FAMILY–FRIENDLY SUMMER ACTIVITIES
SUMMER 2020
9 THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS – JULY 2020
by Alana Dunsmore
Many of us are finding ourselves stuck in Geneva this summer. This might be a real bummer for some – we were really looking forward to a holiday in Canada which got cancelled – but hey, Geneva is a great place to be and luckily there are many local family activities to enjoy, many of which are free or almost free.
These are the things to do with families in Geneva we have found so far.
PS: If you are still scrambling to organise summer camps, do check out our great summer camp list for ideas.
PLAYDATES AT KIDS TIME CLUB
I’m always on the lookout for new places to take my son and bonus points if they allow adults to have a cup of coffee at the same time. Kids Time Club is a new children’s centre which recently opened in Eaux-Vives and they appear to tick all those boxes!
Kids Time Club was created with children and parents in mind. They have a play area where kids learn through playing and right next to it is a self-service coffee bar with a sitting area for adults. It’s the perfect place to catch up with a friend while the kids enjoy playing in the supermarket or planting veggies on the farm! A dose of good old fashioned fun mixed with a nice slice of banana bread.
They also offer birthday parties and organised classes.
COST
15 chf first visit
For future visits, a one-time membership of 70chf is required
WHEN
Monday – Friday 9 am – 12:30 pm and 2 pm – 6:30 pm
Saturday 9 am- 1 pm
WHERE
Ruelle du couchant 11, 1207 Geneva
MORE INFO
WANNA BE A KID AGAIN – Hoop Jam
Did you know Geneva has a hula hoop association? Until just before the lockdown, neither did I. So, I am happy to finally be able to share this news with you! They have been hosting a weekly open event, but had to close it due to the lockdown.
On Saturday, July 4th, they will host a family-friendly inaugural hula hoop event in Parc Bertrand. This is your chance to celebrate with them in an informal, supportive and fun atmosphere.
There will be a free intro to hula hoop class for beginners in both English and French. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to practice during the 2-hour practice sessions. Hula hoops and music are supplied and all you need to bring is your smile, water, and clothes fit for sports activities.
WHEN
July 4, 2020, 3:30-6:30
WHERE
Parc Bertrand, Champel
MORE INFO
LOOKING TO COOL OFF – Yatouland Aquatique Parc
The cooling leisure water park of Yatouland will be returning for summer. This discovery couldn’t have come at a better time!
They will be setting up this fun exciting water park for kids between 3-13 years old in the Stade de Vernier. You’ll find lots of water activities for the kids to play and enjoy while they beat the heat. In addition to the play castles and water slides, there are activities such as laser games. You will also find a shaded terrace with a snack bar on site. There is also a dedicated space for younger children.
Note: They have outdoor birthday packages.
WHEN
11 am to 6:30 pm
Wednesday to Sunday
MORE INFO
SUMMER BLAST – Musee Ariana
I am super disappointed we can’t take advantage of this activity because my son is not old enough, yet!
This is a great affordable option if you’re looking for something to provide you with a break but don’t need a full summer camp option. The Ariana museum will be hosting two-week-long summer ateliers. Here your kids will be provided with the opportunity to work with a variety of materials to create objects.
All that’s required is inspiration, imagination and creativity!
WHEN
July 6-10, 2020, 1:30 – 4:30
August 3 – 7, 2020, 1:30 – 4:30
COST
100chf, snacks included
MORE INFO
DE PARC EN PARC AVEC LES BM
For the fourth edition, the de Parc en Parc avec les BM will be resuming. This is an event for all ages, including adults, but check the schedule as there are many events particularly for kids. In addition to a mobile library, there will be workshops, games, readings, concerts, music and much more. This year’s theme is “Monster.”
Through a variety of activities, kids will have the opportunity to discover and share the idea of the invisible monster. Check the link below for more details as there are a lot of choices!
For the first part of July, events will take place in Parc la Grange and then move to the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
NOTE: In case of bad weather, some activities will be held at the city library.
WHEN
July 1-26, 2020
WHERE
Parc la Grange
Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques
MORE INFO
LUDOTHÉQUES – Play Library
Right now, many services keep changing their procedures depending on state COVID regulations. Ludothéques and pools were two things my son missed while at home during the lockdown. They have always been a huge hit!
Since moving to Geneva our family has always appreciated having access to the Ludothéque and it continues to be a place we enjoy together even after living here for 5 years.
During the summer, some Ludothéques will be set up outdoors, so check your local one for specific information. Below are a few listed.
MORE INFO
EXPLORE SHAPES AND COLOURS – MAMCO
During July, on two Sundays, MAMCO will allow free entry. On these Sundays, they will also host mini rendez-vous for kids 2-4 years old (20 minutes in French) and for 5-10-year old’s (45 minutes in English and French). Both sessions require an accompanying adult.
During this time the children will have the chance to explore and interact allowing them to discover the museum.
These events are free and no prior registration is required, but get there early as it is first come, first served.
WHEN
July 5 & 19, 2020
COST
Free
MORE INFO
LES COURS DE L’EAU – Sculpture Garden
Until September 30 the Geneva Sculpture Garden will be set up throughout Geneva for public viewing. There are a lot of great pieces which should be discovered but the one that immediately caught my son’s eye is Les Cours de L’eau.
As the name suggests it’s a fun way for kids to watch and explore how water moves. They can watch it run down the course and through holes and wheels.
WHEN
Until September 30, 2020
WHERE
Les Cours de l’Eau is in Parc des Eaux – Vives
MORE INFO
YUMMY – FRUIT PICKING
Picking fresh berries is a great family event but also provides kids the chance to learn about where their food comes from! And meanwhile, they’re also out and getting fresh air! Depending on the season many places around Geneva provide the opportunities to pick food other than strawberries and raspberries, but that’s what’s in season right now (until mid-July) and they just happen to be two of my son’s favourite fruit!
Below is a list of places in the area I have found.
Do COMMENT below with your favourite or newly discovered locations!
FARMS
