THINGS TO DO IN GENEVA – FOR FAMILIES – (NOVEMBER 2018)
Brought to you by Parentville.ch
The weather has changed drastically and now is the time to be indoors, enjoying all the comforts of home: watching movies, baking, and playing board games en famille. But let’s face it – staying home until the weather improves would wear down even the sunniest of dispositions. Luckily, Geneva offers plenty of fun year-round. Discover exciting exhibitions at Palexpo, a new science center for kids, theatre shows, and family brunches! Stay warm, and enjoy your family time right here, in Geneva!
AUTOMNALES
November 2nd to 11th
Like every year in November, the Automnales in Palexpo is an opportunity to stay dry and warm, while having some fun. Geneva’s popular fall festival offers plenty of indoor activities for children: a “farming school” teaching them all about farm animals, fruits and vegetables; an inflatable playground; laser games; Escape Room activities; and more. On Wednesday, November 7th, special workshops will be hosted to teach children how to best organise their space, and how to play scrabble. Last but not least, kids of all ages are sure to love the International Dogs competition and Cat World Cup!
TOP TIP: Check out the ongoing “expos” to find an event that matches your family’s interests: dogs, cats, Japanese culture, dance, nature…
WHEN
November 2nd to 11th, 2018
Monday through Saturday: 11h to 21h (restaurants and bars open until 23h)
Sunday: 10h to 20h
Wednesdays and after 18h free entry. Try to avoid weekends for less traffic and to avoid the crowds.
WHERE
Palexpo, Geneva
MORE INFO
For a detailed program, opening hours and prices, please visit the Automnales’ official website.
MOUSTACHES – THEATRE SHOW
November 3rd to 4th
The city of Vernier is becoming increasingly famous for its rich cultural program, including the offer for children. This November, kids are invited to discover the world of moustaches through a puppet show! A world where houses, trees, pebbles, clouds, stars, birds, dads, moms, grandpas, grannies, Marcel’s little sister, Archibald’s cat and even the sleeping princesses have whiskers that grow! One character is left out – so he runs away in pursuit of his own moustache! It is a show about identity and accepting each other’s differences. For children aged five and above and their families.
WHEN
Saturday, November 3rd and Sunday, November 4th
WHERE
Salle du Lignon,
Place du Lignon 16,
1219 Le Lignon
The venue is accessible with pushchairs and wheelchairs.
MORE INFO
For prices, times, and tickets, please visit the cultural department website of the Ville de Vernier.
LA NUIT DU CONTE (in English: “The Night of the Tale”)
November 9th
A storytelling event on an autumn evening, for children to cuddle with their parents while listening to a tale… La Nuit du Conte was created back in 1995, and since then, it traditionally takes place on the second Friday of November in all of Switzerland. The goal is simple: to promote reading on a daily basis by bringing children and adults together, through the pleasure of storytelling. In Geneva, storytelling events will take place at the Ferme Sarasin (Grand-Saconnex), the Natural History Museum, the Maison de Quartier in Carouge, and the Maison Verte & Quartier in Grottes, as well as at the Maison Onésienne, Foyer Béthel, Résidence Butini, and Crèche Rondin-Picotin.
WHEN
Friday, November 9th
WHERE
Various locations across the canton
MORE INFO
The entry is free of charge. To check out the whole program in all locations, please visit the event’s official website, or its pdf brochure.
THE OPENING OF EXPLORACENTRE
November 10th
A new, amazing place for children is opening in Geneva! Destined for kids aged three and above, Exploracentre is a perfect mix of museum, play centre, and scientific discovery. Unlike in a museum, everything can be touched; as in a play center, everything is playful; all elements are designed for children to discover science in an enjoyable environment.
This is our top pick for this month!
WHEN
Saturday, November 10th, from 10h to 18h.
WHERE
Exploracentre
Rue des Bains 33
1205 Geneva.
MORE INFO
To find out more about the centre, opening hours and entry fees, please visit Exploracentre’s website.
FAMILY SHOPPING BRUNCH
November 10th and 11th
The Mes Pulls Font La Manche group proves that shopping, brunch, and kids can all go hand in hand! It’s a “shop my closet” event, accompanied by drinks and food. On November 11th, it will also be combined with a tasty brunch, made from seasonal produce, with a nanny on-site to entertain your kids while you browse.
The lovely Café Les Volontaires will host this event, with hundreds of pre-owned clothes, a “you set the price” corner, and new items by local artisans on offer.
WHEN
Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th
WHERE
Café les Volontaires
Rue de la Coulouvrenière 26
1204 Geneva
MORE INFO
To find out more about this event and book a spot to sell your wares, please check this event on Facebook.
LES CREATIVES
November 13th to 25th
The 14th edition of this national festival of women and feminism is looking better than ever! For 13 days, several events will take place across the canton, including three events meant for a younger public. On Sunday, November 18th at 11h and 15h, a show will be held at the Manège d’Onex. On Saturday, November 24th at 11h, kids aged six and above are invited to listen to feminine stories by Vi Indigaïa in Café Nénuphar in Vernier (story time will be followed by a delicious brunch). On November 25th, the famous Bulle d’Aire will take over, offering two activities: sound painting at 9h30, and Music box at 10h30.
WHEN
From November 13th to 25th.
Kids’ events will be held on November 18th, 24th and 25th.
WHERE
Various locations, including Manège d’Onex, Café Nénuphar and Bulle d’Aire.
MORE INFO
You can find all timings, dates, addresses, and additional information about entry fees on the Les Creatives official website.
FAMILY CONCERT
November 17th
It is never too early to introduce children to the beautiful interiors of the Victoria Hall, and the wonders of classical music. The Orchestre de Suisse Romande invites families to a one-hour concert of melodies by Bartok, Stravinsky, and Ravel. You won’t have to stress too much about your children’s behaviour: this event was designed with them in mind!
WHEN
Saturday, November 17th at 11h.
WHERE
Victoria Hall
Rue du Général-Dufour 14
1204 Geneva.
MORE INFO
You can find more information and book your tickets on the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande’s official website.
FATHER AND CHILD FUN
November 24th
The founder of the TotUp nursery was very quick to respond to a need of activities for fathers and their children. Most children’s events are usually filled with women and their kids, where dads can feel awkward or out of place. TotUp offers a three-hour workshop that includes sports activities, cooking classes, and lunch, in an informal and welcoming environment.
WHEN
Saturday, November 24th from 10h to 13h.
WHERE
TotUp nursery (crèche)
Avenue des Morgines 12
1213 Geneva
MORE INFO
To find out more about this workshop and book a place, check out TotUp’s website.
THE SNOW QUEEN
November 24th to December 7th
When it’s getting too cold and wet to spend time with kids outdoors, the theatre is always a good alternative. Each year, Simply Theatre prepares a seasonal show, and for this year’s winter season, the Versoix-based English-speaking troupe will be playing the musical “The Snow Queen”. This adaptation of the timeless classic by Hans Christian Andersen is set to transfer children to and enchanted world…
WHEN
From November 24th to December 7th
WHERE
Simply Theatre
23a Centre Choiseul
Avenue de Choiseul
1290 Versoix
MORE INFO
You can find additional information about the show, the cast, show timings, and tickets over at Simply Theatre.
THEATRE IMPROV FOR KIDS
November 25th
Livres-moi Tes Histoires (in English: “Bring Me Your Stories”) is literally what this event is all about. Bring your picture books, drop them on the scene, and the actor will improvise the stories based on the pictures! These interactive improvisational shows are funny, touching, and surprising for both children and adults. It’s a brilliant way to transmit a love for theatre to children!
WHEN
Sunday, November 25th, at 14h
WHERE
Theatre le Caveau
Avenue de Sainte-Clotilde 9
1205 Geneva
MORE INFO
This show is meant for children aged five and above. For a more detailed description of the show, information about future events in this series and entry fees, please visit the Theatre Le Caveau website.
There is plenty more going on in Geneva this November – to be enjoyed with the whole family! Please visit Parentville.ch for more information about other upcoming events.
PARENTVILLE GENEVA
Parentville was created by Geneva-based mother, Olga Sokolik, after many friends urged her to share in a friendly and accessible way, all the knowledge she has gathered about children-related topics in Geneva. After sharing just a few articles, it has become clear that the parents are in need of an online place where they can find what they need, within seconds. Parentville is a website, a Facebook group, and an Instagram profile.
You’ll find articles on the website, a lot of discussions on Facebook, and a lot of behind the scenes and places we love on Instagram. Parentville.ch – online resource in English for families in Geneva. Discover new places, find out about childcare options, meet mumpreneurs, and enjoy this absolutely not boring city!
Find out about the bilingual (English and French) Parentville book: ABC Geneva for Kids
