It's two hours with one change from Zurich just to Interlaken, and Swiss trains aren't cheap.

Well maybe they should look at Half-Fare Cards for adults and free Family Pass for those under 16 - kids always go free. Or even a Swiss Pass if day tripping from Zurich to other places too. If they go thru Switzerland to France - like via Chamonix then the Alpine awesomeness there negates a need to go to other Alpine gems and Half-Fare Card would be a good deal - even half off on trams and any kind of tansport -

I highly recommend going to France via Chamonix - spend 2 nights and one day or more experiencing awesome Alps right near town. Then easy trains to Lyon and on. Martigny-Chamonix Railway one of the top scenic railways in Europe! Easy day Zurich-Brig-Martigny-Chamonix. Kids will love riding the thrilling aerial gondolas and seeing glaciers - even walking up to one right near Chamonix (which is also much cheaper than Switzerland).

For lots on Swiss trains - www.sbb.ch; www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.ricksteves.com and BETS-European Rail Experts. Check www.sbb for day passes if going Zurich-Chamonix - much cheaper than regular fares.

Chamonix-Lyon, etc book discounted train tickets at www.oui.sncf - earlier the better. All your French trains. Save a lot over walkup fares. www.seat61.com - genius tips on booking your own discounted tickets.

The only thing I can suggest for kids in Zurich (other than getting out of it!) is the Lindt Chocolate factory in Kilchberg - good for kids of all ages.

Here are a few suggestions for day trips:

10 Top-Rated Day Trips from Zurich | PlanetWare

Ok. Looks like we can stay a little out of Zurich. Tiny town but that is fine. I found a link with things to do. I will do day trips with them. I am thinking taking my kids go to Lichtenstein.. What we are not sure is where to go after Zurich that will get us towards Spain? If you have a favorite area or place or cities, please share. It is all coming together. Thanks for all the info.

Get that free Family Pass for kids - again with it (it's free at any Swiss station) kids never pay a franc for anything adults have ticket or pass for.

" What we are not sure is where to go after Zurich that will get us towards Spain? If you have a favorite area or place or cities, please share"

May be you read my answer above or you tell me WHY you are not interested in the places I suggested.

BTW: there is nothing to see or to do in Liechtenstein

Palenq thanks for the info. The free Family pass sounds good. Does it help with a train ride from Paris to Zurich?
neckervd- your suggestions are nice. I just know there are so many forum participants and would like some other ideas. Chillon Castle seems interesting.
We now do not have to go from Barcelona- we just need to get to Granada from somewhere and have time to explore.

No don't apply to Paris-Zurich as that should be booked on French Railways site - www.oui.sncf at huge discounts - the whole Paris-Zurich fare could be as cheap as the Basel-Zurich portion if you bought that alone. Only applies to Swiss transports I believe.

OK I also like Zurich, one more idea is check out the train station, which you may be coming thru. There are several fast food type restaurants in the train station for choice. I think I recall a McDonalds, and several more. At least you would have some choices in there, and food is pricey in Zurich. Might also suggest a night of fondue as the children might like that, There is an Italian restaurant that has good fondue in the inner city, not far from train station. Ask at hotel. Sue

There is a Nordsee in the under station complex which isn't bad.

Buy things in Paris as they are cheaper and won't have to scurry round Zurich station for stuff. Just board next train.

" We now do not have to go from Barcelona- we just need to get to Granada from somewhere and have time to explore"
Does that mean that you will fly from ZRH/BSL/GVA /MXP to Malaga or that you will travel through Aquitaine?

Thoughts
Yes, stay out of Zurich, which is dull as ditchwater
Not sure aboutLlichenstein, it is pretty like Zurich and prices are far far higher but the countryside is nice. If I wanted a trip out, go down to lake Constance and either rent roller blades or bikes or go out on the steamers
Paris food, well it depends on the type of food/budget, in terms of position I like the restaurant on top of the arabic centre with some of the best views in Paris (Arab World Institute), I like arr 5,6,7 and I like staying in French hotels not those International hotels. Personally I'd tend towards moule frites or vegitarian in Paris so I probably am not the person to ask

French hotels in Paris of course include many chains such as Accor hotels - IBIS, Novotel, Sofitel, etc - great values for the money.

neckervd--" We now do not have to go from Barcelona- we just need to get to Granada from somewhere and have time to explore"
Does that mean that you will fly from ZRH/BSL/GVA /MXP to Malaga or that you will travel through Aquitaine?

I think we want to get out of Switzerland-- get into France and explore southern France (away from Nice/Aix) -- above Pyrenees--then head to Granada. I am not sure how we will get from XX to Granada. (Malaga).

I did see Marseilles has a flight to Granada.

All of these comments are stupendous and so helpful. Thank you everyone!! Keep them coming.

OK here if one more idea, after Zurich, or if you can get away on a weekend, get train down to Wengen with the kids. There is a fine lift there, right in town, that the children would love, scenery is absolutely awesome with the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger over village, spend a night, or better two nights. There are many lovely cows around, (out in May?). I was there in July so check weather/lift/etc. large Cows in nearby villages/ big bells. Nice little village after big city, but again check weather, about 3 to 4 hrs from Zurich, and a change or two. Sue

OK, I don;t know where you are from, but with 3 small children, be sure each has a back pak that is their responsibility to carry, and take care of. Each day you can put in the back pak the extras that they might need, esp if you go on a days outing. Apparently this is the custom in Europe, but I saw 2 and 1/2 and 3 yr olds on a train in Switzerland on a group trip, and each one had a little back pak and were on a chaperoned day outing from hotels, sort of a parents day off, and picnic/train ride/ boating for the children. I think this is a super idea, so think about this, and impress on children that this is how they can help you. (Your trip would be pretty overwhelming for me with 3 small ones). Sue

Sue81 you are very thoughtful. We are fine. My children have been making their school lunches since they were 4-5. They are very independent and have traveled overseas. I have actually given them homework and asked them to look up Zurich and find something they want to do there. I will also do this for our other destinations. Funny you say the backpack-- bc one of them actually came to me this afternoon and showed me what they wanted to use for their European trip. It is nice to see those littles managing their own backpacks. The same happens in Japan. And other countries. I know my kids will not go to McDonalds. They were informed by a science teacher when they were very young what was in the food. She was very scientific about it. That is ok though. We will enjoy what we can find. Thanks.

OK, well informed kiddos. I agree with the opinion of McDonalds, really junk food. Sue

McDonalds foods vs pizza which is worse - to go to Italy and not get a snack of pizza sold by slice in pizza shops everywhere would be sacrilege but if you family will not eat at McDonalds don't even let them have pizza. Actually the McDonalds in Rome by the Spanish Steps has buffet of Italian foods and salads too - certain foods at McDonalds are garbage but many foods they now sell are not - like their yoghurt sundaes - throwing the baby out with the bathwater. And kids that age may love the Spanish Steps McDonalds (not just for snacks but nice toilets and place to sit and rest from sightseeing:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Span...w=1536&bih=759

Note the Italianesque pastries - and the coffee is highly rated -- using the same type machines as any Italian caffe - except Cafe Americano - plain ole coffee.