What’s On in February 2014

From skiing with the tiddlers to enjoying a delish family Sunday brunch, we’ve posted our favourite tips for a great family weekend in and around Geneva, not to mention all the ideas you can find in our post on how to survive those sleepy winter Sundays (free ice-skating anyone?).

If the start of the new year is taking its toll, why not try one of the meditation workshops offered by the public libraries in Carouge?

• Saturday 1st February 2014: “Robinet et vieilles armoires”, a show for children from age 5 at the Salle des fêtes du Lignon in Vernier (Place du Lignon 16). Performed in French, this fun shows tells the story of a crazy theatre.

 

• Saturday 1st February 2014: “Viens fêter la Chandeleur !”, a delicious “crêpes-party à la bibliothèque” for children and adults at the Bibliothèque de Saint-Jean in Geneva (Avenue des Tilleuls 19-entrée rue Miléant). From 11am to 1pm, free entry.

 

• Saturday 1st February 2014: Le samedi des bibliothèques vaudoises, a special open day dedicated to families and all book-lovers who will be able to visit their favourite libraries in Canton Vaud on Saturday 1st of February. The programme will include book sales, workshops, story-telling and much more, click here to download the full programme.

 

• Saturday 1st February 2014: “Le Soldat Rose”, a musical for children based on a story by Louis Chedid et Pierre-Dominique Burgaud. The show had raving views in Paris and it’s now set to take Geneva by storm, performed in French at the Théâtre du Léman (Quai du Mon-Blanc 19). Click here for full programme details and to buy tickets.

 

• 1st-2nd February 2014: Monsieur Barnabé, a fascinating musical show for children aged 2 to 4 at the Salle de l’éveil culturel – “La Madeleine des enfants” in Geneva (16, place de la Madeleine). Tickets cost 5CHF per person. Visit the official website for exact performance times and to reserve your tickets.

 

• 1st & 8th February 2014: “A table !”, cookery workshops for ages 7 to 12 at the BiblioQuartier des Grands-Hutins & Maison de Quartier de Carouge. The children will learn to cook dishes from all over the world, the workshops are free but places must be reserved in advance here.

 

• 2nd February 2014: HÉROS ANTIQUES ET DIEUX DE LÉGENDE, storytime in French from age 6 at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Learn more about Achilles and other heroes of the past, children must be accompanied by an adult. Two sessions will be taking place: one at 2pm and one at 4pm.

 

• Sunday 2nd February 2014: Don’t miss the next Funky Brunch in Geneva on the 2nd of February 2014 at Le Scandale in Geneva (24 rue de Lausanne). Click here to read all about the first Funky Brunch, which took place at the beginning of December 2013. We had a great time: the atmosphere is cool & relaxed (just how the like it!) and the kids were kept entertained by plenty of colouring materials and by the lovely Fée de Neige with her face-painting kit & magic balloons!

 

• Sunday 2nd February 2014: CRÊPE PARTY at indoor playcentre C L’Aventure in Annemasse (France) from 10am to 7pm. You can read more about C L’Aventure in our previous post.

 

• until 2nd February 2014: Pop-up Dressing at the Square, a fantastic sale of clothes & accessories with a new kids corner where you will find the best, coolest bargains in town. Open from 5pm to 10pm on the 31st of Jan; 11am to 5pm on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd of Feb. at The Square in Geneva (2-4 rue du Diorama).

 

• until 2nd February 2014: “Le Blé, l’autre Or des Romains” at the Musée Romain de Nyon (9 rue Maupertuis). In ancient Roman times corn was an essential part of everyday life, which made it very precious. Corn was also a tool of power in the hands of the Roman emperors and this fascinating exhibition explores how it affected Roman society in all its aspects: food, economics, trade, politics and even religion. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm until the month of November. From November until March opening times will be 2pm to 5pm.

 

• 1st-16th February 2014: Festival Antigel, one of Geneva’s coolest winter festivals. A distillery, a greenhouse, a cathedral, a train station and a swimming-pool are just some of the city hotspots where you’ll be able to enjoy great live music, dance events, sport and exhibitions. This year’s guests include Philip Glass and Suzanne Vega. Some of the events that you’ll be able to enjoy with your children include the “La Belle et la Bête”, an opera for kids at the Salle des fêtes du Lignon in Vernier (Place du Lignon 16). Twenty of the city’s communes will be taking part to offer some spectacular entertainment so check the official website for tickets and the full day-by-day programme.

 

• 4th February 2014: “Voyage autour du conte et des histoires” storytime from age 4 at the library of La Julienne in Plan-les-Ouates from 4.30pm to 5.45pm. Free entry.

 

• 4th-9th February 2014: “CINÉMATIQUE”, a unique numerical arts show from age 7 at the Théâtre Am Stram Gram in Geneva (56 route de Frontenex). Visit the official website for exact performance times and to book your tickets.

 

• 5th February 2014: “J’aime, j’aime pas”, photography workshop in French from age 7 with Parisian photographer Jean-Marc Fiess at the Bibliothèque des Eaux-Vives (Rue Sillem 2). From 2.30pm to 5.30pm, free entry but places must be booked in advance at 022 418 37 72.

 

• 5th February 2014: “Dinoiseaux” – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place  from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

• 5th February 2014: “L’Ombre”, a theatre show from age 8 based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen at the Forum Meyrin. The show starts at 7pm but as it’s only 50 mins long you can still manage an early bedtime!.

 

• 5th February 2014: “Elles font font quoi ?”, a fun puppet-show from age 5 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31 sous-sol) starting at 2.30pm. The show is free and there’s no need to reserve in advance but the library staff advise to be there about 15 mins before the show starts.

 

• 5th February 2014: “Au fil d’Ariane”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. Reserve your places in advance at adp-mah@ville-ge.ch or by phone at 022 418 25 00. On Wednesday afternoons until December 2013 you can also take part in the museum’s “Visites-ateliers: Initiation à l’histoire de l’art” (ages 6-8 and 9-12). This is a cycle of 5 tours unveiling the most fascinating secrets of art history, each visit is followed by a creative workshop. On Wednesdays from 2pm to 6pm, 10CHF each session (places must be booked in advance).

 

• 5th-12th February 2014: “Hänsel et Gretel”, an opera for children (ages 7+) at the Opéra de Lausanne (Av. du Théatre 12). As the website says: “This Grimm brothers Christmas fairy tale set to music by Humperdinck brings together lively arias, rhymes and lieder in a fine equilibrium.” A lovely treat if your little ones love music.

 

• 6th-8th February 2014: CourToujours, short films festival at the Cinémas du Grütli in Geneva. A great selection of 30 Swiss and international short movies, take a look at the official website for the full programme.

 

• 7th February 2014: “J’aime, j’aime pas”, photography workshop in French from age 7 with Parisian photographer Jean-Marc Fiess at the Bibliothèque de la Servette (Rue Veyrassat 9). From 4.30pm to 6.30pm, free entry but places must be booked in advance at 022 418 37 82.

 

• 7th February 2014: BÉBÉ INTERNATIONAL, meeting for mums and their children (aged 0-3 years) around a cup of coffee. An opportunity for newcomers to meet other mums and find out about family life in the Divonne area. Toys will be available for the children to play with, the session will start at 9.30am until 11am at the Hotel de Ville in Divonne-les-Bains.

 

• 7th February 2014: “Ciné Nature: More than Honey” at La Libellule in Geneva (Pavillon Plantamour). The movie starts at 6.30pm and pic nics are welcome. Free entry.

 

• 7th February-25th May 2014: “An imaginary museum of Playmobil®” at Chillon Castle. As their website says: “The Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Guernica have been recreated in scenes put together with Playmobil® toys! The famous figurines also appear in other reconstituted works of art. This amusing approach to Art History has been made accessible to one and all through the efforts of French photographer and film-maker Richard Unglik…visitors will also enjoy seeing the three giant models made with real Playmobil® toys: a fortified castle and two Swiss panoramas made Bruno Peeters”.

 

• 7th February-1st June 2014: “LE GOÛT DE DIDEROT”, art exhibition at the Fondation de l’Hermitage in Lausanne (2 Route du Signal) featuring an exceptional selection of paintings, sculptures, engravings and drawings that the French philosopher Diderot had the opportunity to admire at the temporary exhibitions of the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture and at the Louvre.

 

• 7th-8th February 2014: “Place au spectacle avec les Starbugs”, a wonderful mix of some of the best circus performances seen at Circus Knie and Cirque de Soleil, performed at the Casino-Théâtre in Geneva (Rue de Carouge 42) by Les Starbugs. See the official website for exact performance times and to book your tickets.

 

• 8th February 2014: “J’aime, j’aime pas”, photography workshop in French from age 7 with Parisian photographer Jean-Marc Fiess at the Bibliothèque de la Jonction (Boulevard Carl-Vogt 22). From 10am to 1pm, free entry but places must be booked in advance at 022 418 97 12.

 

• 8th February 2014: “Objectif Terre!”, storytime in French from age 4 at the Bibliothèque de la Servette (Rue Veyrassat 9). Starts at 3pm, free entry.

 

• 8th February 2014: Sylvie Neeman, “Quelque chose de grand comme… un poème à quatre mains”, a wonderful writing workshops for children at La Librerit in Carouge, from 10.30am to midday. Read all about la Librerit in our previous post.

 

• 8th February 2014: Rencontre/dédicace avec Jean-Marc Fiess, author of the multilingual alphabet book “ABC 5 langues”, at the children’s bookshop Au Chien Bleu in Geneva (Rue Leschot 11). From 3pm to 5pm. Read all about Au Chien Bleu in our previous post! From 4pm to 4.45pm there will also be free storytime from age 6 with storyteller Vi Bourdet from Martinique (donations at the door).

 

• 8th February 2014: “La Belle et la Bête”, an opera for kids performed by the Conservatoire de musique de Genève Orchestra at the Salle des fêtes du Lignon in Vernier (Place du Lignon 16), part of the Antigel Festival. There will be 2 performances: one at 3pm and one at 5pm.

 

• 9th February 2014: Swiss Press Photo Open Day at Prangins Castle. From 10am to 5pm take a family guided-tour in French of the Swiss Press photo exhibition or enroll in a photography workshop with your children, run by professional press photographers. Entry is free of charge.

 

• until 9th February 2014: James & the Giant Peach based on the famous Roald Dahl story at the Simply Theatre Studios in Versoix (Centre de Choiseul, Avenue de Choiseul 23A). James lives with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, the most revolting aunts in England. They make him work and slave and never let him play with other children. Then one day he meets a mystical old man who gives him a bag that contains the strongest magic the world has ever known. When James accidentally spills the bag near a rotten peach tree, Incredible things start to happen – and James embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with the most amazing group of characters you could ever meet. Visit the official website for exact performance times and to book your tickets. Performed in English.

 

• 9th February-9th March 2014: “Robinson Crusoe”, the Daniel Defoe classic will be brought to the stage at the Théâtre Rodolphe Töpffer in Geneva. Read all about it in our previous post.

• 11th February 2014: Né pour lire at the BiblioQuartier des Grands-Hutins (Rue de la Tambourine 3) at 10am. This is a lovely way to introduce your little ones to the joys of reading. These sessions are in French and are suitable from birth – nursing pillows and changing units are available. Free entry.

 

• 11th February 2014: “Aux Milles Voyages”, song & storytime for little buttons (babies & toddlers) at the Bibliothèque Aux Mille Feuille in Gland (38, grand rue). From 9am to 11am, free entry no advance booking necessary.

 

• 11th February-29th June 2014: “Ô Cézanne” a fantastic art exhibition about the French painter ideal for children aged 5 to 11 at the Vallée de la Jeunesse in Lausanne. Read all about it in our previous post!

 

• 12th February 2014: “Légendes de l’île enchantée”, storytime in French about the ancient legends of Scotland, suitable from age 8 at the Bibliothèque des Minoteries in Geneva (Parc des Minoteries 3-5). Starts at 4pm, free entry.

 

• 12th February 2014: “La Chambre des merveilles” – Petits Rendez-vous  at Geneva’s MAMCO for little ones aged 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult. These fun, interactive visits for kids are free of charge and require no advance booking. Introduce your little ones to the joys of modern art with these great guided tours, which start at 3.15pm. There will be other tours on Wednesday 19th and 26th of February as well.

 

• 12th February 2014: “Dinoiseaux” – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place  from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

• 12th February 2014: “Pezzettino”, a puppet show from age 3 at Le Spot in Chêne-Bourg (2 rue François-Perréard) at 3pm. Tickets cost 6CHF for children and 14CHF for adults, places must be booked in advance from the 6th of Feb.

 

• 12th February 2014: “Malabar”, a puppet-show from age 4 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31 sous-sol) starting at 2.30pm. The show is free and there’s no need to reserve in advance but the library staff advise to be there about 15 mins before the show starts.

 

• 12th February 2014: “La vraie nature du paysage”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. Reserve your places in advance at adp-mah@ville-ge.ch or by phone at 022 418 25 00. On Wednesday afternoons until December 2013 you can also take part in the museum’s “Visites-ateliers: Initiation à l’histoire de l’art” (ages 6-8 and 9-12). This is a cycle of 5 tours unveiling the most fascinating secrets of art history, each visit is followed by a creative workshop. On Wednesdays from 2pm to 6pm, 10CHF each session (places must be booked in advance).

 

• 13th February 2014: Comptines et jeux de doigts in collaboration with La Bulle d’air at the Bibliothèque de Carouge (Boulevard des Promenades 2bis). These fun workshops (in French) will also take place on the 27th of March 2014 and are free of charge but your must reserve them in advance here – at the moment they only have places left only in the group for 3-4 year-olds.

 

• 13th-22nd February 2014: Festival Groove N’Move, Geneva’s international street dance festival, offering a plethora of great shows, battles of B-boying as well as workshops for various levels. See the official website for full programme details. 
  

 

• 14th February 2014: Fabrication de nichoirs / magasins Nature & découvertes , free workshop in French for kids  at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). During the workshop your children will learn to make a nest-box. In connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”, the workshops will take place  between 10am and 5pm on the museum’s second floor.

 

• 14th-15th February 2014: “Does This Song Make Me Look Fat?” by Allison Bryan at Simply Theatre in Versoix (Avenue de Choiseul). An unmissable treat this Valentine’s Day, a fun evening out where comedy is king! As their website says: “Does this Song make me Look Fat? probes the magic—and the minefields—of relationships. Bring your Valentine. “

 

• 15th February 2014: “Une, aucune, 100 histoires” storytime from age 3 at the Bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (Place des Trois-Perdrix 5). Starting at 10.30am, free entry.

 

• 15th-16th February 2014: “Japan Impact”, an exciting exhibition about all things Japanese at the EPFL in Lausanne (Route Cantonale). Discover Japanese culture with concerts, activities, conferences, workshops and much more. Click here to see the full programme schedule.

 

• 15th-21st February 2014: Yatouland Vernier will open exceptionally during the February school holidays from 11am to 5pm. Entry is 15CHF per child and free for adults.

 

• 15th February-3rd May 2014: “Objectif Penthes” – “Tint’interdit: pastiches et parodies”. A fantastic new Tintin exhibition at the Musée des Suisses dans le Monde in Geneva (Château de Penthes, Pregny), showing the work of Hergé’s fans and detractors along the years. The exhibition’s vernissage will take place on the 15th of February at 4pm.

 

• until 16th February 2014: “Le Révizor”, a dance, music & masks show for children from age 7 based on the satirical story by Gogol at the Théâtre de la Parfumerie in Geneva (7 chemin de la Gravière). Performed in French, tickets are 20CHF for adults and 16CHF for children.

 

• until 16th February 2014: “La petite fille aux allumettes”, a delightful and moving show from age 6 at Le petit théâtre in Lausanne (place de la Cathédrale 12). See the official website to book your tickets.

 

• 17th February-2nd March 2014: NOTA BÉBÉS, an adorable puppet-show for ages 1 to 3 at the Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève (Rue Rodo 3). Visit the official website for exact performance times and to book your tickets.

 

• 18th-19th February 2014: “Photomontage”, workshops in French for children aged 8+ at the  Bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (Place des Trois-Perdrix 5). From 1.30pm to 5.30pm, free entry but places must be reserved in advance at 022 418 32 44.

 

• 19th February 2014: “Et cric ! Et crac ! Les contes sortent du sac !” storytime in French at the Bibliothèque des Jeunes in Nyon (Chemin de Crève-Coeur 3). Starting at 2pm, entry is free but try to get there at 1.45 to secure a place, there will be a snack for the little ones afterwards.

 

• 19th February 2014: “Sortie traces et indices des animaux” in French for ages 6-12 at the Maison du Salève in France (775 route de Mikerne, 74160 Présilly) from 2pm to 4pm. Children will learn to recognize animal prints and enjoy a lovely winter walk – warm winter gear is a must! Price is 6€ per child, accompanied by an adult (entry for 1 adult per child is free), places must be reserved in advance at info@maisondusaleve.com or + 33 (0)4 50 95 92 16.

 

• 19th February 2014: “Haut les mains peaux de lapins et peaux de serpents!” – Petits Rendez-vous  at Geneva’s MAMCO for little ones aged 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult. These fun, interactive visits for kids are free of charge and require no advance booking. Introduce your little ones to the joys of modern art with these great guided tours, which start at 3.15pm. There will be another tour on Wednesday 26th of February as well.

 

• 19th February 2014: “It’s Storytime”, free storytime in English for ages 2 to 7 (but babies, toddlers and younger siblings are welcome) at the Bibliothèque Aux Mille Feuille in Gland (38, grand rue). The storytime session will run from 9.30am to 11am and the theme will be “Autumn & back to school”. See the official website for full details.

 

• 19th February 2014: “Carnaval avec Leslie Umezaki”, carnival workshops for ages 5 to 9 at Fnac Kids in Balexert. Find out more about free kids activities at Fnac bookshops in our previous post.

 

• 19th February 2014: “Zoom et rezoom”, storytime in French from age 4 at the Bibliothèque de la Servette (Rue Veyrassat 9). Starts at 2.30pm, free entry.

 

• 19th February 2014: “Dinoiseaux” – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place  from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

• 19th February 2014: Flic Flac, a delightful show from age 1 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31 sous-sol) starting at 2.30pm for the first performance and 3.30pm for the second one. The show is free but places must be reserved in advance here.

 

• 19th-26th February 2014: Biennale – L’Enfance de l’Art! 2014 in St-Julien-en-Genevois, Valleiry, Viry, Vulbens (Nearby France) & the commune of Plan-Les-Ouates in Switzerland. A wonderful event for little ones aged 3 months to 3 years old: make the most of their exciting programme which includes workshops, theatre shows, art exhibitions and much more. Take a look at their full programme online and make sure you book your tickets in advance.

 

• 20th-21st February 2014: “Photomontage”, workshops in French for children aged 8+ at the  Bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (Place des Trois-Perdrix 5). From 1.30pm to 5.30pm, free entry but places must be reserved in advance at 022 418 32 44.

 

• 21st-22nd February 2014: Festival Gospel de Lausanne at the Casino de Montbenon. An absolute musical treat, see their official website for full programme details.

 

• 21st-23rd February 2014: the Carnaval des Enfants in Bulle (Canton Fribourg, only 1 hour and a half from Geneva) is a fantastic day out for the whole family, especially if your little ones love to dress-up…(wait a second – where’s my Buzz costume again ??!) The Carnaval de Bulle is famous for the kids parade on Saturday at 2pm – this year’s theme is “La Poya”, when cattle ascend to mountain pastures in spring.

 

• Saturday 22nd February 2014: “Le carnaval du Sou des écoles”, Carnival parade for kids in Divonne-les-Bains (nearby France). Children are expected from 1.30pm at the Place Perdtemps, ready in their Carnival costumes! After the parade through the city’s streets they will be sharing an afternoon snack at the Esplanade du Lac.

 

• Sunday 23rd February 2014: “Opérazibus”, a delightful music performance for all ages (perfect for children!) at the Esplanade du Lac in Divonne-les-Bains. Madame Tintamarre is throwing a party but the DJ she had hired has cancelled…will her 3 employees save the night? Show starts at 3.30pm, tickets cost 17 euros for adults and 10 euros for children.

 

• 25th February 2014: “Chasse au trésor” – atelier vacances in French for children aged 7 to 12 at Prangins Castle (VD). From 2pm to 4.30pm, price is 10CHF per child and includes a snack. Places must be reserved in advance at 022 994 88 93.

 

• 26th February 2014: “C’era una volta un re”, storytime in Italian from age 3 at the Bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (Place des Trois-Perdrix 5). Starting at 4pm. Free entry but places must be reserved in advance at 022 418 32 44.

 

• 26th February 2014: “L’empereur de jade”, a fantastic circus show by the stars of the Cirque de Pekin at the Arena de Genève.

 

• 26th February 2014: “Caban”, a theatre show for ages 1 to 3 at La julienne in Plan-les-Ouates (Route de St-Julien 116). A delightful musical show perfect for the youngest audience. Performance times are 10am and 4pm. See the official website to buy your tickets.

 

• 26th February 2014: “Atelier enfants” in French for ages 6 to 12, starting at 2pm at the Fondation de l’Hermitage in Lausanne (2 Route du Signal), part of their new art exhibition “LE GOÛT DE DIDEROT”. The workshops lasts 2 hours and costs 12CHF per child, places must be booked in advance at 021 320 50 01.

 

• 26th February 2014: “Le Petit Rendez-vous dont vous êtes le héros” – Petits Rendez-vous  at Geneva’s MAMCO for little ones aged 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult. These fun, interactive visits for kids are free of charge and require no advance booking. Introduce your little ones to the joys of modern art with these great guided tours, which start at 3.15pm.

 

• 26th February 2014: “Dinoiseaux” – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Nos oiseaux”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place  from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

• 26th February 2014: “Le rêve penché”, a music show from age 3 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31 sous-sol) starting at 2.30pm. The show is free and there’s no need to reserve in advance but the library staff advise to be there about 15 mins before the show starts.

 

• 26th February 2014: “Colorín colorado…”, storytelling from age 6 at the Société de Lecture in Geneva (11, Grand’Rue, tel. 022 311 45 90) from 3.30pm to 5pm. Prices for non-members are 15CHF for kids & 20CHF for adults, snack included.

 

• 26th February 2014: “Bandelettes et amulettes”, part of the Mercredis Family at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Children aged 6 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome every Wednesday at 3pm to discover all about the museum collections in a fun, interactive way. Reserve your places in advance at adp-mah@ville-ge.ch or by phone at 022 418 25 00. On Wednesday afternoons until December 2013 you can also take part in the museum’s “Visites-ateliers: Initiation à l’histoire de l’art” (ages 6-8 and 9-12). This is a cycle of 5 tours unveiling the most fascinating secrets of art history, each visit is followed by a creative workshop. On Wednesdays from 2pm to 6pm, 10CHF each session (places must be booked in advance).

 

• 27th February 2014: “Bambin’OpérA”, an interactive show for kids aged 4 to 7 at Les Tilleuls in Geneva (15 avenue des Tilleuls). Children will embark on a fun musical journey across the history of opera, from Mozart to Monteverdi & Bernstein. Show starts at 7pm, FREE ENTRY.

 

• 27th February- 2nd March 2014: Les Hivernales rock’n’beat festival in Nyon with international guests including Dave Rowntree and Alice Lewis. See the official website to download the full programme.

 

• until 28th February 2014: “SUPERHEROS”, a fun exhibition for the whole family at the Forum Meyrin (Place des Cinq-Continents 1). Learn all there is to know about the world’s coolest superheroes and take part in some fab kids workshops! Open Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm to 6pm.

 

Silver Skates:

One of the things we love the most about winter in Geneva is the access to some fabulous ice-skating rinks: they’re fun, they’re mostly free of charge and you can often hire skates for as little as 2 CHF. Our little ones love it and last year even Little Miss Cutie wanted to have a go (and she was only a little over 18 months-old !). Here’s a selection of our favourite ones, but remember to check in your area as most villages and communes have their own winter skating-rinks.

 

This is also the season to enjoy some great skiing & sledging with your little buttons, see our previous post for some advice on ski-schools for kids.

• 16th Nov. 2013-23rd February 2014: Patinoire des Bastions, Geneva – open Tuesday to Sunday, entry is free and skates can be hired for 2CHF. Click here for exact opening times.

• until 23rd March 2014: The Patinoire des Charmilles in Geneva is smaller but it’s great fun for families: on Tuesdays & Saturdays from 1pm to 6pm they hold “Glisse en musique” skate & dance sessions for families that are really good fun! On Fridays from 5pm they offer various surprise activities. Entry is free and skates can be hired for 2CHF. Click here for opening times – the rink is closed on Mondays.

• 30th November 2013-2nd March 2014: the Patinoire Carouge is at the heart of the city’s Xmas celebrations: the atmosphere is great and you’ll be skating right in the heart of beautiful Carouge. Don’t miss the super-cool “Ice Bar” for a hot drink or a fondue. From this year, renting skates for children up to the age of 6 will be free of charge and only 2CHF for older children and adults.

 

• For a glamorous, utterly festive skating experience don’t miss the new Winter Lodge at La Réserve Genève (301, Route de Lausanne – 1293 Bellevue). From 9am to 1am Monday to Saturday & 9am to 7pm on Sunday, hotel guests and customers are welcome to enjoy Geneva’s largest private skating rink (entry to the ice rink is free for those customers who have booked a skating lesson, or alternatively a table for Sunday Brunch or for an afternoon snack of waffles & crêpes, please do bear this in mind and book well in advance as they will not let you in unless you are a customer at the hotel’s restaurant). Skates can be borrowed free of charge. The decor of the winter lodge is reminiscent of a snowy forest, with ice crystals and glittering chandeliers setting the tone for this winter fairy-tale theme.

 

• For more ice-skating rinks in the Geneva region, click here.

• There are some great ice-skating rinks in Canton Vaud as well (our family’s favourite is La Patinoire de Terre Sainte in Coppet with its dazzling views over the château), so if you’d like to have a go you can find the complete list here.

• until 9th of March 2014: the Patinoires in Lausanne include the Patinoire de Montchoisi, Flon Patinoire and the Patinoire de la Pontaise. See the Lausanne official website for more details.

 

ONGOING: 

• The exhibition “Universe of Particles” at the iconic Globe of Science and Innovation will plunge the little visitors into the fascinating world of the tiniest and biggest particles which make up our universe.From walking through luminous spheres to exploring CERN’s legendary accelerators physics has never been more engaging !Admission to “Universe of Particles” is free, from Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm at the Globe of Science and Innovation in Meyrin. Click here for the exhibition brochure.

 

• The new permanent exhibition “Noblesse Oblige” at Prangins Castle is a great day-out for the whole family, take a step back in time with your children to see how a noble Swiss family lived in the 18th century! Find out more about this fantastic family exhibition in our previous post.

 

• until 2nd March 2014: “Palmes & Co. exposition-promenade” at the Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques in Geneva, one of Switzerland’s most important collection of palm trees. Close your eyes and pretend summer is still here as you stroll through the Botanical Garden’s beautiful lawns and spot all the different varieties of palm trees. The Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques are a great place for families, so make sure you make the most of their small zoo and fantastic playground. Open everyday from 8am to 7.30pm, see the botanical gardens’ official website for full details and a complete list of their guided tours.

 

• until 30th April 2014: An Artist’s Delight temporary exhibition at the Alimentarium in Vevey. Check the official website for un updated list of all available children’s and family workshops – you can also read about our visit to the Alimentarium in this post: trust us, it’s a great family day-out!

 

• until 21st September 2014: “Oiseaux”, a fantastic birds exhibition at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle Genève. Discover the magic world of birds and how we can help to preserve them. Free entry.