Basel, Switzerland, for Kids

You may think of Basel as a city of commerce and industry, home to some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, but it’s also a city of arts and culture, so if a business trip there is on your calendar, consider taking the kids along. You’ll find plenty of attractions to entertain them.

Begin with a spin through lively Marktplatz, scene of a daily market selling food, produce and flowers. The red Rathaus, or town hall, provides a colorful backdrop. Then head for Theaterstrasse to charm kids with Tinguely Fountain. Designed by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, the fountain stands in a shallow pool where 10 large iron figures move and spray jets of water into the air.

These ingenious mechanical contraptions are made from parts of metal equipment from the old theater that once stood here. In winter, water freezes around the figures, turning them into a group of fantastic ice sculptures. To see more of his imaginative sculpture, visit Jean Tinguely Museum.

Spielzeug Welten Museum is filled with more than 6,000 toys: dolls; more than 2,500 Teddy bears; stuffed animals; carousels; dollhouses; mechanical toys; and more historic and current playthings. Dollhouses range from historic to those created by contemporary artists. If touring a museum seems daunting for children, at least walk past to see the collections displayed in the six large display windows.

Although the manufacture of paper might not seem interesting for kids, at Papiermühle (Paper Mill Museum), they can make their own paper. They can also see an operating watermill and watch as it powers the machinery making paper. Kids can also see how books are bound and watch the printing process.

When it’s time for some outdoor activity, take a tram to Tierpark that stretches alongside the river. In this expanse of green parkland, deer, lynx, wild boar and other local wildlife live in their natural habitat, while farm animals live in stables and bright peacocks roam the gardens. A large playground is always a draw for kids.

To see more exotic animals, Zoologischer Garten is considered one of the top zoos of the world, with mammals, primates, birds, reptiles and aquatic animals. Highlights are the monkey house, lion habitat, and savannah-like elephant enclosure with wallowing pools and showers.