Family-Friendly Museums in Switzerland

Basel and the surrounding areas, are home to some pretty incredible museums. Listed below are a few of our favorites and are ideal for children of all ages. Always check opening times and special exhibits before planning your visits!

Natural History Museum of Basel This child–friendly museum, which was recently renovated, houses bugs, microscopes for hands-on discovery, an incredible collection of crystals and animals. Children will love exploring this museum and learning while they explore. The current exhibit is entitled, Earth Limit, which explores the human impact on the natural world.

Address: Augustinergasse 2, 4051 Basel Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 Cost of Admission –Museum Pass Accepted or CHF Adults CHF 7 and Youth/Students – CHF 5 1st Sunday of the Month – Free Admission

Museum Tinguely This museum hosts a robust collection of Jean Tinguely’s work. Tinguely was the Swiss sculptor and painter who grew up in Basel. The museum is fabulous for children who like to observe moving objects and hear loud sounds through interactive displays. The museum is currently celebrating its 25th year of operation!

The museum offers a Kinderclub (available in German only) Wednesdays from 14:00 – 17:00 for children aged 8 and over. The cost is CHF 5 and booking is required by calling +41 61 688 92 70, though may currently be on hold due to COVID.

Address: Paul Sacher – Anlage 2 4002 Basel Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 – 18:00 Cost of Admission: Museum Pass Accepted Adults CHF 18 Youth/Students CHF 12 *This museum has a café on site.

Feuerwehrmuseum If your children are fascinated by firemen and fire houses, this museum is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon. The current exhibition focuses on the history of fire - fighting.

Address: Spalenvorstadt 11 Hours: Every Sunday afternoon 14:00 – 17:00

Cost of Admission: Admission to the museum is free – you cannot beat that!

Basel Paper Mill – The Swiss Museum for Paper, Writing and Printing Provides a historical perspective on paper making and printing, but don’t worry, children will love this museum. Little people will enjoy making their own paper with the assistance of the staff. Each third Sunday of the month, the museum teaches origami, the ancient art of paper folding. This is a fabulous activity for older children, but confirm this activity is taking place due to COVID. This takes place from 13:00 - 17:00. Address: St. Alban – Tal 37, 4052 Basel Hours: Tuesday –Friday /Sunday 11:00 – 17:00 Saturday 13:00 – 17:00 (Closed May 1) Cost of Admission: Adult: CHF 15 School –children aged 6 to 16: CHF 9 Family admission is CHF 30 or 38

First Sunday of the month, this museum is free of charge. *This museum has a café on site.

Museum Pass

* If you are not familiar with the Museums–Pass, consider learning more about this incredible deal that offers families access to over 280 museums in Germany, France and Switzerland.

Swiss Museum of Transport - Lucerne This museum is incredible and well worth the steep ticket price and time it takes to get to Luzern. With trains, planes, outer space and an expansive outdoor area, what child wouldn’t be happy? Plan to spend an entire day at the museum, but pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your meal by the lake. Don’t worry, you can get back into the museum once you have enjoyed your meal and the scenery. Travel tip…consider taking the boat to the museum from the train station for an added adventure for the whole family. The museum offers an extensive restaurant and café if you are not inclined to pack your own.

Address: Lidostrasse 5, 6006 Luzern Hours: Summer 10:00 – 18:00 Winter 10:00 – 17:00 - The museum is open 365 days of the year! Cost of Admission: Adults CHF 32 without the theater