Top Things to Do in Basel with Kids + 2025 City Break Guide
Thinking of visiting Basel with Kids?
If you’re looking for a city break that’s different, Basel is the place to go! Basel has a huge range of activities perfect for children and adults alike, from visiting Basel Zoo to exploring the Toy Museum and day trips with fantastic scenery!
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Where is Basel, Switzerland?
Basel is in northeast Switzerland. Basel is located in the northwest part of Switzerland, right at the border where the country meets France and Germany. It’s a convenient base to explore Switzerland with kids!
Top 10 Things to Do in Basel with Kids
Basel might be famed for its art and history, but it’s the city’s hidden family-friendly gems that really make it shine.
From interactive museums that make learning a blast to lush parks and creative playgrounds that invite little ones to burn off some energy, Basel is packed with activities that cater to curious minds and adventurous spirits alike.
Whether your family loves diving into hands-on exhibits or exploring the great outdoors, there’s something in Basel to entertain every age and interest.
Ready, set, explore!
1. Basel Zoo
In the city center, the Basel Zoo is a conservationist zoo with penguin walks, rare species, and fun for the whole family. Affectionately known as “Zolli” by locals, this zoo is a fantastic world of wildlife and is one of the oldest and largest in Switzerland.
If you have young kids and want to know what to do in Basel for one day, I strongly recommend the zoo!
2. Basel City Bus Tour
Explore Basel with ease on the city bus tour, an ideal option for covering the key sights without too much walking. Board the double-decker and enjoy panoramic views from the top as your guide shares fascinating stories and insights about Basel.
3. Aquabasilea
Aquabasilea is a huge, mostly indoor waterpark that is definitely not to be missed! It has a toddler pool, a wave pool, seven exciting themed slides, two swimming rapids, and much more!
There’s also a relaxation pool, a spa, a hammam, and other wellness options.
4. Solitude Park
This charming park is a must-visit if you’re looking to slow things down or give your kids a chance to run around. It has some of the nicest views of Basel, right next to the Rhine and the Roche Tower.
There’s a play park, a paddling pool, and plenty of space to run in the park. It’s one of the best things to do in Basel with small kids.
5. Basel Paper Mill
This isn’t just a museum about the history of paper – it’s an interactive experience for the whole family.
With hands-on experiences in papermaking, printing, marbling, and typesetting, you and the kids will have an unforgettable experience as part of your Basel itinerary. Everyone will come away with a real feeling of achievement!
6. BodmiARENA Skiing, Sledging, and More!
Nearby Grindelwald is the place to go for your kids to have fun in the snow! Whether you’re all taking beginner ski lessons or learning to snowboard, or your kids prefer to play on sleds, tube rides, and more, BodmiARENA has you covered.
Tickets to the sledding hill include the use of a sled, snow tube, or balancer. Ride as long as you want on the family-friendly slopes. Buy your tickets in advance here >>>
7. Dreilaendereck Border Triangle
A must-see for anyone visiting Basel! The stunning border triangle building is the meeting point of three countries and three cultures, with one point of the triangle in Germany, one in France, and one in Switzerland.
There’s a beach, a café, and a bar for adults; you can get a water taxi from there.
8. Toy World Museum (Spielzeug Welten)
The biggest doll and toy museum in Europe is there in Basel! It’s four levels of fun, with teddies, dolls and dollhouses, miniatures, and movie sets from all over the world and throughout time!
There are even fairground rides, carousels, and carnival rides from decades ago. This museum is fun and friendly and can keep the kids entertained all day. They even host events!
9. River Ferry
The Fahri ferries linking Grossbasel and Kleinbasel districts across the Rhine have an exciting difference – they don’t have engines! Wild Maa, Leu, Vogel Gryff, and Ueli are simple boats connected by a large cable to both shores and driven only by the river’s current.
It’s only a 10-minute journey, but going back and forth on this ferry will be unique for the kids – and give you plenty of ways to get around the city!
10. Basel Minster (Basler Münster)
Climb to the top of the tower on a breathtaking excursion through history! You can see the beautiful stained glass and unique pipe organ of the old Catholic church steeped in historical stories.
Be sure to climb the tower to reach one of the city’s most astounding and beautiful views.
When is the best time to Visit Basel?
Basel is a great choice all year round, but deciding when to visit Basel can really shape your experience in this culturally rich Swiss city.
Basel in August
Visiting Switzerland in August is a great way to see Basel, which has nice weather without too many tourists.
The weather in Basel in summer is excellent, and August is great for kids, with temperatures ranging from 59° to 77°F. There are also several events in August, including Swiss National Day!
Basel in December
Basel is where to go in Switzerland in December! The Swiss Christmas markets are worth a visit and it is one of the most exciting events in Basel for kids.
Just be aware that it can get pretty chilly – the average temperatures range from 32° – 43°F.
How to Get to Basel
Getting to Basel is pretty easy! The best way to reach Basel is by plane, but every option has benefits!
By plane
Many UK airports offer direct Basel, Switzerland flights. Flights take from 1hr 45mins to 2hrs, and you can get from Basel Airport to Basel in just 15 minutes!
By car
From London, you can drive through the Channel Tunnel to Calais, France, and it’s relatively simple from there to drive to Basel. The journey takes just under 10 hours.
Driving from Bern, Switzerland’s capital, takes just over an hour.
View car hire prices and availability here >>>
By public transport
While there are several options, the quickest method to get from London to Basel is as follows:
- Eurostar to Gare du Nord, France
- Train from Gare l’Est to Strasbourg, France
- TER strain from Strasbourg to Basel, Switzerland
The journey takes a total of around 6hrs and 40 mins. From Bern, the IC6 train takes just under an hour.
View train times and ticket availability here >>>
Where to Eat in Basel
Basel’s unique location means it carries the best of Swiss, French, and German cuisine and foods from around the world. It has its unique flavors, too! From the Schlumbergerli bread rolls to Hefegugelhopf cakes to Basler Brunsli cookies.
Some of our favorite family-friendly Basel restaurants include:
Burger’s Bohrerhof – Friendly, cosy, and world-renowned for its great service. It’s family-run and offers Swiss and other European classics. They’re especially good with kids.
Sapori Del Sud – a delicious sandwich place that offers pretty much every filling under the sun! It’s takeout only, so it’s great for your day trips around Basel.
Hostaria – Amazing Italian, Swiss, and Mediterranean food for every taste. Great atmosphere and fabulous flavors.
2 Days in Basel Itinerary
Basel is great no matter how long you’re going for – whether it’s 2 days in Basel, 36 hours in Basel, or any other length of time, you’ll find something amazing to do. The itineraries below are some of my favorites from my last trip.
Day 1: 1 Day Basel Itinerary
Morning: We started our trip with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. It was a great way to get the views of the city and plan out the rest of our visit!
Afternoon: The afternoon is zoo time. Basel Zoo really is the best attraction for kids, and we definitely weren’t going to miss it!
Day 2: 2 Days in Basel Itinerary
Morning: We woke up early and headed off to Aquabasilea. The kids had a blast on the slides – and so did I!
Afternoon: In the afternoon, we had a quiet time at the café near the Border Triangle. It was an amazing way to spend a calm evening after an exciting day!
3 Day Basel Itinerary
We got up early on day 3 and headed out on a ski journey!
4 Days in Basel Itinerary
On day 4, we took the Glacier Express on one of the best day trips from Basel by train! Travelling through the Oberalp pass and seeing all the sights of the mountains is one of the most amazing experiences any of us have ever had!
Book your Glacier Express Tour Here >>>
5 Days in Basel
To finish off our holiday, it was only right that we spent our day in the city. We spent most of the day in the Toy World Museum before heading off to Solitude Park to wind down before we had to leave the next morning.
Places to Visit Near Basel with Kids
If you’re looking for tours from Basel and Basel day trips, you’re in for a unique treat – its proximity to several different countries makes international travel just a matter of a few hours!
If you’re there long term, you can also take weekend trips to other cities from Basel – but these day trips are not to be missed!
Lucerne, Switzerland
If you’re based in Basel and looking for a quick getaway that promises a mix of stunning scenery, rich history, and a dash of adventure, then hopping on a train to Lucerne is your best bet. Just an hour away by train, Lucerne serves up a stunning backdrop of mountains and lakes along with a charming old town that feels like stepping back in time.
Starting your journey from Basel’s main station, Basel SBB, the direct train to Lucerne, whisks you through the picturesque Swiss countryside. With services running frequently, you’ve got the flexibility to make an early start or head out mid-morning.
Once in Lucerne, kick off your visit at the Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, an iconic wooden bridge famed for its age and ceiling paintings.
Make sure you also squeeze a boat trip into your day! Boat tours give you close-up views of the surrounding Alpine landscape — definitely a wonderful way to reset.
Colmar, France
If you’re stationed in Basel and craving a dash of Alsatian charm, Colmar is your perfect day trip destination. Located just 60 kilometers away, this French town feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Getting There: The easiest way to reach Colmar from Basel is by train. Direct trains operate frequently and can whisk you to Colmar in about 30 minutes. Once you step out of the Colmar station, the old town is a short stroll away.
Morning: Historic Old Town – Start your day wandering through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Admire the half-timbered houses, especially in the picturesque district of La Petite Venise (Little Venice). Rent a boat for a canal tour, or simply enjoy the view from one of the many bridges.
Lunch: Stop at a traditional Alsatian restaurant. Taste the regional specialties such as tarte flambée or choucroute garnie, and don’t forget to sample the local wines.
Afternoon: Museums & Markets – Visit the Unterlinden Museum, home to Matthias Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece, and learn about Colmar’s rich history. If you visit during December, the Christmas Markets are a must-see, offering festive treats and crafts.
Freiburg, Germany
At the foot of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a city that effortlessly blends medieval charm with a modern, eco-friendly ethos. A short journey from Basel, it makes for an ideal day trip filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty.
Getting There: Trains from Basel to Freiburg frequently run, with a journey time of approximately an hour. The Freiburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is conveniently located, allowing easy access to the city center.
Morning: Münsterplatz and Freiburg Minster: Kickstart your day at the Münsterplatz, Freiburg’s bustling market square. The highlight is the Freiburg Minster, a Gothic cathedral with intricate details. Brave the steps to the tower for a panoramic view of the city. The surrounding square is often populated with market stalls offering fresh produce, crafts, and local delicacies.
Lunch: Find an eatery and sample some traditional Baden cuisine. A must-try is the “Flammkuchen”, a thin-crust pizza-like dish topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon.
Afternoon: Explore the Bächle and Old Town: Freiburg is famous for its ‘Bächle’ – small water-filled canals that meander through the old town. Legend says if you accidentally step in one, you’ll end up marrying a Freiburger!
As you wander, also look out for the city’s beautifully preserved medieval gates like Schwabentor and Martinstor. For the green-thumbed, the Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat with diverse plant collections. Those interested in modern sustainable living should not miss the Vauban district, a model of green urban planning.
Getting Around Basel
If you’re traveling around Basel, you should use a Basel city card. The card is offered to those who book hotel rooms in the city and gives free public transport and half-price discounts to several attractions, including the zoo and museums, among many others!
There is excellent public transport in Basel, from Basel airport to Basel train station and every other major point. The services are frequent, free with the card, and reach the whole city. Trams, trains, and buses operate within the city and to nearby towns and cities.
While you can drive in Basel, I wouldn’t recommend it – the streets are small and mostly one way, so you’re quicker parking and get the tram!
About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.