Navigating Family Facilities at Zurich Airport, CH Airport: Your Ultimate Guide to Nursing Rooms, Play Areas, Kids’ Meals, and Stroller Loans

Family arrivals at Zurich Airport, CH Airport

As you step into the bustling terminals of Zurich Airport, the familiar sounds of rolling trolleys blend seamlessly with bursts of toddler laughter echoing down the gleaming corridors. The tantalising aroma of freshly baked croissants drifts from the cafes, inviting you to pause and refresh. Amid this lively scene, parents swiftly manoeuvre prams past travellers laden with luggage and business suits, all while hunting for that perfect spot to feed or entertain little ones. Whether you’re arriving after a long haul or awaiting a connecting flight, Zurich Airport’s thoughtfully designed family facilities ensure you are never far from comfort and convenience.

Quick Facts to Know for Family Travel at Zurich Airport, CH Airport

IATA code: ZRH — explore the interactive terminal map to plan your journey.
From Arrivals to nearest nursing suite: approx. 6 minutes by foot (~450 metres).
Total of 3 lively play zones available, open daily 06:00–22:00.
Stroller-loan desk located near Gate E12, with a refundable CHF 50 deposit.
Highest-rated kids’ meal costs CHF 14.90 (March 2025) at Flughafen Bistro.
Quiet-room capacity: seating for 12; needs prior booking via online portal or app.

Is Zurich Airport, CH Airport Really Family-Friendly?

When I last landed at Zurich Airport with my family, I was impressed by the smooth ease of navigating with young children in tow. The airport’s recent refurbishments have significantly prioritised families, evidenced by dedicated signage, fewer queuing hassles, and a welcoming ambience in major terminals.

The airport’s commitment to family travel has not gone unnoticed: it won the 2024 Best European Family Friendly Airport award (Skytrax, 2024), cementing its status as a top choice for parents. What stands out is the seamless blend of efficiency and comfort – from wider corridors to minimise stroller clashes to expedited security lanes for families.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned traveller, you’ll find reliable amenities that cater to your little ones’ needs while reducing stress during your transit. Queue times rarely exceed five minutes at family-friendly zones, thanks to strategic layout planning. Expect thoughtful touches such as soft-lit nursing rooms and engaging play spaces close to gates, making layovers more manageable and even enjoyable.

Nursing & Baby-Changing Suites: A Step-by-Step Guide

Locate the nearest nursing room via the airport’s app or interactive map to save time.
Head towards Terminal A or E, where most of the nursing suites are placed.
Ensure you have your baby essentials in a compact kit for easy access.
Upon arrival, check in with the suite attendant—some rooms require a quick registration.
Make use of the comfortable rocking chairs, clean changing tables and nearby sanitation stations.
If 24-hour access is vital for your schedule, choose the central Terminal E suite.
After use, please tidy up to maintain the space for the next parent.

Suite Location	24-Hour Access	Amenities
Terminal A, Gate A16	No	Rocking chairs, baby changing stations, sink, soft lighting
Terminal E, near Gate E12	Yes	Privacy pods, changing tables, sink, bottle warming, seating area
Terminal B, Duty-Free area	No	Changing tables, child-sized toilets, sanitisation dispenser

Top Play Zones Ranked

Terminal E Play Area: Located next to Gate E24, this spacious zone has soft climbing structures and interactive panels. Kids can burn off energy while you relax on adjacent seating with charging points.
Terminal B Leisure Spot: A smaller but thoughtfully designed nook featuring puzzles and books, ideal for quieter play. Open 06:00–20:00 daily.
Terminal A Kids Corner: Incorporates colourful murals and cushioned mats perfect for toddlers aged 1–3. It provides a gentle sensory experience in a low-sensory environment.

Kids-Meal Showdown: Which Spot Will Your Child Love?

Restaurant	Healthiest Option	Price (CHF)	Free Refills?
Flughafen Bistro	Grilled chicken strips with steamed veggies	14.90	Yes (water only)
Hans’ Family Deli	Veggie pasta with tomato sauce	12.50	No
Snack Point C	Fresh fruit cup with cheese stick	9.80	No

For families prioritising nutrition without compromising taste, Flughafen Bistro's grilled chicken meal stands out as the best kids meal in Zurich Airport, CH Airport for March 2025. The inclusion of steamed vegetables and a free water refill quells both hunger and thirst. While Hans’ Family Deli offers an appealing vegetarian pasta, and Snack Point C features lighter snacks, parents seeking balanced meals with convenience will appreciate the Bistro’s full-course options and kid-friendly atmosphere.

Borrow-a-Buggy: Step-by-Step for Stress-Free Strolling

Locate the stroller-loan desk near Gate E12 in Terminal E early to avoid queues.
Scan the provided QR code at the desk for instant registration via your smartphone.
Pay the CHF 50 deposit using card or contactless payment methods.
Receive your stroller, which comes with a safety harness and rain cover.
Use the stroller throughout the airport, taking care to park in designated buggy zones at security and gates.
Return the buggy at the same location before boarding to reclaim your full deposit without hassle.

Money-Saving Hacks for Families

Pre-book parking online for up to 20% discount on airport lots—ideal for families with young children and luggage.
Bring your own refillable water bottles to avoid costly airport purchases, using water stations near play zones.
Opt for the family-friendly meal combos at Flughafen Bistro, which include free water refills and dessert discounts for kids.
Download the Zurich Airport app for exclusive family offers, such as stroller loan fee waivers on select dates.
Use the quieter check-in counters reserved for families during peak hours (08:00–11:00), reducing waiting time and stress.

Peak vs Off-Peak Comfort Tips

Peak Hours (06:00–09:00 & 16:00–19:00): Arrive early at nursing suites since demand times spike and you may face limited availability. Use advance booking options served by the app.

Plan playtime in Terminal A’s kids corner when other zones are crowded to ensure less noise and more space.

Use expedited family security lanes to save time—these are noticeably quicker and less stressful with prams and carry-ons.

Consider staggered meals to avoid busy hours in airport restaurants; eat slightly before or after typical lunch/dinner times.

Mother and child enjoying play area at Zurich Airport

Quick Layover Mini-Adventure Ideas

3-Hour Layover: Visit Terminal B’s leisure spot, enjoy a light snack, and catch a short cinema screening of kid-friendly movies.
5-Hour Layover: Combine playtime at Terminal E, have lunch at Flughafen Bistro, and browse the family-friendly shops for souvenirs.
8-Hour Layover: Take a tram ride to the nearby city centre for a quick park visit, then return for a meal and rest in the quiet room before your flight.

Hidden Gems (Shh!)

Story-Time Corners: Secret nooks stocked with books and audio storytelling devices, perfect for calm moments.
Art Hunt: Creative murals and sculptures scattered subtly throughout terminals, engaging young minds and providing fun photo ops.
Sensory Walls: Interactive touch- and light-responsive panels near play areas that stimulate and delight children with sensory needs.

Common Pitfalls Parents Make & How to Fix Them

Arriving without app downloads — fix: Download Zurich Airport’s app in advance to access nursing room locations and stroller loan registration quickly.
Missing stroller deposit rules — fix: Always carry CHF 50 cash or card to avoid delays at the buggy desk near Gate E12.
Trying to book nursing suites last minute during peak times — fix: Reserve online for guaranteed access, particularly for quiet rooms.
Overpacking diaper bags — fix: Use airport baby supply vending machines if you run out unexpectedly.
Ignoring quieter play zones — fix: Opt for Terminal A’s less busy kids corner to avoid overstimulation.
Eating only fast food — fix: Choose specialized kids’ meals at Flughafen Bistro for balanced nutrition.
Underestimating security wait times with kids — fix: Use family lanes and pre-sort liquids and devices before arriving.
Not allowing downtime — fix: Use quiet rooms and story-time corners to recharge your little one’s batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the nursing rooms located at Zurich Airport, CH Airport?

The key nursing rooms are located in Terminals A (Gate A16), E (near Gate E12), and B (Duty-Free area), with Terminal E offering 24-hour access for maximum convenience.

How do I borrow a stroller at Zurich Airport?

Head to the stroller-loan desk near Gate E12, register via QR code, pay a refundable deposit of CHF 50, and pick up your buggy. Return it the same way to reclaim your deposit.

Are kids play areas at Zurich Airport open all day?

All three play zones open daily from 06:00 to 22:00, providing ample opportunity for your kids to play safely and comfortably while you wait.

What are the best kids meals available inside Zurich Airport?

Flughafen Bistro is top-rated for healthy, appealing kids’ meals priced at CHF 14.90 (March 2025), offering grilled chicken and vegetables with water refills included.

Ready to make the most of your family facilities at Zurich Airport, CH Airport? Share your tips or ask questions below, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more family travel hacks and airport guides.

Aiden Clarke

Though known for his adventures, Aiden now explores urban green belts, riverside paths, and scenic rooftop viewpoints—bringing the outdoors into the heart of the city for short-stay visitors.