What’s On in February 2015

From skiing with the tiddlers to enjoying a delish family Sunday brunch, we’ve posted our favourite tips for a great family weekend in and around Geneva, Vaud and nearby France, not to mention all the ideas you can find in our post on how to survive those sleepy winter Sundays (…free ice-skating anyone?).

We had to wait a fair bit for it, but now that we have plenty of snow, what about taking the little ones for some serious sledging fun?

February is also a great month to discover some of the best traditional Swiss festivals, starting with the Basel Fasnacht. If you’d like to find out more about carnival celebrations in Switzerland and nearby France take a peek here!

 

Listings for the month of February 2015:

• 30th January-7th February 2015: Pop-up Dressing Volume 9, a great pop-up event at The Square in Geneva (rue du diorama 2-4). Don’t miss it if you’re looking for unique accessories and chic clothes that will make you look fabulous! Open from 12 to 6pm everyday and from 5pm until 10pm on Friday 30th of January for the launch party.

 

 

• Sunday 1st February 2015: Free entry to all museums and exhibitions in Geneva, a special initiative organized by the city of Geneva offering free access to permanent and temporary exhibitions on the first Sunday of every month.

 

• Sunday 1st February 2015: “Sacrifice rituel en théâtre d’ombres…”, free shadow theatre show which will involve participants  in a free workshop to make the shadow puppets. The event will take place in the entry hall of the newly-reopened MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). There will be 2 session: the first from 2pm to 4pm and the second one from 4pm until 6pm. FREE ENTRY no advance booking required.

 

• Sunday 1st February 2015: “La Bulle d’air en voyage: spécial Afrique”, a fantastic free event suitable from age 2 at the newly-reopened MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). From 4pm to 5pm, little ones accompanied by an adult will meet in the museum’s foyer and gather around to learn some fun songs and music from Africa, with the staff from La Bulle d’air – if you’ve never been to any of their workshops or kids courses then you must go, they are absolutely brilliant and children love them! FREE ENTRY no advance booking required.

 

• Sunday 1st February 2015: Blanche-Neige, a musical in French for children at the Théâtre du Léman in Geneva (Quai du Mont-Blanc 19) starting at 2.30pm. Ticket prices start from 39CHF.

 

• Sunday 1st February 2015: “Vos oreilles vont pousser” petits rendez-vous at Geneva’s MAMCO, suitable for ages 5 to 10 and starting at 11.15am. These are free guided tours for kids. The petits rendez-vous at Geneva’s MAMCO continue every Wednesday afternoon and on the first Sunday of every month, suitable for children aged 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult they are free of charge and require no advance booking. The upcoming petits rendez-vous (all in French) will be: Wed. 4th “Le Petit Rendez-vous dont vous êtes le héros”; Wednesday 11th “L’escalier qui parlait aux gens”, Wed. 18th & Wed. 25th of February at 3.15pm. If you have very young children, don’t miss the mini rendez-vous for children aged 2 to 4, accompanied by an adult. The next one will be on Wed. 4rd of February 2015 at 3.15pm. They last approx. 20 minutes and are free of charge (in French, no advance booking required).

• until 1st February 2015: Titanic is coming to a close. This great exhibition at Geneva’s Palexpo tells the real-life stories of its passengers and display artefacts including personal belongings of passengers and crew. Not only that, but reconstitutions of the Great Staircase and the First Class Cabins will give you a feeling of what it was like to be on board a the time. Tickets are 22CHF for adults and 16CHF for children aged 6 to 15; family tickets are 64CHF – advance booking is recommended as this exhibition is very popular.

 

• Tuesday 2nd February 2015: Carnaval Thoiry, carnival celebrations for children in Thoiry (France) starting at 2.30pm with a parade & kids show through the town followed by a bonfire to burn the “bonhomme carnaval” at the Parc des Séquoias. FREE ENTRY.

 

• 2nd-8th February 2015: Prix de Lausanne, the world-famous international ballet competition for young dancers, open to dancers of all nationalities aged 15 to 18 who are not yet professionals. If your children love ballet they won’t want to miss it, you can buy tickets to watch the performances and competitions but bear in mind that small children under 7 might not be allowed into the Théâtre de Beaulieu. You can also watch the live streaming on their website.

 

• Wednesday 4th February 2015: “L’ogresse”, a fun tale & theatre show in French suitable from age 5 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31) starting at 2.30pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking required.

 

• Wednesday 4th January 2015: LouLou, a puppet and shadow play from age 4 at Le Spot Le Spot in Chêne-Bourg (2 rue François-Perréard). Performance start at 3pm, places must be booked in advance at 022 348 96 78 or by e-mail at mq@lespot.ch

  

 

• Wednesday 4th February 2015: “Dinosaures, fossiles et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, a workshop and conference in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Wednesday workshops in French start from the hall on the 3rd floor and take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Wednesday 4th February 2015: Animation du mercredi: “Au secours des petits géants”, Wednesday workshops from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about the fascinating world of beetles, these free Wednesday workshops in French will take place every Wednesday during the months of January and February 2015 from 2pm to 4.30pm (on the second floor).

 

• Wednesday 4th February 2015: “Noir, c’est noir!”, 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.

 

• Wednesday 4th February 2015: La visite au fil des contes, guided tour and story-time for all ages conducted in French by Floriane Facchini at the  MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). The tour is open to all and FREE OF CHARGE, meet at the information desk. Starting at 2.30pm until 4pm.

 

• Wednesday 4th February 2015: “Le magasin où il n’y avait rien” – mini rendez-vous, guided tours for little ones aged 2 to 4 at Geneva’s MAMCO, starting at 3.15pm. They last approx. 20 minutes and are free of charge (in French, no advance booking required).

 

• Wednesday 4th February 2015: Sonnez les matines, song & storytime for little buttons (babies & toddlers) at the Bibliothèque Aux Mille Feuille in Gland (38, grand rue). From 9.30am to 10.30am, free entry no advance booking necessary.

 

• 4th-22nd February 2015: “Les Trois Petits Cochons”, a modern take on the story of the 3 little pigs, performed in French and suitable from age 5. The show takes place at Le petit théâtre in Lausanne (place de la Cathédrale 12). See the official website to book your tickets.

 

• 6th-8th February 2015: the Carnaval des Enfants in Bulle is a fantastic day out for the whole family, especially if your little ones love to dress-up…(wait a second – where’s my Buzz costume again ??!). Bulle is located in Canton Fribourg, only 1 hour and a half from Geneva by car. The Carnaval de Bulle is famous for the kids parade on Saturday at 2pm, on Sunday there will be a family brunch and a free concert for the kids at 3pm – click here for full programme details. This year’s theme is “Tous à table !”, so make sure your costumes are super-scrummy!

 

• Saturday 7th February 2015: “Sautecroche aux petits oignons”, a delicious kids show with puppets and music, which tells the story of the young Alaskan chef Colin Cold and his sweetheart Jessica. She has left him but he won’t stop at anything to find her, and with the help of Zucchini Verdi, la baguette parisienne and other resourceful friends he will succeed! The show starts at 3pm and will take place at Le Point favre (Avenue F.-A. Grison 6, 1225 Chêne-Bourg, Geneva).

 

• Saturday 7th February 2015: “Dinosaures, fossiles et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, a workshop and conference in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Wednesday workshops in French start from the hall on the 3rd floor and take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Saturday 7th February 2015: Ice-hockey fans shouldn’t miss a great chance to meet the Genève-Servette Hockey Club at the patinoire de Carouge (Place de Sardaigne) on Saturday 7th of February from 11am until 4pm. The Genève-Servette players will be at hand to offer live demonstrations, introduction to ice-hockey sessions and will sign autographs too! FREE ENTRY.

 

• Saturday 7th February 2015: Cultures animées, free Animatou screenings suitable from age 8 in the Auditorium of the the MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). From 11.15am until 11.45am. FREE ENTRY no advance booking required.

 

• Saturday 7th February 2015: Marché Sans Puces, a special edition of Geneva’s coolest flealess market, part of the Festival Antigel line-up. Be at Le Grand Central in Carouge (Route des Jeunes 6) from 5pm until 11pm for a serious vintage-inspired shopping spree, with a plethora of designers from Switzerland and beyond. Free entry until 9pm and 15CHF from 9pm to 11pm. As well as unique shopping opportunities, there will be live music, drinks and plenty of swagger.

 

• 7th-22nd February 2015: School holidays activities at Vitam’ in Neydens (France). Take a look at the complete list of activities, including swimming classes for children, Aqua bébés (from 6 months) and bébés grimpeurs sessions as well as open play and a Carnival party on Tuesday 17th of February from 4pm until 5pm.

 

• 7th-22nd February 2015: Carnaval, celebrate carnival with your little ones at C l’Aventure indoor play centre in Annemasse (2-8 rue des chasseurs, 74100 VILLE LA GRAND, France). During their carnival celebrations there will be many themed activities for children, including face painting and mask-making workshops, balloon sculptures and much more. Don’t miss their Carnival Party on the 17th of February with a parade of all children in their carnival costumes! Find out more about C l’Aventure in our previous post.

 

• until 8th February 2015: George’s Marvellous Medicine at the Simply Theatre Studios in Versoix (Centre de Choiseul, Avenue de Choiseul 23A). Based on the Roald Dahl story, this is a great family show, here’s the storyline taken from the official theatre website: “George lives on a farm with only his parents and his grumpy old Grandma for company. One day, Grandma’s moaning becomes too much for poor George, and he decides to teach her a lesson she’ll never forget. George mixes up a magic and mysterious potion and gives it to his Grandma in place of her usual medicine. That’s where the fun REALLY STARTS!”. See the Simply Theatre official website for ticket prices and exact performance times.

 

• until 8th February 2015: “LE DÉRATISEUR DE HAMELIN”, The Pied Piper of Hamelin is brought to the stage in French with songs and superb puppets at the Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève (Rue Rodo 3). See the theatre’s official website for prices and to reserve your places

 

• 9th-13th February 2015: “Atelier enfants Magie!”, holiday workshops in French at the Villa Bernasconi in Grand-Lancy/Geneva (8, route du Grand-Lancy). Suitable from age 9, these fun workshops will teach children how to make their own short animated movie with cineast Delphine Depres. The workshops run from 9am until midday and cost 50CHF for the week. Places must be booked in advance at 022 794 73 03 or by email at info@villabernasconi.ch

 

• 9th-15th February 2015: Yatouland in Vernier (Chemin des Batailles 22) will be open everyday during the school holidays from 11am until 6pm. The price will be 15CHF per child, and you can play for as long as you like on the inflatables plus there will be a surprise attraction too!

 

• Tuesday 10th & Tuesday 24th February 2015: Ateliers vacances at the Château de Prangins (VD) for children aged 7 to 12, in French. The workshop on Tuesday 10th will be « Chasse au trésor » and running from 2pm to 4.30pm, the price per child is 10CHF including a snack. Places must be booked in advance at 058 469 38 90.

 

• Wednesday 11th February 2015: “Dinosaures, fossiles et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, a workshop and conference in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Wednesday workshops in French start from the hall on the 3rd floor and take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Wednesday 11th February 2015: Animation du mercredi: “Au secours des petits géants”, Wednesday workshops from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about the fascinating world of beetles, these free Wednesday workshops in French will take place every Wednesday during the months of January and February 2015 from 2pm to 4.30pm (on the second floor).

 

• Wednesday 11th February 2015: “Tout c’qui tombe”, a music & movement show in French suitable from age 1 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31) with one performance at 2.30pm and a second at 4pm. FREE ENTRY, but places must be booked in advance at animations-bibliotheques@carouge.ch

 

• 12th February-1st March 2015: “Mam’zelle chapeau”, a delightful, poetic puppet show suitable for ages 1 to 3 at the Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève (Rue Rodo 3). Your little ones will love the magic surprises that come out of Mam’zelle’s hat! See the theatre’s official website to reserve your places.

 

• Saturday 14th February 2015: “Dinosaures, fossiles et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, a workshop and conference in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Wednesday workshops in French start from the hall on the 3rd floor and take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Saturday 14th February 2015: Cultures animées, free Animatou screenings suitable from age 8 in the Auditorium of the the MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). From 11.15am until 11.45am. FREE ENTRY no advance booking required.

 

• Saturday 14th February 2015: Nocturne au Vitam’Ludic – Vitam’Ludic in Neydens (France) is planning a “nocturne” for children over the age of 6 on Saturday 14th of February, so book your place now if you’d like to spend a romantic evening out with your other half and leave the kids in a super-fun place, under the supervision of trained Vitam staff. Vitam’Ludic Nocturne: from 7.30pm until 10pm on Saturday 14th of February 2015. The programme for the evening will include games and fun in the Grands Jeux, access to the Labyrinthe Laser, disco, buffet and drinks. Prices are as follows: 15 euros for 1 child; 14 euros per child for 2 kids; 12.50 euros per child for 3 kids and more.

 

• Saturday 14th February 2015: “La Croisette s’Amuse”, a fun day-out in the snow at La Croisette (La Muraz in the Rhône-Alpes region of France). There will be a ski and snowboard freestyle competition, as well as live music, a giant tartiflette, mulled wine and plenty of other activities too. If you’re brave enough, you can also try out the Big Air Bag, which will be open to all and free of charge – but remember your helmet as it is compulsory!

 

• 14th-15th February 2015: Japan Impact 2015, an unmissable exhibition at the EPFL in Lausanne for all of us who love traditional Japanese arts, culture and manga! If you have teenager children who love BD (bandes dessinées) or martial arts they will have a ball, while you can try your hand at ikebana, calligraphy or origami. There will be Pokemon and video games tournaments too and – needless to say – plenty of delicious asian fare to boot.

 

• Sunday 15th February 2015: “Cap sur le Grand Nord”, a fun, interactive FAMILY TOUR suitable from age 5 at the newly-reopened MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). Learn how the Inuits protect themselves from the cold through the hard winter months, enjoy a guided tour and take part in a free arts & crafts workshop. Meet in the museum’s entry hall at 2pm, this family tour lasts 2 hours and is free of charge but places must be booked in advance at  publics.meg@ville-ge.ch

 

• until 15th February 2015: L’arbre à voeux du Jardin botanique at the Geneva Botanical Gardens. This is a symbolic tree placed at the main entrance of the Botanical Gardens, where everyone is invited to make a personal or general wish for the coming year. Personal wishes can be written on a piece of paper and left in the boîte à voeux, while general wishes for the whole community can be written on a ribbon and then hang from the wishing tree. You will find everything you need to make your wish in the nearby golden pavillion. FREE ENTRY.

 

 

• 15th February-8th March 2015: “Ca sent la vache chez le Docteur Higins”, a theatre show in French suitable from age 4 at the Théâtre Rodolphe Töpffer in Geneva.

 

• Tuesday 17th February 2015: Carnaval, carnival party at C l’Aventure indoor play centre in Annemasse (2-8 rue des chasseurs, 74100 VILLE LA GRAND, France) with a parade of all children in their carnival costumes! Find out more about C l’Aventure in our previous post.

 

• Wednesday 18th February 2015: “Dinosaures, fossiles et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, a workshop and conference in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Wednesday workshops in French START from the hall on the 3rd floor and take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Wednesday 18th February 2015: Animation du mercredi: “Au secours des petits géants”, Wednesday workshops from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about the fascinating world of beetles, these free Wednesday workshops in French will take place every Wednesday during the months of January and February 2015 from 2pm to 4.30pm (on the second floor).

 

• Wednesday 18th February 2015: “Les bruits de Genève”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). THIS VISIT TAKES PLACE AT THE MAISON TAVEL in GENEVA. 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.

 

• Wednesday 18th February 2014: Le MAH à tout petits pas – Mercredi Family pour les tout-petits free guided tours for children aged 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva starting at 10.30am. No previous booking required, FREE OF CHARGE.

 

• Wednesday 18th February 2015: “Petits ragots de mauvais genre”, a fun, poetic theatre show in French suitable from age 1 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31) with one session at 2.30pm and a second one at 4pm. FREE ENTRY, but places must be booked in advance at animations-bibliotheques@carouge.ch

 

• Wednesday 18th February 2015: Les histoires de Tante Annie – Le mystère de “L’affaire Tournesol”, stories from the Tintin collection (told in French) suitable from age 7 at the Médiathèque Correspondances in Divonne-les-Bains (France) This story-time starts at 4pm, FREE ENTRY but places must be booked in advance at +33 (0)4 50 99 02 91 or in person at the Médiathèque. Médiathèque Correspondances, 181 Avenue de la Plage, 01220 Divonne-les-Bains (France).

 

• 19th-21st February 2015: CourToujours, short films festival at the Cinémas du Grütli in Geneva. A great selection of 34 Swiss and international short movies from – among other countries – Canada, Iran, Mexico, Germany, Bolivia and Russia. Take a look at the official website for the full programme.

 

• 20th-23rd February 2015: Payerne Carnival in Canton Fribourg. This is one of Switzerland’s oldest carnivals don’t miss the kids’ masked parade on Saturday at 3pm and the grand cortège on Sunday at 2.24pm. FREE ENTRY.
  

 

• 20th-28th February 2015: Festival Groove N’Move, Geneva’s international street dance festival, offering a plethora of great shows, battles of B-boying as well as workshops for various levels. See the official website for full programme details.

 

• Saturday 21st February 2015: Carnaval aux Bains, you don’t need to leave Geneva to celebrate carnival to the max with the 4th edition of the Carnaval aux Bains at the Bains des Pâquis. This year’s theme will be BD (comic strips) so dress accordingly. The party begins at 3pm at the Place de la Navigation with the big brass band parade through the Pâquis neighbourhood up to the Bains, where there will be activities for kids, a giant jacuzzi and partying until the wee hours! FREE ENTRY.

 

• Saturday 21st February 2015: “Dinosaures, fossiles et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, a workshop and conference in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Wednesday workshops in French start from the hall on the 3rd floor and take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Saturday 21st February 2015: Né pour lire, story time in French for babies at the Bibliothèque de Carouge (Boulevard des Promenades 2bis), starting at 3pm. The session will be followed by the “Questions de parents”, a French-language group for parents to discuss issues and concerns with the help of experts. Free entry no advance booking required, a nursing area and cushions are also available for breastfeeding mums.

 

• 21st-22nd February 2015: Le Grand Carnaval de la Mère Noël, carnival celebrations for children at the Hameau du Père Noël in Andilly (France). There will be face-painting for the little ones, baby disco, story-times and yummy snacks in the company of Père Fouettard and la Mère Noël! Open from 2pm until 6pm, entry tickets are 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for kids.

 

• 22nd February 2015: Café familial organised by La Forêt Enchantée at the Espace de Quartier Sécheron, Avenue Blanc 7 (arrêt TPG, Butini, Avenue de France, Tram 15). From 2.30pm to 5.30pm there will be plenty of free activities for children and adults including an atelier with essential oils (adults), face painting, dance and more carnival fun for children! There will also be delicious local & organic snacks. Places on the workshops must be booked in advance at info@laforetenchantee.ch

 

• 23rd February 2015: Basel Fasnacht, Switzerland’s most famous carnival celebration with its traditional “Gugge” bands, flamboyant dress-up costumes, kids parade and live music – this is the time a Swiss city truly goes wild! The Basel Fasnacht is the largest carnival celebration in Switzerland, with over 20,000 masks filling the streets of the city with their carnival lanterns. Find out more about it on their official website. FREE ENTRY.

 

• Tuesday 24th February 2015: Né pour lire, story time in French for babies at the BiblioQuartier des Grands-Hutins in Carouge (Rue de la Tambourine 3), starting at 10am. Free entry no advance booking required, a nursing area and cushions are also available for breastfeeding mums.

 

• Tuesday 24th February 2015: Ateliers vacances at the Château de Prangins (VD) for children aged 7 to 12, in French. The workshop on Tuesday 10th will be « Jeux d’ombres » and running from 2pm to 4.30pm, the price per child is 10CHF including a snack. Places must be booked in advance at 058 469 38 90.

 

• Wednesday 25th February 2015: “Dinosaures, fossiles et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, a workshop and conference in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Wednesday workshops in French start from the hall on the 3rd floor and take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Wednesday 25th February 2015: Animation du mercredi: “Au secours des petits géants”, Wednesday workshops from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about the fascinating world of beetles, these free Wednesday workshops in French will take place every Wednesday during the months of January and February 2015 from 2pm to 4.30pm (on the second floor).

 

• Wednesday 25th February 2015: “Les bruits de Genève”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). THIS VISIT TAKES PLACE AT THE MAISON TAVEL in GENEVA. 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.

 

• Wednesday 25th February 2015: “La petite galette”, a song & theatre show in French suitable from age 4 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31) starting at 2.30pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking required.

 

• Wednesday 25th February 2015: “Mister Dan à la ferme”, puppetshow suitable from age 3 at Le Manège in Onex (Route de Chancy, 127). Show starts at 2.30pm 
• Wednesday 25th February 2015: “La sorcière Baba Yaga, contes russes”, story-time in French from age 5 at the Société de Lecture in Geneva (11, Grand’Rue). Old Russian tales will be told in French by Casilda Regueiro, tickets are 15CHF per child and they include a snack. The story time runs from 3.30pm to 5pm.

 

• Wednesday 25th February 2015: “Le grand pourquoi”, theatre show about life’s big questions suitable from age 4 (in French). The show takes place at the Espace Vélodrome in Plan-les-Ouates (60 Chemin de la Mère-Voie) and starts at 3pm.

 

• Wednesday 25th, Saturday 28th February & Sunday 1st March 2015: “Mon ours a disparu” puppet show in French suitable from age 4 by the theatre company Les Croquettes at la Julienne in Plan-les-Ouates (rte de St-Julien 116), with 2 performances starting at 2.30pm and at 4pm. Tickets on sale at the entrance so try to get there a bit earlier. There will be another performance on Sunday at 11am.

 

• 27th February-8th March 2015: International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH) at the Maison des Arts du Grütli in Geneva (16, rue du Général-Dufour). Don’t miss this extraordinary festival, which – as the website says – “will show a series of films and documentaries about contemporary human rights: violence against women, poverty, torture, international justice and climate change”.

 

• Saturday 28th February 2015: “Family Concert: King Arthur” from 11am until 12pm at the Salle Frank-Martin in Geneva (Rue de la Vallée 3). Geneva Camerata have joined forces with the Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève and the soprano Capucine Keller to tell the magic story of King Arthur and Merlin. based on the celebrated opera by Henry Purcell, this family concert will feature the brilliant young soprano as singer and narrator and the renowned puppeteer Liviu BEREHOÏ. Places must be reserved in advance at billetterie@genevacamerata.com or by clicking here.

 

• Saturday 28th February 2015: “Dinosaures, fossiles et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, a workshop and conference in French for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Wednesday workshops in French start from the hall on the 3rd floor and take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Saturday 28th February 2015: “Théâtre d’ombres”, shadow theatre kids workshop in French suitable from age 8 running from 2pm until 4pm  in the auditorium of the newly-reopened MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). Tickets cost 8-12CHF per child, places must be booked in advance at publics.meg@ville-ge.ch

 

• Saturday 28th February 2015: “Le prince heureux”, an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s short story, performed in French and suitable from age 6. The show takes place at the Salle des fêtes du Lignon in Vernier (Place du Lignon 16) and starts at 4.30pm.

 

• until 28th February 2015: Casse-noisette, a puppet-show based on the famous Tchaïkovski’s ballet performed by the ZoT COMPAGNIE at the Espace Grange-Collomb in Carouge (Chemin de Grange-Collomb 38). Performances will take place at different times each day, so click here for exact dates and times and to book your tickets. Prices are 10CHF for children and 14CHF for adults.

 

• 28th February-1st March 2015: Venetian Carnival in Annecy (France), a lavish, spectacular parade of beautiful Venetian masks throughout the charming little alleys of one of France’s most beautiful cities, known as the venice of the Alps. You can read about last year’s edition in our previous post.

 

ONGOING:

• until 29th March 2015: Quel Cirque! Une exposition-atelier autour d’Alexander Calder… at the Vallée de la Jeunesse in Lausanne. A fun, interactive exhibition suitable from age 5 focused on the work of sculptor Alexander Calder. Entry is 5CHF for children from age 5 and 7CHF for adults.

 

• until 6th April 2015: “Contes de fées, de la tradition à la modernité”, a fascinating exhibition at the Palais Lumière in Evian (France) focusing on children’s fairy tales and how they have become part of our culture. From the most famous tales by the Brothers Grimm, Andersen and Lewis carroll to the latest modern adaptations, this exhibition covers everything that has inspired us throughout the centuries. Click here for more details about kids workshops, family shows and guided tours. Open from 10am until 7pm Tuesday to Sunday and from 2pm until 7pm on Mondays. Tickets are 10 euros for adults and free for children under 10.

 

• until 11th April 2015: “Dompter la lumière”, a fun interactive exhibition at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle in Geneva about the nature of light and how it can be tamed by reflection, refraction and other phenomena. The children will love the periscopes, kaleidoscopes and mirrors that will repeat images in a never-ending line. Free entry, click here to download the full brochure of the exhibition in English.

 

• until 25th October 2015: “L’œil nu” a fantastic new exhibition suitable from age 7 at the Espace des Inventions in Lausanne (Vallée de la Jeunesse 1). The exhibition will teach your little ones everything there is to know about sight and vision, through a series of interactive stations. Alongside the exhibition there will also be a series of fun workshops for ages 7 to 12 called “Le Club des petits inventeurs”, from 2pm to 5pm on selected days. Click here to download the list of activities.

 

• The 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.

 

TOY & BOOK LIBRARIES

On those gray, drizzly autumn days when nothing seems to placate your little buttons, remember you can visit your local ludothèques for a bit of free-play and some light relief.

Public libraries are also a great place for your children: many host free events, workshops, story-times (usually in French but many times in other languages too). The bibliothèques in Geneva, Lausanne and neighbouring communes hold too many kids events each month to list them all here so here’s some links you can check regularly:

Geneva public libraries events & activities

Carouge public libraries events & activities

Lausanne public libraries events & activities

 

SUNDAY BRUNCH & INDOOR PLAY CENTRES

You can also check our previous posts to find all the best child-friendly places to enjoy a delicious and stress-free Sunday brunch with your little buttons or the best indoor play centres in Geneva, Vaud and nearby France. And if the Sunday blues hit you don’t fret, we’ve got some great tips for that too!

 

PATINOIRES

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. 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.

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 and great winter sledging spots..

• Open until 28th February 2015: Patinoire des Bastions, Geneva – open Tuesday to Sunday, entry is free and skates can be hired for 2CHF. Click here for exact opening times.

• Open until 29th March 2015: 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.

• Open until March 2015: the Patinoire saisonnière in 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.

• Every Sunday from 11am until midday and every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm the patinoire in Grand-Sacconex will offer free “Cours d’initiation au patinage” open to all. Bookings to be made in advance at the ice-rink – tel. 079 079 958 84 48. Get your little girls suited & booted for ice-hockey beginners lessons suitable from age 4, run by the Genève Futur Hockey staff. These introductory classes will take place every Sunday from 9am to 10am. Last but not least, there will be more “Initiation au hockey” courses for boys and different ages run by Genève Futur Hockey, more info and timetable to come soon at the patinoire. Patinoire Grand-Sacconex – Campagne du Château – 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex (GE).

• The patinoire des Vernets has 2 ice-rinks, a smaller one outdoors and a larger one indoors for matches & sports events.

 

PATINOIRES IN CANTON VAUD

• 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.

• until 8th of March 2015: the Patinoires in Lausanne include the Patinoire de Montchoisi, Flon Patinoire and the Patinoire de la Pontaise. See the Lausanne official website for more details.