14 Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Valais, Switzerland (2026 Guide)

By Packed Again – Your trusted source for family adventures in Switzerland

14 Hikes in Valais Your Kids Will Actually Enjoy

Book your rental car early in high season – prices in Sicily jump a lot in July & August.

The canton of Valais is one of the most magical places in Switzerland for families who love to hike. With towering 4,000m peaks, turquoise lakes, peaceful forests, suspension bridges and wildlife-rich valleys, Valais offers some of the best easy hikes for kids in the country.

And here’s the best part: many of these trails are designed with families in mind.
Gentle paths, kid-friendly surprises, water features, cable-car access and breathtaking views make every hike feel like an adventure.

Whether your kids are tiny hikers taking their first steps on a Bisse path or older adventurers looking for wildlife and waterfalls, this guide brings you 12 of the best, fully detailed, parent-tested hikes in Valais.

These are hikes we’ve walked with our own kids — the ones with WOW moments, picnic-perfect stops, safe paths, fun sections, and nature that inspires curiosity.

Get your hiking shoes ready. Valais is waiting.

No time to read it now? Don’t worry just save it for later!

How to Choose a Family-Friendly Hike in Switzerland

When hiking with children, success comes from choosing the right trail. Here’s what to look for:

1. Distance (1–5 km is ideal)

Younger kids handle short, interactive walks best.
Older ones (8–12) can easily manage 5–8 km if the trail is fun.

2. Elevation Gain

Kids generally manage gentle climbs well.
Long, continuous uphill sections? Not so much.

3. Terrain & Trail Width

Family-friendly trails should be:

mostly flat or gently sloped
wide enough for easy walking
not too rocky or exposed
ideally with a soft forest floor or lakeside gravel path

4. Interactive Elements

Kids walk longer when the trail offers:

• streams
• bridge
• waterfalls
• animals
• themed info boards
• cable cars
• playgrounds

5. Weather & Season

High alpine paths may open mid-June to mid-October, depending on snow.
Bisse trails are often accessible earlier.

6. Motivation = Magic

Your secret weapon?
Water, snacks, viewpoints, games, surprises on the trail, and nature to explore.

Where to Stay in Valais (Family-Friendly Choices)

These hikes are located in Central Valais. Depending on your base accommodation you might want to rent a car or use the Swiss public transport system. Both will work perfectly.

And if you need some accommodation we suggest to stay around the Sion region. Check out Alpine Comfort .They have a fantastic selection on beautiful chalets. If you mentioned that you enquire through us, Packed Again you may receive a discount!

• Nendaz – ideal for Panorama Path, Siviez hikes
• Verbier – perfect base for alpine panoramas
• Crans-Montana – great for lakes & gentle trails
• Sion area – central for exploring different valleys

Brows through the map and find your preferred accommodation in Valais

What Is a Bisse? (And Why Kids Love Them)

Valais is famous for its historic Bisses — gently sloped irrigation canals built hundreds of years ago to bring water from the mountains to vineyards and meadows.

Today, many Bisses have safe, restored paths running alongside them.

Why Bisses are perfect for families:

• Usually flat
• Shady and cool
• Safe for kids
• Kids can float leaves/sticks in the water
• Often full of wildlife
• Beautiful viewpoints

With over 250 Bisses in Valais, you can hike a new one every weekend.

Ready? Let’s explore the 14 best family-friendly hikes in Valais

Each hike below includes:

• How to get there
• Parking
• Cable-car details
• Trail info
• Difficulty
• Best age range
• Restaurants & toilets
• Safety notes
• Your authentic Packed Again insider tip

1. Panorama Path – Tracouet, Nendaz

One of the most panoramic and child-friendly hikes in Valais

If you’re looking for a hike that delivers instant WOW without exhausting the kids, the Panorama Path in Tracouet is your winner. At the top of the Tracouet cable car lies Lac Noir, a peaceful black-lake basin surrounded by wooden avalanche barriers, blueberry bushes and 360° views stretching across the Rhône Valley to Mont Blanc.

Why kids love it

• A giant wooden sunbed they can climb and lie on
• Nature discovery boards
• Blueberries everywhere in late summer
• A lake to circle, throw stones into or relax beside
• A playground at the lift station

How to get there

Drive to Haute-Nendaz and follow signs for Tracouet / Téléphérique.
Large paid parking is available at the cable-car station.

Cable car notes

• Runs from June to October
• Kids under 6 ride free
• Pushchairs allowed in the cabin
• Always check the timetable before going (weather closures possible)

Trail details

• Distance: 2.5 km loop
• Duration with kids: 1–1.5 hrs
• Elevation: 198 m up/down
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Alpine meadow paths, some uneven sections
• Suitable ages: 3+
• Pushchair friendly: No (but flat surfaces around lake)

Safety notes

• One short uphill at the start
• No exposure; very safe for kids

Food & facilities

• Restaurant at the cable car
• Toilets at the station
• Picnic spots around Lac Noir

Packed Again Insider Tip

2. Barefoot Path – Siviez

A sensory forest walk perfect for younger children

This trail is all about rediscovering textures — soft moss, pine cones, pebbles, cold mountain water, mud, and forest soil. Kids absolutely adore it.

Why kids love it

• Walking barefoot (huge fun)
• Splashing in the Prinze River
• A big picnic area at the end
• Wildflowers along the meadows

How to get there

Drive to Siviez (Nendaz).
Park in the main car park near the chairlift; the trail starts behind the first building.

For sensitive feet

Start at the back of the car park by the bridge to avoid rough wood sections.

Trail details

• Distance: 2 km (return)
• Duration with kids: 45–60 min
• Elevation: 75 m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Meadows, forest floor, riverside
• Suitable ages: 2+
• Pushchair friendly: No (but you can reach the picnic area via the road)

Safety notes

• Some stones may be sharp — stay nearby
• Path can be slippery after rain

Food & facilities

• Restaurant at the start
• Playground behind the apartments
• Picnic tables & BBQ stations by the river

Packed Again Insider Tip

Bring a small towel — the icy mountain water section is a favourite!

3. Marmot Path – Siviez → Tortin

A wildlife-rich hike with alpine interactions 

Easily one of the most magical hikes for families.  Spot plenty of marmots while riding the chairlift up to Tortin. Observe them sunbathing, running between rocks and listen to their whistling calls. All along the trail you follow the theme trail Sentier des vaches, with different interactive stations.

Why kids love it

• Marmots everywhere!
• Cable-car ride excitement
• Walking downhill the entire time following the interactive stations of the sentier des vaches.
• A cow barn with fresh serac (sometimes available!)

How to get there

Drive to Siviez and park in the large lot.
Take the Tortin chairlift up.

Chairlift notes

• Runs June–October
• Kids under 6 ride free
• Often closes in bad weather
• Strollers allowed (confirm on the day)

Trail details

• Distance:5 km (downhill)
• Duration with kids:5 hrs
• Elevation: 326 m descent
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Alpine path, meadow, gravel
• Suitable ages: 4+
• Pushchair friendly: Yes with large-wheeled models

Safety notes

• Keep distance from marmot burrows
• In early summer, cows graze near the path

Food & facilities

• Restaurant at Siviez base station
• Small playground by parking

Packed Again Insider Tip

4. Lac de Cleuson – Turquoise Dam Lake (Siviez)

A stunning turquoise lake with waterfalls & a chapel

Cleuson is for families who want big scenery with minimal effort. You can drive almost to the dam and enjoy a gorgeous walk with turquoise reflections, glacial waterfalls and tiny stream crossings.

Why kids love it

• The colour of the lake is unreal
• Stream crossings
• A chapel to explore
• Waterfall at the back of the lake

How to get there

Drive from Siviez up the gravel mountain road (can be bumpy).
Park in the small car park right by the dam wall.

Trail details

• Distance:2 km loop
• Duration with kids:5 hrs
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Lakeside path, some rocky steps
• Suitable ages: 4+
• Pushchair friendly: Only on left-hand side

Safety notes

• Watch small kids during water crossings
• Short steep section at the back of the lake

Food & facilities

• Restaurant in Siviez
• Picnic anywhere around the lake

Packed Again Insider Tip

5. Bisse du Levron – Verbier / La Chaux

High mountain views + playful water channels = the perfect family combo

One of the most beautiful easy hikes in Switzerland. This route gives you high alpine scenery without steep climbs, plus fun water channels where kids float leaves or pine cones.

Why kids love it

• Water to play with all along the Bisse
• Chamois sometimes spotted above
• Big open mountain views
• Cable cars & chairlifts adventure

How to get there

You can start either from Verbier or Siviez/Nendaz.

From Verbier (easier for families)

Take the Médran gondola → Croix-des-Ruinettes
Then walk a few minutes down to the Bisse.

From Siviez/Nendaz (more fun for kids)

Take:

1. Siviez → Tortin chairlift
2. Tortin → Gentianes cable car
3. Gentianes → La Chaux cable car

Trail details

• Distance: 2 km one-way
• Duration with kids: 1–1.5 hrs
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Wide path along Bisse, mountain meadow
• Suitable ages: 4+
• Pushchair friendly: Yes via upper bike path

Safety notes

• Some narrow sections, hold younger kids
• Return by cable car if kids get tired

Food & facilities

• Restaurant at La Chaux (seasonal)
• Toilets at lift stations

Packed Again Insider Tip

6. Sentier des Sens – La Tzoumaz

A themed trail that stimulates curiosity and senses

This loop is designed specifically for families: interactive learning stations, sensory activities, puzzles, and a beautiful viewpoint over the Rhône Valley.

Why kids love it

• Sensory stations (touch, smell, sound)
• Forest atmosphere
• Quiz elements along the trail
• Playground at the Maison de la Forêt

How to get there

Drive to La Tzoumaz and follow signs to Maison de la Forêt.
There is a dedicated parking lot.

Trail details

• Distance:7 km loop
• Duration with kids: 1–2 hrs
• Elevation: 102 m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Forest path, soft underfoot
• Suitable ages: 3+
• Pushchair friendly: Yes (wide forest path)

Safety notes

• Some roots and uneven ground
• Well protected and safe for all ages

Food & facilities

• Maison de la Forêt café
• Toilets
• Playground

Packed Again Insider Tip

Visit in the morning — the light through the forest makes the sensory stations even more magical.

7. Bisse de Torrent-Neuf – Savièse

Suspension bridges, history, and WOW views — a true family adventure

This is one of the most spectacular Bisse hikes in Valais and perfect for families seeking a little thrill. The beautifully restored Bisse de Torrent-Neuf features four long suspension bridges, each around 100 metres long, plus dramatic cliffside sections carved into the rock.

Despite its dramatic appearance, it’s very doable for children — as long as they’re comfortable with heights.

Why kids love it

• The suspension bridges (a huge highlight!)
• A little animal treasure hunt (look for the carved bear)
• The cliff-side walk carved into rock
• A picnic hut with amazing views

How to get there

Drive to Savièse and follow the brown “Bisse de Torrent-Neuf” signs.
To shorten the walk, continue past the last main car park along the narrow road until you reach a tight 180° hairpin bend.

Park 50 m past this bend where the trail crosses the road.

Trail details

• Distance: Up to 8 km one-way (turn anytime)
• Duration with kids:5–4 hrs, depending how far you go
• Difficulty: Easy but exposed in places
• Terrain: Cliff path, rock, bridges, forest
• Suitable ages: 5+ (if comfortable with heights)
• Pushchair friendly: No

Seasonality

• Closed November–April
• Automatically shuts with gates after heavy rain or strong winds

Safety notes

• Not suitable for anyone with vertigo
• Always keep younger kids close on the cliffside parts
• Bridges can sway slightly

Food & facilities

• Buvette (summer only) at the historic chapel
• No ice cream (kids often ask!)
• Toilets at the start

Packed Again Insider Tip

8. Lake Tseuzier Loop – Rawyl Dam (Ayent)

A turquoise lake surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls and forests

Lake Tseuzier is one of the most beautiful family-friendly lake loops in Valais. The changing scenery keeps kids motivated: waterfalls, alpine streams, shady forest, and a section of the Ancient Bisse de Sion.

Why kids love it

• The huge waterfall halfway
• Soft forest paths
• Giant “camera lens” viewpoint
• Streams to cross or splash in

How to get there

Drive from Ayent toward Barrage du Rawyl.
Road is paved but narrow in parts with short tunnels.
Park at the dam.

Trail details

• Distance:6 km loop
• Duration with kids: 2–3 hrs
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Lake path, rocky bits, forest trail, Bisse section
• Suitable ages: 5+
• Pushchair friendly: Only the left-hand side

Safety notes

• One section has a steep drop-off (short but important to hold hands)
• Ensure kids have good shoes; rocks can be slippery after rain

Food & facilities

• Restaurant du Barrage de Tseuzier
• Toilets by the dam
• Shaded picnic spots

Packed Again Insider Tip

9. Bisse des Miriouges – Crans-Montana

Forest shade, soft paths, a peaceful lake and a playground — ideal for younger kids

This is one of the simplest and most relaxing family walks in Valais. You follow the gentle Bisse through the forest until suddenly a small lake appears with beautiful reflections and a playground.

Why kids love it

• Very easy path
• Plenty of shade on hot days
• Ducks, frogs, and forest animals
• Playground & BBQ area at the lake

How to get there

Park in Lens, opposite Restaurant Blanche-Neige.
Walk up a few metres to join the Bisse.

Trail details

• Distance:4 km to the lake (4 km full loop)
• Duration with kids: 1–2 hrs
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Terrain: Forest floor, gravel path
• Suitable ages: All ages
• Pushchair friendly: Yes

Safety notes

• Few hazards, one of the safest walks on the list

Food & facilities

• BBQ stations
• Playground with benches
• No restaurant at the lake

Packed Again Insider Tip

Walk counter-clockwise to reach the playground faster — ideal for impatient little legs.

Read the full hiking guide here.

10. Lac de Derborence – The Hidden Valley

One of the quietest and most mystical locations in Valais

Derborence feels untouched, wild and peaceful — the kind of place where you stop speaking for a minute just to listen to nature. The lake loop is short and easy, with stunning views of sheer rock walls and ancient forests.

Why kids love it

• Crystal-clear lake
• Lots of rocks to throw!
• Easy path with many stopping points
• Feeling of being “in a secret valley”

How to get there

Drive from Conthey towards Derborence.
The last part of the road is narrow with rock tunnels — drive carefully.
Park above the lake at the official car park.

Trail details

• Distance:3 km loop
• Duration with kids: 45–60 min
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Dirt path, forest, gravel
• Suitable ages: 3+
• Pushchair friendly: No (but pushchairs can reach the lakeshore)

Safety notes

• Lakeside edges can be wet or muddy
• Otherwise very safe

Food & facilities

• Restaurant near the lake
• Shaded picnic spots

Packed Again Insider Tip

Even if you don’t hike the loop, the lakeshore itself is worth the trip — stay a while and enjoy the silence.

Read our Derborence Hiking Guide 

11. Sanetsch Lake – Col du Sanetsch

A quiet, high-mountain lake with endless picnic spots

Sanetsch is one of the most peaceful places in Valais, with turquoise water framed by rugged cliffs and a high-altitude pass that feels like another world.

Why kids love it

• Space to run freely
• Shallow lake edges to splash
• Some wild goats often spotted
• Many rock “islands” to jump between

How to get there

Drive to Col du Sanetsch (summer only).
The mountain road is paved but narrow in sections.

Trail details

• Distance:5 km loop
• Duration with kids: 1–1.5 hrs
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Lakeside, meadow, road section
• Suitable ages: All
• Pushchair friendly: Partially (road section only)

Seasonality

• Access only June–October
• Snow closes the pass early in autumn

Food & facilities

• Small restaurant at the pass
• Picnic-perfect all around

Packed Again Insider Tip

Walk halfway, picnic by the lake, then drive to the Gsteig viewpoint — the panorama is jaw-dropping.

Read our Santsch hiking Guide

12. Grande Dixence Dam – Val d’Hérens

Tunnel adventure + alpine meadows = family happiness

Grande Dixence is the tallest gravity dam in the world — and walking on top feels surreal. Kids love the tunnels, streams and alpine meadows at 2,360m.

Why kids love it

• Riding the cable car up the dam
• The dark tunnels (bring torches!)
• Water streams crossing the path
• Marmots near the Cabane trail

How to get there

Drive to Hérémence and follow signs to Grande Dixence.
Park at the base of the dam.

Cable car notes

• Runs June–October
• 4 minutes to the top
• Kids under 6 free

Trail details

• Distance: 5 km return
• Duration with kids: 2 hrs
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Tunnel → meadow → streams → Cabane trail
• Suitable ages: 4+
• Pushchair friendly: Until the Cabane climb

Safety notes

• Streams may swell after heavy rain
• Hold hands in the tunnels

Food & facilities

• Restaurant at the bottom
• Picnic possible near the meadows

Packed Again Insider Tip

Kids LOVE the torch adventure — let them lead the way in the tunnels!

13. Lac Bleu – Arolla

A postcard-perfect blue lake surrounded by dramatic peaks — magical in every season

Lac Bleu in Arolla is one of the most breathtaking alpine lakes in Valais. Its vibrant turquoise colour, dramatic mountain backdrop and relatively short access make it a favourite for families who love beautiful, rewarding hikes. Whether you hike in spring with melting ice, in summer among alpine flowers, in autumn with golden larches or in winter on snowshoes — this place is always magical.

Why kids love it

• The unreal turquoise colour
• A short but adventurous climb
• Plenty of space to explore
• Snowshoe-friendly in winter
• Ideal picnic setting

How to get there

Drive to La Gouille (Val d’Hérens), just before Arolla.
Parking is roadside; arrive early on weekends.
Bus stops right at La Gouille.

Trail details

• Distance: ~2 km one way
• Ascent: 300–350 m
• Duration with kids: 1–1.5 hours
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Pushchair: not suitable
• Best age: 5+

Two routes:

1. Direct forest route — steeper, not recommended in winter.
2. Mayen route — gentler, more scenic (recommended).

Seasonality

• All-season (snowshoe in winter)
• Stunning in spring when half frozen
• Best colours in autumn

Safety notes

• Steep forest sections
• Snowshoeing requires winter gear

Packed Again Insider Tip

Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience — Lac Bleu is popular for a reason.

14. Bisse de Mont d’Orge & Bisse de Siphon – Sion

A golden autumn loop through vineyards, bisses, and panoramic views over Sion

This beautiful loop combines the Bisse de Mont d’Orge and the Bisse de Siphon with a short, family-friendly walk around Lac de Mont d’Orge. Expect vineyard paths, cactus plants (!), dry stone walls, and constant views over the Rhône Valley and the city of Sion with its two iconic castles: Valère & Tourbillon.

Why kids love it

• Ducks, dragonflies and butterflies around the lake
• Real outdoor cacti along the bisse
• Narrow paths with “adventure feeling”
• Clear views of two medieval castles
• Diverse terrain

How to get there

Park at Lac de Mont d’Orge (free, shaded).
Bus to Sion + 20–25 min walk to the lake.

Trail details

• Distance: 4–5 km loop
• Duration with kids: 1.5–2.5 hours
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Pushchair: no
• Suitable for: 5+

Safety notes

Some vineyard sections have a 2 m unfenced drop — hold younger children by the hand.

Bisse highlights

• Bisse de Mont d’Orge still carries water
• Vineyard educational boards
• Bisse de Siphon offers the best castle views

Lac de Mont d’Orge

A small biodiversity hotspot: lilies, frogs, ducks, dragonflies.
Nature museum Maison de la Nature has interactive displays when open.

Packed Again Insider Tip

Visit in autumn — golden vineyards, warm colours and clear air make this loop spectacular.

And this one is our BONUS HIKE!

Oeschinensee – Easy Lake Hike with Kids

Although not in Valais the Oeschinensee lake hike deserves to be on our favourite easy hikes with kids in Valais list.
From central Valais you can be at Oeschinen within 1h 30min via the car train from Goppensteig to Kandersteg in the Canton of Bern. From there a cable car ride and a short walk will bring you to one of the most stunning view points in the Swiss Alps. (see photo). There are other hikes available, some a bit more strenuous for more advanced hikers.

Here is our complete guide to hiking in the Oeschinen lake area Read More.

Location:: Oeschinensee / Kandersteg
Length:: 40min to the lake Shore via route 2
Level:: easy hike
Highest point:: 1578m
Good to know :: This easy hike with kids is push-chair friendly to the lake.

Tips for Hiking With Kids in Switzerland

• Start early to avoid storms and heat.
• Always carry snacks + water — motivation magic!
• Pack layers; alpine weather changes fast.
• Let kids set the pace.
• Take breaks where the kids naturally stop.
• Let them play: stones, sticks, streams, pine cones = happy hikers.
• Bring a mini first-aid kit and plasters.
• Use cable cars when available — they save energy for the fun part.

Family Hiking Packing List

• Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers
• Water + snacks
• Suncream & hats
• Rain jackets
• Swimsuits (yes — lakes!)
• Baby wipes (surprisingly useful)
• Binoculars for wildlife
• A small towel
• Phone with offline map
• Light jumper/fleece

Best Seasons for Family Hikes in Valais

Spring (May–June)

Waterfalls at their strongest; many Bisses open early.

Summer (July–August)

Best weather; all cable cars running.

Autumn (September–October)

Golden colours + crystal air = perfection.

Read our Autumn Guide 

Winter

Some low Bisse walks remain open; check conditions.

Conclusion

Valais is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful outdoor playgrounds — a region where every corner offers lakes, mountains, waterfalls, animals and child-friendly paths. These 14 hikes are the ones we return to again and again as a family: easy, beautiful, scenic, varied, and packed with moments your kids will remember forever.

Read our complete family friendly guide to things to to in Valais 

Whether you want panoramic views in Nendaz, waterfalls at Tseuzier, bridges in Savièse or turquoise lakes like Cleuson, this guide brings you the best of Valais for families.

Happy hiking — and enjoy creating memories on these beautiful trails!

FAQ – Family-Friendly Hiking in Switzerland

Are these hikes suitable for toddlers?

Yes — choose Bisse des Miriouges, Derborence, or easy lake paths.

Can we do these hikes with a pushchair?

Several are partially or fully accessible (Miriouges, Levron, Sanetsch road).

Do we need hiking boots?

No. Good trainers are enough for all routes listed.

Are dogs allowed?

Usually yes; keep them leashed around cows or narrow paths.

How safe are these hikes?

Very safe when sticking to signed paths.
Torrent-Neuf has exposure — supervise closely.

More Easy Hikes with Kids

I hope you find one or two of our favourite family friendly hikes in Valais with kids that would be suitable for you and your family.

And whilst you are investigating which hike to choose from our list, here are 60 great hiking quotes that should give you real wanderlust.

 Activities in Valais

• • Activities for Families In Nendaz – Tracouet Station Lac Noir
  • 20 Family-Friendly Things to do in Valais 
  • Aletsch Glacier – Eggishorn Viewpoint
  • Zermatt -Gornergrad – Viewpoint reachable with ease – NO HIKING
  • Mont Fort 4 Vallées – Swiss Altitude Adventure to 3330m – with your kids

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