10 FAMILY THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY
by Alana Dunsmore
Are your kids a little bored now that the excitement of Christmas is over? Well here are a few fun things to do, including fun day trips, in Geneva in January (we know we’re already half way in, but the month has been dragging on a bit).
1. THE OLYMPIC MUSEUM
To celebrate the Youth Olympic Games from January 6- 26, 2020 entry into The Olympic Museum in Lausanne is free. If you haven’t been this is a great opportunity to explore this family-friendly museum. You will find great interactive displays explaining the history of the Olympics and Olympic athletic village. Also, make sure you leave time to test out your Olympic athletic ability in the interactive exhibit at the end of the tour!
COST
Free until January 26, 2020
WHEN
Refer to website for hours
WHERE
1 quai d’Ouchy, Lausanne
MORE INFO
2. ESPACE DES INVENTIONS
The Espace des Inventions is a science centre in Lausanne, for children and families. The centre provides a space for children and families. Children are able to explore and inspire their sense of curiosity of science through interactive exhibitions and activities.
Sounds like there needs to be a road trip to Lausanne! Spend the first part of the day at the Olympic Museum and then finish here! Don’t have a car? Add to your kids’ enjoyment by taking the train to Lausanne from Geneva. Make sure you schedule your trip so you can ride in the family coach with the play area. If you haven’t discovered this, try it! It makes traveling with kids a dream!
COST
Adults 7chf
Child 5chf
WHERE
Vallée de la Jeunesse 1, Lausanne
MORE INFO
3. STORY TIME- GENEVA ENGLISH LIBRARY
Looking for something to do on a cold January day? Every Saturday during the school term the English Library hosts a free story time. During this time volunteers will read out loud stories from the library’s collection. This story time is aimed for children ages 3-7 years old. This is a free event open to members and non-members.
If your kids love books or maybe you are looking for a way expose them to English this is a great place to do so.
It is recommended to call to confirm story time is taking place.
COST
Free
WHEN
11:00 every Saturday (during school term)
WHERE
3 rue de Monthoux
MORE INFO
4. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ON STAGE
During January Simply Theatre in Versoix will bring the hit Disney musical “High School Musical” to stage.
The actors will take you on a trip down through the hallowed halls of High School Musical, the stage-adapted popular movie from the Disney Channel.
The performance is in English and ticket costs vary so refer to website for times and prices.
WHEN
January 25, 2020 – February 2, 2020
WHERE
Simply Theatre Studios, 23a Centre Choiseul, Avenue de Choiseul, 1290, Versoix
MORE INFO
5. ROULE GALETTE
The wonderful group Zig, Zag and Zoug will be performing, in usual fashion choosing a classic story. This time they will be performing the classic French story of Roule Galette.
If your house is anything like ours, we are constantly trying to balance French and English, in an attempt to try to do family activities in French, not only just English. This isn’t always easy if you and your partner are limited in the French department but if so, this is the perfect event for you because it won’t break the bank and provides a fun French environment for your child.
TIP Youtube below is an English version of the story so you have an idea of the story beforehand.
PERFORMANCE IN FRENCH
COST
Donation
WHEN
Sunday January 26, 2020
Show times: 10am and 11:30
WHERE
Maison de Quartier de Vieusseux
54, route des Franchises – 1203 Genève
MORE INFO
6. SKATING AND SHOPPING
The skating rink in Balexert mall is coming back for another year!
If you are going to check out the sales taking place this month but want to make it fun for the kids, look no further. The skating rink will be re-appearing for another year in the Balexert mall.
This year funds will be donated to the Just for Smiles foundation. So, make sure you get out for some gliding as well as supporting a great cause! I can’t think of a better reason to try something new or get back out to a family favourite activity!
Useful information: Skate sizes supplied start at size 25 and gloves are compulsory therefore will be supplied for kids.
COST
2chf
WHEN
January 7, 2020- February 1, 2020
WHERE
Main Square, Balexert Mall
MORE INFO
7. DINOSAURS
If your child loves dinosaurs, here’s the event for you.
Arts and Expression is hosting a workshop catered to younger children (ages 4-6). This workshop will provide a fun environment for drawing and painting various dinosaurs from the Jurassic era.
Registration required.
COST
49 chf
WHEN
Saturday January 18, 2020 2pm- 4pm
WHERE
Atelier du Square, rue François-Bonivard 4, 1201 Genève
MORE INFO
8. FAMILY MOVIE DAY
Looking for something to do on a rainy Sunday? Here is a perfect way to stay dry.
The last Sunday of every month enjoy a unique price of CHF 13 (plus supplements) for every film at the Pathé Cinema in Balexert mall. Each Pathé Family Day have activities, competitions, tasting sessions or small gifts. Check website for more days.
WHEN
The last Sunday of every month
WHERE
Pathe, Balexert Mall
MORE INFO
9. BLACK MOVIE
Coming back for its 16th edition is the Black Movie for kids. It is promising to be a refreshing program of waves!
There is a lush selection of films this year. The variety of films have links to between 25 countries from Brazil to Iran or China! Along the journey you will meet some indomitable animals and discover some lively family relationships.
There will be a variety of workshops offered this year including some regarding film-editing techniques. There’s something for all ages and interests!
The second weekend of the festival is a glitz-splashing bomb: Gregladur is staging a not-to-be missed cine-concert around maestro Garri Bardine’s classics.
Surely there is something for all ages! It’s a festival designed to enrich kids minds and take adults back to their childhood.
WHEN
January 17-26, 2020
WHERE
Refer to link for times and locations
MORE INFO
10. JEUX EN FAMILLE
The ludotheques of City of Geneva will be coming together this Sunday for their yearly family play time. On Sunday January 19, 2020 the Salle Communale of Plainpalais will open their doors.
Here you will find a variety of activities. It’s a great way to spend time with your family taking advantage of a space for small children but also various workshops, magic, escape games, ateliers and plenty of boards games for all ages and interests.
You will also find a small restaurant providing treats (for a cost) and plenty of space to park your pram.
TIP: try to arrive early as this event can get quite busy.
COST
Free
WHEN
January 19, 2020 10h-17h
WHERE
Salle communale de Plainpalais
Rue de Carouge 52
Along Tram 12
