EATING OUT & CAFES
Eating out with small children family can be fantastic - or, often, a bit of a chore, with some places more welcoming than others. The eateries in Zug aren't always as well equipped as they could be - so here are some tips:
- Take child sized cutlery with you
- Quiet toys such as puzzles, colouring in books and crayons are useful
- Ask for an extra cold plate to transfer hot food onto, especially if you have a hungry child with you.
- If there is no children's menu, ask if half-sized portions are available.
ALPENHOF, KÜSSNACHT & SEILPARK RIGI
This is a summer destination due to it's fantastic outdoor playground, trampolines and rope park (for children over 135cm with entry via tickets). The restaurant serves Swiss food, and reservations are recommended for large groups.
Please see the respective websites for opening hours.
Sat Nav details:
Restaurant Alpenhof
6403 Küssnacht am Rigi
Parking: Free parking on site
BIO HOF ZUG
Enjoy the gorgeous view of Lake Zug from this organic farm shop and cafe, with a small and rustic play area for children as well as ride-on toys. This really is a beautiful spot for a coffee and cake, and lunch is also available. The cafe is self-service and open Monday - Friday 9.00-12.00 / 14.00-17.00; Saturday 9.00-14.00.
Sat Nav details:
Artherstrasse 59
6300 Zug
Parking: Free parking on site
CAFE PLAZA CHAM
Slightly hidden in a square by the church in Cham is this lovely cafe that has friendly staff. When you enter if you go towards the left and out back, there is a nice sized play area with many toys and books, suitable for under 6s. It has a relaxed vibe and both food and alcohol are served here. Open Tuesday-Sunday.
Sat Nav details:
Kirchbühl 5
6330 Cham
Parking: Limited timed parking (display parking disc)
CAFE SPATZENTREFF
This charming, child-orientated cafe is 10 minutes from Cham's main station. It has an indoor climbing frame, area for babies and many toys. The menu is simple and it's also a great venue for parties for 0-5s. Opening hours are limited; at the time of writing it is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays- so please check before visiting.
Sat Nav details:
Zugerstrasse 37,
6330 Cham
Parking: Paid parking available locally
CHäRNSMATT
This is a fantastic place for a half or full day out. It's especially popular for Sunday brunch (a buffet- do book in advance) where they have staff to keep an eye on the kids as you eat (10:00-16:00 inc. public holidays).
Food is regional, seasonal and fresh, with a kid's menu that extends beyond the usual chicken nuggets and fries.
There is an indoor softplay, a large selection of board games, and a large outdoor playground with a miniature railway.
Tel: 0 41 280 34 34
Sat Nav details:
Bertiswilstrasse 40
6023 Rothenburg
Parking: Limited free parking if eating at the restaurant. There is also a car park across the road if the Chärnsmatt car park is full.
FORK & BOTTLE
This farm-to-table Zurich restaurant is a firm favourite at Zug Families. The building may be at a motorway exit - but it's very popular with expats for its home-style cuisine, wide selection of craft beers and friendly, welcoming service. The outside beer garden has a play area for little ones, and it's not too far from Sihlcity, so the perfect place to start a day of bikes and hikes.
Enjoy brunch classics like blueberry pancakes - the portion sizes are very generous, but half portions are available for children.
Sat Nav details:
Allmendstrasse 20
8002 Zurich
Parking: Limited free parking if eating at the restaurant. There is also paid parking further down the street.
Sat Nav details:
Grabenstrasse 6
6300 Zug
Parking: Limited in the Old town, but several large car parks nearby
INTERMEZZO
This cafe, an employer for staff with learning disabilities, is a firm favourite. Situated in the old town of Zug it serves delicious crepes and a small play area for little ones (at the back on the right hand side- it's not obvious). Staff are happy to give out colouring books and pencils, and the nappy changing facilities (down a spiral staircase) are excellent.
köstliches von haas
This is an organic speciality shop which has a small cafe and play area within it, suitable for under 5s. The staff are welcoming and in general it is a quiet spot.
Tel: +41 41 750 11 60
E-mail:
Sat Nav details:
Waldheimstrasse 4
6314 Unterägeri
Parking: A few spaces right outside, but paid underground parking within the building
RESTAURANT RATEN
This has stunning scenery at 1077 metres above sea level. The restaurant has an outdoor playground, with a zip-line, slide, wooden maze and climbing equipment. In winter it is popular for tobogganing and even skiing. The food is typical swiss fare (children's dish: chicken nuggets and fries), however the staff are welcoming and children's highchairs are available. There are also many walking and hiking trails leading to breathtaking views.
Sat Nav details:
Restaurant Raten Ratenstrasse
6315 Oberägeri
Parking: First hour free, CHF 2 for 3 hours, CHF 3 for 4 hours and CHF 5 for a day.
RESTAURANT SIHLMATT
Renowned for it's fresh trout, this restaurant in rural Menzingen can be a bit tricky to find, but is worth it when you get there. Situated on the banks of the Sihl, it's a perfect place for a walk (fairly buggy friendly) followed by a trout lunch and glass of wine. For children there are donkeys and chickens on the grounds as well as a play area with ride on toys, a slide and a hammock to lounge in. Booking in advance is advised and for their limited opening times, please check their website.
Tel: +41 41 755 12 44
E-mail: info@sihlmatt.ch
Sat Nav details:
Restaurant Sihlmatt
6313 Menzingen
Parking: Free
And don't forget...
There are a few supermarkets in the area with cafes/restaurants and small play areas for children, most suited to under 5s, but that can help make those shopping trips with little ones in tow just that little bit more tolerable. These are the ones we know about if you are aware of any others, please get in contact with us.
Sat Nav details:
Poststrasse 3
6340 Baar
Parking: Paid in local car parks
Coop Restaurant Zug Neustadt- situated on the 2nd floor, lift available.
Sat Nav details:
Baarerstrasse 6
6300 Zug
Parking: Paid in local car parks
Migros Restaurant- Zugerland
Coop Restaurant Baar Gotthard- situated on the 1st floor accessed via a door from the street, lift available.
Sat Nav details:
Hinterbergstrasse 40
6312 Steinhausen
Parking: Paid in local car parks
