Things to Do: Canton Geneva

Pregnant Women

Birth Preparation Courses in Geneva – A relaxed, friendly ten hour group course that helps expectant parents learn about healthy living in pregnancy; understand about the healthcare system in Switzerland for pregnant women; have their questions about labour and birth answered; prepare for the first days with their new baby; get advice and tips for breast feeding; meet other expectant couples; and much more. The courses are led by British-trained Midwife, Polly Pupulin, RN BSc Midwifery (Hons) More information and to book: Website

Arcade sages-femmes– a wonderful place where you can go if you are expecting a baby. The midwives are there to help you through your pregnancy, with your delivery and also they do home-visits the first three months after having your baby. Website (French only)

Yoga is wonderful during pregnancy as it can help relief the back pain, relax your mind and make you even more connected emotionally with your baby. You can also have some classes after birth, with your baby. Website

Outdoor

Playground and animal park ‘Bois-de-la-Bâtie’ – great place to go for a walk, to let you kids play or even have a barbeque with friends. Website (French only)

Parc des Bastions –A historical park in Geneva where kids can enjoy a playground in summertime and a skating park in winter. Website (French only)

Ludobus – This is a moving ludoteque (toy lending library) so that children can enjoy the outdoors and at the same time socialize and play with other kids. Schedule can be found here

Geneva Botanical Gardens – Chemin de l’Impératrice 1 Genève, Switzerland. How to visit the garden as a family – details here.

Indoor

Lausanne: The new AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium has around 200 different species on display, 10 000 fish, 100 reptiles and amphibians and 300 plant species from five continents. The stunning new building is also a reason to visit. Nearly 100 000 silver discs are installed on the façade, ‘‘Moving in the wind and shimmering in the sun, they are reminiscent of fish scales.’’ Family or individual tickets can be purchased online; children under 5 are free. All the details, in English, are listed on the website.

Ludoteques(Toy lending libraries) –  List of Ludoteques in Geneva and details on each one of them here. Short list here below:

• Ludothèque 1,2,3… Planète ! Avenue d’aïre 42 Tél. 022 344 06 52
• Ludothèque Centre et Vieille-Ville Boulevard Jacques-Dalcroze 4 Tél. 022 310 19 08
• Ludothèque des Eaux-Vives Rue du Nant 27 Tél. 022 735 36 26
• Ludothèque de La Marelle Route des Franchises 54A Tél. 022 345 03 33
• Ludothèque de La Servette Rue Chouet 8 Tél. 022 733 29 96
• Ludothèque des Pâquis Rue de Berne 50 Tél. 022 731 20 09
• Ludothèque de Sécheron Avenue Blanc 7 Tél. 022 731 94 65
• Ludothèque du Petit Saconnex Chemin des Genêts 14 Tél. 022 734 32 77
• Ludothèque de Plainpalais-Jonction Avenue Sainte-Clotilde 1 Tél. 022 328 93 63
• Ludothèque de Pré-Picot Chemin Frank Thomas 31 Tél. 022 700 66 64
• Ludothèque Prêt-Ludes Rue Le Corbusier 4-6 Tél. 022 346 46 86
• Ludothèque de Saint-Jean Rue de Saint-Jean 12 Tél. 022 344 07 00

Ethnographic Museum of Geneva (MEG) – Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays, 25 December and 1 January. 65, Bd Carl-Vogt, 1205 Geneva. Special visits can be organized for children, workshops available to children over 6 years old and also the option to celebrate your child’s birthday. Website

Museum of Natural History- Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays, 25 December and 1 January. Route de Malagnou 1, 1208 Genève . More details can be found here and here (French only)

Family Friendly Restaurants

Ikea – http://www.ikea.com/ms/fr_CH/ikea_family/index.html

Chez ma cousine – http://www.chezmacousine.ch/site/fr/

R pour famille http://verein4.projuventute.ch/Un-R-de-famille.752.0.html

Indoor Activities

Gym for babies Website

Music for children between 0 – 5 years. Website

Life of Art – Art studio that organizes workshops Parent/Child (children 6 years old and up) Website

Yatouland – Bouncy castles and trampolines for children over 3 years. The place can also be booked for birthday celebrations. Website

 Things to Do in Geneva was compiled by Madalina Luntraru

Photo above courtesy of Fritz Geller-Grimm

If you have any suggestions to add to the list, please email us at: info@familymattersswitzerland.ch