Best Summer Camps in Zurich 2027: Top Day & Adventure Camps for Kids
Whether looking for outdoor adventure or a focus on STEM or the arts, Zurich’s summer camps offer opportunities for playful learning and new friendships, all while reflecting the high quality and international diversity of the city’s schools.
From coding and robotics to art, languages, and outdoor adventure, summer camps in Zurich give your child a dynamic mix of learning and genuine fun. Whether your child loves creative activities, thrives in sports, or gets excited about hands-on STEM challenges, you will find programmes designed to match their interests and age.
Choosing the right summer camp means finding a programme where your child can build confidence, explore new interests, and enjoy their school holidays. This guide covers day camps in Zurich, alongside selected residential programmes elsewhere in Switzerland for families considering adventure, language learning or specialist activities.
How Families Choose the Best Summer Camp in Zurich
Finding the right camp often comes down to balancing what works for your family with what excites your child. Most parents look for programmes that offer both structure and flexibility, so children can explore something new while still feeling safe and supported.
As you narrow down your options, you might find yourself thinking about your child’s personality and what they enjoy, how big the groups are and how closely the children are supervised, whether the camp offers a bilingual or international environment, what kind of programme it runs, whether that is creative, academic, or more focused on outdoor activities, and how the weekly schedule fits into your family’s routine.
If you are part of an international family, you will likely appreciate camps that help your child feel like they belong. Zurich has bilingual and multilingual camp options where children can practise languages and spend time with peers from different backgrounds. The languages used vary by provider, so parents should check whether German, English or another language is part of the programme.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Summer Camp in Zurich
Once you have a sense of what your child is looking for, a few practical steps can make the whole process much smoother. Camps in Zurich vary quite a bit in format, location, and price, so it helps to get clear on your priorities before you start comparing.
Here are the things worth checking before you book.
Location and daily logistics
Think about whether a local day camp suits your routine better, or whether a residential camp somewhere else in Switzerland might be a richer experience for your child. Either way, factor in travel time and how it fits into your week.
For residential programmes outside Zurich, check whether the provider offers organised transfers or whether families need to arrange transport themselves.
Camp duration and dates
Many day camps run in weekly blocks, while residential programmes may offer fortnightly or longer sessions. Some providers allow families to book multiple weeks for extended holiday cover. Check the dates carefully against your own schedule.
Zurich’s public school summer holidays in 2027 run from 19 July to 21 August. Some international schools and residential camps follow different calendars, with programmes beginning earlier in June.
Age groups and structure
Make sure your child will be placed with peers their own age. Check each provider’s minimum and maximum ages, as well as whether activities are organised into separate age groups. Some school-based camps may also restrict registration to existing pupils.
Activities and programme focus
From outdoor adventure and sports to STEM, language learning, and creative arts, there is a wide range of options for children with different interests. Think about what would energise your child rather than what sounds impressive on paper.
Price and what is included
Before you commit, check exactly what the fee covers. Some camps include meals, materials, and excursions in the price, while others charge for these separately. It is also worth checking if extras such as transport, extended hours, or specialised activities come at an additional cost, so there are no surprises later.
Booking timelines
Popular camps may fill up before the summer holidays, particularly during peak weeks. It’s sensible to start researching options several months in advance, although registration dates and availability vary by provider.
Taking the time to compare a handful of programmes will help you feel confident that your child is heading into a summer they will genuinely love.
Day Camps in Zurich
Zurich has a range of day camps for children interested in creative activities, sports and STEM. The following programmes offer different experiences, although eligibility and availability vary.
Tandem IMS Holiday Camps
Tandem IMS Holiday Camps are a great choice for children who enjoy variety, movement, and a mix of creative and active experiences. Their Summer Multi-Activity Camp brings together arts, sports, and hands-on activities in a fun and supportive setting during the first week of the school holidays.
- Ages: 4 to 10
- Focus: Multi-activity, creative play, sports, exploration
- Dates: 19 to 23 July 2027
- Format: Day camp, 08:00 to 17:00
- Eligibility: Tandem IMS pupils only
The Summer Multi-Activity Camp is exclusively available to children enrolled at Tandem IMS, so external families cannot register directly.
Alongside their in-house programme, Tandem IMS also recommends a curated selection of external camps run by other providers, giving families additional options to explore according to their child’s interests and schedule. These programmes have their own eligibility requirements and booking arrangements.
Zürich STEM Camps (TechLabs)
If your child lights up around technology, robotics, or problem-solving, Zürich STEM Camps are worth a close look. Children can explore activities such as robotics, engineering, coding and creative design through practical projects, depending on the programme they choose.
- Ages: Vary by programme
- Focus: STEM, robotics, coding, engineering and design
- Group size: Check individual programme details
- Languages: Confirm for each camp
- 2027 availability: Selected programmes advertised, with registration details varying by course
TechLabs operates a Zurich Innovation Centre and offers specialist programmes such as VEX Battle Bots and Junior STEAM Inventors Lab. Its published information also references the planned return of a CrunchLabs collaboration for summer 2027.
These camps are especially well suited to curious, creative thinkers who enjoy figuring out how things work and then making something with that knowledge.
Parents should check the age requirements, teaching language and specific activities for their chosen course, as these aren’t necessarily the same across all TechLabs camps.
Young Explorers Club
For children who would rather be outside than sitting at a desk, the Young Explorers Club offers opportunities to experience the Swiss Alps through outdoor adventures, teamwork and practical learning.
- Ages: Junior programmes for ages 8 to 13; Senior Adventure Camp for ages 14 to 17
- Focus: Outdoor activities, teamwork, exploration
- Location: Les Diablerets, Swiss Alps
- Activities: Mountain biking, multisport, nature-based learning
- Format: Residential adventure camps
Young Explorers Club offers junior mountain biking and multisports programmes alongside a Senior Adventure Camp. Its published 2027 calendar includes weekly summer sessions, with dates and activities varying by programme.
Children can develop outdoor skills, take on new challenges and meet peers through shared activities. Families travelling from Zurich should check the camp’s transport arrangements and the exact location of their chosen programme.
Camp Suisse Summer Camp
Camp Suisse brings together optional language learning and outdoor adventure through residential programmes in the Swiss Alps. Over two weeks, your child can enjoy excursions, sports and outdoor activities, with structured language lessons available to those who select the language programme.
- Duration: Two-week sessions, with other lengths available
- Includes: Residential accommodation, excursions, sports and adventure activities
- Optional: English, French, German or Spanish language tuition
- Focus: Outdoor adventure, international friendships and optional language development
- Setting: Swiss Alps, including Les Crosets
- 2027 dates: Four main two-week sessions between 19 June and 14 August
Each two-week session includes five full-day excursions to destinations across Switzerland. Language lessons are programme-dependent rather than compulsory for every camper. The provider’s published information differs on the exact number of tuition hours, so families should confirm this before booking.
Camp Suisse is a residential Alpine experience rather than a Zurich day camp. Parents should check the location, available activities and transfer arrangements for their chosen session.
This one is for children who are fascinated by flight and engineering. Run by TechLabs at Pestalozzi Kinderdorf in Trogen, the Alpine RC Aviation Camp gives young people the chance to build and fly model aircraft while learning the principles behind how they work.
- Ages: 9 to 16
- Focus: Model aircraft building and flight principles
- Format: Residential camp
- Location: Trogen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, eastern Switzerland
- 2027 dates: 3 to 9, 10 to 16, 17 to 23, and 24 to 30 July
Participants explore aerodynamics, engineering and aviation through hands-on projects, including building and flying remote-controlled aircraft. The programme also encourages teamwork and practical problem-solving.
It is a highly specialised experience that rewards curiosity and a love of making things, all within a supportive and collaborative group.
As Trogen is located outside the Zurich region, families should plan for the journey and confirm residential arrangements before booking.
Why Summer Camps Matter for Expat Families
If you have moved to Zurich from another country, you already know that helping your child feel settled and connected takes time and intention. Summer camps can play a valuable role in that process.
Beyond keeping your child busy during the holidays, a good camp gives them a place to build friendships, practise languages where these are part of the programme, and discover interests they might not have explored otherwise. Children can also develop confidence and independence through new activities and shared experiences.
And for you as a parent, there is reassurance in choosing a camp with appropriate supervision, qualified staff and clear safeguarding arrangements. This can be particularly helpful during the long summer holidays, especially when work commitments continue.
Whether your child prefers creative activities in Zurich, Alpine adventures or specialist STEM programmes, the right camp can provide an enjoyable balance of learning, social connection and independence.
FAQ
What types of summer camps are available in Zurich?
You will find a wide variety, including day camps, STEM programmes, language activities, sports and creative arts camps. Residential adventure programmes are also available elsewhere in Switzerland. Many programmes blend several of these together to give children a more rounded experience across the week.
What age groups can attend summer camps in Zurich?
Summer camps cater to different age groups, from younger children to teenagers. Some programmes welcome children from age 3 or 4, while others are designed for older children aged 14 to 17. Age limits vary by provider, and some school-based camps are restricted to enrolled pupils.
How much do summer camps in Zurich cost?
Prices vary depending on the type of camp, how long it runs, and what is included. Day camps tend to be more affordable, while residential programmes with accommodation, meals, and excursions are typically at the higher end.
Families should compare the total cost, including any additional charges for transport, meals, materials, excursions and extended supervision.
When do summer camps take place in Zurich?
Summer camps generally operate during school holidays, although dates vary by provider. Zurich’s public school summer holidays in 2027 run from 19 July to 21 August, while some international and residential camps offer sessions beginning earlier in June.
Many day camps operate in weekly blocks, while residential programmes may offer fortnightly or longer stays.
Are there English-speaking summer camps in Zurich?
Yes, some camps are delivered in English, while others offer German, bilingual or multilingual programmes. The language of instruction varies between providers and activities, so families should confirm this before booking.
Are residential camps available near Zurich?
Residential camps are available across Switzerland, including Alpine adventure and specialist STEM programmes. However, the residential camps featured in this guide are located in Les Diablerets, Les Crosets and Trogen, rather than Zurich itself.
Families should consider travel time, transport arrangements and the level of supervision when comparing these options.
How early should I book a summer camp in Zurich?
It’s sensible to begin researching camps several months before the summer holidays, especially if your child is interested in a particular programme or session. Registration dates and availability vary, and some camps may fill up earlier than others.
What should my child bring to a summer camp?
This depends on the type of camp, but you can generally expect to pack comfortable clothing, sportswear or any activity-specific gear, a water bottle and sunscreen, and personal items for residential stays. Always check the camp’s own packing list before the start date.
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ARTICLES
This section features articles on children’s camps, sharing practical guidance and expert insights to help families choose the best options for both learning and enjoyment.
