Autumn
Autumn in Switzerland
If you’re looking to experience autumn beyond the grande pumpkin spice latte you just picked up on your way to work, see below for 10 great things to do this season all around Switzerland.
For Animal Lovers
1. Volunteering at Zurich Zoo
Dates: Several available
Location: Zürich, Canton Zürich
https://www.zoo.ch/de/der-zoo-zuerich/arbeiten-im-zoo/volontariate?page=3
Instead of just looking at the animals, why not actually work with them? Children ages 8 and above have the amazing opportunity to volunteer while teenagers can even apply for trial apprenticeships. If your child loves everything furry, feathery and scaly, definitely look into these amazing opportunities to get to know our animal friends.
1. Volunteering at Zurich Zoo
Dates: Several available
Location: Zürich, Canton Zürich
Instead of just looking at the animals, why not actually work with them? Children ages 8 and above have the amazing opportunity to volunteer while teenagers can even apply for trial apprenticeships. If your child loves everything furry, feathery and scaly, definitely look into these amazing opportunities to get to know our animal friends.
2. Falconeria Locarno
Dates: Tuesdays through Sundays until Sunday, 3 November 2019
Location: Locarno, Canton Ticino
https://www.ticinotopten.ch/en/experiences/falconry-locarno
Even though we humans have been able to fly in airplanes for 100 years, we still find something majestic about the ability to soar freely through the air like a bird. Luckily you can watch this up close at the falcon show at Falconeria Locarno. Be prepared not only to learn about amazing birds of prey, but also to be entertained by the music and costumes as well.
2. Falconeria Locarno
Dates: Tuesdays through Sundays until Sunday, 3 November 2019
Location: Locarno, Canton Ticino
https://www.ticinotopten.ch/en/experiences/falconry-locarno
Even though we humans have been able to fly in airplanes for 100 years, we still find something majestic about the ability to soar freely through the air like a bird. Luckily you can watch this up close at the falcon show at Falconeria Locarno. Be prepared not only to learn about amazing birds of prey, but also to be entertained by the music and costumes as well.
3. Alpine Descents
Dates: Several
Location: Several all over Switzerland
The cows are coming home! Decorated with flowers and large bells after spending the summer in the mountains, watch the cows descend amongst a reverie of music, activities and food. At some events, like the one in Lenk im Simmental in Canton Bern, your child will also get to vote for which cow should be crowned Miss Lenk!
3. Alpine Descents
Dates: Several
Location: Several all over Switzerland
The cows are coming home! Decorated with flowers and large bells after spending the summer in the mountains, watch the cows descend amongst a reverie of music, activities and food. At some events, like the one in Lenk im Simmental in Canton Bern, your child will also get to vote for which cow should be crowned Miss Lenk!
For the Budding Olympic Athlete
4. Lausanne Marathon
Date: Sunday, 13.10.2021 – 03.11.2021
Location: Lausanne, Canton Vaud
If you are looking for a long-distance competition with views of one of Switzerland’s many gorgeous lakes, why not try the Lausanne Marathon? While certain parts of Lausanne can be steep due to it sitting on three hills, the race route, which hugs Lake Léman, is comparatively flat. And very fittingly, the race ends at the Olympics Museum where the motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”
4. Lausanne Marathon
Date: 13.10.2021 – 03.11.2021
Location: Lausanne, Canton Vaud
If you are looking for a long-distance competition with views of one of Switzerland’s many gorgeous lakes, why not try the Lausanne Marathon? While certain parts of Lausanne can be steep due to it sitting on three hills, the race route, which hugs Lake Léman, is comparatively flat. And very fittingly, the race ends at the Olympics Museum where the motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”
5. 38th Annual Kyburglauf
Date: 12/13 November 2021
Location: Kyburg, Canton Zürich
https://www.kyburglauf.ch
This race has everything you can think of: children’s races (with medals for every participating child), options for walking, jogging, Nordic walking, running, a stair race, and yes, even childcare is offered at Kyburglauf. Truly this is an event perfect for the entire family. Furthermore, unlike many other races that start very early in the morning, the first race does not start until 11:30 so you may even get to sleep in a bit!
5. 38th Annual Kyburglauf
Date: 12/13 November 2021
Location: Kyburg, Canton Zürich
https://www.kyburglauf.ch
This race has everything you can think of: children’s races (with medals for every participating child), options for walking, jogging, Nordic walking, running, a stair race, and yes, even childcare is offered at Kyburglauf. Truly this is an event perfect for the entire family. Furthermore, unlike many other races that start very early in the morning, the first race does not start until 11:30 so you may even get to sleep in a bit!
6. UCI Mountainbike Marathon World Championships
Dates: Friday, 20 September – Sunday, 22 September 2019
Location: Grächen, Canton Valais/Wallis
https://www.bike-graechen.ch/en/index.php
Did you miss your chance to watch the Tour de France this year? Well, you’re in luck. The mountain bike championships are happening right here in Switzerland. And don’t think that this weekend is just for the elite adults; there are also races for children to show off their biking talent as well. On 21 and 22 September, the kids can race through an exciting obstacle course. Running bikes and children’s bicycles will be provided and the grand finale will take place on 22 September. Will yours ride to the top of the leaderboard?
6. UCI Mountainbike Marathon World Championships
Dates: Friday, 20 September – Sunday, 22 September 2019
Location: Grächen, Canton Valais/Wallis
https://www.bike-graechen.ch/en/index.php
Did you miss your chance to watch the Tour de France this year? Well, you’re in luck. The mountain bike championships are happening right here in Switzerland. And don’t think that this weekend is just for the elite adults; there are also races for children to show off their biking talent as well. On 21 and 22 September, the kids can race through an exciting obstacle course. Running bikes and children’s bicycles will be provided and the grand finale will take place on 22 September.Will yours ride to the top of the leaderboard?
For Food Channel Superstars
7. Apple- and pumpkin-picking
Dates: Several
Location: Several all over Switzerland
https://pickyourown.org/Schweitz_selbst-pfluecken.php
You may have noticed many restaurants are now offering pumpkin soup and apple cakes on their menus. Both fruits are in season now and you can visit farms to pick your own. Then, once you get home, put on your chef’s hat and make your own tasty treats. Your child will certainly be proud of the self-made results.
7. Apple- and pumpkin-picking
Dates: Several
Location: Several all over Switzerland
https://pickyourown.org/Schweitz_selbst-pfluecken.php
You may have noticed many restaurants are now offering pumpkin soup and apple cakes on their menus. Both fruits are in season now and you can visit farms to pick your own. Then, once you get home, put on your chef’s hat and make your own tasty treats. Your child will certainly be proud of the self-made results.
8. Onion Market (Zibelemärit)
Date: 22 November 2021
Location: Bern, Canton Bern
https://www.bern.com/en/news-events/detail/zibelemaerit-onion-market
The ubiquitous onion. Is there a savory dish that is complete without it? Challenge yourself in seeing how many things you can prepare using onions purchased directly from the experts – the farmers that grow them. Of course, where there is onion, there has to be garlic, and you will find plenty of that at the market as well. Just make sure your child doesn’t forget to brush those teeth after eating all those onions and garlic!
8. Onion Market (Zibelemärit)
Date: 22 November 2021
Location: Bern, Canton Bern
https://www.bern.com/en/news-events/detail/zibelemaerit-onion-market
The ubiquitous onion. Is there a savory dish that is complete without it? Challenge yourself in seeing how many things you can prepare using onions purchased directly from the experts – the farmers that grow them. Of course, where there is onion, there has to be garlic, and you will find plenty of that at the market as well. Just make sure your child doesn’t forget to brush those teeth after eating all those onions and garlic!
Singing Aspirations
9. Yodeling Concerts
Dates and Locations:
29 October and 31 October 2021 in Schötz, Canton Luzern
https://www.jodlerklub-schoetz.ch
https://www.jodlerklub-muttenz.ch/termine/termine/2019/
While the mega yodeling events already happened this past summer, don’t discount the more intimate concerts being held by individual clubs this autumn. For the ultimate cultural experience, visit these events to hear singing that can only be heard from one Swiss mountaintop to the other. And who knows? Maybe your child will even get the chance to chat with one of the singers and ask for some tips.
9. Yodeling Concerts
Dates and Locations:
29 October and 31 October 2021 in Schötz, Canton Luzern
https://www.jodlerklub-schoetz.ch
https://www.jodlerklub-muttenz.ch/termine/termine/2019/
While the mega yodeling events already happened this past summer, don’t discount the more intimate concerts being held by individual clubs this autumn. For the ultimate cultural experience, visit these events to hear singing that can only be heard from one Swiss mountaintop to the other. And who knows? Maybe your child will even get the chance to chat with one of the singers and ask for some tips.
Appreciate Teachers
10. World Teachers’ Day
Date: Saturday, 5 October 2019
Location: Worldwide
https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldteachersday
World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to honor the people who have one of the hardest jobs in the world – educating our children. Maybe a small treat from your child? Perhaps a special group gift from you and a few other parents? Even just saying “thank you” is enough to show your favorite teachers how much you appreciate them.
10. World Teachers’ Day
Date: Saturday, 5 October 2019
Location: Worldwide
https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldteachersday
World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to honor the people who have one of the hardest jobs in the world – educating our children. Maybe a small treat from your child? Perhaps a special group gift from you and a few other parents? Even just saying “thank you” is enough to show your favorite teachers how much you appreciate them.
BONUS! If you have a babysitter for the evening
BONUS: 66th Annual Expovina Wine Fair
Dates: Thursday, 31 October – Thursday, 14 November 2019
Location: Zürich, Canton Zürich
https://www.expovina.ch/expovina/willkommen/
After doing all the things above, you might need a little break with an adult beverage or two. Therefore, enjoy a night out and indulge in wines from all over the world at the Expovina Wine Fair happening onboard 12 different boats on Lake Zürich. Just be sure to take public transport home or have a designated driver!
BONUS: 66th Annual Expovina Wine Fair
Dates: 4th Nov – 14 November 2021
Location: Zürich, Canton Zürich
https://www.expovina.ch/expovina/willkommen/
After doing all the things above, you might need a little break with an adult beverage or two. Therefore, enjoy a night out and indulge in wines from all over the world at the Expovina Wine Fair happening onboard 12 different boats on Lake Zürich. Just be sure to take public transport home or have a designated driver!