take cards.

Winter fun

Zermatt has a natural ice rink at the Sport- und Freizeitarena on Obere Matten. Entry is free in winter, and opening hours vary by season. Ask at the rink about skate hire and prices. The Sunnegga and Gornergrat ski areas usually open in late November.

Planning

Cars stop at Täsch. The Zermatt Shuttle train takes 12 minutes and a return ticket is CHF 17.20. Cloud and thunderstorms build from late morning in summer, so aim to be up the mountain early. Family tour listings are on GetYourGuide .