FAMILY THINGS TO DO IN GENEVA IN AUGUST 2020
by Alana Dunsmore
Are we the only ones who feel like summer flashed by quickly? Maybe because we were so busy working in July and lost out on our summer family holiday with lots of adult time, life felt busier and now summer is almost coming to the end.
Luckily, there still are some great things to do to fill the last days of your staycation in Geneva with family fun.
PS: If you are looking for more ideas check out our Family – Friendly summer activities list from last month.
FREE INSECT AND GARDEN EXHIBITION – Le Jardin Sauvage, Schilliger Garden Centre
Until August 29 the Schilliger Garden Centre has a FREE insect and garden Exhibition. In celebration of their 75th anniversary, this family run garden centre is providing this free exhibition for all the young explorers to enjoy during the summer. Read our full article, Free insect and Garden Exhibition – Fun for adults and kids to learn all the details including how you could have a chance to win a 200chf voucher!
We just made this trip and already want to go back! My seven-year-old loved it.
WHERE
Schilliger Garden Center – Gland
Route Suisse 40
1196 Gland (VD)
WHEN
Monday-Friday 9 am-6:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Closed on Sundays
MORE INFO
ANIMALS AND NATURE – Vivarium de Meyrin
Continuing the creature theme, we thought we’d share this gem but maybe not during the current heat wave. Save it for a rainy day or a Sunday – as the Vivarium is open on Sundays.
The Vivarium in Meyrin has snakes, lizards, spiders and many more creatures! Lots of different animals that require warm, tropical climatic which is why I would recommend not to go if you are trying to get away from the heat. I am thinking this may be a trip my husband does with our son 🙂
Open all year so no rush.
TIP: They also offer birthday parties, as well as camps for kids 8 +
WHERE
32a, rue Cardinal-Journet (along tram 14 and 18)
COST
Adult 11chf
Kids 6 chf
MORE INFO
PLAY AND MUSIC – Gymboree
Gymboree Geneva is a large soft-space area with many fun obstacle courses for babies and toddler (ages birth to 5 years old). It offers several classes using art, movement, music and much more to encourage mental development and problem solving. In a safe space Gymboree provides the chance to stretch little bodies and minds through a variety of activities such as songs, games, stories and more.
In addition to the class options and camps, they also offer pre-school and a class specifically to practice English in a fun environment. They also offer a space for party rental.
Note: Classes are bilingual English/French. The play floor is available for free use to Gymboree members.
WHERE
Rue Sonnex 23
1218 Grand-Saconnex
MORE INFO
MUSIC LOVERS – MUSIC TOGETHER
Music Together is a great option for all the little music lovers out there. Their weekly classes are 45 minutes and exclusively for children 0-5 years old.
Music Together offers the opportunity for children to (re)discover the magic of the harmony of sounds and movement in total freedom and fun. They use a proven and well-respected concept which you can read in more detail in our previous article called Music Together: How to grow the music in your child.
They offer a variety of classes at various locations throughout Geneva as well as some online options due to the current COVID situation. See link below for all the details.
Note: Tuition includes a CD of music, a digital download code to preview music at home and a parent guide.
MORE INFO
mtingenevacenter.com
LA CREAMOBILE – Mobile Atelier is back!
The association Les Createliers is back offering their FREE mobile atelier. For most of the month of August they will be offering their great atelier in two different spots; Place de la Navigation and Square Monthoux.
If your kids enjoy activities which allow them to work with their hands, this is the spot for them! In both locations they will have the opportunity to explore a variety of crafts allowing them to exercise creativity.
Note: The activity is FREE, and you don’t need to pre-register but you are responsible for your children.
WHEN
Place de la Navigation – every Wednesday 6 – 6 pm
Re de Monthoux – Monday to Friday (August 3 – 21) 2- 6 pm
MORE INFO
ENCHANTED CHAPITEAUX – Les Chapiteaux enchantés
Hosted by the city of Lancy in collaboration with the Intercultural Library of the Geneva Red Cross, this great event provides families the opportunity to partake in activities under the theme of “Family wellness”. The activity is for children aged 0- 4. It is a place for you to share special moments with your family, as well as meet other families.
There will be a chance to listen to children’s tales, take part in workshops including music themes, lullabies and lots more.
NOTE: All sanitary measures related to COVID are in forced.
WHEN
9 am – 11 am (August 17, 2020 to August 23, 2020)
WHERE
Navazza Oltramare Park, 1213 Geneva
MORE INFO
LA CANOPEE – RELAX OUTDOORS
Have you heard about La Canopee? I thought I would remind you about this great space the City of Geneva has set up for our enjoyment. La Canopee is an outdoor venue which has been set up near Baby Plage. The aim is to provide a public area for summer dance or relaxation by the lake. Until September 27, 2020 a variety of free sport classes will be offered.
In addition to courses for adults, the program includes kids’ classes. Until September 27, there will be multiple classes for kids, including yoga and Zumba. Check schedule below for specific days and times, but there are multiple sessions per week. In addition to these exercise classes, Eaux-Vives Ludotheque will be set up every Wednesday from 4 – 7 pm until August 26.
MORE INFO
BRONZETTE – more then a place for cocktails
I thought Bronzette was just a great spot for Apero but didn’t realize there was so much more. In addition to being great for cocktails, they also offer other activities. Check the schedule for specific dates but they offer kid’s yoga, family yoga and Intro to judo for kids.
It’s also a great spot for an ice cream, snack or apéro. They have a variety of outdoor seating areas. There are also a couple of sandboxes for kids to play in while adults enjoy a Prosecco!
The outdoor space will be open until September 30, 2020.
MORE INFO
MORE THEN JUST HIKING – Salève
During the month of August, the Salève has organised activities specifically for kids. The events are intended to allow children (3+ years old) the chance to explore life up on the mountain. For the month of August there are three events:
- Insect hunting: kids have the chance to observe these creatures in their environment.
- Construction of huts: for children (6+). They will have the chance to come and learn how to build a cabin at the top by the cable car station.
- Nature Toys: will provide children the opportunity to play with the elements of nature. Using items found in nature to make their own toys.
In addition, the Salève is also a great spot to take the kiddos to do some exploring of your own. There are multiple walking paths. We also love going up there to watch the para-gliders who start from the top of the Salève.
NOTE: It is accessible by TPG (bus number 8). Just make sure you hop on the bus which says in the direction of Veyrier Douane.
MORE INFO
