Zurich Children's Festival

About

The Zurich Children's Festival (Kindertheater Fest) transforms the beautiful Landiwiese park and various city venues into a wonderland of theater, storytelling, and interactive performances designed specifically for young audiences. This beloved annual summer festival brings together local and international children's theater companies, offering everything from puppet shows and musicals to circus acts and hands-on creative workshops. It's a magical opportunity for families to experience Switzerland's vibrant cultural scene in a relaxed, child-centered atmosphere along the shores of Lake Zurich.

What to Expect

Families can expect a lively outdoor festival atmosphere with multiple performance stages, creative activity tents, and play areas spread across the grassy Landiwiese park. Theater performances range from language-free visual shows perfect for international visitors to German-language productions, with many incorporating music, movement, and audience participation that transcend language barriers. Between shows, children can enjoy face painting, craft workshops, storytelling circles, and often a small carnival area with games. The festival maintains a relaxed, picnic-friendly vibe where kids can freely explore while parents enjoy the lake views and cultural offerings.

Highlights for Kids

• International puppet theater shows that captivate kids without language barriers
• Interactive performances where children can participate on stage or in movement activities
• Creative workshops where kids make their own puppets, masks, or theater props to take home
• The stunning lakeside setting with mountain views, combining culture with natural Swiss beauty
• Free or low-cost entertainment featuring high-quality productions from renowned children's theater companies

Pro Tips for Families

1. Check the festival program online before arriving and note which performances are 'ohne Sprache' (without language) or heavily visual—these are perfect for non-German speakers and are clearly marked
2. Arrive early in the day to pick up the printed program at the information booth and scout out performance locations, as venues are spread across Landiwiese and sometimes nearby indoor theaters
3. Bring a picnic blanket and sunscreen as much of the festival takes place outdoors on the grass—Swiss summer sun can be strong, especially with lake reflection
4. Download the SBB Mobile app for easy public transport navigation; the Enge train station is closest (5-minute walk), and tram lines 5 and 13 also serve the area well

Best Time to Visit

Mid-morning arrival (around 10-11 AM) is ideal to secure good spots for popular performances and enjoy the festival before afternoon heat peaks. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded than weekends, though weekends offer more performances. Plan to attend on a day with good weather since most activities are outdoors, and check if any special opening or closing day events are scheduled, as these often feature extra entertainment. The festival typically runs for about two weeks in late June through early July.

Food & Drinks

The festival typically features several food stalls offering child-friendly options like bratwurst, pretzels, sandwiches, crêpes, ice cream, and fresh fruit. Vegetarian options are usually available, and you'll find both Swiss specialties and international snacks. Prices are Swiss-standard (expect CHF 8-15 for main items), so many families opt to bring their own picnics, which is completely acceptable and common. Water fountains around Zurich provide free, safe drinking water to refill bottles. Small cafés near Landiwiese also offer sit-down options if you prefer escaping the festival crowds for meals.

Parking & Access

Public transportation is strongly recommended, as parking near Landiwiese is very limited and expensive (CHF 2-4 per hour in nearby streets). Take the S-Bahn to Zürich Enge station (5-minute walk to Landiwiese) or trams 5, 6, 7, or 13 to Rentenanstalt stop. Purchase a Zürich Card or day pass for unlimited public transport during your visit. The Landiwiese park is fully stroller-accessible with paved paths, though the grassy areas may be bumpy. Some indoor venues hosting performances may require carrying strollers up stairs, so baby carriers can be useful backups. The area is easily walkable from Zurich's city center (20 minutes) along the picturesque lake promenade.