Weekend in Basel
This weekend itinerary for families living in Basel focuses on maximizing fun while keeping an eye on the budget. It includes beloved attractions like Basel Zoo and the free Lange Erlen Animal Park, interactive historical experiences at Augusta Raurica, and relaxed park and market visits. We've ensured a balance of exciting paid activities and wonderful free options, with practical notes for families.
Friday Evening - Kids' Play & Riverside Charm
Friday, October 3Indoor Play Cafe
Start the weekend with some active fun at The Magical Cafe, an indoor play haven designed for children.
Parents can relax with a coffee while kids enjoy a large playroom filled with toys and engaging play areas. There's a TV monitor to keep an eye on the playroom at all times, making it a comfortable spot for families with toddlers and younger children.
Ideal for children up to around 8 years old. The playroom is safe and equipped with various toys and slides. Highchairs, baby changing facilities, and comfortable armchairs for breastfeeding are available. Stroller parking is available outside. A minimum spend of CHF 10 is typically expected to use the playroom.
Easily accessible by public transport (tram/bus to 'Kaserne' or 'Volkshaus'). Limited street parking might be available nearby, but public transport is recommended. The cafe is in a Minergie building, ensuring a comfortable temperature year-round.
Rhine River Stroll & Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed evening stroll along the beautiful Rhine River.
Kids can watch the boats and enjoy the riverside atmosphere. Afterwards, head to a family-friendly restaurant for an early dinner. A great option is 'Tibits', a vegetarian/vegan buffet-style restaurant known for being child-friendly with a play corner and offering options to warm baby food.
The Rhine promenade is flat and perfect for strollers. Tibits offers a wide variety of food, allowing picky eaters to choose what they like. The play corner is a huge bonus for active children. Early dinner ensures kids get to bed on time.
The Rhine promenade is easily walkable from many central Basel locations. Tibits is located directly at the Basel SBB train station, making it very accessible by all public transport lines.
Saturday - Wild Wonders & Animal Encounters
Saturday, October 4Basel Zoo Adventure
Spend the morning exploring Basel Zoo, affectionately known as 'Zolli'.
Home to over 600 species, it offers an immersive experience with animals from around the world, from African elephants to playful monkeys. Look out for scheduled animal feedings for an educational and engaging experience.
The zoo is stroller and wheelchair accessible with paved paths. Restrooms and baby changing facilities are readily available. Kids aged 3-12 will love seeing the diverse animals. The recommended time to spend is 4-5 hours.
The zoo has its own parking, and public parking is available nearby. Public transportation (buses and trams) provides easy access. Take tram 2 or 8 to 'Zoo Basel' stop.
Zoo Lunch Break
Enjoy a family-friendly lunch either at one of the Basel Zoo's on-site restaurants or cafeterias, or bring your own picnic to enjoy at designated picnic areas within the zoo.
This allows for a relaxed break before continuing the day's adventures.
The zoo offers self-service restaurants and cafes suitable for families. Bringing a picnic is a budget-friendly alternative. Plenty of space for kids to move around after eating.
Located within Basel Zoo, no additional transportation needed.
Lange Erlen Animals & Play
Head to Lange Erlen Animal Park, a fantastic free outdoor animal park and nature reserve.
Here, children can observe a variety of wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, goats, and ponies, as well as a large aviary. The park also features extensive trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for energetic kids to enjoy.
Free entry and open year-round, this is a wonderful budget-friendly option. It's great for all ages, with easy walking paths for strollers. Restrooms are available. The playgrounds are a big hit with kids.
Public transportation (bus 34 or 36) provides easy access. Limited public parking spaces are available nearby.
Marktplatz Evening Buzz
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Basel City Market at Marktplatz.
While many fresh produce stalls might be winding down, it's still a great spot to browse, grab a coffee or a delicious pastry, and soak in the historical surroundings in front of the City Hall. You can find affordable treats and watch the city life.
The market offers a range of local products and specialties. It's a colorful and lively place. Enjoy a final treat or an early, casual dinner from one of the market stands. Perfect for winding down after a busy day.
Marktplatz is in the heart of Basel and very well connected by all tram lines. Underground parking garages are available nearby (e.g., Parkhaus Storchen).
Sunday - Roman Fun & Garden Peace
Sunday, October 5Botanical Garden Serenity
Start your Sunday with a peaceful visit to the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel.
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, it features over 7,500 different plant species in various greenhouses and outdoor areas. It's a wonderful place for children to explore nature quietly and for parents to enjoy the tranquil setting.
Entry is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly Sunday activity. The gardens are generally stroller-friendly, though dogs are not permitted. It offers a calm start to the day.
Accessible by tram (e.g., tram 3 to 'Universität'). Limited street parking may be available in the surrounding area.
Roman Games Fun
Travel to Augusta Raurica for 'Roman Games for Young and Old'.
This free, drop-in activity allows children aged 6 and up (accompanied by an adult) to learn about and play ancient Roman games, ranging from games of skill to strategic board games. Game instructions are available in English.
Highly interactive and educational, perfect for engaging older kids (6-12) with history. It's a fantastic free experience. Allow for travel time to Augst.
Take the S1 train from Basel SBB towards Frick/Laufenburg to Kaiseraugst, then a free shuttle bus to the festival site. Alternatively, Bus 81 from Aeschenplatz to Augst, followed by a 10-minute walk. Note that Giebenacherstrasse may have closures due to roadworks until November 2025, so allow extra travel time.
Kannenfeldpark Playtime
Wind down the weekend at Kannenfeldpark, Basel's largest green area.
It features several playground areas perfect for kids to burn off any remaining energy. There's also a small cafe on-site where you can grab a refreshing drink or an ice cream treat before heading home for the evening.
Free entry and plenty of space for children of all ages to run and play. The cafe offers a convenient spot for a snack. Good facilities and stroller access.
Accessible by tram (e.g., tram 1 or 2 to 'Burgfelderstrasse'). On-street parking may be available in the surrounding residential areas.
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