THINGS TO DO IN GENEVA – FOR FAMILIES (OCTOBER 2018)
You’ve asked for it and we’ve listened!
As from this month, October 2018, we have joined forces with popular local website Parentville Geneva to offer you a monthly list of Things To Do in Geneva – For Families.
Also look out for competitions and more articles on family-related issues. If you’re a business owner or organisation wanting to reach out to thousands of English speakers, including parents in Geneva, contact us on info@thingstodoingeneva.ch to find out about opportunities to advertise on our site, sponsor our newsletter and collaborate.
THE ART OF THE BRICK
From 4th of October till the 6th of January 2019
Lego enthusiasts of all ages will love to this Lego sculpture exposition taking place in Palexpo. Nathan Sawaya is an internationally renowned American sculptor, who creates jaw-dropping contemporary installations with simple Lego bricks. Finally, his marvels have made it to Geneva!
The exhibition will be accompanied by Lego workshops for kids and families, run by Bricks4Kidz Geneva, which I wholeheartedly advise you to join! I am thrilled this is not just one weekend event, as I am sure many families, including mine, will visit it more than once.
Read our full review here.
WHERE
Palexpo
WHEN
4th of October till the 6th of January
COST
CHF16 for kids aged 6+, adults CHF25
MORE INFO
(For more info about tickets click here)
https://www.facebook.com/artofthebrick.geneva/
BLACK MOVIE FESTIVAL AUTOMNALES
October-December 2018
Grand Cinema for the little ones is the autumn edition of the annual Black Movie, which usually takes place in January. It is addressed to children aged 4+. Over a period of four months 19 short films from 15 countries will be presented during projections in different locations, including Grütli, Grand-Lancy, Meyrin, Bernex, Onex, Plan-les-Ouates, and Chêne-Bourg.
Each month the films will be exploring a different theme. In October, little ones will be encouraged to look up to see the joyous characters that flutter in the air: a teasing toddler fluttering in a world of felt, a domesticated bird who has trouble leaving the parental nest, a valiant young man who defies the clouds to save his village, and even traveling ants … ballooning!
WHERE
Grütli, Grand-Lancy, Meyrin, Bernex, Onex, Plan-les-Ouates, and Chêne-Bourg
WHEN
Sunday 14 15h; Tuesday 16 16h45; Wednesday 17 15h; Sunday 28 15h; Tuesday 30 16h30; Wednesday 31 15h.
COST
Free entrance in communes, paid entrance in Grütli
MORE INFO:
On this site.
MARCHE DE L’ESPOIR
October 14
For the past 25 years Terre des Hommes Suisse has organised a charity walk “Marche de l’Espoir” along Quai du Mont-Blanc. It is “the greatest solidarity event of this kind in Switzerland”, with around 5000 children participating (with their families) every year. Before the walk every participant has to look for sponsors. The money is used to finance development programmes to improve the living conditions of underprivileged children and their families in a specific region of the world.
WHERE
Quai du Mont Blanc
WHEN
October 14, 11h – 17h30
COST
Donations
MORE INFO
On this website.
SCIENCE VILLAGE
October 13
For the third year in a row, the City of Ferney-Voltaire, organises a science village, this time in the newly renovated Châtea du Voltaire. What is the goal of this science festival? Familiarise you with the scientific process, learn about the evolution of science.
It is a great occasion to participate in workshops and activities, attend small experiences. There is something organised for participants of all ages, including the activities by AddictLab.
WHERE
Château du Voltaire; Allée du Château, 01210 Ferney-Voltaire, France
WHEN
October 13, 9:00-18:00
COST
Free entrance
MORE INFO
On this website and on Facebook.
PRENEZ PLACE!
October 13-14
Over 260 interactive games in the city! Gargot de Joc is an exposition of curiosity and fun in action created by Catalan artist Joan Rivera. All installations were created from recovered aka up-cycled materials. The games will be spread around the city, each spot offering a different theme. I would definitely go to at least one location and try to figure out some of the games!
WHERE
Various locations: Jonction (Plaine de Plainpalais, “Gargot de bicyclettes”), Plainpalais (Rue Jean-Violette, “L’autre vie des objets”), Servette (Avenue Wendt, “L’arbre à jeux, l’araignée, le papillon et le poulpe), Saint-Jean (Rue du Beulet, “Gargot de sculptures”), Paquis (Quai Wilson hauteur Bains des Pâquis, “Les grand imaginaires”), Eaux-Vives (Quai Gustav-Ador opposite the Jet d’eau, “Gargot de musclette”), Centre Ville (Place du Rhône, “Duo ≠ Duel”).
WHEN
October 13-14
COST
Free
MORE INFO
DESALPE IN ANNECY
October 13
Every autumn many towns and villages organise festivities to welcome the cows coming back from their summer in the mountains aka “desalpe” (coming back from the alps). The cows enter the towns wearing flower decorations, and somewhat loud bells.
One of the places worth visiting is Annecy. Though it is a different experience from the ones in Swiss mountain towns and villages, it is absolutely worth your time.The festival will introduce you to the local produce, trades and crafts of the past, folk music, and more.
For children sensitive to the noise, and the smallest ones, we advise to take ear plugs, or noise-cancelling headphones. Come prepared and enjoy
WHERE
Annecy, old town
WHEN
October 13, 9h-18h
COST
Free entrance
MORE INFO
DES VACANCES QUI DONNENT LA PATATE
October 23-26
During the October school holidays (aka potato holidays) the Geneva Museum of Art and History (MAH)opens its doors to families! It organizes workshops and activities for children aged 3 to 12. They are fun, educational, free of charge, and does not require registration (but places are limited).
This year the whole week will be focusing on the theme of “rhythm and movement” as these are the two important aspects of the work of the Swiss painter Ferdinand Hodler, who is a big focus on the Geneva cultural agenda this year.
This is a great opportunity for kids not enrolled in any camps in one of the best venues for families when its wet and dreary outside.
WHERE
Musée d’art et d’histoire, Rue Charles-Galland 2, 1206 Genève
WHEN
October 23-26
COST
Free
MORE INFO
On this site.
PARC BASTIONS: SOUND AND LASER SHOW
October 29 – November 21
We can’t wait for this event! On the occasion of 18th Wright Colloquium, the Wright Foundation will organise a magnificent mapping spectacle – a sound and light show. The scene will take the form of the façade of the Uni Bastion central, and the oldest, building (in Parc Bastions). The theme of this year’s edition is gravity and universal attraction.
3 weeks, 3 shows a day, the first one at 18h – long enough before bedtime to let the kids enjoy it too. I assure you this is an unforgettable experience for them. They can watch a mesmerising show, dance to the music and stock up on new images to fuel their imagination.
WHERE
Uni Bastions, Parc Bastions
WHEN
October 29 – November 21; 18h, 19h, 20h
COST
Free entrance
MORE INFO
MECHANICAL MOVES : THE PRINCIPLE OF LEAST EFFORT
October 17 2018 – September 15 2019
A new exhibition in the Science History Museum is launching this October. It is all about machines that help us carry weight. Come and find out how they differ, how they work, and how to put them in use. The machines presented are those used to carry certain weights. Don’t miss this possibility to come and try lifting some of these weights to find out how simple machines work.
Also, don’t forget to note down the 3 dates of exhibition-related kids workshops: October 17, November 21, and February 13. If you can’t make it on these dates, the Science History Museum organises kids activities almost every Wednesday. It can make for a beautiful day with a walk by the lake, activities in the museum, and picnic in the park – or is this a bit too ambitious?
FYI: the museum is not very accessible with strollers/wheelchairs: there are steps, and no lift to take you up to the first floor.
WHERE
Musée d’histoire des sciences; Parc de la Perle du Lac; 128, rue de Lausanne
WHEN
October 17 2018 – September 15 2018
COST
Free entrance
MORE INFO
HALLOWEEN
31 October
For a separate list of spooky things to do this Halloween, check out this website and the Things to do in Geneva Facebook page over the next few weeks!
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
