Lucerne & Weggis questions

Is that all on jet lag, with three generations? And where are you going next?

yes, all with jet lag! I didn't figure a walk around Lucerne would be too taxing, as my route seems pretty compact. But maybe the boat ride is too much. We are headed to Wengen after Lucerne.

I'd recommend doing the walk, then return to hotel for a two hour nap. Then outside again, perhaps the boat ride, but it's an hour each way to Weggis. Not sure about dinner there .
How about Mt Stanserhorn, which takes about 45 minutes total from Lucerne, which involves a short train ride, cogwheel, and an open air Cabrio cable car? The sunset is beautiful! And there's food at the summit, and it's all covered by the STP.
Have a great trip!

I don’t like to have set plans for arrival day because you never know if your flight will be delayed or if there will be a long line at passport control. I have arrived at Zurich when the wait time has been 90 minutes. Instead, I like to have a list of options, and I get through what I get through. Nothing for Lucerne needs to be purchased in advance, so you can decide when you are there.

As you mentioned, I would start with a walk around the old town. After that, I would see what time it is and how everyone is feeling.

As much as I love the boat rides, I do not like being tied to their schedule. The boats do not run as often as the trains. A random date in June shows me they run between Luzernce and Weggis either hourly or every two hours. So, just be mindful of the schedule if you go with this option. Also, take note of the last boat of the evening. No need to buy tickets in advance.

As Pat mentioned, Mt Stanserhorn is an option, but that might be a little too much for the group. Again, wait and see how everyone is feeling.

Another option, if you wanted to stay around the city center is to walk over to the city wall (Musegg Wall). The kids might enjoy the animals if they are out. Last June I saw some Scottish highland cows and there is a farm there that had a bunch of animals. I was able to see everything from the fence. You could also walk up on the wall, but you don’t have to.

If you walk to the lion monument, the glacier garden is right there. The kids might like that. You could leave your parents at the monument to rest on a bench while you take the kids to see the glacier garden.

https://gletschergarten.ch/en

So, lots of good options. Like I said, I would wait and make a final decision once you are there.

I’m no help with dinner, unless you want pizza or sandwiches.

Before your train to Wengen the next day, I would stop at the Bachmann bakery in the train station for some snacks. They are one level down from the train platforms. An option for sandwiches is the pretzel king (Brezelkönig) on the same level as the train platforms.

Have a great trip!!

Thank you both, so much! A lot of ideas! I will probably just hold off on the boat tickets as suggested and see if we feel up to it on arrival!

A note on the boats. A ticket does not get you an assigned seat. So, there really is no advantage to purchasing ahead of time. A second-class ticket is lower deck. A first-class ticket is upper deck. I prefer the upper deck. Get to the dock early to line up. They usually don’t check tickets until later when the boat is moving. So, get on and find a good spot. I like the front to start and then move around to take pictures.

Thank you, all! Very helpful! I will wait til we arrive and if we are lucky enough to squeeze it in, I will go for the first class tickets.