Zurich with 2 under 4s!

[FrauFrau]

Any mums in Zurich with little ones who would be keen to meet up? Am about to move (next week) with my 2 DDs - 3.5 and 6 months. Neither will be in childcare to start with, so very keen to find some fun things to do with other mums and children. I do speak tolerable German - although hoch, rather than swiss - but the kids don't (well - the baby doesn't speak at all yet ). Sophie

[Meita]

Hi,
I don't live in Zurich anymore, and moved away before first DC. But I have friends with DC in Zurich. So from their experiences I can say:

Zurich is very good on public transport. Your older DD might enjoy getting places by tram, bus, and boat more fun than actually being there ;)

The zoo, up at the end of tram 5 and 6, always makes for a good day out.
Also, especially in summer, use the ships on the lake. It's the same ticket as for the other public transport and gets you all around the lake, at a leisurely pace.
There are many GZ (Gemeinschaftszentrum), find one that is near where you live, they will probably have baby and toddler activities.

Did you know that there is a Switzerland section of Mumsnet local?

HTH - IMO Switzerland is a great place for kids to grow up.

[TortillaDeMaiz]

Hi, I live in Zurich, we are about to move within the canton soon. My daughter is 3.5 as well. If you already know where abouts are you going to live please let me know. We would be living in Samstagern but a commute to Zurich centre is only 30 min. away.

I recommend you the GZ as well, they are alll over the city. Also try to find out about playgroups for your son as soon as you know where are you going to live. Here playgroups are privately run and oversubscribed, this is about the time of the year when they know if they get free places. The pages of the Zurich City (www.zuerich-stadt.ch) may give you a lot of useful information about playgroups, toddler groups, nurseries and even playgrounds.

Please let me know if you want to get in touch!

[TortillaDeMaiz]

sorry, I realise you have a daughter! Even better if you want to meet :)

[TortillaDeMaiz]

er, the website is //www.stadt-zuerich.ch

[FrauFrau]

Many thanks to both of you - I will check out the Switzerland local page. And Tortilla, I and my DDs would love to meet up once we're settled and have worked out the public transport system. We will be in Seefeld, so not hugely far from the HBF and happy to travel. Not sure how we organise this through MN tho...

[goodasgold]

Hi I am in the Zurich area too. I have been here for about six weeks. Will you be working? My son is three but my daughters are older.

Who is moving you? Are you bringing pets? We have had a very good experience, though my dh was already here.

All the best for the move.

[TortillaDeMaiz]

I have sent you a PM, you should be able to see it on the "inbox" of the mumsnet page (next to login).