Fête de la raquette au téléphérique du Salève

What’s On in January 2015

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Still recovering from ringing in the new year with friends and family? Same here, hence the late posting of our usual “what’s on” (apologies for that!). January is usually a slow start for everyone, so please 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!

 

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

 

JANUARY 2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

  • Saturday 10th January 2015: “Boing, Boum, Tchak… Whizz !” AKA Les Zétonnants voyages du prof. Klang (alias Patrik Dasen), a fun music show suitable from age 8 at the Saint-Jean public library in Geneva (Avenue des Tilleuls 19). The show is free of charge and it begins at 3pm. FREE ENTRY. no advance booking required.
Illustration © Jeanne Roualet et Marion Wyss
Illustration © Jeanne Roualet et Marion Wyss

 

 

Le Petit Prince © Marc Vanappelghem
Le Petit Prince © Marc Vanappelghem

 

  • 10th-13th January 2015: Genève Indoors – a football fest for fans of all ages, book tickets to see Servette play or the junior boys and girls tournaments at the Patinoire des Vernets. The boys Festifoot tournament will take place on Saturday and the girls’ on Sunday. Visit Genève Indoors official website for full details.
© 2015 Genève Indoors
© 2015 Genève Indoors

 

  • Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th & Wednesday 14th January 2015: “Jaguar plante un arbre” puppet show in French suitable from age 4 by the theatre company Les Croquettes at the Salle communale in Satigny (rampe de Choully 17), starting at 2.30pm. Tickets on sale at the entrance so try to get there a bit earlier. There will be other performances on Sunday 11th at 11am and 2.30pm; as well as on Wednesday 14th of Jan. at 2.30pm and 4pm.
© Les Croquettes - Jaguar plante un arbre
© Les Croquettes – Jaguar plante un arbre
  • 10th-18th January 2015: “Super Elle”, little Lisa receives a fantastic present: a super-hero costume! This ia a great show in French by the Genevan theatre company l’Articule suitable from age 2 at at Le petit théâtre in Lausanne (place de la Cathédrale 12). See the official website to book your tickets.
© Erika Irmier
© Erika Irmier

 

  • until 11th January 2015: Geneva Lux Festival in Geneva. A staggering half-million LED lights and over 14km of Christmas light garlands will light up the city of Calvin during the festive season around Rue du Rhône, Place Longemalle, Bel-Air ainsi and l’Ile Rousseau. A truly unmissable sight!
© 2014 Geneva Tourism
© 2014 Geneva Tourism

 

  • Tuesday 13th January 2015: Né pour lire, story time in French for babies at the Bibliothèque de Carouge (Boulevard des Promenades 2bis), starting at 10am. Free entry no advance booking required, a nursing area and cushions are also available for breastfeeding mums.
 © Bibliothèques de Carouge
© Bibliothèques de Carouge

 

 

  • Wednesday 14th January 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).
© 2015 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2015 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

  • Wednesday 14th January 2015: “Du tronc à la statue”, 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.
 © Musées d’art et d'histoire, Geneva
© Musées d’art et d’histoire, Geneva

 

  • Wednesday 14th January 2015: “La soupe au caillou”, delightful puppet-show in French suitable from age 3 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31) starting at 2.30pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking required.
 © Bibliothèques de Carouge
© Bibliothèques de Carouge

 

  • Wednesday 14th January 2015: “Jaguar plante un arbre” puppet show in French suitable from age 4 by the theatre company Les Croquettes at the Salle communale in Satigny (rampe de Choully 17). Tickets on sale at the entrance so try to get there a bit earlier. There will be 2 performances: one at 2.30pm and the second at 4pm.
© Les Croquettes - Jaguar plante un arbre
© Les Croquettes – Jaguar plante un arbre

 

  • 15th-18th January 2015: A petting farm right in the heart of Carouge? Yes, that’s happening right now: from the 15th until the 18th of January you can take the children to visit the yearly “Exposition d’aviculture” on the place de Sardaigne in Carouge to see the farm animals including chickens, sheep, cockerels and more! Entry is 6CHF for adults and 4CHF for children. Open from 8am until evening.
Photo © Carouge Officiel
Photo © Carouge Officiel

 

© Disney sur Glace
© Disney sur Glace

 

  • 16th-25th January 2015: Black Movie – Festival de Films Indépendants and “Le Petit Black Movie” represent one of the most important film festivals in Geneva. Get ready to be wooed by a superb selection of movies from Asia, Africa and Latin America covering themes like current affairs, new urban cultures and more. “Le Petit Black Movie” selection, for ages 3-13, will feature more than 40 films. The festival’s full programme is now online, take a look at the official website for more details on all the great movies and kids activities planned.
© Black Movie film festival, Geneva
© Black Movie film festival, Geneva

 

 

  • Saturday 17th January 2015: Né pour lire, story time in French for babies at the Bibliothèque de Carouge (Boulevard des Promenades 2bis), starting at 3pm. Free entry no advance booking required, a nursing area and cushions are also available for breastfeeding mums. The story time session will be followed by a “Questions de parents” meeting in French, where parents can share advice and discuss parenting issues.
 © Bibliothèques de Carouge
© Bibliothèques de Carouge

 

  • Saturday 17th January 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.
© Animatou, Festival international du film d'animation – Genève
© Animatou, Festival international du film d’animation – Genève

 

  • Saturday 17th January 2015: “Têtes à têtes”, a theatre and dance show suitable from age 3 at the Salle des Fêtes du Lignon in Le Lignon – Vernier (Place du Lignon 16) starting at 4.30pm. Tickets are 20CHF for adults and 10CHF for children under 10.
© Ville de Vernier
© Ville de Vernier

 

  •  Saturday 17th January 2015: Les Puces du Design, a sterling vintage furniture exhibition running from 1oam until 6pm at Le Bourg Café in Lausanne (rue de Bourg 51). Find some great vintage pieces and accessories, including clothing, from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. FREE ENTRY.
 © 2015 Les puces du design
© 2015 Les puces du design

 

  • Saturday 17th January 2015: Portes Ouvertes from 10am until 1pm at the Ecole Rudolf Steiner de Genève (Chemin de Narly, 2, 1232 Confignon). Find out all about the Steiner educational method for children aged 2 and a half to 18 with guided tours of the school and meetings with the school’s teachers.
Copyright © Ecole Rudolf Steiner de Genève . All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © Ecole Rudolf Steiner de Genève . All Rights Reserved.

 

  • until 18th January 2014: Keith Haring Affiches Vintage, a fantastic free exhibition at the Quartier Libre SIG in Geneva (Pont de la Machine 1). This is the first time that Haring’s vintage posters have been exhibited in Switzerland, so it’s a great opportunity to see his collection of 85 posters designed to support important causes such as the fight against racism, AIDS and environmental, a truly unique insight into the world of 1980s NYC. The Quartier Libre SIG is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. FREE ENTRY, they also offer free guided tours of the exhibition in French or English (suitable from age 11) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9.15am, 10.30am and 2pm for groups of 10 people minimum.
© Copyright SIG 2014
© Copyright SIG 2014

 

  • 17th January-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.
© 2014 Simply Theatre, Versoix
© 2014 Simply Theatre, Versoix

 

  • Sunday 18th January 2015: ‘Fête nationale de la raquette à neige‘ from 10am until 5pm on the Montagne du Salève. Activities, guided walks and much more (even if the snow isn’t there!), including igloo building workshops suitable from age 6. Reserve your places now at info@bureaumontagnesaleve.com or by phone at +33 6.85.54.86.94. Téléphérique du Salève – Route du Téléphérique – 74100 Etrembières (France), tel. +33 4 50 39 86 86.
Fête de la raquette au téléphérique du Salève
Fête de la raquette au téléphérique du Salève

 

 

  • Wednesday 21st January 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).
© 2015 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2015 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

 

  • Wednesday 21st January 2015: “Le zoo des beaux-arts”, 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.
 © Musées d’art et d'histoire, Geneva
© Musées d’art et d’histoire, Geneva

 

  • Wednesday 21st January 2015: “Oh Loup !”, a sweet, funny theatre & burlesque show in French by the compagnie Le géant de granit suitable from age 4 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31) starting at 2.30pm. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking required.
 © Compagnie Le géant de granit
© Compagnie Le géant de granit

 

  • Wednesday 21st January 2015: “Théâtre d’objet Flic Flac”, a delightful and poetic theatre show at the Esplanade du Lac in Divonne-les-Bains (181 avenue de la Plage). The show starts at 3.30pm and tickets are 8 euros per person, email billetterie.esplanade@divonne.fr to reserve your tickets. Performed in French using small objects and puppets, suitable for ages 1 to 5.
 © La Compagnie des gens d’ici
© La Compagnie des gens d’ici

 

  • Wednesday 21st, Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th January 2015: “Les trois petites louves” puppet show in French suitable from age 4 by the theatre company Les Croquettes at the Salle communale in Salle communale in Chancy (ch. de la Ruette 7), starting at 2.30pm. Tickets on sale at the entrance so try to get there a bit earlier. There will be other performances on Saturday 24th at 2.30pm and on Sunday 25th at 11am and 2.30pm.
© Les Croquettes - Les trois petites louves
© Les Croquettes – Les trois petites louves

 

  • 22nd-23rd January 2015: “The Life and Death of Martin Luther King” theatre show in English by The American Drama Group Europe and TNT theatre UK. This theatre piece follows the spiritual and political journey of Martin Luther King and his struggle for racial equality and civil rights in the USA. Performance begins at 8pm and will take place at the Uptown Geneva theatre (Rue de la Servette 2). Click here for full details and to reserve your tickets.
 © The American Drama Group Europe and TNT theatre UK
© The American Drama Group Europe and TNT theatre UK

 

  • 23rd-25th January 2015: Marinatal Salon du Mariage at the Beaulieu in Lausanne. This is the biggest wedding show in French-speaking Switzerland so don’t miss it if you’re planning your big day!
© 2015 Marinatal, Lausanne
© 2015 Marinatal, Lausanne

 

  • until Saturday 24th January 2015: “DES RICHES ET DES PAUVRES”, a theatre show in French suitable from age 7 at L’Étincelle 18 in Geneva ((Maison du Quartier de la Jonction, avenue Ste-Clotilde). The show, performed by La Compagnie « Un Nuage en pantalon » takes place in Greece and will use music and theatre performance to approach the delicate subject of social inequalities between the rich and the poor. Ticket prices start from 8CHF, click here for exact performance times.
© La Compagnie « Un Nuage en pantalon »
© La Compagnie « Un Nuage en pantalon »

 

 

  • Saturday 24th January 2015: “CIRKAFRIKA 2” – from Soweto to Harlem, a superb music, dance and acrobatics show suitable for the whole family, performed in French at the Arena Genève at 8pm. Check the official website for ticket prices and bookings.
© Cirkafrika 2
© Cirkafrika 2

 

  • Saturday 24th January 2015: Open Day at Bricks4kidz in St-Sulpice (VD). From 9.30am until 12.30pm your little ones will be able to play with LEGOS, Duplos and discover all about the great activities, camps and courses organized by Bricks4Kidz. FREE ENTRY.
 © Bricks4kidz - St Sulpice (VD)
© Bricks4kidz – St Sulpice (VD)

 

  • Saturday 24th January 2015: Big Mountain Battle, ski & snowboard competition open to teams of 2 as well as families in Les Gets – Morzine (France). The final goal is to rally through the largest number of checkpoints within the 3 hour limit. The race will start at 12 for families and teams of 2, the price is 30 euros per each team of 2 skiers.
 © Big Mountain Battle
© Big Mountain Battle

 

 © Les Gets - Morzine
© Les Gets – Morzine

 

  • 24th January-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
© Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève
© Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève

 

  • Sunday 25th January 2015: Air Antigel, a great family event in preparation for the Festival Antigel that will kick off in February. From 11am until 5pm families are invited to the Aéro-Club in Genève-Meyrin for a visit of the hangar with its dozing planes, as well as live demonstrations of miniature biplanes. There will be plane-themed workshops too, plane & dance performances, music and a family brunch from 11am until 3pm. Entry tickets are 20CHF for adults and 10CHF for children. The brunch “gouter de l’aviateur” is 15CHF for adults and only 1CHF for children up to the age of 10. Advance bookings are recommended at miammiam@antigel.ch.Aéroclub de Genève – Route H-C-Forestier 38 – 1217 Meyrin Lignes 10/ 23/ 57/ 28/ Y Arrêt Tour-de-Contrôle
Copyright © Joelle Isoz
Copyright © Joelle Isoz

 

  • Sunday 25th January 2015: “Le Black Movie part à la découverte des Mochica!”, a fun guided tour and workshop for kids in French suitable for ages 8 to 12 at the newly reopened MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). From 1.30pm until 5.30pm children will be able to visit the current exhibition “Les rois mochica” and have fun dressing up with tiaras, golden crowns and jewels inspired by ancient Peruvian culture. There will be fun games too, so reserve your places now at atelier@blackmovie.ch, remember to confirm prices and full details!
MEG © 2014 Musée d'ethnographie, Genève
MEG © 2014 Musée d’ethnographie, Genève

 

  • Sunday 25th January 2015: “Premier café de 2015: Danses & peinture”, kids workshop and family café in French organized by La Forêt Enchantée in Geneva (Espace de quartier du Sécheron, Avenue Blanc 7). The workshop will run from 2.30pm until 5.30pm with “Danses du Monde” for all ages, followed by “La méditation de la danse” for adults and ” Peinture avec les mains pour enfants de tout âge” for children of all ages. It’s going to be great fun so don’t miss it! The address is: Espace de Quartier Sécheron, Avenue Blanc 7 (TPG stop, Butini, Avenue de France, Tram 15).
 © La Forêt Enchantée
© La Forêt Enchantée

 

  • Sunday 25th January 2015: Funky Brunch at the Hotel Starling in Geneva. From 11am until 2pm, with delicious hot and cold buffet, live music and DJ sets. Prices are 50CHF for adults, free for children under 6 and – for children aged 6 to 12 – the price is the equivalent in CHF of their age. Click here to reserve your places online.
 © Funky Brunch, Geneva
© Funky Brunch, Geneva

 

  • Sunday 25th January 2015: “La porcelaine s’éclate!”, creative workshop in French for kids aged 8 to 12 at the Château de Nyon (Place du Château 5) as part of their current Bouke de Vies exhibition. The workshop will run from 2.30pm until 4pm and costs 12CHF per child, places must be booked in advance at info@chateaudenyon.ch or by phone at 022 363 83 51. Children will learn how to create a magic porcelain cup, filled with objects from their own imagination.
© Château de Nyon
© Château de Nyon

 

 

  • Wednesday 28th January 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).
© 2015 Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Genève
© 2015 Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève

 

  • Wednesday 28th January 2015: “On improvise!”, 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.
 © Musées d’art et d'histoire, Geneva
© Musées d’art et d’histoire, Geneva

 

  • Wednesday 28th January 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.
Photo: MEG, B.Glauser
Photo: MEG, B.Glauser

 

  • Wednesday 28th January 2015: Plume d’or by Saska Circus, a music, songs & circus show in French suitable from age 2 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31). There will be two performances: the first one starting at 2.30pm and the second at 4pm. FREE ENTRY, but places must be booked in advance at animations-bibliotheques@carouge.ch
 © Saska Circus
© Saska Circus

 

  • Wednesday 28th January 2015: “Fills Monkey”, a fun, energetic music & drums show suitable from age 7 at the Salle des Fêtes du Lignon in Le Lignon – Vernier (Place du Lignon 16) starting at 6pm. Tickets are 20CHF for adults and 10CHF for children under 10.
© Ville de Vernier
© Ville de Vernier

 

  • Wednesday 28th January 2015: Ateliers des enfants, creative workshops in French for children at the Musée de Carouge (Place de Sardaigne 2) as part of their current Théodore Strawinsky exhibition. The workshops will be run by Karin Rivollet from 2pm until 3.30pm and will include a tour of the exhibition and a creative workshop. FREE ENTRY but plavces must be booked in advance at musee@carouge.ch
"Parasols" by Théodore Strawinsky - image courtesy of Musée de Carouge
“Parasols” by Théodore Strawinsky – image courtesy of Musée de Carouge

 

  • Wednesday 28th January 2015: “Après-midi spécial parents-enfants” at the patinoire in Carouge (Place du Marché 14). A special ice-skating afternoon for parents and children, running from 2pm until 4pm. FREE ENTRY, skates can be borrowed free of charge for children up to the age of 6, and for only 2CHF for children aged 6+.
Photo © Carouge Officiel
Photo © Carouge Officiel

 

  • 29th January 2015: “Le violon danse”, awonderful concert and ballet by the Geneva Camerata orchestra in collaboration with the BALLET JUNIOR DE GENÈVE. The show will be at the BÂTIMENT DES FORCES MOTRICES in Geneva, starting at 8pm. Click on their official website to purchase tickets.
 © Geneva Camerata
© Geneva Camerata

 

  • Saturday 31st January 2015: “Histoires de Loup – trois contes musicaux”, a wonderful concert and music show in French suitable from age 5 with the children of the Conservatoire Populaire de Musique. Stories of wolves will be told through music and song to the delight of your little ones, the show takes place at the Collège Calvin in Geneva (salle Frank-Martin) and starts at 7pm. Ticket prices range from 10CHF to 25CHF, click here to reserve your tickets.
 © Le Fanfareduloup
© Le Fanfareduloup

 

 

  • Saturday 31st January 2015: Ski Colour, a fantastic new event – half way between an art installation and a fun ski event for all ages. SkiColour will take place at Les Gets ski resort where participants will ski down a specially prepared run on the Mont-Chery side of the resort. With breathtaking views of Mont Blanc ahead of them, skiers will be literally immersed in explosions of colour for an unforgettable experience, a World First in Les Gets! Just to reassure all green-minded participants, the colours used are mountain and nature-friendly powders, which won’t damage the beautiful natural setting of Les Gets. There will be fun workshops for kids as well as live concerts, so click here for full programme details and to register online. Ticket prices start at 6 euro for children and 10 euros for adults for SkiColour pedestrian passes.
© SKICOLOR | 31 JANVIER 2015 LES GETS
© SKICOLOR | 31 JANVIER 2015 LES GETS

 

© SKICOLOR | 31 JANVIER 2015 LES GETS
© SKICOLOR | 31 JANVIER 2015 LES GETS

 

  • Saturday 31st January 2015: If you’re looking for a truly spectacular event then the upcoming Night Glow – Spectacle Son & Lumière in Château-d’Oex is for you. On Saturday 31st of January at 6.58pm (yes, on the dot – we’re in Switzerland after all!) around 20 hot-air balloons, skiers and fireworks will be deployed to the sound of music in the night sky. FREE ENTRY, the show is free of charge for all but it will be subject to optimal weather conditions (the event will be confirmed on Thursday 29th of January). Families and visitors are advised to arrive at least 2 hours before the event begins, as it will be quite crowded. Wrap up warm and don’t forget your camera!Night Glow – Spectacle Son & Lumière37ème Festival International de BallonsSaturday 31st of January 2015 at 18h58 in Château-d’OexPays-d’Enhaut
© 2015 Festival International de Ballons, Château-d'Oex
© 2015 Festival International de Ballons, Château-d’Oex

 

  • 31st January – 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.
 © 2015 ZoT Compagnie
© 2015 ZoT Compagnie

 

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.
Patinoire de Carouge © Ville de Carouge
Patinoire de Carouge © Ville de Carouge

 

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.
Coppet ice-rink. Photo © genevafamilydiaries.net
Coppet ice-rink. Photo © genevafamilydiaries.net
ONGOING:
  • until 1st February 2015: Titanic, a fantastic new exhibition coming up at Geneva’s Palexpo which will tell 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.
 © Titanic - L'Exposition
© Titanic – L’Exposition

 

  • 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.
 © Ville de Genève
© Ville de Genève

 

L’arbre à voeux du Jardin botanique © CJB
L’arbre à voeux du Jardin botanique © CJB

 

 © Vallée de la Jeunesse, Lausanne
© Vallée de la Jeunesse, Lausanne

 

 

  • 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.
 © Palais Lumière, Evian
© Palais Lumière, Evian

 

  • 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.
© N. Conus
© N. Conus

 

  • 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.
© Copyright 2014 Espace des Inventions. Tous droits réservés.
© Copyright 2014 Espace des Inventions. Tous droits réservés.

 

  • 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.
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  1. 7e Puces du Design.ch les 1 – 2 – 3 mai 2015 à Morges Halle CFF

    Edition Spéciale Brésil 

♥ Exceptionnellement sur 3 jours ♥ 

Venez nous retrouver pour cette grande fête du vintage… 

The vintage furniture & fashion market is a unique event in Europe. Come to join us for this great vintage celebration 

« Les Puces du Design.ch » est comme son nom l’indique un véritable marché, où tout le monde peut venir vendre et acheter du mobilier, des vêtements et accessoires chics, de préférence griffés, datant des années 30 aux années 80 

C’est un ancien bâtiment industriel et ferroviaire, celui de « la Halle CFF de Morges» qui nous fera l’honneur de nous recevoir dans un espace intérieur de 4600 m². 

Une centaine d’exposants suisses et internationaux, issus d’univers variés et pourtant intimement liés autour d’une passion comme le mobilier, la mode et les accessoires vintage. 

Un programme de fêtes est déjà prévu pour cet événement. 

Les puces du design.ch est un événement grand public, populaire et ouvert à tous. 

L’entrée visiteurs est de CHF 5.- GRATUIT pour les enfants de moins de 12 ans. 

Plus d’infos sur : http://www.pucesdudesign.ch

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