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
Explore all itineraries in Davos.
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.
- Monday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- SundayClosed
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.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
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.
- Monday8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
- Tuesday8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
- Wednesday8:45 AM – 4:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
- Thursday8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
- Friday8:45 AM – 4:45 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
- Saturday8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
- Sunday8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
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.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
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.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
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.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
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.
- Monday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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.
- Monday7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
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.
- Monday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- SundayClosed
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.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
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.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Total Activities | 16 |
| Total Places | 16 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Restaurant, Outdoor, Break, Culture, Transfer, Attraction, Meal |
Why this experience
Three days in Davos with kids is a chance to show them that mountains aren't only for hard-core hikers. This itinerary keeps families moving without exhaustion—cable cars do the heavy lifting, alpine meadows provide open space for running around, and the lake becomes your anchor point for afternoon cool-downs. You'll ride the Jakobshorn cable car for easy views, explore the Schatzalp alpine botanical garden where kids can navigate gentle paths, have a family lunch at a mountain hut where alphorns sometimes echo across the valley, and spend a full afternoon by Lake Davos with shallow swimming areas and picnic time. This self-guided route is curated by TheNextGuide to balance adventure with family rhythm—no all-day hikes, plenty of play time, and moments where you're all simply present together in the mountains.
Before you go
- Best time: Summer (June–August). Warmest weather (18–25°C), lake is swimmable, trails are snow-free, botanical garden is in full bloom.
- Budget: Cable car rides (approximately 50–70 CHF for family), mountain hut meals and snacks, picnic supplies, lake entry if applicable.
- Difficulty: Easy. Cable cars provide access; walking paths are gentle and short (15–45 minutes each). Mostly flat terrain when you reach the top.
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for kids, swimsuit and quick-dry clothes, picnic snacks and water, sun hat and sunscreen, light layers for altitude.
- Getting there: Train from Zürich to Davos Platz (2.5 hours). Station is family-friendly with nearby restaurants and services. Davos town is compact and walkable.
- Accessibility: Very good. Cable cars accommodate strollers and wheelchairs; alpine garden and Promenade have accessible pathways. Lake access is flat.
Frequently asked questions
Will my kids get bored on a three-day mountain itinerary? No. Lake time, alpine gardens, cable cars, and plenty of downtime keep the pace varied. Kids usually find mountains exciting—it's the all-day hiking that gets tedious.
What age is this suitable for? Best for ages 4–16, but adaptable. Younger kids love the cable cars and lake; older kids enjoy the moderate hikes and views. The itinerary has flexibility for different ages.
What's included in this itinerary? TheNextGuide provides the three-day family route, kid-friendly restaurants and huts, timing that works around nap schedules and energy levels, and local tips for making cable cars and gardens engaging for children.
Can we skip certain activities if the kids are tired? Absolutely. This itinerary is built with flexibility. If lake time runs long, the botanical garden visit can be shortened or skipped. Same applies to any activity.
Are there restaurants and cafés family-friendly? Yes. Davos Platz and the Promenade are full of casual spots with kids' menus. Mountain huts also serve hot chocolate and simple meals that appeal to children.
Complete your trip in Davos
For a condensed family version, try 2-Day Family-Friendly Davos (Summer). If your family wants something more active, see Davos in Summer — Friends' Fun & Active 3-Day Weekend. And for parents wanting downtime, there's 3-Day Romantic Escape in Davos for a future couples' trip.
Browse all Davos itineraries at TheNextGuide.
