What’s On in April

Spring is finally here to stay and the list of events in Geneva, Vaud and nearby France is filled with exciting outings for the whole family.

Here’s our list of suggestions, but remember to keep checking our blog as we will be updating it with more events each week !

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

 

• 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.

 

• Free kids activities to enjoy with your little ones in Carouge (read here), including story-telling and theatre shows. Remember that some activities require advance booking by phone or email, so do it now as places are limited. The next free activity that requires booking is “Éveil musical, comptines et jeux de doigts” at the Bibliothèque de Carouge, starting on Thursday 11th of April. The next free theatre show at the BiblioQuartier des Grands-Hutins will be on Tuesday 30th of April at 5pm with “Pop Up Cirkus” (from age 2), reserve your places now!

 

• The Festival La Cour des Contes in Plan-les-Ouates has a programme packed with fantastic shows and events for all ages (and many are free!), so read our previous post to find out more about it and reserve your places. From the 26th of April to the 5th of May 2013.

 

• Running out of ideas for next 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.

 

• 1st April 2013: Brunch dans les Tulipes in Morges (VD). Celebrate the start of Morges’ fabulous tulips festival with this delectable Easter brunch under the Relais marquee (Parc de l’Indépendance). Price per person CHF 32.-, Children from 6 to 12 years old CHF 20.-, free for children under the age of 5 years old. Reservations will be accepted until the 25th of March 2013, book your places at Relais Services 021 811 51 71.

 

• Tuesday 2nd April 2013: Foté Foré, a fantastic circus show for kids from age 6 at the Château Rouge in Annemasse (1 route de Bonneville, France). Show starts at 8.30pm, see the official website to reserve tickets and watch a short video of this amazing show.

 

 

• 2nd-12th April 2013: Cirque Stages de Pâques, circus holiday workshops at L’Elastique citrique in Nyon (La Caserne – 11, Rue des Marchandises). Workshops for ages 5-7 will take place in the mornings from 9am to midday, while workshops from age 8 will be in the afternoon (1pm to 5pm). See the official website for full details.

 

• Wednesday 3rd April 2013: Mini & Petits Rendez-vous at Geneva’s MAMCO for little ones aged 2-4 and 5-10 accompanied by an adult – free of charge and no advance booking is required ! Introduce them to the joys of modern art with these fun, interactive tours starting at 3.15pm. There will be other tours on Sunday 7th of April 2013 at 11.15am) and more Petits Rendez-vous on Wednesday 10th, 17th & 24th of April 2013 at 3.15pm.

 

• 5th-7th April 2013: Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art in Geneva. Would you like to see what happens behind the scenes of the city’s most important cultural institutions? Would you like to meet the people who work there and learn more about what they do? If so, book your place for one of the guided tours or free workshops taking place during these Easter holidays in Geneva. Visit the official website for full info and to reserve your place, but hurry as they fill up fast!

 

• 5th-13rd April 2013: Cully Jazz Festival a fantastic music festival and the most important jazz festival in Switzerland. Click here for full details and to book tickets.

 

• Saturday 6th April 2013: Family Factory at the Centre d’Art Contemporain Genève (10, rue des Vieux-Grenadiers). This is an interactive visit of the current Hotel Abisso exhibition & art workshop for the whole family (next appointments will be on Sat. 13th, 20th and 27th April). The first group is at 11am and the second at 2pm, advance booking at 022 329 18 42 is highly recommended as places fill up fast – cost per family 10CHF. Recommended for kids aged 3-6 accompanied by an adult.

 

• 6th-7th April 2013: “Le Monde des Elfes”, an opera for kids in 3 acts at l’Esplanade du Lac in Divonne-les-Bains (France). Performed by 200 children from local schools, this opera tells the magical story of the World of the Elves, dating back to the mysterious Middle Ages…The show starts ta 4pm, tickets must be reserved in advance at info@lemondedeselfes.org

 

• 6th-7th April 2013: “Tulipes Sportives”, why not try an exciting new sport and admire the beautiful tulips at Morges’ Tulip Festival ? On Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 5 pm try your hand (and feet!) at Capoeira, Circus, Rugby, Võ-ViêtNam and Zumba – and remember the Easter egghunt on Sunday 7th of April ! Free entry for all at the Parc de l’Indépendance, Morges (VD).

 

• Sunday 7th April 2013: Brunch et visites guidées at the MEN – Musée d’ethnographie Neuchâtel (Rue St-Nicolas 4 – 2000 Neuchâtel). What a lovely idea for a family day-out: enjoy a guided tour of the museum and a delicious brunch, while the children take part in the kids workshops (from age 4) starting at 11am. Brunch will be served from 11.30am, prices are 30CHF per adult and 15CHF for children under 12, brunch is free for children under 5. Places must be reserved in advance for Sunday brunch and kids workshops at 032 717 85 60 or by email at reception.men@ne.ch

 

• The current exhibition at the Musée d’histoire des sciences in Geneva is called “Les jeux sont faits ! hasard et probabilités” and runs until the 7th of April 2013. Entry is free and the exhibition is a fun way to learn about probability calculations via the medium of dice games, roulette and other childhood games we’ve all played.

 

 

• 9th April 2013: “Ateliers Pop-up”  from age 6, 4.30pm-6.30pm at the BiblioQuartier des Grands-Hutins (3, rue de la Tambourine). These fun workshops will run on Tuesday 16th & 23rd of April 2013 as well (4.30pm to 6.30pm). Your children will learn how to make their own pop-up book so don’t miss these free workshops, book your places now at animations-bibliothèques@carouge.ch

 

• 9th-10th April 2013: Le Petit Poucet at the theatre Forum Meyrin in Geneva. This touching show for children aged 8 and older is a modern take on the traditional tale by Charles Perrault: our modern Petit Poucet is an only child, not much loved and uncared for, what will happen to him? Performances start at 7pm.

 

• 9th-20th April 2013: Buchettino at the theatre Am Stram Gram in Geneva (56 route de Frontenex), another moving version of Perrault’s Petit Poucet – from age 8. Visit the Am Stram Gram’s official website for full details and showtimes.

 

• 10th-28th April 2013: “Le chat sans queue” a fun puppet-show from age 4 at the Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève (Rue Rodo 3). Your little ones will root for this lonely cat with no tail, and so will you ! See the official website for performance times and to buy tickets.

 

• Wednesday 10th April 2013: “Les oiseaux 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. There will be 2 other workshops this month on Wed. 17th and 24th of April 2013.

 

• Wednesday 10th April 2013: Mercredis Family the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva. These fun, interactive family tours are for children aged 6-11 accompanied by an adult, they’re FREE OF CHARGE and require no previous booking, so definitely worth a try ! Tours are in French, here’s the list of upcoming dates for April: Wednesday 10th April “Casques et Masques” “; Wed. 17th April “Les sens de l’art” and Wed. 24th April “Dans les pas d’Aphrodite…”

 

• Wednesday 10th April 2013: Bricolage workshops at the kids’ bookshop Au Chien Bleu in Geneva. See our previous post to find out all about this and the next workshops on Wednesday 17th and 24th of April 2013. On Wednesday 10th of April from 4pm to 6pm don’t miss the Rencontre/dédicace with Olivier May, Genevan author of “Les enfants de la louve” a novel from age 9 about prehistoric kids Airelle, her cousin Petit-Nez and their mad adventures!

 

• Wednesday 10th April 2013: «Apéro crochet» from 6.30pm at Mizzica, a delish Sicilian delicatessen in Carouge (5 rue du Pont-Neuf). Enjoy a drink, a chat with friends and a mean crocheting session, part of the Printemps Carougeois celebrations. Entry is free and all materials will be supplied, what you create will be used as part of artist Carol Hummel’s crochet installations. If you miss this one, the next one will be on Friday 12th of April – same time, same place.

 

• 10th-13th April 2013: “Pierre à pierre” a theatre show from age 2 made using stones and pebbles in the most inventive ways, at the Espace des Ursules in Thonon-les-Bains, France (Square Paul Jacquier). Click here for prices, performance times and bookings.

 

• Thursday 11th April 2013: “L’absinthe genevoise”, did you know that absynth is grown and distilled in the Geneva area? Would you like to find out more about it and take part in a little tasting ? if so don’t miss this special evening session (not suitable for children, of course!) in French at the Maison du terroir in Bernex (Route de Soral 93) from 7pm to 9pm. Reserve your places in advance at 022 388 71 55 or by email at terroir@opage.ch

 

• Thursday 11th April 2013: “Éveil musical, comptines et jeux de doigts” at the Bibliothèque de Carouge (Boulevard des Promenades 2bis), organized in collaboration with La Bulle d’Air. A unique opportunity to introduce the little muffins to the world of music and songs (in French). Each free course lasts for 3 sessions and the first course starts on Thursday 11th of April 2013 so register quickly as places as limited ! 9am sessions are for children aged 18 months to 2 years, and 9.45am sessions for kids aged 3-4. Click here to download the info file. These workshops are free of charge, all you need to do is register online by filling in this form.

 

• Thursday 11th April 2013: Brazilian Dance every Thursday evening at the Centre Culturel Brésilien de Genève (80, rue de Lausanne). If you love the joyous, energetic vibe of Brazilian music and would like to learn a few killer steps, don’t miss this fab dance course from 7.15pm to 8.15pm, run by Andreia Matos – she’ll introduce you to the joys of Samba, Axé, Funk & Sertanejo (Ai se eu te pego…). For more info contact Andreia at andreia7780@gmail.com They also hold Brazilian dance courses for children every Wednesday at 3pm, click here for more info !

 

• 11th-13th April 2013: Boutikids pop-up store at La Vie en Suite boutique in Neuchâtel (Faubourg de l’Hôpital 14). Don’t miss this opportunity to take a look at Boutikids’ new Spring/Summer collections: your mini-fashionistas will thank you for it! Open from 10am-6.30 on Thursday-Friday and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday.

 

• Friday 12th April 2013: «Apéro crochet» from 6.30pm at Mizzica, a delish Sicilian delicatessen in Carouge (5 rue du Pont-Neuf). Enjoy a drink, a chat with friends and a mean crocheting session, part of the Printemps Carougeois celebrations. Entry is free and all materials will be supplied, what you create will be used as part of artist Carol Hummel’s crochet installations.

 

 

• 12th-14th April 2013: Salon bébé at Palexpo Geneva. This exhibition is all about life with baby, so don’t miss it if you’re expecting a little one or are new parents looking for all the latest info and baby products. See the official website for full details and agenda of events. Entry is only 10CHF per adult and free for children up to the age of 16.

 

• Saturday 13th April 2013: Moment Famille at the “Roger Pfund Le multiple et le singulier” exhibition. These fun guided tours for children aged 6-11 accompanied by an adult will unveil the fascinating world of the Franco-Swiss painter and graphic designer Roger Pfund at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Free entry for children, no advance booking required so don’t miss it !

 

• Saturday 13th April 2013: Atelier Familles at 2.30pm “De Genève aux confins du monde – Une promenade extraordinaire” family workshop at the Musée d’ethnographie de Genève (MEG). From age 5. The main MEG building in Plainpalais is currently being renovated and will re-open in 2014. In the meantime, exhibitions and family tours are held at the MEG Conches, near Chêne-Bougeries (map). This year’s “Atelier familles” promise to be really good: a time machine will transport the whole family back to the 18th century, so get ready for some fun! The tours take place on Saturday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and cost 10CHF per person (20CHF per family). They must be booked via email at publics.meg@ville-ge.ch

 

• Saturday 13th April 2013: “Le Ministrelle, conte musical et voyage autour du monde”, a world tour through music and dance: from Argentinian tango to Norwegian dances and more music styles, performed by the children who attend the Institut Jaques-Dalcroze & le Studio Kodaly. Free entry, show starts at 11am at La julienne in Plan-les-ouates (rte de Saint-Julien 116).

 

• 13th-14th April 2013: Salon Junior, the first kids expo in Lausanne for 4 to 14 year-olds. Open from 10am to 5pm at Lausanne-Malley this expo will offer a wide range of fun and educational activities, workshops, movies and shows for children – so make sure you check out their official website for full details and to book your tickets!

 

• 13th-14th April 2013: “Pimprenelle”, a poetic, musical show for children aged 3-5 at the Théâtre Micromegas in Ferney Voltaire (24 bis rue de Meyrin). Performances at 5pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday, click here to buy tickets.

 

• Sunday 14th April: free guided walk of “International Geneva” by the Association Genève-Escapade. Meet at 10.30am at Palais Wilson and discover the most fascinating sites of this international city. The tour is free of charge but places must be booked in advance at info@geneve-escapade.ch or 022 772 05 02.

 

• Sunday 14th April: “Plume l’ours polaire” an adorable musical from age 3 at the Salle des fêtes in Carouge (rue Ancienne 37). This is the story of the little polar bear Plume and his friend Filou, a young seal. Click here for ticket prices and bookings. You can also win tickets by taking part in Coop’s competition: just send an email to Relationspubliques.sr@coop.ch with all your contact details and write “Plume l’ours polaire Carouge” in the subject box, good luck!

 

• Sunday 14th April: “Mini MiR”, special guided tours for children aged 7-12 at the Musée International de la Réforme (4 rue du Cloître, Genève). From 2pm to 3pm your little historians will be able to discover more about this fascinating museums with a fun, interactive tour created just for them! Places must be booked in advance, click here to find out more.

 

• 14th-17th April 2013: “Allegretto”, a fun clown show filled with music from age 3 at Le Manège in Onex (127, route de Chancy). Performance time 2.30pm on Sunday 14th and Wed. 17th April, click here to book your tickets.

 

• until 14th April 2013: Pâkomuzé is a series of fab family events taking place during the Easter holidays in Lausanne, Pully and Vaud. Don’t miss it! You can read all about it here.

 

 

• 16th-21st April 2013: Salon Mieux – Palexpo Geneva, an exhibition entirely focused on eco and sustainable living: from building or renovating your house, to transport, energy providers, solar panels and schools find what suits your green lifestyle best. Open from 2pm tp 10pm everyday, free entry for children under the age of 16. For more info, visit the Mieux official web site.

 

• Wednesday 17th April 2013: “Ornithologues en herbe: excursion ornithologique guidée au Chalet-à-Gobet s./Lausanne” Birdwatching tour in French for ages 9-12 in Chalet-à-Gobet s./Lausanne (VD), organized by the Swiss bird association Nosoiseaux.ch. Reserve your place at 079 569 2013 or by email at blaise.nicolet@nosoiseaux.ch – the next tour will be on the 24th of April 2013.

 

• Wednesday 17th April 2013: “Les sens de l’art” Mercredis Family the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva. These fun, interactive family tours are for children aged 6-11 accompanied by an adult, they’re FREE OF CHARGE and require no previous booking, so definitely worth a try ! Tours are in French, the next date will be on Wed. 24th April “Dans les pas d’Aphrodite…”

 

• Wednesday 17th April 2013: “Contes et Légendes des plantes de chez nous” 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 workshops this month on Wed. 24th of April 2013.

 

• Wednesday 17th April 2013: “Les plantes comestibles” a guided tour to discover edible plants for children aged 12 to 15, organized by the Association la Libellule in Geneva. From 1pm to 5pm, individual or family tickets available. See the website for more info.

 

• Wednesday 17th April 2013: Mercredis Family the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva. These fun, interactive family tours are for children aged 6-11 accompanied by an adult, they’re FREE OF CHARGE and require no previous booking, so definitely worth a try ! Tours are in French, here’s the list of upcoming dates for April: Wed. 17th April “Les sens de l’art” and Wed. 24th April “Dans les pas d’Aphrodite…”

 

• 17th-21st April 2013: “Au lit petite souris”, a delightful puppet-show from age 4 at the Centre de loisirs in Chêne-Bourg (2, ch. F. Perréard). Little Topolino really doesn’t want to go to bed, he has nightmares you see – but Grandma knows a magic song…Click here for performance times.

 

• 17th-28th April 2013: Fontaine, je boirai de ton eau, a show from age 7 about vanity, inspired by the animal tales of Jean de la Fontaine at Le petit théâtre in Lausanne (Place de la Cathédrale 12). Reserve your tickets here.

 

• Thursday 18th April 2013: “Plantes comestibles” a special guided walk in French organized by the Association La Libellule in Geneva, which will teach you about edible plants -a centuries-old skill that has unfortunately been lost in our “supermarket era”. From 5.30pm to 9.30pm, advance booking required at info@lalibellule.ch or by phone at 022 732 37 76. Prices: 30CHF adults, 15CHF under 12| 60CHF family ticket (max 4 people).

 

• Thursday 18th April 2013: “Sonnez les matines” a fun session in French for ages 0-4 with music, songs and playtime at the Bibliothèque Aux Mille Feuille in Gland (38 grand rue). From 9.30am to 10.30am, free entry no booking necessary.

 

• 18th-21st April 2013: Unofrtunately the 7th International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Geneva has been cancelled, find out more about it here.

 

• 18th-28th April 2013: Printemps Carougeois, one of the coolest spring festivals in Carouge. This year’s theme is all about threads & strings, and the line-up of art installations, live shows and kids’ activities is fantastic. Read our previous post to find out all about it and reserve your tickets where necessary. Enjoy!

 

• Friday 19th April 2013: Rio Jazz en concert at the Salle venturelli – Le Saugy in Genthod. Entry to the jazz session is free of charge, be there on time at 8.30pm !

 

• 19th-26th April 2013: Visions du Réel, Nyon’s international film and documentary festival. When we first moved to Switzerland, I applied to work as a bénévole during this festival and a couple of years later I interviewed the organizers for Swiss News – the insight I had was such a privilege and great fun too! Visions du Réel is definitely an appointment not to miss if you love thought-provoking and original films dealing with the reality and contradictions of this amazing world of ours. Check the official website for full details of the daily programme and the 2 film-making ateliers with Latvian filmmaker Laila Pakalnina and Israeli filmmaker Eyal Sivan. This year’s Visions du Réel will also host the world premiere of the film “Viramundo” by Pierre-Yves Borgeaud, in the presence of Gilberto Gil – don’t miss it if you love Brazilian music!

 

• Saturday 20th April 2013: “Dans la peau de Margot”, a puppet-show from age 8 at the Aula de l’école Ranches II in Vernier (6, rue du Village). A puppet master has created a new, beautiful puppet he decided to call Margot, but suddenly he realizes she can see and understand the world…and wants to take part in it! Show starts at 4.30pm but doors will open at 3.30pm. Click here to buy your tickets.

 

• Saturday 20th April 2013: Festival de Robotique 2013 at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (Route Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne). A great family day-out if your budding scientists are fascinated by the brave new world of robots. With many exciting workshops, shows & events, which can be booked in advance. Open from 9am to 6pm, click on the official website for full details.

 

• Saturday 20th April 2013: “Né pour lire” free reading session for children aged 0-5 at the Bibliothèque Forum Meyrin (1, pl. des Cinq-Continents). From 9am to 9.45am, a lovely opportunity to share a book or a story with your little tiddlers! No advance booking necessary.

 

• Saturday 20th April 2013: Starbugs kids’ show at the Ludothèque de St-Prex, Centre de Vieux Moulin (VD) at 7pm. The STARBUGS are a young trio from Bern who invented the Rhythmic Comedy – a must see if you love dance, music & comedy ! They have been on tour with Circus Knie in 2011 and they’re now very proud to perform in St-Prex (VD). Drinks and nibbles will be offered before and after the show.

 

• 20th-21st April 2013: Ateliers de ceramique pour enfants et familles at the MUDAC in Lausanne (Musée de design et d’arts appliqués contemporains, Place de la Cathédrale 6). The Saturday workshop “La céramique, c’est fantastique!” is for children aged 8-13 and will give them a taster of this fab art form – there will be 2 further workshops on the 8th and 22nd of May 2013. The workshop will run from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and the cost is 10CHF per child. The family workshop “Mini fabrique de céramique…” on Sunday, is for parents and children from age 8. From 2.30pm to 5pm, price 10CHF per person. The next family workshop will be on Sunday 5th of May 2013 at the same time. Places must be booked in advance at 021 315 25 30.

 

• 20th-27th April 2013: MuMo / Musée mobile d’art contemporain at the Place des Cinq-Continents in Meyrin. A unique opportunity for children aged 6-12 to familiarize themselves with contemporary art thanks to this great “mobile art gallery” covering different forms of art: painting, sculpture, video, design, installations etc. Open to the public on Saturday 20th and 27th, Wednesday 24th of April 2013.

 

• Sunday 21st April 2013: Contes à reBourg storytelling for children from 3.30pm at the Bourg theatre in Lausanne. “Les histoires sont de drôles de monstres”…what do you think ? will your little ones be scared ?

 

• Sunday 21st April 2013: “Le trésor caché du pirate” Sonia Grimm’s latest show for kids from age 2 at the Salle des Fêtes in Thônex. From 4pm your little pirates ahoy will be entertained with music and songs (in French): my kids loved every minute of it! Tickets can be booked here.

 

• until 21st April 2013: If the weather lets us down this Sunday, why not take the tiddlers to the Natural History Museum in Geneva to see the dinosaurs and the KK-Zoo exhibition?

 

• 21st April 2013: “La mozzarella genevoise”, discover how Angelo, Nicola et Fabio from Casa Mozzarella produce the most delicious, creamy cheese using only fresh milk from the Geneva area. When the best traditions from Italy meet superb local ingredients, what you get is pure magic! As well as watching how this delicious fresh cheese is made, you will also have the opportunity to make a small mazzarella ball yourself, so reserve your place now at 022 388 71 55 or by email at terroir@opage.ch. From 7pm to 9pm at La Maison du Terroir Route de Soral 93 in Bernex.

 

• until 21st April 2013: 8th International Oriental Film Festival in Geneva, this fantastic film festival will not only showcase the best of Eastern & Western film production, but will feature a series of special screenings designed just for children: on Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning around an oriental brunch. Visit the official website for full details.

 

• 21st April-8th May 2013: Le Rat de Ville et le Rat des Champs at the Théâtre Rodolphe Töpffer in Geneva (Avenue Eugène-Pittard 21). A delightful theatre show for children about the well-known Aesop’s tale of the country mouse and city mouse. Performances are at 3.30pm on Wednesdays, Saturday and Sundays but seating is free so try to get there a bit earlier to get the best seats. Reserve your tickets in advance at 022 703 51 25.

 

• Tuesday 23rd April 2013: Projections gratuites de petits films d’animation, free cartoon screenings for children at the Cinéma Bio in Carouge (Rue Saint-Joseph 47). Starting at 9.30am these cinema sessions for little ones are completey free-of-charge but places must be booked in advance at petits@animatou.com or 022 734 11 84. Click here to see which short movies will be shown.

 

• 23rd-25th April 2013: «Bouillon de cultures», a great multicultural festival organized by the city of Geneva at the 99-Espace de quartier (Rue de Lyon 99). With international dance shows, finger-licking world cuisine & plenty of kids activities this is a fab day-out for the whole family. Did we mention entry is free for all ? Visit the official website for full details.

 

• 23rd-28th April 2013: “L’après-midi d’un foehn”,a poetic circus, dance & music show from age 4 at the Theatre Am Stram Gram in Geneva, ideal even if you or your little ones don’t speak French. See the official website for full details and to book tickets.

 

• Wednesday 24th April 2013: tickets for this summer’s Paléo Festival Nyon go on sale today at midday ! The Paléo Festival is one of the major open-air music festivals in Europe, this year’s edition will run from the 23rd to the 28th of July 2013 – make sure you don’t miss it.

 

• Wednesday 24th April 2013: “Dans les pas d’Aphrodite…” Mercredis Family the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva. These fun, interactive family tours are for children aged 6-11 accompanied by an adult, they’re FREE OF CHARGE and require no previous booking, so definitely worth a try ! Tours are in French.

 

• Wednesday 24th April 2013: “Ornithologues en herbe: excursion ornithologique guidée au Chalet-à-Gobet s./Lausanne” Birdwatching tour in French for ages 9-12 in Chalet-à-Gobet s./Lausanne (VD), organized by the Swiss bird association Nosoiseaux.ch. Reserve your place at 079 569 2013 or by email at blaise.nicolet@nosoiseaux.ch

 

• Wednesday 24th April 2013: Dîner-spectacle at the Théâtre Alchimic Genève (10 avenue Industrielle, Carouge). Reserve your places for the new theatre show “Vladimir” at 7pm, followed by a delicious meal at the Restaurant Le Mess (20, rue de la Gabelle) at 8.30pm.

 

• Wednesday 24th April 2013: “Qui a peur des plantes carnivores ?” 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 24th April 2013: Wednesday workshops in French at the Pavillon Plantamour in Geneva (112, rue de Lausanne). From 2pm to 5pm the children will work on some great nature-themed crafts. Cost is 10CHF per child and places must be reserved in advance at info@lalibellule.ch

 

• Wednesday 24th April 2013: “Dans les pas d’Aphrodite…” Mercredis Family the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva. These fun, interactive family tours are for children aged 6-11 accompanied by an adult, they’re FREE OF CHARGE and require no previous booking, so definitely worth a try ! Tours are in French.

 

• Wednesday 24th April 2013: free Pilates session in English at 3pm at the Parc Bertrand in Champel (right next to the paddling pool). Reserve your free place in advance at penneymegginson@hotmail.com

 

• 24th-25th April 2013: “Le fil du roi” free puppetshow for children at the Musée de Carouge (Place de Sardaigne 2). Will the king be over-thrown ? What will happen to his kingdom? Performance starts at 7pm, free entry – part of the Printemps Carougeois cultural agenda.

 

• 26th-28th April 2013: the first edition of Expo Juniors 2013 is set to be Geneva’s biggest family event for children aged 4 to 14, taking place at Geneva’s Palexpo. Divided into six themed villages (Education & Practical Life, Tourism, Sports & Leisure, Games & Toys, Health & Wellness, Environment), Expo Juniors invites children to take part in a fantastic family adventure full of great discoveries. With many fun & educational workshops on offer, as well as fashion shows, equestrian demonstrations and even a circus, your kids will definitely be spoilt for choice!

 

• 26th-27th April 2013: Portes ouvertes 2013 & musical marathon (figuratevely speaking!) at the Conservatoire de Musique de Genève (Place Neuve). From 5.30pm to 10.30pm on Friday 26th you’ll be able to enjoy some great live performances by the pupils of Geneva’s Conservatoire de Musique. On Saturday 27th from 9.30am to 8pm, your children will be able to explore any instrument they wish and find out more about available courses for next year.

 

• 26th April-5th May 2013: Festival La Cour des Contes in Plan-les-Ouates is one of the best-loved spring events in Geneva. With an exceptional line-up of live performances, readings and tales for all ages how can you not go ? Check the official website for full details of all available shows or read our previous post to find out more about this great festival. The shows planned for this weekend include “Bon appétit Mister Gigi !” (from age 2); “Petites Histoires au pays du soleil levant” (from age 3, free of charge) and the story-telling marathon “La nuit du conte” from age 12, starting at 8pm at La Julienne – Route de Saint-Julien 116, Plan-les-Ouates. There are too many events to list them all here so make sure you take a look at the events calendar !

 

• Friday 26th April 2013: “Binokyo” theatre show for children at La Chapelle in Collex-Bossy (Ch. de la Fruitière) at 8pm. The year is 2089 and all the bees have died, will a wise grandmother and her friends be able to save the world ?

 

• 26th-29th April 2013: Unicréa Arts and crafts exhibition at the Château de Morges (VD). Another great option for this rainy weekend, especially if you love arts & crafts: there will be over 100 European artists sharing their creativity ib the fields of art, fashion, home decor and more !

 

• Saturday 27th April 2013: Troc/Vente at the Ludothèque de Nyon (rue des marchandises 2, Pavillon Perdtemps) from 2pm to 5pm. Nyon’s toy library will be selling a selection of their toys for token prices, so don’t miss it if you’re looking for some good games for your little ones ! If you’re already a member of this toy library, you can also reserve a place to set up a small stall and sell your second-hand toys. You can reserve the space for free but yo must book it before the 23rd of April at animations@ludonyon.com

 

• Saturday 27th April 2013: story-time in English at the Off-the-Shelves bookshop in Geneva (15 bvd Georges Favon). The sessions start at 10.30am and take place on the last Saturday of every month – don’t miss the special discounts on kids books purchased during storuytime sessions (10am to midday).

 

• Saturday 27th April 2013: Open Day at the Institut Jaques-Dalcroze in Eaux-Vives (Rue de la Terrassière 44). From 10am families are welcome to discover all about the courses for children and summer camps offered by the Institut Jaques-Dalcroze: from drums sessions to folk danses, “piano impro”, music and much more.

 

• Saturday 27th April 2013: Concert-Découverte “Robert Schumann, sa vie et sa musique” from age 7 at the Salle de spectacles, Institut Jaques-Dalcroze in Geneva (Rue de la Terrassière, 44). A concert especially designed to introduce young children to classical music, and on this particular occasion to the world of Robert Schumann. The concert will start at 5pm, remember to reserve your seats in advance here.

 

• 27th-28th April 2013: “La digestion du batracien de salon”, a puppet and machinery show from age 5 at the Théâtre Micromegas in Ferney Voltaire (24 bis rue de Meyrin). Performances at 5pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday, click here to buy tickets.

 

• 27th-28th April 2013: Books & Stories in the Parc de l’Indépendance during Morges’ Tulip Festival. There will be book exchanges, story-time, hot air balloons and many fun activities for your little muffins!

 

• Sunday 28th April 2013: “Le trésor caché du pirate” Sonia Grimm’s latest show for kids from age 2 at the Salle Métropole in Lausanne. From 4pm your little pirates ahoy will be entertained with music and songs (in French): my kids loved every minute of it! Tickets can be booked here.

 

• Sunday 28th April 2013: Moment Famille at the “Roger Pfund Le multiple et le singulier” exhibition. These fun guided tours for children aged 6-11 accompanied by an adult will unveil the fascinating world of the Franco-Swiss painter and graphic designer Roger Pfund at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Free entry for children, no advance booking required so don’t miss it !

 

• Sunday 28th April 2013: Sunday brunch at the Vivarium in Lausanne. From 10am to 3pm, enjoy a delicious buffet-style brunch at the Vivarium in Lausanne – Europe’s largest collection of live poisonous reptiles. Brunch only is 15CHF per adult and 8CHF per child under the age of 12; if you’d like to have brunch and also visit the Vivarium then the price is 23CHF per adult and 13CHF for children under 12.

 

• Sunday 28th April 2013: Fête d’inauguration pour familles celebrate the opening of the new family space at La Villa romaine de Pully (Av. Samson-Reymondin 2, VD) where ancient Roman archeology comes to life. A fun day-out for the whole family: free entry for all, story-telling, fun guided tours for kids and delish nibbles. From 2.30pm to 6pm, don’t be late!

 

• Sunday 28th April 2013: Les dimanches du conte at the Théâtricul in Chêne-Bourg (64, route de Genève) are part of the Swiss Tales initiative. From 2pm to 7pm let your imagination run wild with some fascinating story-telling for children aged 5 and older, starting with “Paille, plumes, poules, les œufs roulent”.

 

• Monday 29th April 2013: Swap & Shop Party @ St-Prex from 8pm in the Foyer / Grande Rue. The big success of the 1st Swap-Party@St-Prex last November spurred the Swap Team’s ambition to do it again. The new concept includes a 2nd hand shop for your favorite items (brand-name products preferred, or any articles in excellent condition), which you would rather like to sell than swap. On the other hand you might find some beautiful pieces other participants have brought along. Furthermore, some of the decoration used for the evening will be on sale as well. However, this 2nd hand shop is an add-on, please do not forget the original fun of swapping – shopping without paying! Whether you are a swapper or not, everyone is welcome – remember to register in advance here, registration is mandatory!

• Tuesday 30th April 2013: “Né pour lire” baby reading session in Carouge from 10am to 10.45am) at the BiblioQuartier des Grands-Hutins (3, rue de la Tambourine). At 5pm, don’t miss the free theatre show “Pop Up Cirkus” (from age 2), but remember to reserve your places in advance!

 

 

ONGOING:

• until 15th May 2013: Tulip Festival in Morges (VD). Enjoy the majestic flowering of over 120,000 tulips of 300 different varieties in the Parc de l’Indépendance in Morges. Fun activities and events will also take place every weekend in the Parc de l’Indépendance, so check the official website for full details.

 

• until 19th May 2013: Vasarely vous a à l’œil free art exhibition at the Espace ExpoSIG (pont de la Machine, Geneva). Children will be able to play and manipulate objects to create new shapes, inspired by the paintings of French-Hungarian op artist Vasarely. Open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm at the weekend, free entry and free guided tours available too.

 

• until 19th June 2013: Les 3 petits cochons, the 3 little pigs come to the Théâtre des Lutins in Lausanne (Rue Petit-Saint-Jean 1A). A delightful puppet-show from age 4. Click here for performance times and to book tickets.

 

• until 26th June 2013: Chapeau les champignons! Wednesday workshops in French from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle in Geneva (1 route de Malagnou). The workshops are free of charge and take place every Wednesday from 2pm to 4.30pm on the second floor. Your little explorers will be able to learn more about the secret and fascinating world of mushrooms and also make some great mushroom-themed crafts! The workshops run in parallel with a new exhibition organized in collaboration with the Société mycologique de Genève starting on the 14th of March until the 4th of August 2013.

 

• until 11th August 2013: “Roger Pfund Le multiple et le singulier” an exhibition about the Franco-Swiss painter and graphic designer Roger Pfund at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva (Rue Charles-Galland 2). Discover the fascinating world of Pfund’s designs and his use of different materials. Free entry under the age of 18 and on the first Sunday of every month.

 

• 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.

 

• until December 2013: Indestructible énergie, an interactive exhibition about energy at the Espace des Inventions in Lausanne. The exhibition is tailored for your budding scientists and makes learning about energy fun & engaging !

© Espace des Inventions, Lausanne

 

• Cupcake decorating courses in Lausanne: have you always wanted to learn how to make beautifully decorated cupcakes ? If so, take a look at our previous post. Le Royaume Melazic offers great workshops for all levels on Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings and Wednesdays at 2pm.