🎬 Outdoor MovieReturns September
Zurich Film Festival
Annual, September to October
Annual, September to October
Openair Kino Kreuzplatz and various venues
The Zurich Film Festival transforms the city into a cinematic wonderland each fall, featuring family-friendly outdoor screenings at the magical Openair Kino Kreuzplatz under the stars. While primarily an international film festival, select screenings and special children's programs make this a unique cultural experience for families visiting Switzerland. It's a wonderful opportunity to introduce kids to European cinema culture while enjoying the electric atmosphere of one of Switzerland's premier cultural events.
Families can expect outdoor movie screenings in a beautiful urban park setting, with special family-friendly film selections typically scheduled earlier in the evening. The festival atmosphere includes red carpet events downtown that kids find exciting to watch, multiple venues across Zurich's charming neighborhoods, and a mix of international films with some English-language options. The Openair Kino Kreuzplatz location offers a relaxed, picnic-style cinema experience with blankets and beanbags, creating a casual vibe perfect for families. Beyond films, the festival brings a festive energy to the city with installations and activity zones.
Attend weekend afternoon or early evening screenings (typically 5-7 PM starts) during the first two weeks of the festival when weather is generally milder. Saturdays and Sundays often feature more family-oriented programming. The outdoor cinema screenings at Kreuzplatz are most magical during the opening weekend when the festival buzz is highest but crowds are manageable mid-festival (second week).
The Openair Kino Kreuzplatz typically has a small concession stand offering popcorn, pretzels, soft drinks, and Swiss snacks, though options are more limited than indoor cinemas. Many families bring their own picnic snacks and drinks (usually permitted at outdoor screenings—verify current rules online). Nearby Kreuzplatz has several bakeries, convenience stores, and restaurants where you can grab pizza, sandwiches, or Swiss treats before the show. For indoor festival venues, standard cinema concessions apply with typical Swiss pricing (expect to pay premium rates).
Zurich's efficient public transport system (trams, buses, trains) is the best way to reach festival venues—Kreuzplatz is served by tram lines 2, 3, 5, 9, and 11 (Kreuzplatz stop). Street parking is extremely limited and expensive in central Zurich; if driving, use Park & Ride facilities on the city outskirts. The outdoor cinema area is stroller-accessible via paved paths, though you'll need to fold strollers during screenings. Zurich's central train station (Hauptbahnhof) is the main arrival point for international visitors, with excellent connections to all festival venues. Most locations are family-friendly with accessible facilities.
Summer outdoor cinema series, June through September
Moonlight Cinema brings the magic of outdoor movies to Zurich's most beautiful parks and public squares throughout the summer, offering families a uniquely Swiss cultural experience under the stars. Kids will love the relaxed atmosphere where they can sit on blankets, enjoy snacks, and watch films on giant screens as the sun sets over the Alps. This seasonal tradition combines fresh air, family-friendly entertainment, and the chance to mingle with local families in some of Zurich's most picturesque settings.