One relaxed family day in Davos — summer edition
A practical, low-stress one-day plan for families with young children (babies to pre-teens) in Davos in July. Short transfers, stroller-friendly options, regular breaks, kid-friendly meals and easy mountain experiences. Built with buffer time for naps, snacks and changing.
Highlights
- Cable-car ride to Jakobshorn — gentle summit views and easy family trails
- Lakeside play and paddling at Davosersee (Lake Davos)
- Historic funicular up to Schatzalp with alpine garden & a relaxed playground
Itinerary
Day 1
A calm paced family loop: morning cable-car fun, relaxed lakeside afternoon, a gentle mountain garden visit and an early dinner. Built-in rest/snack and changing stops.
Arrive in Davos & drop luggage at a family-friendly hotel (Hotel Seehof)
Quick check-in or luggage drop so you can start the day light. Hotel Seehof is lakefront and used here as a convenient, child-friendly base with family rooms and toilets/changing facilities.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception to hold luggage and request a ground-floor room if you have a stroller — it saves stairs and long corridors.
- Confirm changing-table availability in the family washroom; most lakeside hotels keep one in the ground-floor restroom.
- If you arrive by train, ask the hotel about a short taxi or bus to the front door — many hotels offer a quick shuttle for families.
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant — relaxed, kid-friendly meal
Buffet-style breakfast at the hotel with hot and cold options; order simple warm items for picky eaters and ask for quick refills so kids aren't waiting.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs available — arrive early (by 09:00) to avoid a crowd and get a bigger table for strollers.
- Ask staff for a warmed baby bottle or quick porridge if your child needs it — most hotel restaurants are happy to help.
- Point out small portions on the buffet to avoid waste and keep favourites available for the whole group.
Short transfer to Jakobshorn cable car (talstation)
Quick walk or short bus/taxi to the Jakobshorn base station — minimal transfer keeps kids comfortable before the mountain ride.
Tips from local experts:
- If pushing a stroller, take the bus as the last part has a few steps — the driver can usually lower a ramp for easy boarding.
- Use this 20-minute window for a snack or quick diaper change so the summit visit is uninterrupted.
- Buy child tickets at the station kiosk or on the Davos cable-car app to skip the main line.
Jakobshorn cable car up + easy family summit time
Cable car ride to Jakobshorn: short ride with panoramic views and stroller-friendly, short, flat trails near the top for toddlers to toddle safely. Great photo moment and a chance for kids to see mountain cows and alpine flowers in July.
Tips from local experts:
- Cabin space can be narrow with a stroller; collapse it and board with one parent — there is level boarding at both tal and berg stations but staff can help lift if needed.
- Top station has toilets and a sheltered picnic area — plan a calm 10–15 minute stop for snack and sunscreen re-application.
- For ages: best for toddlers (2+) up to pre-teens — younger infants are fine in carriers; avoid long trails with small children. Look for the short, looped 'family' paths near the summit.
Transfer down and to Bolgen Plaza for a relaxed family lunch
Return to town and a short transfer to Bolgen Plaza — large terrace, kids' options and flexible plates so fussy eaters are covered.
Tips from local experts:
- If kids are tired, plan the downhill ride as a nap window — seats on the lower cabin are more protected and quiet.
- Bolgen Plaza is close to the Bolgenbahn area — request a table on the terrace for shade and room for strollers.
- Mention allergies when ordering; local kitchens here are used to modifying simple pasta or grilled dishes for children.
Family lunch at Bolgen Plaza — easy menu and space for kids
Casual lunch with pizza, pasta and grilled options; plenty of room for a stroller and a short play area nearby so kids can run for 10 minutes after eating.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs and children’s portions available — ask the server which dishes are quickest if you're balancing nap schedules.
- Bring a small travel toy or colouring set — the terrace area is spacious but can have stones; a blanket helps little ones sit and play.
- If someone has a dairy or gluten allergy, staff can usually adapt simple dishes; confirm cross-contamination if severe.
Transfer to Davosersee (Lake Davos) — short ride up to the lake
A brief bus or car transfer to Davosersee for lakeside play, paddling or a calm walk on the flat, stroller-friendly path around parts of the lake.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the bus to Davosersee to avoid finding parking in summer — buses are stroller-friendly with low-floor boarding.
- Pack swim diapers and a towel if you plan to paddle — there are grassy spots ideal for quick dips supervised by an adult.
- Use this transfer time to offer a 10–15 minute quiet time for a younger child before lake activities begin.
Davosersee: play, paddle or lakeside stroll
Wide grassy shores, a shallow swimming area in summer and a partly paved lakeside path suitable for strollers. Rent a small pedal boat if kids are old enough (usually 3+ with an adult).
Tips from local experts:
- The paved lakeside path is stroller-friendly for at least part of the loop — bring a sunshade; parts are exposed in midday.
- There are public toilets and picnic benches near the main beach — check for lifeguard signage and supervise children while paddling.
- Recommended ages: great for toddlers to pre-teens. For younger children, bring a floatation vest rather than relying on arm bands; rentals are limited so bring your own if possible.
Short transfer back towards Davos Platz and ride the Schatzalp funicular
Gentle historic funicular up to Schatzalp — the ride is short and exciting for kids and deposits you in a serene alpine garden and play area.
Tips from local experts:
- Board the Schatzalp funicular from Davos Platz; there are clear signs and the carriages are easy for strollers (collapse first) — staff help with boarding if needed.
- Late afternoon rides are calmer and less crowded — good for toddlers who may be napty earlier but revived after a lake rest.
- Use the short transfer to change into light layers — temperatures on Schatzalp are cooler and breezy in the evening.
Schatzalp walk: alpine garden, gentle paths and a children's play spot
Explore the alpine garden paths and a small, sheltered play area. The walk is short, mostly flat near the hotel area, and stroller-accessible on main routes. Quiet benches and a café make a good late-afternoon break.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller hack: use the main paved promenade and avoid steep service paths — it keeps the push easy and scenic.
- There are sheltered benches and a small cafe with toilets and a changing table — perfect for a late snack and a calm play session.
- Recommended ages: best for toddlers and preschoolers (2–7) who like exploring small nature trails and spotting alpine flowers or small streams.
Early family dinner at Restaurant Schatzalp (calm mountain setting)
An early dinner in a relaxed mountain restaurant — straightforward, family-pleasing dishes and a scenic descent afterward. Timed early so youngsters can keep a normal bedtime.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table before sunset to get an inside table with room for strollers — the kitchen can do half portions or a simple pasta on request.
- If a child is still awake after dinner, the hotel terrace by Schatzalp is a safe, quiet spot for a final short play before the descent.
- Take the later funicular down if little ones fall asleep — the ride is smooth and an easy transfer back to your hotel.
Return to hotel — gentle descent by funicular or short taxi
End the day with a short, calm transfer back to your hotel. Allow time for evening routines and an early bedtime for kids after a full day.
Tips from local experts:
- If children are asleep, take the funicular down — it’s short and smooth; taxis are available at the lower station if you prefer door-to-door service.
- Use this return time to unpack a fresh set of pajamas and prepare a small midnight snack so kids wake up comfortable if they stir.
- Confirm tomorrow’s pick-up or onward travel with reception before bed to keep the morning stress-free.
