Chillon Castle, Lake Geneva.
With its elegant resort towns, lakeside castle and idyllic mountain backdrop, the Swiss Riviera is an enchanting destination all year round and it’s the perfect spot for a family getaway. From hitting the ski slopes to riding the chocolate train – here are 10 fun things to do with kids around Lake Geneva.
1. Take a cruise around the lake
Sightseeing is much more fun when you’re looking out from the deck of a historic paddle steamer and cruising around Lake Geneva is popular pastime for visitors. Glide along the scenic waterfront, taking in sights like the United Nations building, the Castle of Bellerive and the iconic Jet d’Eau, one of the world’s tallest water fountains, which reaches up to 140 meters.
2. Take a day trip to Montreux
Perched on the eastern bank of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the picturesque Lavaux Vineyards, Montreux is among the most popular day trips from Geneva. Enjoy a stroll along the tree-lined waterfront promenade, stopping by the famous statue of Freddie Mercury, then visit Montreux’s star attraction, the striking medieval Château de Chillon (Chillon Castle). Marooned on an island just off the coast of Montreux and accessible via drawbridge, Chillon Castle hosts a number of markets and reenactments throughout the year, as well as providing an enchanting backdrop for the atmospheric Montreux Christmas market.
Lausanne, Lake Geneva.
3. Climb to the top of Rochers de Naye
Riding the cogwheel railway to the 2,042-meter peak of nearby Rochers-de-Naye is another highlight of a visit to Montreux and offers magnificent views over the lake below. If you’re visiting during the winter months, be sure to pay a visit to Santa in his mountaintop grotto and tour the atmospheric Christmas village atop Rochers-de-Naye. Summer visitors can explore the network of hiking and biking trails, or visit the Marmot’s Paradise animal park.
4. Outdoor swimming
You might be a long way from the sea, but it’s still possible to spend a day at the beach in Geneva. There are over a hundred free beaches dotted around Lake Geneva and some of the best include Lutry beach, just east of Lausanne; the Bains des Pâquis swimming area and Geneve Plage in Geneva; the sandy beaches of Plage d’Avenches and Plage Salavaux; and Hermance beach.
5. Enjoy the outdoors
Geneva’s alpine setting makes it ideal for an outdoor adventure and there are plenty of family friendly hiking and biking trails around the lake. Trek around the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, cycle along the waterfront, go horse riding, or try water sports like windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking or canoeing. For something a little different, head to nearby Chateau d’Oex, where popular activities include hot air ballooning and grass scootering.
Geneva, Switzerland.
6. Escape to the mountains
Geneva’s proximity to the French Alps makes it a popular base camp for exploring the mountains, so take a day trip to Chamonix or ride the cable car to Aiguille du Midi for a dazzling view of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak. If you’re visiting in the winter months, skiing from Geneva is also possible, with nearby resorts like Chamonix, Saint Gervais and Megeve offering opportunities for all levels as well as special ski classes and activities aimed at children.
7. Enjoy a scenic train ride
Switzerland has no end of scenic train journeys and Lake Geneva lies at the end of one of the country’s most famous routes – the Golden Panoramic railway, which runs all the way from Lucerne, through the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken and Gstaad, before ending in Montreux. Alternatively, ride the aptly named Chocolate Train to the Nestlé Chocolate Factory, chug around the vineyards on the Lavaux Express (summer only) or hop on the P’tit train for a city tour of Geneva or Nyon.
8. Visit a Museum
Not all of Geneva’s museums and galleries are kid friendly, but there are a number of interesting exhibitions around the lakeside that make a fun choice for a rainy day. The Alimentarium food museum in Vevey has a dedicated “junior” section and hosts a range of kid’s workshops, while the gigantic fork sculpture that stands in the lake opposite makes a unique photo opportunity. Alternatively, older kids will enjoy the interactive exhibitions at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne or the ICT Discovery Centre. There’s something for all ages at the Geneva Natural History Museum, the Museum of the History of Science and the Swiss Museum of Games in La Tour-de-Peilz.
9. Spend an afternoon in the park
Geneva’s most famous park is the English Garden, where kids will be impressed by the gigantic flower clock – a homage to Switzerland’s legendary clock making industry – and the impressive views over the harbor. Parc de la Grange is another tranquil spot, renowned for its seasonal rose gardens. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Batie Woods, visiting the Botanical Gardens or spotting animals large and small at the Parc Challandes animal refuge.
10. Spend a day at a water park
For a thrilling alternative to the lakeside beaches and parks, head to the Aquaparc Le Bouveret, which has gigantic water slides, whirlpools, water play areas and an outdoor water sports area. Alternatively, there’s the Vitam Parc just over the French border, which has a spa, climbing wall and water park, or the Happyland theme park, less than an hour from Montreux.
– contributed by Zoe Smith
10 Fun Things to Do with Kids Around Lake Geneva from Switzerland Things to Do
