What’s On in June 2014

Summer is finally here & the countdown to your family holidays has begun. Here’s our monthly list of events in Geneva, Vaud and nearby France, filled as usual with exciting outings for the whole family. Remember to keep checking our blog as we will be updating this post with more events each week:

• Take a look at our previous post to find all the best child-friendly places to enjoy a delicious and stress-free Sunday brunch with your little buttons.

• If it’s a scorcher, what about a scrumptious “brunch in the sun” with the family ?

• Now that the sun is out, take your little ones strawberry picking! Strawberry season is around three weeks late, due to the amount of rain we’ve endured so far, but these delicious fruits are now ready for the picking. Try La Fraisière in Meyrin; the farm at number 15 chemin de Pacoty in Founex; the Potager Verdonnet-Bouchet in Troinex (30 chemin de la Cantonnière); the Ferme Pré-De-Vers in Rolle; the Wyss Farm in Genolier or the Burdet family farm in Mathod.

 

• Genève-Plage (Quai de Cologny 5, Port-Noir) has re-opened for the summer. There’s no better place to be with your little swimmers on a hot, sunny day so make the most of the swimming-pools, water slides, sandpit and play area – don’t forget your sun cream! You can find out more about it & other lidos in our previous post.

 

• Want to know how to survive a rainy Sunday ? Find some ideas and suggestions here!

• Spring is a fantastic time to explore Switzerland and its picturesque villages. Read our previous post for suggestions about great days out with the kids.

• When the sun is out, why not take the boat across the lake to visit the medieval village of Yvoire in nearby France?

• A bit further away but definitely worth a visit is the French village of Pérouges, it’s a great family day out!

 

• 30th-31st May & 1st June 2014: Les contes du bicentenaire story-time in French to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the entry of Geneva into the Swiss Confederation. Story time will be held at the “Pavillon des Contes” in the Jardin Anglais. There will be various story sessions on each day: on Friday 30th May from 3pm to 6pm; on Saturday 31st of May from 1pm to 6pm; on Sunday 1st of June from 2pm to 5pm. Click on the official website for the complete list. During the bicentenary celebrations, the area around the Jardin Anglais will also host a farmers’ market, an exhibition of old farming machines, farm animals, food & beer stalls and live music. Great for children and adults alike.

 

• Sunday 1st June 2014: “Ta forêt en carton”, workshop for children aged 8 to 12 at the Château de Nyon (VD). In French, running from 2pm to 3.30pm – 12CHF per child, advance booking required at info@chateaudenyon.ch or 022.363.83.51).

 

• Sunday 1st June 2014: Café familial estival at the Jardin Botanique in Geneva from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Don’t miss this fun event with plenty of activities for all ages: blindfold salsa classes, activities for little ones and – of course – pétanque games for all! Organized by the association La Forêt Enchantée, click here to download the full programme. The Café familial estival will be cancelled in case of rain.

 

• Sunday 1st & 15th June 2014: Les Dimanches Enchantés at the Vallée de la Jeunesse in Lausanne (Vallée de la Jeunesse 1). A lovely way to spend Sunday with your little buttons: from 10am to 3pm the little theatre of the Vallée de la Jeunesse will open its doors to all families with children aged 2 to 6 for a show and fun workshop – bring your own picnic for a truly great day-out ! The show at 11.30am on Sunday 1st of June will be: “”Les escaliers sont en papier”. Tickets are 4CHF for children over 2 years and 5 CHF for adults. No advance booking necessary.

 

• Sunday 1st June 2014: Vide-grenier at the parking lot of the Salle des Fêtes in Thoiry (France). Bag yourself some bargains from 9am to 2pm, there will be BBQ food & fries at lunchtime too!

• Sunday 1st June 2014: DEMONSTRATIONS ET INITIATION AU DECOUPAGE, in French. A free workshop for all ages at the Château de Prangins (VD) which will teach you the basic rules of découpage. The workshop will run from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Free entry, just register at the museum entrance as you arrive.

 

• Sunday 1st June 2014: Petits rendez-vous at Geneva’s MAMCO for kids ones aged 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult starting at 11.15am: free of charge and no advance booking required! Introduce your kids to the joys of modern art with these fun, interactive tours. There will be other tours on Wednesday 4th of May 2014 at 3.15pm (“L’Homme invisible” for ages 5 to 10 and “Les Pique-niqueurs du musée” mini Rendez-vous for 2-4 year-olds). More Petits Rendez-vous on Wednesday 11th, 18th & 25th of June 2014 at 3.15pm.

 

• until 1st June 2014: Mapping Festival in Geneva. A multi-genre art festival focused on audiovisual arts and digital culture. Free up some time in your diary for their exciting programme of installations, clubbing parties, live performances, architectural mapping, as well as workshops and conferences.

 

• until June 2014: Comptines et jeux de doigts, free music sessions for children organized by La Bulle d’Air for children aged 18 months to 4 years (each age group has different sessions). These short courses take place on the 10th of April, 8th of May and 5th of June 2014 at the Bibliothèque de Carouge (Boulevard des Promenades 2bis). They are free but places must be reserved in advance. Click here to download the full information brochure.

 

• Sunday 1st June 2014: Free entry to all museums and exhibitions in Geneva, a special initiative organized by the city of Geneva offering free access to permanent and temporary exhibitions on the first Sunday of every month.

 

• Sunday 1st June 2014: not technically Sunday Brunch as such, but the team at Parc Pré Vert Signal de Bougy have come up with a fantastic idea: every Sunday until the 14th of December 2014 you’ll be able to enjoy a continental breakfast for 7CHF per person, accompanied by kids’ shows and activities free of charge. Breakfast will be served from 9am at the park’s restaurant and the “Sunday Funday” activities will begin at 10am, with more kids shows at 3pm. No advance booking necessary, all kids activities & shows are free of charge and they will take place regardless of weather conditions. If you’ve never been to Parc Pré Vert Signal de Bougy, you can read more about it in our previous post – it’s a great place for a family day-out!

 

 

• 2nd-7th June 2014: Festival Tôt ou t’Arts Pays de Gex (France), a great festival for the whole family dedicated to street theatre. The programme is filled with many exciting performances: puppetry, balancing acts in 70s costumes, pyrotechnics, “fanfare recycl’art” and much more. Visit the official website for full details of all performances in Gex, Fort l’Ecluse, Peron, Divonnes-les-Bains, Versonnex and Ferney Voltaire.

 

• 2nd-15th June 2014: “Exposition-jeu interactive Gargot de Joc” on the Plaine de Plainpalais in Geneva. An interactive installation by Catalonian artist Joan Rovira featuring 200 games will soon be presented at Geneva’s Plaine de Plainpalais in an open-air exhibition created by the architecture students from Geneva’s Haute Ecole d’Art et Design (HEAD). This is an interactive exhibition for everyone to play with, touch and just try things out. Perfect for a family day-out as they are suitable from age 6 to…106! In this topsy-turvy imaginary universe a sieve becomes a basket, a bicycle becomes a bird. Open everyday from 8.30am to 8pm. Admission free.The Fabuloserie, a series of game/toys created by students from La Tambourine and La Vigne-Rouge elementary schools can also be seen set in a series of maritime shipping containers during the exhibition. Snacks and refreshments will be available at La Rouillotte, which has been set up especially for the event by a group of local artists.

 

 

 

• 4th June 2014: Lectures d’été au Parc des Bastions, summer story time from age 3 at the Parc des Bastions in Geneva (espace chaises longues). From 2pm to 4pm, enjoy the sunshine on one of the park’x deckchairs while the little ones listen to this fab story time session. Free entry, no advance booking necessary. In case of rain, story time will be held at the bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (2nd floor).

 

• 4th June 2014: “Les Escaliers sont en papier” a free show from age 3 at the Bibliothèque des Jeunes in Nyon (Ch. de Crève-Coeur 3). There will be 2 performances: one at 10am and one at 2pm. Free entry but places must be reserved in advance at 022 361 78 70 or bibliotheque.jeunes@nyon.ch

 

• Wednesday 4th June 2014: “À la chasse aux lions”, 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.

 

• Wednesday 4th June 2014: “Fabrication de nichoirs” – 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).

 

• Wednesday 4th June 2014: “Le Sentier des Ecrevisses” – Ateliers Verts du Jardin Botanique in Geneva for kids aged 8-11 (in French). What better place than Geneva’s beautiful botanical gardens to learn more about nature, micro-organisms and plants ? These fantastic workshops take place on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4.30pm and cost 12 CHF per child. Places must be booked in advance at 022 379 70 68. Click here to donwload the full programme. There will be another workshop this month on Wed. 11th of June 2014.

 

• Wednesday 4th of May 2014: Petits rendez-vous at Geneva’s MAMCO for kids ones aged 5 to 10 and mini rendez-vouz for children aged 2 to 4 accompanied by an adult starting at 3.15pm: free of charge and no advance booking required! Introduce your kids to the joys of modern art with these fun, interactive tours. There will be more Petits Rendez-vous on Wednesday 11th, 18th & 25th of June 2014 at 3.15pm.

 

• 4th-7th June 2014: Festival du goût, a foodie festival in the centre of Annemasse (France) with kids workshops, cookery competitions, free tastings and much more. Head for Place de la Libération for a true foodie feast!

 

• 4th-8th June 2014: Caribana Festival in Crans-sur-Nyon (Canton Vaud). This is one of Switzerland’s finest music festivals, boasting international stars such as Tom Odell, Jessie J, Youssoupha and Bastian Baker in this year’s edition alone. If you have teenage children then the Caribateens day on Sunday 8th of June 2014 is for them: freestyle football & BMX performances, young DJ competitions and a stage for young music bands from around Nyon. Caribateens will act as a platform for talented young artists, offering them the unique opportunity to perform on a professional stage.

 

• 7th June 2014: On s’anime à la bibliothèque ! creative workshop from age 7 at the Bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (Place des Trois-Perdrix 5). From 2pm to 5pm children will learn how to make their own animated movies. In French, free entry but advance booking required at 022 418 32 44.

 

• Saturday 7th June 2014: 10e fête des Clowns in Morges (VD). Four circus schools and their 50 street performers will take over the streets of ‪#‎Morges‬ for the annual clown festival. Take your little ones to enjoy the fun at the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, the Centre Commercial des Charpentiers and at the Rue Centrale (in front of Interdiscount). There will be street performances of different kinds: balancing acts, juggling, monocycles, clowns, face-painting & much more!

 

• until 7th June 2014: “Pierrot et Mélodie”, a delightful puppet-show from age 4 at the Théâtre des Lutins in Lausanne (Rue Petit -Saint -Jean 1A). A magic tale about the arrival of spring and the evil Winter Queen with performances at 3pm on Wednesdays; 11am and 4 pm on Saturdays. Tickets are 10CHF per person.

 

• Saturday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th June 2014: Family Factory at the Centre d’Art Contemporain Genève (Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10). Discover more about contemporary art with your little ones and make some great artworks together! From age 3, price is 10CHF for 1 child plus 1 adult, max. 10 people per each class so reserve your place in advance at 022 329 18 42. On Saturday 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th June 2013 at 11h-12h30 (first group) and 14h-15h30 (second group).

 

• 7th-8th June 2014: Caves Ouvertes Vaudoises. Visit the best wine cellars in Canton Vaud and enjoy the tastings at over 300 wineries in the region. You can buy a wine cellars passport in the first cellar you visit for 15CHF. You will then receive a free “caves ouvertes” glass for all your tastings and will be able to use the free shuttle buses departing from main train stations in Canton of Vaud: Bex, Ollon, Aigle, Villeneuve, Montreux, Vevey, Chexbres, Cully, Lutry, Grandvaux, Morges, Rolle, Gland, Yverdon-les-Bains. Open from 10am to 6pm.

 

• 7th-9th & 14th-15th June 2014: Les Grandes Medievales d’Andilly, an absolutely spectacular medieval fest in Andilly (France) perfect if your little ones are going through their “knight” or “princess” phase. The costumes and historical reconstructions are amazing, and the tournament shows will leave you speechless. Read all about it in our previous post – a word of warning: if the weather turns rainy you will need your wellies as the fields get quite muddy.

 

• 7th-8th June 2014: La ville est à vous returns for its 11th edition, kicking off this weekend in Sécheron with street parties, second-hand sales and activities for children. Take a look at the official website for all upcoming weekends and join in, because the city belongs to you!

 

• 8th June 2014: Brunch Vaudois au Domaine. Who said that the Caves Ouvertes is only for adults? This scrummy Sunday brunch at the Domaine de la Ville de Morges will allow you to enjoy some fine wine tastings, sterling local delicacies while the little ones enjoy themselves on the bouncy castle. Brunch will be served from 11.30am to 2pm, bookings to be made in advance at info@domainedelaville.ch – 021 802 17 76.

 

• 8th June 2014: DEMONSTRATIONS ET INITIATION AU DECOUPAGE, in French. A free workshop for all ages at the Château de Prangins (VD) which will teach you the basic rules of découpage. The workshop will run from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Free entry, just register at the museum entrance as you arrive.

 

• 8th-9th June 2014: Lilibiggs Festivals pour enfants, a great kids festival sponsored by Migros taking place in Bougy-Villars (Signal de Bougy) on the 19th-20th May 2013 and in Neuchâtel (Place Rouge) on the 2nd-3rd August 2014. The theme of this year’s festival is music & circus, with great shows from Sautecroche, Denis Alber and Jacky Lagger. The concerts & shows begin at 2pm, visit the festival’s official website for more details and to book your tickets – you can get a 20% discount on family tickets using your Cumulus card. Entry is free for children under 3.

 

• until 9th June 2014: Festival Poussière du Monde under two giant Mongolian yourtes at the Parc Bernasconi in Grand-Lancy. Reserve tickets from the 10th of may for one of their mesmerizing puppet and dance shows from all over the world. Tickets are 25CHF for adults and 10CHF for children aged 12 and older, places are limited so advance booking is highly recommended.

 

• 9th-22nd June 2014: Play Me, I’m Yours a contemporary installation by British artist Luke Jerram will see 45 pianos placed on various streets in Geneva, Carouge and other 17 communes around Geneva and Neighbouring France too. The pianos will be available for everyone to play and familiarize themselves with. What an amazing way to see & feel our city with different eyes…and ears too!

 

• 10th June 2014: Aux Milles Voyages reading session for 0 to 4 year-old at the Bibliothèque Aux Mille Feuille in Gland (38 grand rue). From 9am to 11am, free entry no booking necessary.

 

• 11th June 2014: Lectures d’été au Parc des Bastions, summer story time from age 3 at the Parc des Bastions in Geneva (espace chaises longues). From 2pm to 4pm, enjoy the sunshine on one of the park’s deck chairs while the little ones listen to this fab story time session. Free entry, no advance booking necessary. In case of rain, story time will be held at the bibliothèque de la Cité in Geneva (2nd floor).

 

• Wednesday 11th June 2014: Butterfly workshop and guided walks for children at the Association La Libellule in Geneva (Pavillon Plantamour – 112, rue de Lausanne). In French, from 1pm to 5pm.

 

• Wednesday 11th June 2014: Atelier décorations de gâteau – Homemade Sweets in French for ages 6 to 14 at the Parc Pré Vert Signal de Bougy (VD). Children will learn how to make cake decorations using almond paste. Bookings to be made in advance at signal.bougy@gmvd.migros.ch or +41 58 568 31 50.

 

• Wednesday 11th June 2014: “Fabrication de nichoirs” – 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).

 

• Wednesday 11th June 2014: “Le rucher du Jardin botanique” – Ateliers Verts du Jardin Botanique in Geneva for kids aged 8-11 (in French). What better place than Geneva’s beautiful botanical gardens to learn more about nature, micro-organisms and plants ? These fantastic workshops take place on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4.30pm and cost 12 CHF per child. Places must be booked in advance at 022 379 70 68. Click here to donwload the full programme.

 

• Wednesday 11th June 2014: Petits rendez-vous at Geneva’s MAMCO for kids ones aged 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult starting at 3.15pm: free of charge and no advance booking required! Introduce your kids to the joys of modern art with these fun, interactive tours. There will be other tours on Wednesday 18th & 25th of June 2014 at 3.15pm.

 

• Wednesday 11th June 2014: “Champions du monde”, storytime from age 4 at the Bibliothèque de la Servette (Rue Veyrassat 9) starting at 2.30pm. Free entry, no advance booking necessary.

 

• Wednesday 11th June 2014: “Des pieds et des mains”, 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.

 

• 13th-15th June 2014: Festival Gratte-Bitume, a fab street arts festival in Meyrin Village. 17 theatre companies will be performing for free (donations gladly accepted at the door) including magic shows, Hamlet performed for kids, circus, hip hop dance, street tennis and classical music…you certainly won’t find the time to get bored!  Definitely a great day-out for the whole family.

 

• 13th-14th June 2014: Festival Mondial de la Terre in Montbenon, Lausanne. A festival committed to the preservation and celebration of our planet’s biodiversity. All the food available at the festival is from organic farms; all infrastructure is from renewable, recycled and FSC certified sources – and every effort is made to preserve water & energy. The festival is free of charge and offers some great activities for the whole family, from the animations enfants to yoga for children and the “Parents-bébés” area where local midwives will be on hand to provide advice and give practical demonstrations. Click here for full details on the day-to-day programme, which includes live concerts, screenings, as well as thai chi & meditation taster sessions.

 

• 13th-15th June 2014: Bol d’Or Mirabaud, Geneva’s famous yachting festival, which takes place in June every year since 1939 when 26 competitors took part in the first Bol d’Or, sailing 123 km from Geneva to Le Bouveret and back. Today, there are over 600 sailing boats taking part, attracting competitive crews from around the world. Visit the official website for full programme details, the race itself starts at 10am on Saturday 14th of June. A really amazing race to watch from the lake shore, the children will enjoy it too!

 

• 14th June 2014: Jardins Ouverts in Geneva. During this lovely event, private owners will open up their gardens to the public to visit and admire. Click here to see the full list of open gardens and reserve your place online. Entry is free and there are many garden tours planned at different times of the day.

 

• 14th June 2014: Les Pâquis se rhabillent in Geneva. Don’t miss the grand opening of Les Pâquis se rhabillent urban knitting project on Saturday 14th of June 2014 at the Bains des Pâquis. From 6.30pm everyone is invited to take part in a celebratory apéritif followed by a music parade starting at 7.15pm. Find out all about it in our previous post!

 

• 14th June 2014: Roller Skate Party at the Rotonde Quai du Mont Blanc (in front of the Kempinski Hotel) in Geneva from 3pm to midnight: rollerskates can be hired for free in situ – with live music, scrummy burgers and much more.

 

• until 14th June 2014: “Recherche éléphants, souplesse exigée”, a delightful theatre show from age 6 at the Théâtre du Loup in Geneva (10 Chemin de la Gravière), from the original story by American expatriate author Russell Hoban.

 

• 14th-15th June 2014: La ville est à vous returns for its 11th edition, kicking off this weekend in Petit-Sacconex with street parties, second-hand sales and activities for children. Take a look at the official website for all upcoming weekends and join in, because the city belongs to you!

 

• 14th-15th June 2014: Les Grandes Medievales d’Andilly, an absolutely spectacular medieval fest in Andilly (France) perfect if your little ones are going through their “knight” or “princess” phase. The costumes and historical reconstructions are amazing, and the tournament shows will leave you speechless. Read all about it in our previous post – a word of warning: if the weather turns rainy you will need your wellies as the fields get quite muddy.

 

• Saturday 14th June 2014: “Concerteau en do nageur”, a free concert at the Port de Divonne-les-Bains in France. Performance will start at 7pm, free entry. The concert will be performed by the compagnie Aquacoustique and will have water as its central theme.

 

• Saturday 14th June 2014: Le quartier Europe-Charmilles en fête, a great street party with vide-grenier for children, dance shows, live music, kids workshops, world food and much more at the Square de l’Europe Charmilles in Geneva. From 10am to 9pm, free entry.

 

• 14th-15th June 2014: Diabolo Festival at the Esplanade and Théâtre de Beausobre in Morges (VD). A fantastic festival for kids aged 2 to 10 with songs, circus shows, introduction to astronomy sessions and much more – you can read about last year’s edition in our previous post. This year’s edition will include live music from Gaëtan, theatre, circus & magic shows, story time and much more – click here to download the full programme. Doors will open at 9.30am and the festival will begin at 10am on both days. Closing time will be 6pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. Click here for ticket prices, free entry for children under the age of 2.

 

• 14th June-21st September 2014: Lausanne Estivale, a great summer festival offering plenty of activities, concerts and more for all ages. The programme will be online at the beginning of June so check their official website for full details.

 

• Sunday 15th June 2014: Les Dimanches Enchantés at the Vallée de la Jeunesse in Lausanne (Vallée de la Jeunesse 1). A lovely way to spend Sunday with your little buttons: from 10am to 3pm the little theatre of the Vallée de la Jeunesse will open its doors to all families with children aged 2 to 6 for a show and fun workshop – bring your own picnic for a truly great day-out ! The show at 11.30am on Sunday 1st of June will be: “”Les escaliers sont en papier”. Tickets are 4CHF for children over 2 years and 5 CHF for adults. No advance booking necessary.

 

• Sunday 15th June 2014: JOURNEE SPECIALE PAPIERS DEOCOUPES, a wonderful day-out for the whole family at the Château de Prangins (VD). From 10am to 5pm discover the museum’s new exhibition “Papiers découpés” with free guided tours held by local children, enjoy live music, découpage workshops, free animated movies and more fun activities for children. Free entry.

 

• Tuesday 17th June 2014: Né pour lire reading sessions for little ones aged 0 to 4 at the BiblioQuartier des Grands-Hutins in Carouge (rue de la Tambourine 3). Session starts at 10am until 10.45am, no advance booking is required. This is a lovely, relaxing way to introduce your little buttons to the joys of books and meet other mums. You will find changing tables and nursing pillows.

 

• Wednesday 18th June 2014: Petits rendez-vous at Geneva’s MAMCO for kids ones aged 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult starting at 3.15pm: free of charge and no advance booking required! Introduce your kids to the joys of modern art with these fun, interactive tours. There will be another tour on Wednesday 25th of June 2014 at 3.15pm.

 

• Wednesday 18th June 2014: Atelier carnet de l’explorateur in French for ages 6 to 11 at the Parc Pré Vert Signal de Bougy (VD). Children will learn about all the different tree species in the parc and log them into a book. Bookings to be made in advance at signal.bougy@gmvd.migros.ch or +41 58 568 31 50.

 

• Wednesday 18th June 2014: “Fabrication de nichoirs” – 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).

 

• Thursday 19th June 2014: Marché Sans Puces, an evening of shopping, live music, dancing and more at the Pavillon Sicli in Geneva (route des Acacias 45). From 5.30pm to midnight discover some of the coolest local designer, jewellery makers & artisans while you stroll around for the bargain of the year, drink in hand. Free entry.

 

 

• 18th June 2014: It’s storytime! English reading session for toddlers at the Bibliothèque Aux Mille Feuille in Gland (38 grand rue). From 9.30am to 11am, free entry no booking necessary.

 

• 20th-21st June 2014: Festival Métissages in Bernex. A great festival supporting a number of charities in the world with live music, magic shows for little ones and a kids choir. Free entry and plenty of delicious Thai, Moroccan & BBQ food stalls.

 

• 20th-22nd June 2014: Fête de la musique in Geneva, a wonderful opportunity to enjoy free concerts in some of the city’s most beautiful spots. All musical genres will be represented, from classical to reggae, jazz and rock – there are so many events that we can’t possibly list them all here so visit the official website for full programme details. Children will also be catered to with a number of great workshops, concerts and shows devised just for them, here’s the link to the kids’ programme, don’t miss it!

 

• 21st of June 2014: “Alice danse au pays des merveilles”, a beautiful ballet by the Geneva Dance centre youth group at the Théâtre du Léman in Geneva. Tickets can be purchased from the Service Culturel Migros. Performance will start at 8pm.

 

• 21st of June 2014: Fête de la musique in Nyon (VD). Enjoy this fantastic line-up of free concerts, covering all music genres from jazz to traditional African music and punk. Click here to see the full programme.

 

• 21st of June 2014: Fête de la musique Lausanne – the month of June IS all about music ! A plethora of fab live concerts, covering all different musical genres will take over the streets of Lausanne, so click here for full programme details.

 

• 21st June 2014: Fête Des Enfants Chancy, a lovely event for families and children from age 2 in the village of Chancy. From 10am to 9pm your little ones will have plenty to keep them occupied with the plethora of great activities planned: acrobatic circuit, theatre and story-telling, creative workshops, pony rides, inflatable castles and a lot more! Entry is 15CHF and gives you access to all activities at no extra cost. All the money raised at this event will go to support the local jardin d’enfants “Les Crocolions”in Chancy.

 

• 21st-22nd June 2014: La Fête de la musique in Geneva is for the little ones too! On the 21st and 22nd of June L’espace petite enfance at La Madeleine des Enfants (16 place de la Madeleine) will be welcoming families with children aged 0 to 5 for some fab music workshops. From 10am to 4pm your little buttons will be able to join in singing sessions, play with instruments, take part in dance workshops (also suitable for babies). FREE ENTRY, baby changing units and dedicated feeding areas will be available.

• 22nd June 2014: Butterfly workshop and guided walks for children at the Association La Libellule in Geneva (Pavillon Plantamour – 112, rue de Lausanne). In French, from 1pm to 5pm.

 

• Sunday 22nd June 2014: Spectacle Play Time at 5pm at the Parc des Sports in Morges (VD) by the local circus school Coquino.ch. This is a lovely circus show for the whole family. Entry ticket 25CHF, advance bookings to be made at

 

• Sunday 22nd June 2014: UN Orchestra Concert at the Victoria Hall in Geneva, starting at 3pm. This free concert is very popular so make sure you arrive with plenty of time, as seating is on a first come, first served basis. This year’s programme will include: Jacques Offenbach: Orpheus in the Underworld Overture; Franz von Suppé: Poet and Peasant Overture; Georges Bizet: Carmen Suite n°1; Gioachino Rossini: William Tell Overture; Franz Lehar: Gold and Silver Waltz; Johann Strauss: The Blue Danube Waltz.

 

• Remember that until the 22nd of June 2014 you can also enjoy Sunday brunch at Les Jardins du Châteaux de Vuillerens, with its beautiful iris gardens. Call 079 844 68 60 or email info@ateliersaveurs.ch to reserve your places, prices are 55.00CHF per person (drinks not included) and 28CHF for children aged 4 to 12. Read more about these beautiful iris gardens in our post from last spring.

 

• 23rd-27th June 2014: “Autour de Mme de Staël” theatre festival taking place in the beautiful courtyard of the Château de Coppet. The festival is inspired by the Château’s most famous resident: Mme Germaine de Staël, daughter of a Genevan banker, woman of letters and feminist ante-litteram who was exiled to Coppet by Napoleon for her political views.

 

• until 25th June 2014: Genève se met aux Roses, the 67th edition of the Concours International de Roses Nouvelles in Geneva. A perfect day-out for garden lovers, discover all new varieties of roses at the Parc de La Grange in Eaux-Vives and enjoy live concerts, workshops and much more.

 

• Wednesday 25th June 2014: Petits rendez-vous at Geneva’s MAMCO for kids ones aged 5 to 10 accompanied by an adult starting at 3.15pm: free of charge and no advance booking required! Introduce your kids to the joys of modern art with these fun, interactive tours.

 

• Wednesday 25th June 2014: “Fabrication de nichoirs” – 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).

 

• 28th June 2014: Rooftop Day Genève. I*Ron Orp Genève are launching the first Rooftop Day in Geneva on the 28th of June 2014. Register by the 31st of May to open up your ‘terrasse’ for a party, a BBQ, a concert, a yoga lesson – whatever you fancy or just come along on the day and discover some of the city’s best views….from the rooftop! Register at geneve@ronorp.net before the 31st of May if you’d like to open your rooftop to the public. Click here for more info.

 

• 28th June 2014: La francophonie en fête au CAGI, a great free event for locals and expats alike at the CAGI Welcome Centre in Geneva (Domaine La Pastorale, route de Ferney 106). From 4pm to midnight enjoy a great family day-out with bouncy castles, baby football, international food stalls and live music in the lovely setting of the CAGI gardens. Free entry.

 

• 28th-29th June 2014: Fête de la Montagne at various locations across France. A great festival for mountain lovers offering over 200 events, such as walks, live music, foodie gatherings and much more! Click here to search for the event closest to you.

 

• until 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, or have a look at the photos we took during our visit last week.

 

• until September 2014: Free Ludobus in Geneva. Until the end of September 2014 you will find a red and a blue ludobus at different locations in Geneva including parks, school playgrounds & street festivals. A ludobus is a travelling toy library, guaranteed to keep your little ones entertained during these long, hot summer days. You can download the full list of locations & exact times here.

ONGOING

• until 6th July 2014: “Pas de panique”, a great exhibition – suitable for adults and children alike – dealing with fear and panic, explained in a fun and interactive way. What ignites these powerful emotions? How do they affect us? Learn all about fear, panic and stress and…fear no more! Click here for full deatils of all upcoming conferences and events linked to the exhibition at Uni Dufour in Geneva (Rue Général-Dufour 24). Free entry.

 

• until 17th August 2014: “Anatomies”, interactive exhibition at the Musée de la main – Fondation Claude Verdan in Lausanne (Rue du Bugnon 21) looking at different representations of the human body & anatomy throughout the centuries. Book your place in advance for one of their kids workshops: “Voyage dans le corps” (ages 6-9) and “Corps transparent” (ages 10-13), which are also offered as birthday party workshops for 140CHF, max. 12 children.

 

• until September 2014: “Les Créateliers animent le square Monthoux” kids activities & workshops at the square Monthoux in Geneva (32 rue de Monthoux) for children aged 2 to 12 on Monday and Thursday afternoon and on Saturdays. Check the official website for full details.

 

• 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.

 

• until 21st September 2014: Superman, Batman & co…mics! A great exhibition at the Maison d’Ailleurs (Place Pestalozzi 14, Yverdon-les-Bains) paying tribute to the “comics culture” through the work of 5 contemporary artists: Adrian Tranquilli, Gilles Barbier, Mathias Schmied, Alexandre Nicolas and Audrey Piguet. A fascinating journey through the icons of this modern mythology. Check the official website for more details on guided tours and kids workshops.

 

• until 28th September 2014: Papiers découpés. Scherenschnitte. Silhouette. Paper cuts, a new exhibition at the Château de Prangins (VD) focusing on contemporary and historical paper-cuts. As their website explains: “Ranging from the abstract to the figurative and the dazzlingly colourful to the austerely black and white, these works are a testament to the expressive richness of a medium that enables artists to suggest the beauty of a landscape and also cast a critical eye over contemporary society. Also featured are paper cuts made by children from the Pestalozzianum Foundation in Zurich between 1930 and 1960, and films by the celebrated German director and pioneer of silhouette animation Lotte Reiniger. At the end of the tour, visitors can take a seat on a silhouette chair and recreate themselves in profile.”

 

• until 28th September 2014: Exposition Eurêka at the Quartier Libre SIG in Geneva (Pont de la Machine). Another great exhibition for kids where they can have fun whilst discovering how some of the world’s greatest inventions came about. From batteries to light bulbs and computers, they will learn all there is to know about these great scientific discoveries. Free entry.

 

• until 19th October 2014: Ethnopalmes, fun & interactive exhibition at the Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques in Geneva, unveiling all the many uses that palm trees can provide us with. Keep an eye out for the family activity and workshops linked to the exhibition which will be announced shortly!

 

• until 31st October 2014: Veni, Vidi, Ludique, a fascinating exhibition about toys and childhood games in ancient Rome held at 3 locations: the Musée romain de Nyon, Musée Suisse du Jeu and the Musée romain de Vallon. Discover what kept children entertained in ancient Rome and hw their toys were made, from rattles for babies to dolls and dice games made out of animal bones. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to pm at the Musée romain de Nyon.

 

• until 30th November 2014: La Maison des Jouets, a great exhibition of vintage toys at the Musée Alexis Forel in Morges (Grand-Rue 54). From mechanical toys to dolls, play kitchens and teddy bears this fab exhibition will take you on a fascinating journey through the history of toys & childhood play. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 2pm to 6pm.

 

• until 11th April 2015: “Dompter la lumière”, a fun interactive exhibition at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle in Geneva about the nature of light and how it can be tamed by reflection, refraction and other phenomena. The children will love the periscopes, kaleidoscopes and mirrors that will repeat images in a never-ending line. Free entry, click here to download the full brochure of the exhibition in English.

 

• 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.