Last Updated on September 30, 2025 by Kate Noble
We are sad that summer is over, but at least we’ve now got pumpkin season in Switzerland! One observation from our first year in Switzerland was just how magical (and varied) the pumpkin scene is. And it’s perfect for all the family!
Why Swiss Pumpkin Festivals are perfect for kids
It’s that time of year when the incredible variety of pumpkins starts appearing in the supermarkets (and the fields). It makes our UK attempts look pretty tame! If you haven’t checked out a Pumpkin-themed event in Switzerland yet, then add it to the list for the family this year. As well as being a feast for the eyes (think larger-than-life pumpkin displays), there are often hands-on activities and attractions perfect for kids. It also gets us outdoors in the not-so-predictable Autumn season, so it’s a great motivator for the kids (and us parents) to venture outside.
Top Pumpkin-themed Activities for Families in Switzerland 2025
Jucker Farm Pumpkin Festival with kids 2025
This was our first encounter with pumpkins in Switzerland, and it’s fair to say it blew us away! Jucker Farm is a year-round operation with four sites: Juckerhof in Seegraben, Bächlihof in Jona, Romerhof in Kloten, and Spargelhof in Rafz.
For the pumpkins, head to the Juckerhof and Bächlihof locations. There is a total of 15 displays this year across the two sites, based on the theme “Let’s Play”. The figures range from Super Mario and Lego!
We’ve been two years on the bounce now, and loved it. This year we were a lot luckier with the weather, but it did mean it was a lot busier! Last year it was non-stop rain, but we still managed to have a great time.
Other things to do with kids at Jucker Farm
Alongside the pumpkin display, there’s also a cool ropes playground, sand pit and water play, plus the ever-popular hay bales to explore. You can even spot a farmyard animal or two. Our favourites are the pigs and the bunnies. You can also eat here, with plenty of pumpkin-themed delights to enjoy indoors, as well as outdoors if weather permits. Our top tip would be to get here early, especially if you’re planning to eat. Ideally order early to avoid the queues.
You’ll also want to check out the varieties of pumpkins they have for sale (good luck leaving empty-handed!).
You can pair your visit with a walk along the lake if weather permits. There’s also the beautiful town of Rapperswil-Jona a short 5-minute drive away if you want to make a day of it.
As well as going to check out the displays, there are also special events during the festival, such as Pumpkin Light Night and the Swiss Pumpkin Weighing Championships!
All you need to know about visiting the Jucker Farm Pumpkin Festival with kids
Is the Jucker Farm Pumpkin Festival suitable for toddlers?
Yes! It’s suitable for all and easy to get around. Plus, the playground is a huge hit with the kids. We went in the rain last year, so we didn’t get to use it too much, but the undercover hay bales alone kept our kids occupied for over an hour. This year it was sunny, and the kids loved the playground here.
Can you visit the Jucker Farm Pumpkin Festival in the rain?
Ideally, it’s glorious sunshine, but we headed there on a rainy Saturday last year, feeling optimistic it would clear. It didn’t – lesson learnt: never doubt MeteoSwiss. Regardless, we still had a great time. It is outdoors (minus the cafe and the hay bales), so just pack the waterproofs. The silver lining is it wasn’t very busy (whereas a sunny Saturday is!).
Where is the Jucker Farm Pumpkin Festival?
Bachlihof: Blaubrunnenstrasse 70, 8645 Jona SG and Dorfstrasse 23, 8607 Seegräben. Car parking is really limited, so best to arrive early. Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus from the Seegraben station.
When is the Jucker Fair Pumpkin Festival?
September 20 – October 26 2025
Other ideas for Pumpkin Season in Switzerland with family
Pick your own pumpkin!
How much did we enjoy picking our own blumen and berries this summer? Well, the fun can continue with pick-your-own pumpkins. And you don’t have to look far for options. If you’re in the Zug area, check out this list of farm shops and stops where you can pick up a local pumpkin (or ten because they are all so beautiful.) If you want more of an outing, then we love the Hofladen Schluechthof (located in Cham), which has a small cafe, playground and farm animals to spot.
Happy Pumpkin Season!
