Happy New Year, Zurich parents! This first weekend (Jan 3-4) is a bit of a transition time, but there are still gems to find! Don't miss the final days of the Happy Holiday Event at Kiddy Dome for some last-minute indoor fun, or dive into history at Die Legende der Titanic for a seriously cool, immersive trip back in time.
Quick Picks
Familienführung (Landesmuseum)
Landesmuseum Zürich
Check for a free family tour/activity at the National Museum—great historical exposure for minimal cost.
Happy Holiday Event
Kiddy Dome
The last chance for guaranteed indoor fun with shows and glitter tattoos before the massive play area closes its special holiday programme.
WOW Museum Zürich
WOW Museum Zürich
Perfect for toddlers (who get in free) to mess with perception in a surprisingly engaging way.
Happy Holiday Event
This is your very last chance for the Kiddy Dome's holiday fun, as it ends on Sunday! Saturday features glitter tattoos and star moments. It’s a massive indoor playground, perfect for burning off that post-New Year energy.
Why we picked it: Confirmed final weekend for their special New Year holiday programming, including a family show on Sunday.
Die Legende der Titanic
This is a huge, immersive exhibition with 360° projections and VR—super cool for older kids and teens who like history or tech. It's a great way to spend a cold afternoon without just being in a regular museum hall.
Why we picked it: A high-production, limited-run exhibition that brings a world-famous story to life using modern tech.
Erdbeben spüren im Simulator
Take the kids to ETH to feel a real earthquake in their science simulator—super unique and totally free! This is hands-on geology that beats any textbook. Check the exact times on their site.
Why we picked it: It's a totally free, high-tech, and hands-on science experience right on the ETH campus.
Impro-Battle Ida Theatersport Liga
Four teams battle it out with fast, creative improvisation—the audience votes for the winner! It's spontaneous, unpredictable, and a great night out for teens who like theatre or comedy. Tickets must be bought in advance.
Why we picked it: A quirky, live, competitive theatre event that's far from a standard play.
Winterthur Märlitram (Last chance for festive vibe)
While the main Märlitram is over, sometimes the festive spirit lingers. Check if there are any final *Märchen* readings or small related events in Winterthur this weekend as a short trip outside the city. It’s a classic Zurich winter magic experience.
Why we picked it: Though the main event is over, checking for final related seasonal story events captures the winter charm.
Dinotastic Live! (If running nearby)
Dinosaur exhibitions are always a winner! A large moving dinosaur show was listed as running until early April, but double-check if there's a final showing this weekend or a similar nearby event to catch before it moves on. Perfect for prehistoric fans.
Why we picked it: These large-scale dino shows are limited runs and usually a huge hit for the primary school crowd.
WOW Museum Zürich
If the weather turns, this is a brilliant, interactive illusion museum where you become part of the art. Toddlers (under 2) are free, so it's budget-friendly for the little ones!
Why we picked it: Always a hit with families for mind-bending fun, and they have extended hours for the holiday period.
Offenes Atelier (Drop-in)
Head to the Museum für Gestaltung for a casual Sunday afternoon drop-in art session. It's a great, low-pressure way to get creative right after the chaos of the holidays. You only pay a small fee for materials.
Why we picked it: A specific, scheduled creative drop-in workshop, perfect for a flexible family activity.
Museumssafari / Staunen mit «Stuuni»
Explore the human body and history at KULTURAMA; they often have 'Museumssafari' worksheets or the 'Stuuni' program running on weekends. It’s a proper local museum gem that’s often overlooked. Standard entry usually covers the kids' activities.
Why we picked it: A reliable, educational, and less-crowded local museum with ongoing family engagement tools.
Kostenlose Familiensonntagsführung
The Zoology Museum is always free entry, and they often run free family workshops on Sunday afternoons! Call ahead or check their specific January schedule for the exact time.
Why we picked it: It's genuinely free entry to a fantastic museum, with the bonus of a free guided activity.
Familienführung (Landesmuseum)
The National Museum usually has a family tour or a 'Family Bag' available for their current exhibitions—a fantastic way to make Swiss history fun. Check their site for the exact Sunday time slot.
Why we picked it: A reliable local option, often with a special tour running Sunday morning, connecting kids to Swiss heritage.
Gili Clown - Familien-Show
If you didn't make it Saturday, Sunday at Kiddy Dome features a family comedy and acrobatics show with Gili Clown. It’s structured fun within the larger play area, perfect for the little ones.
Why we picked it: A specific, scheduled children's show happening on the final day of the holiday event.
Outdoor Smartphone Stadrallye
Solve puzzles around the city on your smartphone, tracing the steps of a fictional watchmaker—great for active older kids. You can start whenever you want, making it super flexible for a lazy Sunday morning.
Why we picked it: A self-guided, interactive city exploration that feels more like a game than a tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What genuinely free kids events are on in Zurich this weekend?
For a completely free day out, head to the Zoologisches Museum on Sunday (Jan 4th) for free entry and check if they are running one of their free family workshops (usually around 14:00/15:00). Also, the focusTerra at ETH offers free entry and you can experience the earthquake simulator for free on Saturday (Jan 3rd)!
Best indoor activity if the weather is terrible on Sunday?
The WOW Museum Zürich (Sunday hours 09:00-20:00) is fantastic for all ages as it's entirely indoors and very engaging. Alternatively, the Kiddy Dome is running its final day of the Happy Holiday Event on Sunday (Jan 4th) until 18:00, featuring the Gili Clown show.
What can I do with my 10-year-old on Saturday, Jan 3rd?
Your 10-year-old might love the immersive historical adventure at Die Legende der Titanic (Lichthalle MAAG, open until 20:00). For something more active and local, try the Outdoor Smartphone Stadrallye (starting near Kirche St. Peter) or head to focusTerra at ETH to feel an earthquake!