Family-friendly 3-day Davos: gentle mountains, lake time & alpine gardens
A relaxed, stroller-friendly 3-day summer plan in Davos designed for families with young children. Short transfers, regular snack/nap breaks, kid-friendly meals and easy mountain rides are prioritized. Recommended month: July (Summer).
Highlights
- Easy lakeside play and paddling at Davosersee
- Family-friendly cable-car rides to Rinerhorn and Schatzalp
- Stroller-accessible promenade and gentle valley walks (Sertigtal)
- Child-friendly museum visit at the Kirchner Museum with family programs
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, gentle orientation, lakeside play and a short museum visit to get familiar with Davos and its pace.
Davos Promenade & Davos Platz orientation (easy, stroller-friendly walk)
Short, flat walk along the Promenade through Davos Platz — perfect first stop to stretch after travel and let kids run in a safe riverside area.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller hack: start at Davos Platz Bahnhof and head along the Promenade for smooth pavement and curb ramps — avoids cobbles.
- Facilities: public restrooms and benches are spaced along the Promenade for quick diaper changes or snack stops.
- Timing: do this before lunch (morning) to avoid the warmest part of the day and quieter crowds.
Lunch stop & groceries for snacks — Migros Davos (family-friendly, allergy-aware)
Quick, reliable family meal choices (kids' plates, high chairs) and pick up allergy-friendly snacks or sun hats for the afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Migros family-friendly: self-service options and clear ingredient labels make it easy for allergy-aware families.
- Use the supermarket’s deli for picnic supplies (fresh fruit, yoghurt, bottled water) if you plan a lakeside lunch.
- High chairs and kids' portions are commonly available; ask staff for the quiet seating area if nap time is coming.
Davosersee (Davos Lake) — lakeside play, paddle and picnic
Flat lakeside path, shallow shore sections for toddlers, and an easy picnic spot. Boat rental and paddling options in summer (supervised).
Tips from local experts:
- Age note: ideal for toddlers–school-age kids (2–10). Shallow shores near the promenade let little ones splash safely under supervision.
- Stroller-friendly: the circular lakeside path is flat with benches and shaded stretches; plenty of public restrooms nearby.
- Pack sunscreen and a small picnic blanket; local vendors or Migros (earlier) provide cold items if you prefer not to carry much.
Hotel break / quiet time — check into family room or rest at hotel
Return to your hotel for a nap or quiet downtime. Choose a family-friendly hotel with changing table and nearby elevator access.
Tips from local experts:
- If you stay near Davos Platz, Hotel Seehof Davos has family rooms and baby equipment on request — good for a reliable quiet break.
- Ask the front desk for a crib or a quiet room away from the street to help little ones nap after lakeside excitement.
- Use this buffer to reorganize bags (extra clothes, swim diapers) so the evening outing is relaxed.
Kirchner Museum Davos — family-friendly visit (short guided or self-paced)
Compact art museum with family resources and audio-guides for older children; choose a short visit (45–90min) to match younger attention spans.
Tips from local experts:
- Age note: best for children 6+ for engagement with the exhibits; younger kids can enjoy brief picture-spotting activities.
- Stroller & accessibility: museum is wheelchair-accessible and has accessible restrooms — store bulky prams in the lobby cloakroom.
- Plan a 45–60 minute visit and pick up the family activity sheet at reception to keep kids focused and make it playful.
Dinner at Sunstar Hotel Davos — family-friendly restaurant
Hotel restaurant offering kids' dishes, early dinner options and allergy-aware staff — an easy evening after museum time.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve an early table (18:30–19:00) to match younger bedtimes and avoid a rushed meal.
- Staff are used to families — request a high chair and ask for simpler, portioned dishes for small appetites.
- If you need a quieter corner, mention 'family with small children' when booking so they can seat you at a low-traffic table.
Day 2
A gentle mountain day: short cable-car rides to family-friendly Rinerhorn, playgrounds and alpine lunch with relaxed pacing.
Transfer & short ride to Rinerhornbahn (family cable car)
Short taxi or bus to the Rinerhorn valley station, then family-friendly gondola/cable car up. Quick, scenic ascent kids usually love.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the local bus (PostAuto) from Davos Platz — buses have room for strollers and run frequently in summer.
- Board the cable car with a stroller folded; most cabins are step-free or have a single small step — staff usually assist families.
- Keep small snacks handy for the short transfer in case children are hungry before the mountain playground.
Rinerhorn family area — playground, easy hiking and alpine views
Large family-friendly summit area with a safe playground, gentle walking paths (stroller-adaptable sections) and shallow streams to explore.
Tips from local experts:
- Age range: great for toddlers–pre-teens (2–12) — the playground is fenced and surfaces are suitable for little feet.
- Bring a lightweight stroller with decent suspension for short gravel sections; shaded benches and picnic tables are available.
- Facilities: mountain restaurant nearby with child portions, plus clean restrooms and changing tables at the main station.
Lunch at Bergrestaurant Rinerhorn — alpine family lunch
Simple, robust alpine dishes and child-friendly options; a relaxed meal with mountain views and quick service.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for quick, child-sized portions and request milder versions of dishes if your kids are picky or have allergies.
- Timing: sit on the terrace if the weather is calm — shade awnings and a safe railing make outdoor dining comfortable.
- If your child naps after lunch, request a quieter corner; the staff are used to resting families and can help settle in.
Easy descent and free play at Davos Platz playground (gentle afternoon)
Back in town: short play session at a central playground to burn off extra energy before a calm evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Playground surfaces are soft; ideal for kids under 8. There are shaded spots for supervising parents.
- Nearby cafés and restrooms within a few minutes' walk make snack/bathroom breaks convenient.
- Use this window to swap out wet clothes or shoes from the mountain if needed — benches with shade are handy for quick changes.
Short scenic train or stroll to Davos Dorf (quiet neighborhood exploration)
Gentle evening stroll in the Davos Dorf neighborhood or a short Rhaetian Railway hop — calm streets and early-dinner options.
Tips from local experts:
- Train tip: short rides on local trains are a hit with young children — get a window seat for views of the valley.
- Stroller-friendly route: Davos Dorf station area is flat with wide pavements and places to sit if someone needs a rest.
- If you need an early dinner, there are several family-friendly hotel restaurants around Davos Dorf with kids' menus.
Dinner at Hotel Seehof Davos (relaxed family meal)
Comfortable family restaurant with familiar dishes and quick service — early seating recommended.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table for 18:00 to match typical toddler bedtimes and avoid late-evening crowds.
- Indicate allergies at booking — Swiss hotels are generally allergy-aware and can adapt simple dishes.
- Ask for a corner table or a table near the family-friendly restrooms to make evening routines smoother.
Day 3
Schatzalp morning (alpine garden & easy tram ride), relaxed valley walk in Sertigtal and a calm finish with local treats.
Funicular to Schatzalp & Alpinum (botanical garden) — family-friendly mountain morning
Historic funicular ride to Schatzalp with easy, stroller-possible routes around the Alpinum. Great for short, educational nature time.
Tips from local experts:
- Funicular & accessibility: the Davos–Schatzalp funicular is short and stroller-friendly — foldable strollers recommended for platform gaps.
- Age range: ideal for toddlers and school-age children (2–12) who enjoy spotting alpine flowers and grazing cows in July.
- Facilities: public restrooms and a café at the Schatzalp area; pack a light sweater as mountain mornings can be breezy.
Lunch at Restaurant Schatzalp — relaxed alpine menu with views
Convenient mountain restaurant with kids' plates and space for stroller parking — nice mid-day break before a valley walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve in advance for a family table on the terrace (weather permitting) — shade is available via awnings.
- Request simple, child-friendly meals and ask staff to shorten wait times when children are restless.
- If your child needs a nap afterward, ask staff for a quieter table inside where ambient noise is lower.
Sertigtal (Sertig Valley) — easy family valley walk
Short, flat stretches in the lower Sertigtal valley make for a peaceful post-lunch walk with wooden bridges, cows and mountain scenery — great for curious kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller-friendly sections: choose the lower Sertigtal loop (Sertigplatz to Sertig Dörfli) which is mostly flat and gravel-packed.
- Wildlife & learning: bring a small checklist for kids (cowbells, alpine flowers, stream stones) to make the walk an activity.
- Facilities: restrooms in Sertigplatz and shady picnic spots — plan for a mid-walk snack break to keep energy high.
Afternoon snack & souvenir stop — Migros / local bakery
Pick up ice cream or a light pastry for the kids and any last-minute picnic items before heading home or to the station.
Tips from local experts:
- Local bakeries in Davos offer small pastries and cooling drinks — great for an afternoon sugar treat without a long sit-down meal.
- For allergies, opt for labelled supermarket products at Migros (clear ingredient lists) if you need nut-free options.
- Grab a small travel-size first-aid kit or blister plasters if you plan any extra walking before departure.
Calm final dinner — early family meal near Davos Platz
Finish with an easy early dinner close to your hotel or station to keep the evening low-stress and on-time for departures.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose an early seating (17:30–18:30) to match children’s routines and ease the departure the next morning.
- Ask the restaurant to package leftover food for a travel snack if you have an early departure.
- If you’re catching a late train, request a receipt or confirmation from the hotel for luggage storage and final restroom access.
