Montreux offers families an exceptional range of activities: visiting Chillon Castle, panoramic train excursions, water parks, and interactive museums. To make the most of the destination, visit between May and September and use the Riviera Card for easy access to transport and discounts.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux stands out as one of Switzerland’s most complete family destinations. The Vaud Riviera combines a preserved medieval heritage, the beauty of Alpine landscapes, and a tourist infrastructure designed to welcome guests of all ages in the best possible conditions.
Whether you are looking for aquatic thrills, accessible high-altitude hikes, or enriching cultural experiences, Montreux and its immediate surroundings meet every expectation. Here is our complete guide to the best family activities in Montreux.
Cultural and Heritage Must-Sees
Chillon Castle, the Medieval Jewel of Lake Geneva
It is impossible to discuss the best family activities in Montreux without mentioning Chillon Castle. As the most visited medieval fortress in Switzerland, it stands majestically on a rocky islet at the entrance to the lake.
Children are captivated by the vaulted halls, dungeons, towers, and frescoed chapels. Engaging audio guides and discovery booklets turn the visit into a true adventure. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours on-site; parking is available nearby. We recommend completing the experience with a lakeside stroll: you can discover the fascinating history of Chillon Castle before walking along the flower-lined quays to the town center.
Montreux Museum and Audiovisual Heritage
The Montreux Museum passionately retraces local history, the Belle Époque, and the region’s tourism boom. An entire space is dedicated to the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, featuring original posters, rare recordings, and visual archives.
On certain weekends, creative workshops for children are offered. Entry is free or available at a reduced family rate, and the museum’s central location makes it easily accessible on foot from major accommodations.
Water Leisure and Thrills for the Whole Family
Aquaparc in Le Bouveret, a Sliding Paradise
Just 30 minutes from Montreux, Aquaparc in Le Bouveret is Switzerland’s largest indoor water park. Its 14 waterslides offer a variety of thrills, from gentle slopes suitable for toddlers to dizzying drops for the more adventurous.
The park also features a wave pool, a lazy river, and a spa area for parents to unwind. Family packages are available, with the option to combine the visit with the nearby Swiss Vapeur Parc. We strongly advise booking online to avoid queues during peak hours.
Lake Geneva Beaches and Nautical Activities
The Montreux-Clarens beach is perfectly equipped for families: well-maintained lawns, children’s play areas, pedal boat rentals, and supervised swimming in summer. Territet beach, which is quieter, is ideal for a peaceful picnic.
Water sports enthusiasts will easily find stand-up paddleboard, kayak, and pedal boat rentals. The flower-lined lakeside promenade, stretching 5 km between Villeneuve and Vevey, is accessible on foot or by bicycle and delights all ages at any time.
Panoramic Trains and High-Altitude Excursions
GoldenPass and Cogwheel Trains
The GoldenPass Line is an unforgettable experience for families: the Belle Époque carriages, with their large bay windows, offer a grand spectacle of the Alpine landscapes between Montreux and Interlaken or Zweisimmen. Children remain captivated throughout the journey.
The Montreux-Glion-Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel train climbs to an altitude of 2,042 m. At the summit, the marmot park is a must-see for younger visitors. Easy trails, a mountain restaurant, a playground, and an alpine garden complete the experience. We recommend leaving early in the morning and bringing warm clothing, even in the height of summer.
Funicular and Family Walks
The Territet-Glion funicular offers an easy departure from Montreux. The village of Glion then serves as an ideal starting point for marked family hikes, with stroller-accessible paths leading to Caux. The view of Lake Geneva and the Alps is absolutely breathtaking.
Fun and Educational Experiences
Alimentarium in Vevey
Located 15 minutes from Montreux, the Alimentarium in Vevey is an interactive museum entirely dedicated to food and nutrition. Cooking workshops for children allow them to learn while having fun, while the permanent exhibition offers sensory games and culinary challenges suitable for all ages.
An educational vegetable garden and a flavor discovery space complete the visit. It is the perfect place to raise children’s awareness of balanced nutrition in a fun and memorable way.
Chaplin’s World in Corsier-sur-Vevey
Chaplin’s World transports families into the magical world of Charlie Chaplin. The reconstructed family manor and the identical film studios offer a total immersion into the history of silent cinema.
A specially designed children’s trail includes screenings of cult short films, accessible from a very young age. The wooded park, adorned with statues and artistic installations, is perfect for a family afternoon, concluding beautifully on the panoramic terrace.
Nature, Parks, and Gardens
Montreux has numerous green spaces suitable for families:
- The Parc de l’Indépendance: modern playground, mini-golf, and snack bar for a gourmet break
- The Parc de Vernex: a vast green space ideal for picnics and ball games
- The flower gardens on the quay: botanical discovery and floral sculptures all along the promenade
- The Brent educational trail: a 1.5-hour forest walk with educational panels, accessible to all
- The lake wildlife: observing squirrels, birds, and ducks along the promenade
- The secure cycle paths along the lake with bicycle and scooter rentals
Practical Tips to Optimize Your Family Stay
To fully enjoy your stay, here are the essential recommendations we highlight:
- Riviera Card: a transport pass and discounts on many activities, offered free of charge to guests in the region—essential for optimizing your travel with local transport
- Best times to visit: May to September for outdoor activities, December for the enchanting Christmas market
- Family-friendly accommodation: hotels with kids’ clubs, residences with equipped kitchens—remember to find family-friendly accommodation on the Riviera well in advance
- Dining: numerous terraces with children’s menus and adjacent play areas
- Stroller accessibility: almost all tourist sites are well-equipped
- Useful apps: TPF for transport, Montreux Riviera Tourism for real-time information
The Vaud Riviera perfectly embodies the Swiss art of living in all its family dimensions. Diversity of experiences, quality of infrastructure, and accessibility make Montreux a four-season destination, capable of renewing its offering from one visit to the next.
Beyond tourism, Montreux also shines through the excellence of its international educational institutions—such as the Glion Institute of Higher Education or the Institut Monte Rosa—which testify to the welcoming spirit and excellence of this exceptional territory.
Whether you are planning a long stay or a short weekend, the Vaud Riviera will surprise every member of the family. The values of quality, respect for nature, and openness to the world that characterize this region align with those defended by tourism professionals committed to responsible and sustainable tourism for future generations.
