Springtime Activities for Kids in Basel
- Zahra Pasha
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
Do you feel that? Spring is finally here!! Springtime in Basel is a magical time, especially for families with children. As the city comes back to life with blossoming trees and warmer weather, it’s the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and explore. Here are some wonderful spring activities for kids in and around Basel that are sure to keep them entertained, active, and happy.
Parks, Playgrounds and Zoos
One of the most beloved activities is visiting Basel’s many parks and playgrounds. Schützenmattpark, for example, offers large green spaces for picnics and safe areas for children to play. With its large sandbox and splash fountain, it’s a hit on sunny days. Kannenfeldpark is another favourite, offering vast lawns, climbing structures, and plenty of shaded areas for family relaxation.
For animal lovers, a trip to Tierpark Lange Erlen is a must. This beautiful park is home to deer, wild boars, goats, birds and monkeys, and entry is free of charge. Children can learn about local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere. A special highlight for younger children at Tierpark Lange Erlen is the Kinder Autobahn. This miniature road system allows kids to ride small pedal cars along marked lanes, complete with traffic signs and signals. It’s a fun and educational activity that helps children learn about road safety in a playful environment while burning off some energy.
And don’t forget to explore the Basel Zoo in spring. The animals are more active in the milder weather, and special events and educational programs are often organized for families during this season. Children can see everything from elephants and lions to playful seals and penguins. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the popular penguin walk, where the penguins waddle through the zoo grounds on cooler spring days—a delightful and memorable sight for visitors of all ages.
Cherry Blossom Hikes
Another wonderful spring activity is taking a cherry blossom hike. The cherry trees along Bruderholz and near Margarethenhügel offer breathtaking views of pink and white blooms, creating a magical atmosphere for family walks. Kids can run along the paths, and admire the flowers, and parents can enjoy stunning photo opportunities. It’s a beautiful reminder of nature’s renewal and a peaceful way to spend a sunny afternoon.
The best time for cherry blossom hikes in and around Basel is typically from early to mid-April. During this period, the cherry trees burst into bloom, transforming the landscapes into a sea of delicate white and pink flowers. However, the exact timing can vary each year due to weather conditions, so it's advisable to check local updates before planning your hike.
One of the most renowned trails for experiencing cherry blossoms near Basel is the Fricktaler Chriesiwäg in Gipf-Oberfrick. This trail offers both a 5km and a 9km loop through picturesque cherry orchards, with the blossoms usually peaking around mid-April and lasting about 10 days. The path is well-marked and suitable for families, providing an immersive experience amidst the blooming trees.
Another notable route is the Baselbieter Chrisiweg, a 10.7km trail that meanders through the Baselland region. This hike is particularly enchanting in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, offering hikers scenic views of narrow valleys and sunlit plateaus adorned with flowering trees.
Pick Your Own Fruit and Flowers
Another great family activity is fruit picking in the Basel region. Several nearby farms offer seasonal opportunities for children and families to pick their own strawberries, cherries, and other fresh fruits. This not only gives kids a hands-on experience with nature but also teaches them where their food comes from. Plus, there's nothing quite like tasting freshly picked produce right from the field!
Some recommended farms for fruit picking include Beeriland in Bottmingen, which is popular for strawberries in early summer; Obsthof Miescher in Muttenz, known for its cherry and apple picking; and Familie Mathis Obstbau in Pratteln, where you can find a variety of seasonal fruits. Additionally, just over the border in Germany, Hofgut Himmelreich and Obsthof Drechsle offer wonderful opportunities for springtime strawberry and cherry picking, making it an easy and fun day trip from Basel. Make sure you take Euros in cash to those - you cannot pay by card there!!
In spring, Basel also offers beautiful self-pick flower fields where visitors can cut their own fresh blooms straight from the field. Popular spots include Mathis Blumenfeld in Bruderholz and Bottmingen, both known for vibrant tulips and peonies (with easy payment via cash or TWINT). Near the Bruderholz water tower and behind the Muttenz indoor pool, you’ll also find smaller fields operating on the honour system. Whether you’re after a colourful bouquet or simply a peaceful nature moment, these fields are a charming local tradition worth experiencing.
Rainy Day Fun
Let’s face it—spring showers are part of the season too! Luckily, Basel has plenty of indoor attractions perfect for rainy days with kids. The Toy Museum (Spielzeug Welten Museum) in the city centre is a whimsical experience featuring over 6,000 toys, dolls, and teddy bears that captivate children and adults alike. The Natural History Museum offers hands-on exhibits, fossils, and dinosaur skeletons that spark curiosity and learning. For creative minds, the Tinguely Museum is a must-visit, showcasing interactive mechanical sculptures and kinetic art that encourage kids to think outside the box.
For energetic little ones, Swiss Mega Park in Frenkendorf and Topolino in Weil am Rhein offer fantastic trampoline zones, soft play areas, and climbing structures. These jump halls and indoor fun centers are perfect for burning off energy indoors. You can also check out Kinderland in Germany—an indoor play paradise with inflatables, ball pits, and slides, just a short drive across the border. If the cinema and a big box of popcorn is your thing on a rainy day, then head down to the Arena Cinemas at the Stücki shopping centre. There's a bowling alley right next door, but make sure to reserve in advance, it gets booked up pretty quickly!
Day Trips
There are several engaging indoor activities just a short drive from Basel that families can enjoy. The Umwelt Arena Schweiz in Spreitenbach offers three floors of interactive exhibits focused on sustainability and the environment, providing educational fun for all ages. Visitors can explore topics like renewable energy and eco-friendly construction, and even test-drive electric vehicles on an indoor track.
For chocolate enthusiasts, the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg is a delightful destination. This museum features a nine-meter-tall chocolate fountain, interactive exhibits on the history and production of chocolate, and offers chocolate-making courses led by Lindt's Master Chocolatiers. The on-site café serves a variety of sweet and savory treats, making it a perfect spot to indulge in Swiss chocolate culture.
In Zug, the Freiruum is a versatile indoor space featuring a market hall, bouldering area, trampoline park, and a dedicated kids' corner. Until the current construction is finished, Freiruum has introduced a 'Pop-Up Playground' in its event hall, complete with bouncy castles, play booths, and other attractions suitable for both children and adults.
Whether you're basking in sunshine at the park, picking fresh strawberries, or jumping through a rainy afternoon at an indoor playground, spring in and around Basel offers endless opportunities for families to make memories together. With a little creativity and a sense of adventure, every day—no matter the weather—can turn into something special. So grab your rain boots or your picnic blanket, and get ready to enjoy all the beauty and fun this vibrant season has to offer!
Zahra Pasha
Zahra defines herself as a language enthusiast and part time domestic goddess. Zahra is also a public speaking coach, a proofreader, a PhD student and a mum to two children and a golden retriever. She enjoys cooking, reading, travelling and working on her goal to be a polyglot!
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