2-Day Family-Friendly Weekend Getaway to Davos
Davos is often synonymous with global summits, but for those following a Family Travel Guides approach, it reveals itself as a playground of alpine wonders perfectly suited for little explorers. This itinerary focuses on a relaxed pace, ensuring that parents can soak in the breathtaking Graubünden scenery while kids remain engaged with accessible outdoor activities.
By staying within the central districts of Davos Platz and Davos Dorf, you minimize transit time and maximize quality moments. Most hotels provide the Davos Klosters Premium Card, which offers free or discounted local transport and mountain lifts, making this high-altitude escape surprisingly manageable for families on a budget.
Day 1: Davos Platz - Lakesides and Culture
Kirchner Museum Davos
Start your morning at this architectural gem. The museum is stroller-accessible and offers a calm environment to introduce children to the vibrant colors of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner’s expressionist art. The spacious galleries are easy to navigate, and the modern glass design provides beautiful views of the surrounding town.
Lunch at Kurpark Davos
Head to the lush Kurpark in the center of Davos Platz. This is a perfect spot for a family picnic or a casual lunch at a nearby bakery. The park features a well-maintained playground where children can burn off energy while parents enjoy the crisp mountain air and the view of the surrounding peaks.
Lake Davos (Davosersee)
Take a short bus ride to Lake Davos. A flat, 4-kilometer gravel path circles the lake, making it ideal for strollers. The walk offers stunning reflections of the mountains. In the summer, the lido area features a shallow beach and a lawn where kids can play near the water's edge safely.
Dinner in Davos Platz
Wrap up your first day with a meal at a family-friendly restaurant along the Promenade. Many local spots offer dedicated 'Kindermenü' (children's menus) featuring Swiss favorites like Rösti or mild local cheeses that appeal to younger palates.
Day 2: Davos Dorf - Mountains and Petting Zoos
Schatzalp Funicular & Alpine Garden
Board the funicular from Davos Platz to Schatzalp, known as the 'Magic Mountain.' The ride is exciting for kids and completely accessible. At the top, visit the Alpinum Schatzalp, a botanical garden with over 5,000 species. The paths are gentle enough for a slow family stroll overlooking the valley.
Rinerhorn Gondola & Petting Zoo
Take the train or bus to the Rinerhorn cable car station. At the top station, you'll find a fantastic petting zoo featuring goats and alpacas, along with a large playground. It’s a highlight for children and offers plenty of space for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the little ones.
Davos Adventure Park
Located near the entrance to the Sertig Valley, this park offers a toddler-specific rope course for children as young as 3 years old. For families with strollers, the lower paths around the park are flat and paved, allowing everyone to enjoy the forest setting and watch the older kids climb.
Farewell Dinner at Davos Dorf
Conclude your trip in Davos Dorf. Choose a traditional chalet-style restaurant for a cozy atmosphere. The slower pace of the Dorf district ensures a quiet end to your family adventure.
Best Time & Weather
The best time for a family trip to Davos is during the summer months (late June to early September) when the weather is mild, ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), and all mountain lifts are operational. For those seeking a winter wonderland, December to March offers snowy landscapes, though you will need to ensure strollers are equipped with all-terrain wheels for the cleared paths.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). While Switzerland is expensive, card payments are accepted almost everywhere, including small cafes and ticket kiosks. Tipping is not strictly required as a service charge is included in restaurant bills, but rounding up the bill is a common and appreciated gesture for good service.
Getting Around
Public transport is the most efficient way to navigate Davos. The local bus network and the Rhaetian Railway connect Davos Platz and Davos Dorf frequently. If you stay in a local hotel, you will likely receive the Davos Klosters Premium Card, which allows for free use of the local buses and trains within the Davos-Klosters zone, as well as significantly discounted mountain lift passes.
