Switzerland, Arosa LenzerheideAugust 18, 2026, by Isa de Laat

Switzerland with children: Arosa is the destination for the whole family

To move, Kids, By train, Nature
Switzerland, Arosa Lenzerheide, August 18, 2026, by Isa de Laat

Switzerland with children: Arosa is the destination for the whole family

A holiday with the children in Southern Europe in the height of summer is truly lovely. Buuuut, there are also many years when it gets too hot around noon and you are dependent on water and ice cream. It is more bearable in the mountains, and that is partly why a mountain holiday is such a great tip. At around 1800 meters, it is pleasant during the day, there is absolutely no reason to stay indoors in the afternoon, and everyone just sleeps through the night. Isn't a mountain holiday with the little ones hard work then? We hear you ask. Nope, provided you choose a good destination!

And so we move to the Swiss town of Arosa, with pleasant temperatures and a village designed so that the day doesn't end on tired legs (for the kids). Arosa is one of Switzerland's official family destinations for a reason. This is why.

The cable car does the climbing.

The cable car does the climbing.

We consider this such a nice bonus, so we'll start with it: in Arosa, you don't have to walk uphill to get to the top. The cable car takes you to the middle station, and that's where the fun part begins. All the walks we mention below start from there, and most go downhill or stay on flat terrain.

And if you stay overnight in Arosa, whether in a hotel, apartment, or at the campsite, you get the from the first night Arosa CardThis makes the mountain lifts and buses free, plus a substantial list of activities that appear further down the line. For a family, that saves serious money and also changes how you structure your day: you simply get on and off, without having to calculate every time.

The bears and everything around them

The bears and everything around them

It is located at the middle station of Arosa Arosa BearlandSince 2018, it has been home to brown bears rescued from circuses, concrete pens, and private cages. They have about three hectares of mountainside in front of them, with forest, meadows, rocks, and a stream. These bears come from somewhere, and you can see what has changed. The viewing platform is wheelchair accessible and full of explanatory information.

And then there are three more things that lie directly around it:

  • The Bear School is an adventure playground at the Brüggerstuba mountain restaurant, where children can be bear cubs for a while: balancing on tree trunks, crawling through narrow tunnels, sliding down the slide, and roaring as loud as they can.
  • Bear minigolf is exactly what it sounds like and surprisingly fanatical.
  • The Tschuggen Trail It is an adventure trail from Bärenland to the Tschuggenhütte, where six bears are hidden. A scavenger hunt and a hike in one, which is exactly the trick that works for children who “don’t want to walk anymore”.

Hiking with the kids is the dream, but covering miles is only possible if they stay engaged. Look, right here! In and around Arosa, there are many themed trails where they walk because there is something to discover along the way.

  • Eichhörnliweg is the squirrel path between Prätschli and Maran, where the critters are used to people and will eat from your hand. The path is flat and there is a modified, barrier-free route running alongside it. It is also perfectly doable with a stroller.
  • Planets Road Start at Hotel Prätschli and end at the Prätschalp. Along the way, you walk across the solar system to scale: every millimeter represents 2800 kilometers in reality. Also fun: you can have a picnic at the Obere Prätschsee.
  • The Ricola Kräuterweg. From Bärenland back to Prätschli, in about an hour, past ten stations on mountain herbs. Smelling, tasting, turning things. I bet they’ll keep it up like this!
  • KrimiSpass It is a scavenger hunt with a crime story, definitely recommended for slightly older children!

Swimming: Strandbad Untersee

Just because it is more bearable in the mountains doesn't mean it's never swimming weather. In fact, Arosa has a really nice spot where you forget you aren't by the sea. The Untersee is Arosa's shallower lake and therefore also a lot warmer. There is a real lido with a sandy beach, sunbathing area, playground, a volleyball court, and two diving boards of one and three meters. For the little ones, there is a heated children's pool, which is certainly not an unnecessary luxury: the lake water itself is around seventeen degrees. The changing rooms are still in the style of the fifties, Access is included with the Arosa Card.

The Obersee: boats and the best playground

On the other side of the village lies the Obersee, where you can rent a rowboat or pedal boat, also included in the card.

Climbing, cycling and a bear treasure

Climbing, cycling and a bear treasure

And there is so much more to do! Arosa Rope Park It is a treetop climbing park considered one of the most beautiful in the Swiss Alps. There are two separate children's courses (from four years old and 100 centimeters, and from six years old and 120 centimeters) and six routes for everyone over 140 centimeters. Climbing equipment can be rented on site. Children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult.

The Arosa Bike School is the icing on the cake. Arosa is known for its many mountain bike trails, and here you can take lessons for children and parents, even if no one has ever ridden a mountain bike before. You can rent bikes at Gisler Sport in the village.

And then there is the Bärenbike-Schatzsuche, A treasure hunt on the bike trails, in three variations from easy to challenging, so there is something for every age.

And if you don't want to do anything for a while

And if you don't want to do anything for a while

Party, because there is a supervised children's program, the Arosa Bärenbande. There are arts and crafts afternoons, sports, baking, a visit to the baker, the forest ranger or the museum, and a treasure hunt. Children join the club, you do your own thing. After all, it is your holiday too, of course. We saw parents in the village making use of this program and going for an extensive lunch themselves. Be sure to check out this article for great dining options in Arosa..

And if you happen to be there at the right time: a runs on a few fixed days in the summer. Märli-Zug, a fairytale train with stories on board, from Arosa to Langwies and back. In early August there are the Bike Family Vibes, a weekend with guided family trips, a children's olympiad, and communal meals.

Where you sleep

Where you sleep

We slept so well Valsana on the Obersee, a design hotel with a spa, a fine restaurant, and a story that older children will enjoy: the building runs without fossil fuels thanks to an underground ice battery, and you can take a tour of it.

If you are looking for something specifically designed for families, these are the two names you come across everywhere:

  • Sunstar Hotel Arosa: affiliated with the Swiss Family Hotels with an indoor pool, play area, and an indoor fun park with a ninja course.
  • Hotel Altein is centrally located with free childcare in the summer, an outdoor playground, and a large indoor swimming pool.

And in the evening?

And in the evening?

It's fun Aqua Lumina on the Obersee. On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, laser light is projected onto a fan of water droplets in the dark, creating something that lies somewhere between a hologram and a dream. It lasts ten minutes and is free.

Practical

Practical

The easiest way to get to Arosa is to take a plane to Zurich. Then take the train to Chur and go up with the Rhaetian Railway. That last ride takes an hour, goes over high viaducts and through pine forests, and is immediately the first highlight. There is even a bear-themed carriage. Once in Arosa, you don't need a car.

When: The summer season runs from mid-June to the end of October. July and August are the warmest, and that is when the children's programs also run at full capacity.

Do not forget: ask for the when checking in Arosa CardMountain lifts, buses, the climbing park, the boats on the Obersee, the lido, and a discount on Bärenland are included. The exact list changes by season, so check it before departure.

Take: a sweater, even in July, because at 1800 meters it cools down seriously in the evening.

Arosa is definitely our go-to with the kids. You can find more about the destination here.

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