Basel is a great city for families. Family Activities In Basel, with countless attractions and activities designed for children. The city’s excellent public transportation system, compact layout, and pedestrian- and stroller-friendly streets make it easy to navigate.

Our year-round favorite is the Basel Zoo, affectionately referred to as Zolli. It features exotic animals, a vivarium, a birdhouse, and fun playgrounds. There are also plenty of child-friendly museums that make for great family outings.

Families can visit interactive museums such as:

• The Museum Tinguely, with its vibrant kinetic art and sensory exhibits
  
  
• Have a hands-on experience at the Basel Paper Museum (Basler Papiermühle), where children and adults can try traditional papermaking and explore bookbinding,
  
  
• For nature enthusiasts, the Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum) offers life-sized dinosaurs and engaging exhibits about extinct and endangered species.
  
  
• The Toy Worlds Museum (SpielzeugWelten Museum) is another highlight, featuring Europe’s largest collection of teddy bears, dolls, and dollhouses.
  
  
  
  

Family Life And Activities In Basel

Our top tips:

• Stroll along the Rhine (Rhyy) and cross the river with one of the four ferries (Fähri) — Wild Maa, Leu, Vogel Gryff, or Ueli—using only the natural power of the river’s current.
  
  • More information about the ferries here.
    
    
• Visit Basel Münster (Cathedral) and the viewing terrace (Pfalz) behind the cathedral
  
  • More information here.
    
    
• Marvel at City Hall (Rathaus) on Marktplatz
  • More information here.
    
    
• Visit the charming Spalenberg and and the impressive city gate Spalentor
  • More information here.
    
    
• Go on a treasure hunt with Basil the Baselstab.
  • More information here.
    
    
• Experience Basel and the Rhine from a different perspective aboard the ships of Basler Personenschifffahrt. 
  

For more information about Basel, and activities with children in Basel, visit the official website.

Basel Tourism

Header photo © Basel Tourismus

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