© Black Movie Geneva International Film festival

What’s On in January 2014

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I can’t believe how fast 2013 has flown by, can you? Now that January 2014 is here, we’ve got our usual “what’s on” ready for you but remember to check our listings regularly as we will be adding new events every week.

Find more info about family-friendly brunches in our post “Sunday brunch with kids” or book your little one’s ski lessons to make the most of the season’s snowfall (more info here).

Did you know you can still visit Santa’s house in Andilly? If all else fails, don’t forget to take a look at our Sunday Survival Guide too!

  • until 5th January 2014: Xmas celebrations at indoor playcentre C L’Aventure in Annemasse (France), with fab Xmas decorations and themed activities to put you in the festive mood! You can read more about C L’Aventure in our previous post.
© C L'Aventure, Annemasse
© C L’Aventure, Annemasse

 

  • until 5th January 2014: Indestructible énergie, an interactive exhibition about energy at the Espace des Inventions in Lausanne. The exhibition is tailored for your budding scientists and makes learning about energy fun & engaging!
© Espace des Inventions, Lausanne
© Espace des Inventions, Lausanne

 

  • until 5th January 2014: Le fabuleux village des Flottins in Evian is a one-of-a-kind alternative to the seasonal Xmas markets. This magical, mysterious village filled with street entertainers, music, exhibitions and art installations will keep the whole family enthralled – you will also be able to do your Xmas shopping done, as local shops will remain open until 8pm in the evenings. You can find out more about this event in our previous post. Entry to the event is free, visit the official website for full programme details.
© Le fabuleux village des Flottins, Evian.
© Le fabuleux village des Flottins, Evian.

 

  • until 5th January 2014: Cirque de Noël at the Plaine de Plainpalais in Geneva. A great family show, suitable from age 2. Visit the official website for prices & to book your tickets.
© Cirque de Noël, Geneva
© Cirque de Noël, Geneva

 

  • until 5th January 2014: “Sel”, a fun & interactive exhibition about salt at the Musée de la main in Lausanne (Rue du Bugnon 21). Learn all there is to know about this essential condiment, how it is produced, collected and digested by our bodies. This is a perfect exhibition for the whole family, see the official website for a complete list of the upcoming kids’ workshops: “Le goût” (ages 4-7); “La chimie amusante du sel” (ages 6-13); “Le fabuleux voyage intérieur de Monsieur Grindsel” (ages 8-12).
Copyright © Fondation Claude Verdan, Lausanne. Tous droits réservés.
Copyright © Fondation Claude Verdan, Lausanne. Tous droits réservés.

 

  • until 5th January 2014: Noël des Alpes in Annecy. Check out the official website of this beautiful French town for more details on all their Xmas activities, gourmet & crafts markets, ice-skating rink and amazing Xmas lights!
 © Ville d'Annecy
© Ville d’Annecy

 

  • 8th January 2014: “Racconti italiani / contes en italien” at the Bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (Place des Trois-Perdrix 5). Celebrate the Italian tradition of “la Befana” with this fun show for children, starting at 4pm. Free entry.

 

  • 8th January 2014: “Titeuf rencontre Calvin” avec Zep a fantastic opportunity for children aged 11 to 13 to learn about drawing comics under the skillful guidance of Zep (the creator of Titeuf). This workshop is part of the Minis MiR sessions at the Musée international de la Réforme in Geneva (4 Rue du Cloître). The workshop – running from 2.30pm to 4pm – is in French and costs 15CHF per child, including a snack and drawing material by Caran d’Ache – visit the official website to reserve a place.
© "Titeuf rencontre Calvin" avec Zep - Musée international de la Réforme, Geneva
© “Titeuf rencontre Calvin” avec Zep – Musée international de la Réforme, Geneva

 

  • 8th January 2014: “Sports aériens” – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place  from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

  • Wednesday 8th January 2014: “Bandelettes et amulettes”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. Reserve your places in advance at adp-mah@ville-ge.ch or by phone at 022 418 25 00. On Wednesday afternoons until December 2013 you can also take part in the museum’s “Visites-ateliers: Initiation à l’histoire de l’art” (ages 6-8 and 9-12). This is a cycle of 5 tours unveiling the most fascinating secrets of art history, each visit is followed by a creative workshop. On Wednesdays from 2pm to 6pm, 10CHF each session (places must be booked in advance).
© MAH 2013
© MAH 2013

 

  • 8th January 2014: “PerlinPingouins”, fun crafts & stories from age 5 at the Grand-Vennes library in Lausanne (Chemin des Abeilles 17). From 3pm to 5pm, entry is free & a snack will be offered to all participating children.

 

  • 8th-12th January 2014: “Jeu à 3 mains”, a unique, fascinating show from age 3 combining Béla Bartók’s piano piece “Pour les enfants” with painting and shadow-play – this is a play without words so perfect for young children of any nationality! On until the 12th of January at Le petit théâtre in Lausanne (place de la Cathédrale 12). See the official website to book your tickets.
JEU À 3 MAINS © Elisa Zaffanella
JEU À 3 MAINS © Elisa Zaffanella

 

  • 8th-29th January 2014: “Petite soeur”, an adorable puppet-show from age 6 at the Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève (Rue Rodo 3). Visit the official website for exact performance times and to book your tickets.
"Petite Soeur"  © Albertine
“Petite Soeur” © Albertine

 

  • 11th January 2014: “Gros plan sur la galette !” book-reading from age 4 at the Bibliothèque de la Servette in Geneva. From age 4, starts at 3pm. Free entry.

 

  • 11th January 2014: Né pour lire et Questions de parents at the Bibliothèque de Carouge (Boulevard des Promenades 2bis) from 3pm to 5pm. This is a lovely way to introduce your little ones to the joys of reading and to share information and advice with other parents. These sessions are in French and are suitable from birth – nursing pillows and changing units are available. Free entry.
Né pour lire - Bibliothèque de Carouge
Né pour lire – Bibliothèque de Carouge

 

  • 11th-12th & 15th January 2014: “Mon ours a disparu”, a delightful puppet show from age 4 at the Salle Communale de Satigny (rampe de Choully 17). Tickets on sale at the door, performance times will be 2.30pm on Saturday; 11am & 2.30pm on Sunday; 2.30pm & 4pm on Wednesday.

 

  • 11th-12th January 2014: Mastering Design kids workshops at the MUDAC museum in Lausanne (pl. de la Cathédrale 6). The Saturday workshop is called “2080, the industry of the future” (ages 8 to 13) and runs from 2pm to 4pm. Imagine an object currently impossible to build but that might become in 70 years the latest trend in design! Draw the plans and make a 3D model of your project.The Sunday workshop is called “On your mark, get your thread, ready, go!” and is a family activity from age 6. It runs from 2pm to 4.30pm. Prices are 10.- per participant and per activity. Places are limited. Booking mandatory at 021 315 25 30 or info@mudac.ch
© MUDAC Lausanne
© MUDAC Lausanne

 

  • Sunday 12th January 2014: “Gaëtan at the Opera”, a show for children from age 3 at the Opéra de Lausanne (Av. du Théâtre 12). For the 10th anniversary of Gaëtan’s music career, he takes his kids show “Les chocottes” to a very special setting. Les tartines, Le cow-boy Joe and Kiki Fonky will all be trotting out onto the opera’s stage for over an hour of hits from the singer’s four albums. Show starts at 4pm, see the official website to book tickets.
©  Gaëtan
© Gaëtan

 

  • until 12th January 2014: BÊTES EN STOCK: Nouvelles collections at the Musée de Zoologie in Lausanne (Palais de Rumine, Place de la Riponne 6). A small but fascinating insight into how the collections of the museum are preserved and studied – your little ones will love watching the butterflies and insects up close ! Open Tuesday to Sunday, entry is free on the first saturday of every month and is always free for children under the age of 16.
Copyright © 2013 Musée de Zoologie, Lausanne
Copyright © 2013 Musée de Zoologie, Lausanne

 

  • until 12th January 2014: «Toutankhamon – son tombeau et ses trésors», a fascinating exhibition which reconstructs the tomb and funerary treasure of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, as it would have appeared to the eyes of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist who discovered it in 1922. See the exhibition’s official website for full details. At Geneva Palexpo Halle 7, open everyday from 10am to 7pm. Entry tickets are on special offer on Mondays at 16CHF per person.
© Toutankhamon – son tombeau et ses trésors
© Toutankhamon – son tombeau et ses trésors

 

  • until 12th January 2014: Christmas at the Castle – Cribs between Art and kitsch at the Castle of Gruyères (Rue du Château 8). Visit this unique selection representing more than 50 nativity scenes ranging from the rare 19th century figurines made of wax to the suave polychromy of the Tyrolean crib dating from 1920, up until the current day and exotic countries, the presentation displays a fascinating eloquence of materials.
© Castle of Gruyères
© Castle of Gruyères

 

  • Tuesday 14th January 2014: Né pour lire at the Bibliothèque de Carouge (Boulevard des Promenades 2bis) from 10am to 10.45am. This is a lovely way to introduce your little ones to the joys of reading and meet other parents. These sessions are in French and are suitable from birth – nursing pillows and changing units are available. Free entry.
Né pour lire - Bibliothèque de Carouge
Né pour lire – Bibliothèque de Carouge

 

  • 15th January 2014: “Sports aériens” – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place  from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

  • 15th January 2014: “L’étrange voyage de M. Victor”, show from age 4 at La Traverse in Geneva (Maison de quartier des Pâquis, Rue de Berne 50). Starting at 2.30pm, this is the weird & wonderful story of Monsieur Victor, a dreamer and traveller…
L’étrange voyage de M. Victor
L’étrange voyage de M. Victor

 

  • 15th January 2014: “M’as-tu vu!”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. Reserve your places in advance at adp-mah@ville-ge.ch or by phone at 022 418 25 00. On Wednesday afternoons until December 2013 you can also take part in the museum’s “Visites-ateliers: Initiation à l’histoire de l’art” (ages 6-8 and 9-12). This is a cycle of 5 tours unveiling the most fascinating secrets of art history, each visit is followed by a creative workshop. On Wednesdays from 2pm to 6pm, 10CHF each session (places must be booked in advance).

 

  • Wednesday 15th January 2014: “De quoi j’ai l’air !”, a delightful puppet show from age 3 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31,sous-sol). The show starts at 2.30pm, free entry.
 "De quoi j'ai l'air" © Compagnie du Solitaire
“De quoi j’ai l’air” © Compagnie du Solitaire

 

  • Wednesday 15th January 2014: “Le prince tigre”, an enchanting show from age 3 at the Forum Meyrin, combining shadow puppets and music. A wonderful Chinese tale for the whole family. Visit the official website to book tickets.
Le prince tigre © Forum Meyrin
Le prince tigre © Forum Meyrin

 

  • 15th January-28th February 2014: “SUPERHEROS”, a fun exhibition for the whole family at the Forum Meyrin (Place des Cinq-Continents 1). Learn all there is to know about the world’s coolest superheroes and take part in some fab kids workshops! Open Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm to 6pm.
© Pinzon Dulce "Spiderman"
© Pinzon Dulce “Spiderman”

 

  • Thursday 16th January 2014: Comptines et jeux de doigts in collaboration with La Bulle d’air at the Bibliothèque de Carouge (Boulevard des Promenades 2bis). These fun workshops (in French) will also take place on the 13th of February & 27th of March 2014 and are free of charge but your must reserve them in advance here – at the moment they only have places left only in the group for 3-4 year-olds.
Comptines et jeux de doigts - Bibliothèque de Carouge
Comptines et jeux de doigts – Bibliothèque de Carouge

 

  • Friday 17th January 2014: Winter Roller Skates Party at the new Vésenaz tunnel, starting at 6pm. Bring your own roller skates or rent them on site for 5CHF, don’t forget your winter gear!
© Winter Roller Skates Party, Vésenaz
© Winter Roller Skates Party, Vésenaz

 

© Arena Genève
© Arena Genève

 

  • 17th-22nd January 2014: “Echoa”, an exciting dance show fom age 6 at the Théâtre Am Stram Gram in Geneva (56 route de Frontenex). Visit the official website for exact performance times and to book your tickets.
Echoa © Thomas Guerry & Camille Rocailleux
Echoa © Thomas Guerry & Camille Rocailleux

 

  • 17th-26th January 2014: Black Movie – Geneva Film Festival, a pioneering film festival championing emerging talents and established filmmakers mostly from Asia, Africa and Latin America. Click here to see the full listings for Black Movie, and here for all the day-by-day listings of Le Petit Black Movie – offering a series of fantastic kids movies and workshops for all ages.
©  Black Movie Geneva International Film festival
© Black Movie Geneva International Film festival

 

  • Saturday 18th January 2014: “La tournée du facteur rêveur” a free guided walk in Lausanne for parents & children aged 3 to 7 organized by Je trottine dans ma ville. All walks are free, this one starts at the «Fauconnières» ligne 7 bus stop at 2pm and ends at 4pm at the parc Guillemin in Lausanne.

 

  • Saturday 18th January 2014: Non-anniversaire de l’art des enfants et du jeune public at Geneva’s MAMCO (10, rue des Vieux-Grenadiers). Take part in this exciting art “unbirthday” designed especially for the museum’s young audience: contemporary art has never been more accessible and fun! Various kids workshops are available, all free of charge but places must be reserved in advance at visites@mamco.ch. “Ateliers avec l’artiste Marion Baruch”, fabric workshops for children centered around the artist’s exhibition “Lampi di memoria”: there will be sessions for 6 to 10 year-olds from 10am to midday, and for teenagers aged 16 to 18 from 2pm to 4pm.
MAMCO non-anniversaire de l'art - Copyright Photo: M. Campani
MAMCO non-anniversaire de l’art – Copyright Photo: M. Campani

 

  • Saturday 18th January 2014: Les Puces du Design, a second-hand market for design pieces and vintage clothing from the 50s to the glorious 80s (!!) at Le Bourg Café-Théâtre in Lausanne (Rue de Bourg 51). Open from 10am to 6pm, free entry.
©  Puces du design
© Puces du design

 

  • 18th January 2014: “Une, aucune, 100 histoires”, book reading in French from age 3 at the Bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (Place des Trois-Perdrix 5). Starts at 10.30am, free entry.

 

Concerts en famille © Geneva Camerata
Concerts en famille © Geneva Camerata

 

  • 18th January-9th February 2014: James & the Giant Peach based on the famous Roald Dahl story at the Simply Theatre Studios in Versoix (Centre de Choiseul, Avenue de Choiseul 23A). James lives with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, the most revolting aunts in England. They make him work and slave and never let him play with other children. Then one day he meets a mystical old man who gives him a bag that contains the strongest magic the world has ever known. When James accidentally spills the bag near a rotten peach tree, Incredible things start to happen – and James embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with the most amazing group of characters you could ever meet. Visit the official website for exact performance times and to book your tickets. Performed in English.
© Simply Theatre Academy, Versoix
© Simply Theatre Academy, Versoix

 

  • 22nd January 2014: Afternoon games in French from age 5 at the Entre-Bois library in Lausanne (Chemin d’Entre-Bois 10). Free entry, will run from 2pm to 5pm.

 

  • 22nd January 2014: “Sports aériens” – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place  from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

Fnac Kids, Genève Rive - photo © genevafamilydiaries.net
Fnac Kids, Genève Rive – photo © genevafamilydiaries.net

 

  • Wednesday 22nd January 2014: “Bon appétit, Mister Gigi !”, a cabaret from age 2 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31,sous-sol). There will a show at 2.30pm and one at 3.30pm. Entry is free but you must reserve your places in advance here.
Bon appétit, Mister Gigi ! © Nathalie Athlan
Bon appétit, Mister Gigi ! © Nathalie Athlan

 

  • 22nd January 2014: “C’est la bagarre!”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. Reserve your places in advance at adp-mah@ville-ge.ch or by phone at 022 418 25 00. On Wednesday afternoons until December 2013 you can also take part in the museum’s “Visites-ateliers: Initiation à l’histoire de l’art” (ages 6-8 and 9-12). This is a cycle of 5 tours unveiling the most fascinating secrets of art history, each visit is followed by a creative workshop. On Wednesdays from 2pm to 6pm, 10CHF each session (places must be booked in advance).

 

  • 22nd & 25th-26th January 2014: “Jacques et le haricot magique”, a puppet show from age 4 at the Salle Communale de Chancy (chemin de la Ruette 7). Tickets are 10CHF and will be on sale at the door. Performance times are: 2.30pm on Wednesday & Saturday; 11am & 2.30pm on Sunday.

 

  • 24th-26th January 2014: Marinatal Lausanne, the best wedding expo in French-speaking Switzerland at the Beaulieu in Lausanne. With over 80 exhibitors this is the place to go to finalize all your wedding plans.
© Marinatal Lausanne
© Marinatal Lausanne

 

  • 25th-26th January 2014: “Le jardin sous la lune”, an enchanting music & puppet show from age 2 at the Espace Vélodrome in Plan-les-Ouates (60 Chemin de la Mère-Voie). The show lasts 35 mins and tickets are 10CHF per person.
"Le Jardin sous la Lune" ©  La compagnie praxinoscope
“Le Jardin sous la Lune” © La compagnie praxinoscope

 

  • 26th January 2014: Le Mini Black Movie, a free screening of 3 short cartoons part of the Black Movie festival at the Madeleine des enfants in Geneva (16, pl. de la Madeleine), starting at 3pm. The screening will last approx. 20 mins and will be free of charge, but you must reserve your places in advance!

 

  • 26th January 2014: “Jeux et tricot” from 2pm to 6pm at the Château-Bruyant in Pâquis, part of the lovely “Les Pâquis se rehabillent” initiative – this is yarn bombing at its best and kids are welcome too!
 © Les Pâquis se rhabillent
© Les Pâquis se rhabillent

 

  • 26th January-1st Feb. 2014: Prix de Lausanne, this international ballet competition is a wonderful event offering many free sessions open to the public and to children aged 7 and older. As you can read on the Prix de Lausanne‘s official website: “For ballet fans residing in or near Lausanne, or for visitors arriving from abroad, there is nothing more exciting than seeing firsthand the 42nd annual Prix de Lausanne competition. While the finals are the highlight of the Prix de Lausanne week, the public is invited to attend any of the activities taking place in Lausanne.” All events take place at the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne, check the official website for full details.
Photo Gregory Batardon © Prix de Lausanne
Photo Gregory Batardon © Prix de Lausanne

 

  • 29th January 2014: “C’era una volta un re”, book reading in Italian from age 6 at the Bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (Place des Trois-Perdrix 5). From 3pm to 4pm, free entry but places must be reserved in advance at 022 418 32 44.

 

  • 29th January 2014: “L’Aventure humanitaire ra-contée” in Frenchm, from age 8. Guided tour, storytime & activities for kids at the Musée International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge in Geneva (Avenue de la Paix 17). From 2pm to 4pm, tickets are 5CHF per child and 10CHF per adult (children must be accompanied by an adult), places must be reserved online before the 24th of January 2014.
©2013 Musée international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge
©2013 Musée international de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge

 

  • 29th January 2014: “Envole-toi!”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. Reserve your places in advance at adp-mah@ville-ge.ch or by phone at 022 418 25 00. On Wednesday afternoons until December 2013 you can also take part in the museum’s “Visites-ateliers: Initiation à l’histoire de l’art” (ages 6-8 and 9-12). This is a cycle of 5 tours unveiling the most fascinating secrets of art history, each visit is followed by a creative workshop. On Wednesdays from 2pm to 6pm, 10CHF each session (places must be booked in advance).

 

  • Wednesday 29th January 2014: “Rosie Rose Baby”, a fun dance show from age 1 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31,sous-sol). There will a show at 2.30pm and one at 3.30pm. Entry is free but you must reserve your places in advance here.
Rosie Rose Baby © compagnie Opopop
Rosie Rose Baby © compagnie Opopop

 

  • 29th January 2014: “Contes du monde”, storytelling from age 5 at the Société de Lecture in Geneva (11, Grand’Rue, tel. 022 311 45 90) from 3.30pm to 5pm. Prices for non-members are 15CHF for kids & 20CHF for adults, snack included.

 

  • 29th January 2014: “De quoi j’ai l’air”, a lovely puppet-show from age 3 at the Usine à Gaz in Nyon (Rue César Soulié 1), starting at 3pm.
"De quoi j'ai l'air" © Compagnie du solitaire
“De quoi j’ai l’air” © Compagnie du solitaire

 

  • 29th January 2014: 1001 histoires en langue espagnole, music & storytime in Spanish for children aged 0 to 6 accompanied by an adult at the Bibliothèques de la Ville de Lausanne / Jeunesse (Avenue d’Echallens 2A). From 9.30am to 10.30am, free entry.

 

  • 29th January 2014: “Sports aériens” – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place  from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

  • 29th January 2014: Oiseaux en famille, free guided tour for families at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou), in connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”. From 1.30pm to 2.30pm, free entry but places must be booked in advance at 022 418 64 00.
© 2013 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2013 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

© le petit théâtre Lausanne
© le petit théâtre Lausanne

 

  • 31st January-2nd February 2014: Pop-up Dressing at the Square, a fantastic sale of clothes & accessories with a new kids corner where you will find the best, coolest bargains in town. Open from 5pm to 10pm on the 31st of Jan; 11am to 5pm on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd of Feb. at The Square in Geneva (2-4 rue du Diorama).
© Cyril Oz for Pop-up Dressing
© Cyril Oz for Pop-up Dressing

 

Silver Skates:

One of the things we love the most about winter in Geneva is the access to some fabulous ice-skating rinks: they’re fun, they’re mostly free of charge and you can often hire skates for as little as 2 CHF. Our little ones love it and last year even Little Miss Cutie wanted to have a go (and she was only a little over 18 months-old !). Here’s a selection of our favourite ones, but remember to check in your area as most villages and communes have their own winter skating-rinks.

© Ville de Genève
© Ville de Genève

 

This is also the season to enjoy some great skiing & sledging with your little buttons, see our previous post for some advice on ski-schools for kids.

  • 16th Nov. 2013-23rd February 2014: Patinoire des Bastions, Geneva – open Tuesday to Sunday, entry is free and skates can be hired for 2CHF. Click here for exact opening times.
  • until 23rd March 2014: The Patinoire des Charmilles in Geneva is smaller but it’s great fun for families: on Tuesdays & Saturdays from 1pm to 6pm they hold “Glisse en musique” skate & dance sessions for families that are really good fun! On Fridays from 5pm they offer various surprise activities. Entry is free and skates can be hired for 2CHF. Click here for opening times – the rink is closed on Mondays.
  • 30th November 2013-2nd March 2014: the Patinoire Carouge is at the heart of the city’s Xmas celebrations: the atmosphere is great and you’ll be skating right in the heart of beautiful Carouge. Don’t miss the super-cool “Ice Bar” for a hot drink or a fondue. From this year, renting skates for children up to the age of 6 will be free of charge and only 2CHF for older children and adults.
Patinoire de Carouge © Ville de Carouge
Patinoire de Carouge © Ville de Carouge

 

  • For a glamorous, utterly festive skating experience don’t miss the new Winter Lodge at La Réserve Genève (301, Route de Lausanne – 1293 Bellevue). From 9am to 1am Monday to Saturday & 9am to 7pm on Sunday, hotel guests and customers are welcome to enjoy Geneva’s largest private skating rink (entry to the ice rink is free for those customers who have booked a skating lesson, or alternatively a table for Sunday Brunch or for an afternoon snack of waffles & crêpes, please do bear this in mind and book well in advance as they will not let you in unless you are a customer at the hotel’s restaurant). Skates can be borrowed free of charge. The decor of the winter lodge is reminiscent of a snowy forest, with ice crystals and glittering chandeliers setting the tone for this winter fairy-tale theme.
© 2013 La Réserve Genève Hotel & Spa
© 2013 La Réserve Genève Hotel & Spa

 

  • For more ice-skating rinks in the Geneva region, click here.
  • There are some great ice-skating rinks in Canton Vaud as well (our family’s favourite is La Patinoire de Terre Sainte in Coppet with its dazzling views over the château), so if you’d like to have a go you can find the complete list here.

pub11

 

 

ONGOING: 

 

  • The new permanent exhibition “Noblesse Oblige” at Prangins Castle is a great day-out for the whole family, take a step back in time with your children to see how a noble Swiss family lived in the 18th century! Find out more about this fantastic family exhibition in our previous post.

 

  • until 2nd February 2014: “Le Blé, l’autre Or des Romains” at the Musée Romain de Nyon (9 rue Maupertuis). In ancient Roman times corn was an essential part of everyday life, which made it very precious. Corn was also a tool of power in the hands of the Roman emperors and this fascinating exhibition explores how it affected Roman society in all its aspects: food, economics, trade, politics and even religion. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm until the month of November. From November until March opening times will be 2pm to 5pm.
 © Musée Romain de Nyon
© Musée Romain de Nyon

 

  • until 2nd March 2014: “Palmes & Co. exposition-promenade” at the Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques in Geneva, one of Switzerland’s most important collection of palm trees. Close your eyes and pretend summer is still here as you stroll through the Botanical Garden’s beautiful lawns and spot all the different varieties of palm trees. The Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques are a great place for families, so make sure you make the most of their small zoo and fantastic playground. Open everyday from 8am to 7.30pm, see the botanical gardens’ official website for full details and a complete list of their guided tours.
© 2013 Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques, Ville de Genève.
© 2013 Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques, Ville de Genève.

 

  • until 30th April 2014: An Artist’s Delight temporary exhibition at the Alimentarium in Vevey. Check the official website for un updated list of all available children’s and family workshops – you can also read about our visit to the Alimentarium in this post: trust us, it’s a great family day-out!
 © Alimentarium, Vevey
© Alimentarium, Vevey

 

  • until 21st September 2014: “Oiseaux”, a fantastic birds exhibition at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle Genève. Discover the magic world of birds and how we can help to preserve them. Free entry.
© 2013 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2013 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

 

 

 

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