What’s On in November 2015

All too soon the days have started drawing in, leaves are falling and the air carries a chilly hint of the months to come, but even as winter approaches there are plenty of great activities to be enjoyed together as a family.

Here’s our events listings for the month of November, remember to keep checking these listings regularly as we will be updating this post with more events each week.

PATINOIRES

Christmas is not far off and if you’d like to delve deep into the winter spirit, you can grab your ice-skates and join the fun at the ice-skating rinks that are already open for the season, including the patinoire des Vernets and the patinoire des Charmilles in Geneva; the patinoire des Bastions in Geneva (opening on the 14th of November 2015); the patinoire de Carouge (opening on the 21st of November 2015); the Patinoire de Montchoisi and the Patinoire de la Pontaise in Lausanne and the patinoire du Flon Esplanade du Flon in Lausanne (opening on the 7th of November 2015).

 

Every Saturday from 9am to 10am get your little girls suited & booted for ice-hockey beginners lessons suitable from age 4 at the patinoire in Grand-Sacconex! Every Wednesday from 1pm to 2pm and every Sunday from 11am until midday they will also offer free “Cours d’initiation au patinage” open to all. Bookings to be made in advance at the ice-rink – tel. 079 079 958 84 48.

Patinoire Grand-Sacconex – Campagne du Château – 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex (GE).

 

WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS

Whether you believe it or not, you CAN visit Santa’s house at the Hameau du Père Noël in Andilly (France) all year round (a secret probably worth keeping from the little buttons…). You can find out more about our visit to Santa’s house in Andilly in our previous post. For exact opening times and ticket prices, take a look at their official website.

 

On the other hand, the House of Santa Claus at Rochers-de-Naye nestled at an altitude of 2042 metres above Montreux (VD) will open on the 20th of November 2015. Don’t miss the Santa Claus train, face-painting sessions, stories, photos with Santa and much more!

Having been to both Santa’s abode in Andilly (FR) and Rochers de Naye (CH), we personally think that Andilly is better for younger children: it’s easily accessible and there’s a lot more to see inside Santa’s house. Rochers-de-Naye is probably best enjoyed with older children, who can be patient and sit still during the train ride up as well as appreciate the stunning mountain-top view over Montreux.

However, we’re very happy to share a great tip from Masha Bobyleva who recommends to drive up to the Christmas Village and take the train up to Santa’s House from there. The train ride from the Christmas Village is only 5 minutes and much easier to enjoy with young children than the longer ride from Montreux.

 

SUNDAY BRUNCH & INDOOR PLAY CENTRES

You can also check our previous posts to find all the best child-friendly places to enjoy a delicious and stress-free Sunday brunch with your little buttons or the best indoor play centres in Geneva, Vaud and nearby France. And if the Sunday blues hit you don’t fret, we’ve got some great tips for that too!

 

TOY & BOOK LIBRARIES

On those gray, drizzly autumn days when nothing seems to placate your little buttons, remember you can visit your local ludothèque for a spot of free play and some light relief.

Public libraries are also a great place for your children: many host free events, workshops, story-times (usually in French but sometimes in other languages too). The bibliothèques in Geneva, Lausanne and neighbouring communes hold too many kids events each month to list them all here so here’s some links you can check regularly:

Geneva public libraries events & activities

Carouge public libraries events & activities

Lausanne public libraries events & activities

 

NOVEMBER 2015 LISTINGS:

• 31st October-1st November 2015: LE MEG FÊTE SON ANNIVERSAIRE, join in to celebrate the MEG Museum’s first birthday with live performances of Japanese drums, origami creative workshops, kids activities including dressing up in traditional Japanese kimonos, story times and guided tours. Find the complete list of activities on the MEG website. FREE ENTRY.

 

• Sunday 1st November 2015: 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 November 2015: Festival de trams historiques leaving from the Rive tram stop. A great way to see the city with young children, they will love riding the old city trams! Tickets for a single ride are 4CHF and 10CHF for a day pass, children aged 6 to 16 will pay a reduced fee.

 

• Sunday 1st November 2015: Fête de la glace at the Patinoire des Vernets in Geneva (Rue Hans-Wilsdorf 4, Les Acacias). FREE ENTRY, from 10am to 4pm everyone will be able to try their hand at a new winter skating discipline, including ice hockey and figure skating. All activities and rental of ice-skates are free of charge, and the sessions will be accompanied by live DJ sets and many activities for all ages!

 

• Sunday 1st November 2015: Esprit Chocolat, family event at the Maison Vaudagne in Meyrin (16 Avenue de Vaudagne). From 2.30pm until 6pm there will be chocolate fountains and story times for the little ones. A perfect afternoon for families! FREE ENTRY.

 

• Sunday 1st November 2015: “Sommes-nous seuls dans l’Univers?” – free guided tours for families and children  aged 7+ and accompanied by an adult at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free Sunday tours will take place at 2pm on all floors.

 

• Sunday 1st November 2015: “Système solaire Atelier” free workshops for children  aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free workshops will take place at 11am until 12pm on the second floor. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking necessary.

 

• Sunday 1st November 2015: Danse en famille, family dance workshop at the Ecole primaire de Cointrin in ‪‎Meyrin‬ (Chemin du Ruisseau 39) from 10am until 12pm. Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 (accompanied by a carer or family member) this is a great family workshop and it’s only 5CHF per person! Places must be booked online or at culture@meyrin.ch – Tel. 022 989 16 69.

 

• 1st November 2015-14th February 2016: “Histoire en Briques” at the Musée des Suisses dans le Monde in Pregny-Chambésy (GE). Read all about this fantastic and child-friendly new exhibition in our latest post!

 

• 1st-22nd November 2015: “La belle au bois dormant”, Sleeping Beauty brought to the stage in French at the Théâtre Töpffer in Geneva (21, Avenue Eugène Pittard). Suitable from age 4, performances will take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 3.30pm. Tickets are 30CHF for adults and 15CHF for kids. Make sure you get there well in advance to secure good seats when the doors open!

 

• Wednesday 4th November 2015: Vente de livres pour enfants at the Espace d’exposition de Foound in Geneva (16 rue jean Gutenberg). Stock up on books for the little ones at the second-hand Foound sale in ‪‎Geneva‬ taking place on Wednesday 4th of November from 11.30am until 7pm. FREE ENTRY. There will be plenty of books in French but also titles in English and other languages.

 

• Wednesday 4th November 2015: “Imaginez ailleurs!” sci-fi workshop for kids – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

• Wednesday 4th November 2015: “Nu comme un ver”, 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 November 2015: “Histoire en briques – ateliers enfants” at the Musée des Suisses dans le Monde in Geneva (Pregny). Suitable for children aged 4 to 12, these fun workshops running from 2pm until 4pm will include a visit to the exhibition and a workshop in French. Participants have to buy a ticket to the exhibition but the workshop itself is free, places need to be booked in advance at secretariat@penthes.ch or 022 734 9021. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

• Wednesday 4th; Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th November 2015: “La montagne aux trois couleurs” puppet show in French suitable from age 4 by the theatre company Les Croquettes at Les Caves in Versoix (rte de Sauverny 6) with performances starting at 2.30pm and 4pm on Wednesday and Saturday; 11am and 2.30pm on Sunday 8th of Nov. Tickets are 10CHF per person/child and can be booked in advance at 022 880 05 16 or croquettes@bluewin.ch

 

• 4th-11th November 2015: L’enfant et les sortilèges, lyrical fantasy in two parts by Maurice Ravel, libretto by Colette, at the Opéra de Lausanne. Suitable from age 7, tickets cost between 20CHF and 50CHF.

 

• 5th-15th November 2015: Festival les nuits du monde, a great cosmopolitan festival showcasing the best western & eastern music acts from all over the world, with a special focus on Asian music. Click here for the full programme, ticket prices start from 15CHF. Performances will take place at the Cité Bleue in Geneva (46, avenue de Miremont).

 

• 6th-14th November 2015: Festival Tous Écrans in Geneva. This Festival is a unique event in Europe, offering a full panorama of the best current feature films, television series, made-for-television films and interactive documentaries since 1995. Check the online programme for full details of all events and screenings taking place – don’t miss the KID’S DAY on Sunday 8th November 2015 with free screenings, treasure hunts and much more for the little ones. The festival is free of charge so one more reason to make the most of it!

 

• Saturday 7th November 2015: “Dinosaures, fossils et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, fun workshops for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Saturday workshops in French take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Saturday 7th November 2015: Après-midi de bidouille en famille, family activity for children aged 3 to 15 at the Maison de Quartier de Carouge (3, rue de Tambourine) and the Musée du Centre Universitaire d’Informatique – Battelle in Carouge. With over 20 creative activities, including Playmobil and LEGO workshops, 3D printing and robots, this is set to be a great family event. FREE ENTRY but places must be booked in advance at kidimake@gmail.com or  mq.carouge@fase.ch or by phone at 022 308 88 50.

 

• Saturday 7th November 2015: Atelier Pizza, every Saturday morning from 10.30am to 11.30am at Signal de Bougy. For ages 5 to 12, let your little ones learn the ropes of authentic pizza making with a professional pizzaiolo, they will also be able to eat up their yummy creations once they’re cooked. The workshop costs 20CHF per child, places must be reserved at signal.bougy@gmvd.migros.ch or +41 58 568 31 50.

 

• Saturday 7th November 2015: La nuit des chocottes. If you live in Divonne-les-Bains the children will enjoy taking part in this special Halloween celebration taking place between the Hippodrome and the Lac de Divonne. Starting at 4.30pm, there will be special tours every 10 minutes, guiding the kids by age groups through various fun and scary activities lasting between 1 and 2 hours, depending on their age group. Children will remain under their parents’ responsibility at all times. Tickets are 8 euros per child, but can be purchased in advance at the Mairie de Divonne for 5 euros.

 

• 7th-8th November 2015: En famille aux musées in Montreux and Vevey (VD). Families with young children are welcome in 10 museums of the Leman riviera for fun workshops and activities. The entry ticket will give you free access to public transport too!

 

• 7th-12th November 2015: Journées portes ouvertes at the new Bain-Bleu Hammam & Spa at Genève-Plage. They will be holding Open Days from Saturday 7th to Thursday 12th of November from 11am to 7pm before their official opening on Saturday 14th of November at 9am. Here’s their website, with details of their treatments and prices.

 

 

• Sunday 8th November 2015: Family Sunday Brunch at Le Cercle des Bains in ‪‎Geneva from 11.30am until 3pm. The Buffet Familial is free for children under 6 and 39CHF for adults. There will be many fun activities for children so parents can relax and enjoy! Les Brunchs du Cercle – Le Cercle des Bains – 10 rue des Vieux Grenadiers – 1205 Geneva. Bookings to be made by phone at 079 812 41 98.

 

• Sunday 8th November 2015: “Sommes-nous seuls dans l’Univers?” – free guided tours for families and children  aged 7+ and accompanied by an adult at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free Sunday tours will take place at 2pm on all floors. The guided tour in English “Are we alone in the universe?” will take place at 3.30pm.

 

• Sunday 8th November 2015: “Système solaire Atelier” free workshops for children  aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free workshops will take place at 11am until 12pm on the second floor. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking necessary.

 

• Monday 9th-Tuesday 10th November 2015: Atelier et fête des lanterns organized by the Association Pré En Bulle in Les Grottes neighbourhood in Geneva. The traditional Fête des lanterns takes place every year in autumn as the days grow shorter. Children will love taking part in the lantern-making workshop on Monday 9th from 4pm to 6.30pm at Le Local des Jeunes (Rue des Amis, just behind La place des Grottes in Geneva). FREE ENTRY, but remember to bring an empty milk carton to make your lantern. Once you’ve made your lantern, you’ll be ready for the Fête des lanterns on Tuesday 10th from 5.30pm: the kids parade will start from the Place des Grottes with music and plenty of noisy fun, remember to bring a bowl and spoon to join in and taste some delicious soup at the end! FREE ENTRY.

 

• Tuesday 10th November 2015: “Né pour lire” session from 10am-10.45am at the BiblioQuartier des Grands-Hutins in Carouge (rue de la Tambourine 3). A fun, relaxed way to introduce your little ones from the age of 6 months to 4 years old to the joys of reading. Free entry, no advance booking necessary and nursing pillows available.

 

• Tuesday 10th November 2015: “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.

 

• Wednesday 11th November 2015: Jours d’ouverture aux familles at the Maison de la Créativité in Conches (7, chemin Calandrini). Get ready to collect chestnuts, beautifully coloured leaves and make some fun crafts! These family activities on Wed. 11th will run from 2.30pm to 5pm, and on Sat. 14th of November they will take place in the morning and afternoon: 9.30am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 5pm (weather permitting).

 

• Wednesday 11th November 2015: “De la Terre aux étoiles”, kids workshop in French suitable for children aged 8 to 11 at the Musée d’Histoire des Sciences in ‪‎Geneva‬. This workshop is part of the “Mercredis des sciences” programme and runs from 2pm until 5pm. FREE ENTRY, but places must be booked in advance at maha.zein@ville-ge.ch

 

• Wednesday 11th November 2015: “Yakari- ateliers enfants” at the Musée des Suisses dans le Monde in Geneva (Pregny). Suitable for children aged 4 to 12, these fun workshops running from 2pm until 4pm will include a visit to the exhibition and a workshop in French. Participants have to buy a ticket to the exhibition but the workshop itself is free, places need to be booked in advance at secretariat@penthes.ch or 022 734 9021. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

• Wednesday 11th November 2015: “Monstres et Cie”, 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 11th November 2015: “Imaginez ailleurs!” sci-fi workshop for kids – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

• 11th-29th November 2015: Festival Les Créatives, a festival celebrating creative women in the performing arts spanning from dance to theatre, music, comedy and more. This year’s programme will feature live concerts, movie screenings and the music workshops “Ateliers d’éveil musical en famille” for children aged 1 to 6 (divided into age groups) run by La Bulle d’Air on the 22nd of November 2015. During the one-hour session, parents and children will discover many musical instruments and participate in exploratory games. The sessions, which will take place at La Bulle d’Air in Carouge and Grand-Sacconex, begin at 9.45am and 2.30pm. Tickets cost 10CHF per child and places must be booked in advance at labulle@labulledair.ch or by phone at 022 788 36 22.

 

• Friday 13th November 2015: “Nuit du conte en Suisse”, a special celebration of story-telling for all, starting from age 2. Storytimes will be taking place in different locations across Geneva including the Museum of Natural History, la Maison de Quartier de Carouge & la Maison Onésienne, the Ferme Sarasin, the Biblioquartier des Grands-Hutins. In Vaud, there will be plenty of story-times across local public libraries, Morges castle, la Maison de la femme in Lausanne, the Villa romaine de Pully and on the St-Cergue to Nyon train! Free entry, click here to download the full programme.

 

• 13th-22nd November 2015: Les Automnales at Geneva’s Palexpo is the city’s most exciting autumn event covering everything from home decor, health & gourmet food as well a large number of workshops for adults and children. Take a look at their official website for full programme details. Don’t miss the chocolate & Christmas workshops and if you have children fret not, as they are fully catered for with a merry-go-round, bouncy castles with play area, face painting, an indoor petting farm and even Father Xmas! Open Mon. to Sat. from 11am to 9pm; 10am to 7pm on Sunday. Entry is free for everyone on Wednesday 18th of November 2015.

 

• Saturday 14th November 2015: Jours d’ouverture aux familles at the Maison de la Créativité in Conches (7, chemin Calandrini). Get ready to collect chestnuts, beautifully coloured leaves and make some fun crafts! These family activities will take place in the morning and afternoon: 9.30am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 5pm (weather permitting).

 

• Saturday 14th November 2015: “Dinosaures, fossils et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, fun workshops for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Saturday workshops in French take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Saturday 14th November 2015: Cultures animées, free Animatou screenings suitable from age 8 in the Auditorium of the the MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). From 11.15am until 11.45. FREE ENTRY no advance booking required.

 

• Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th November 2015: “La princesse des dragons” puppet show in French suitable from age 4 by the theatre company Les Croquettes at the Salle Communale in Puplinge, Geneva  (rue Graman 66) with performances starting at 2.30pm and 4pm on Saturday; 11am and 2.30pm on Sunday. Tickets are 10CHF per person/child and can be booked in advance at 022 880 05 16 or croquettes@bluewin.ch

 

• Sunday 15th November 2015: Sirop Dansant, family dance party at the Salle Communale in Plan-les-Ouates from 4pm until 6pm. Suitable from age 1. FREE ENTRY, but places will be limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

• Sunday 15th November 2015: “Sommes-nous seuls dans l’Univers?” – free guided tours for families and children  aged 7+ and accompanied by an adult at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free Sunday tours will take place at 2pm on all floors.

 

• Sunday 15th November 2015: Sirop dansant en famille, family dance party at the Maison de quartier de Plainpalais in Geneva (rue de la Tour 1) from 2.30pm until 5.30pm. Dance to your favourite tunes (just email your playlist to marik.granados@fase.ch a few days in advance!) and enjoy a free snack and sirop for the children.

 

• until 15th November 2015: “Donne-moi sept jours”, puppet show suitable from age 6 at the Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève (Rue Rodo 3). See the theatre’s official website to reserve your places.

 

• Wednesday 18th November 2015: Jours d’ouverture aux familles at the Maison de la Créativité in Conches (7, chemin Calandrini). These family activities will take place in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 5pm.

 

• Wednesday 18th November 2015: “A la découverte de fascinantes plantes tropicales” 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. There will be another workshop this month on Wed. 25th of November 2015.

 

• Wednesday 18th November 2015: Le MAH à tout petits pas – Mercredi Family pour les tout-petits free guided tours for children aged 3 to 5 accompanied by an adult at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva starting at 10.30am and 3.30pm. No previous booking required, FREE OF CHARGE.

 

• Wednesday 18th November 2015: “Nu comme un ver”, 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 18th November 2015: “Histoire en briques – ateliers enfants” at the Musée des Suisses dans le Monde in Geneva (Pregny). Suitable for children aged 4 to 12, these fun workshops running from 2pm until 4pm will include a visit to the exhibition and a workshop in French. Participants have to buy a ticket to the exhibition but the workshop itself is free, places need to be booked in advance at secretariat@penthes.ch or 022 734 9021. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

• Wednesday 18th November 2015: Super Elle, fun theatre show in French suitable from age 2 at the Espace Grosselin in Carouge (Rue Jacques-Grosselin 31) starting at 2.30pm for the first session and at 4pm for the second one. FREE ENTRY, but places must be booked in advance.

 

• Wednesday 18th November 2015: “Imaginez ailleurs!” sci-fi workshop for kids – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

• Wednesday 18th November 2015: “It’s storytime!”, song & story time in English for little buttons (babies & toddlers, siblings are welcome too!) at the Bibliothèque Aux Mille Feuille in Gland (38, grand rue). From 9.30am to 11am, free entry no advance booking necessary.

 

• Friday 20th November 2015: “Journée internationale des droits de l’enfant” when 1,300 young children from various schools in Geneva will be gathering on the place des Nations, facing the UN building, for a peaceful march in support of children’s rights worldwide. There will be free activities for children from 3pm and the official unveiling of the giant globe “Un monde plus juste” at 2pm.

 

• 20th November-24th December 2015: Montreux Noël, an unmissable event if you’d like to kick off the festive season in style: from the shores of Lake Geneva to the surrounding mountain tops, Montreux Noël offers many activities centred around its traditional Christmas Market. You can visit Santa, who comes directly from faraway Lapland to his house at the Rochers de Naye; discover an authentic Christmas Village in Caux or stroll through a medieval market and attend a story festival within the walls of the legendary Château de Chillon. Visit the official website for exact opening times and take a look at our previous post to find out how much we enjoyed our visit last year!

 

• 20th November-31st December 2015: “Festival Lausanne Lumières”, with no less than 14 original artistic illuminations installed in the heart of Lausanne. Each one of them will be using light as main element to give the city a contemporary, innovative and enchanting atmosphere during six weeks. The «Nuit du Festival» on the 20th of November 2015 will inaugurate the festival with guided tours specially dedicated to families (only in French). Each child will receive a Chinese lantern to travel along the festivals route.

 

• Saturday 21st November 2015: “Dinosaures, fossils et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, fun workshops for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Saturday workshops in French take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Saturday 21st November 2015: Marché de Noël from 10am until 6pm at the Ecole Rudolf Steiner de Genève (Chemin de Narly 2, 1232 Confignon). A fantastic day-out for the whole family and so much more than a simple Xmas market: there will be fun workshops from age 6, story-times, puppet shows, donkey rides for all and much much more! Take a look at the school’s official website for full details and exact times. FREE ENTRY.

 

• Saturday 21st November 2015: Atelier de danse pour enfants from 11am to 11.45am at the Kak.Lom studio in Geneva (Rue de la Navigation 21Bis – 5 min walking distance from Cornavin train station). Suitable for ages 6 to 9, price 25CHF.

 

• Saturday 21st November 2015: Meet Dominique de Saint Mars, author of the “Max et Lili” book series, at the Salon du Livre in Ornex (Salle R. Lavergne, France). The author will meet her readers in the morning from 10.30am to midday, and in the afternoon from 2pm to 4pm. Bring your “Max et Lili” books to be signed! The very 1st Ornex bookfair will run from 10am until 8pm with many activities and workshops for kids, including story times and crafts workshops. FREE ENTRY.

 

• Saturday 21st November 2015: 1er Mondial de Fondue in the pretty Swiss village of Tartegnin (VD). The world’s first fondue competition will take place in the village of Tartegnin, between Geneva and Lausanne! As the official website explains: “Open to all, the competition allows participants to flaunt their culinary skills to the public (…) Alongside the main competition, visitors can enjoy local entertainment and participate in workshops honoring local flavours and traditions. The competition is family friendly and children are welcome to come or even compete if they like. During the competition, a bus will be running between the nearby town of Rolle and Tartegnin.” The event will start at 10am and tickets are 10CHF per person (free for children under 16).

 

• 21st-22nd November 2015: Le Festival des petits bouts, second edition of the kids festival at the Maison de quartier de Plainpalais in Geneva (rue de la Tour 1). Suitable from age 1, this delightful family activities, puppet shows and workshops. Click here to download the full programme and book at 022 331 45 20. Some activities are free of charge and some shows are 5CHF per person.

 

 

• 21st-22nd November 2015: Marché de Noël at the Centre Culturel Jean Monet in Saint-Genis-Pouilly (France). Don’t miss the many free activities and workshops for children, suitable from age 5, which will include origami; letters to Father Xmas; Christmas arts & crafts and much more. FREE ENTRY. Centre Culturel Jean Monnet – 11 rue de Gex Saint-Genis-Pouilly.

 

• 21st-22nd & 28th November 2015: Family Village, a great indoor event for the whole family at the Halle CFF in Morges (ages 0 to 12), with plenty of activities to keep your little ones entertained for the whole day. From baking to an indoor petting farm and sports activities, this is a fab family day-out. Entry is free for children under the age of 2 and 25CHF per child from age 2 (with free access to all activities) and 5CHF for adults. See the official website for full details, or read our previous post to find out more about our visit to Family Village last year.

 

• 21st-29th November 2015: “Le ciel des ours”, a delightful puppet show suitable from age 4 at the Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève (Rue Rodo 3). See the theatre’s official website to reserve your places.

 

• Sunday 22nd November 2015: “Ateliers d’éveil musical en famille” for children aged 1 to 6 (divided into age groups) run by La Bulle d’Air on the 22nd of November 2015. During the one-hour session, parents and children will discover many musical instruments and participate in exploratory games. The sessions, which will take place at La Bulle d’Air in Carouge and Grand-Sacconex, begin at 9.45am and 2.30pm. Tickets cost 10CHF per child and places must be booked in advance at labulle@labulledair.ch or by phone at 022 788 36 22.

 

• Sunday 22nd November 2015: “Système solaire Atelier” free workshops for children  aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free workshops will take place at 11am until 12pm on the second floor. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking necessary.

 

• Sunday 22nd November 2015: “Sommes-nous seuls dans l’Univers?” – free guided tours for families and children  aged 7+ and accompanied by an adult at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free Sunday tours will take place at 2pm on all floors. The guided tour in English “Are we alone in the universe?” will take place at 3.30pm.

 

• Sunday 22nd & Wednesday 25th November 2015: Le Rêve de Madame Truc, theatre show for children aged 4+ at Le Manège in Onex. Find the full info and ticket prices here.

 

• Wednesday 25th November 2015: Atelier Couronne de l’Avent, parent & child workshop (or go with a friend if you prefer!) at Un R de Famille in Geneva. The workshop is in French and runs from 6pm to 8.30pm. The price is fixed at 50CHF for a single adult or a parent-child couple and it includes all materials, the wreath etc. Book your place at 022 807 21 10.

 

• Wednesday 25th November 2015: kids workshop in French suitable for children aged 8 to 11 at the Musée d’Histoire des Sciences in ‪‎Geneva‬. This workshop is part of the “Mercredis des sciences” programme and runs from 2pm until 5pm. FREE ENTRY, but places must be booked in advance at maha.zein@ville-ge.ch

 

• Wednesday 25th November 2015: support the exceptional work done by the association “Un enfant, un cadeau” in ‪Geneva‬ and bring along a NEW toy, still in its original packaging, to their yearly kids party taking place at the Salle des Fêtes de Thônex from 2.30pm (doors open at 1.45pm). There will be fab kids shows by Lagger Game, Jacky Lagger, Isis & friends plus a free snack for all kids at the end of the afternoon.Remember to bring along a NEW toy, still in its packaging b…ut unwrapped, which the association will pass on to one of the disadvantaged children living in the Geneva area.

 

• Wednesday 25th November 2015: Jours d’ouverture aux familles at the Maison de la Créativité in Conches (7, chemin Calandrini). These family activities will take place in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 5pm.

 

• Wednesday 25th November 2015: “Mon beau sapin” 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.

 

• Wednesday 25th November 2015: “Habille-toi comme Achille et Aphrodite!”, 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 25th November 2015: “Imaginez ailleurs!” sci-fi workshop for kids – Animation du mercredi  from age 7 at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free Wednesday workshops will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm (second floor).

 

• Wednesday 25th November 2015: “Yakari- ateliers enfants” at the Musée des Suisses dans le Monde in Geneva (Pregny). Suitable for children aged 4 to 12, these fun workshops running from 2pm until 4pm will include a visit to the exhibition and a workshop in French. Participants have to buy a ticket to the exhibition but the workshop itself is free, places need to be booked in advance at secretariat@penthes.ch or 022 734 9021. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

• 25th-29th November 2015: Festival de Cinéma Jeune Public, kids film festival in Lausanne with screenings at the Zinéma; Cinéma Bellevaux; Oblò; City Club Pully and at the Ecole de Jazz et de Musique Actuelle de Lausanne (EJMA). Find the full programme here, movies are suitable from age 4 and there will be some great workshops too.

 

• Saturday 28th November 2015: “Dinosaures, fossils et autres aventures de la Terre Animation Géosciences”, fun workshops for kids aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). A fun way to discover more about fossils and dinosaurs, these free Saturday workshops in French take place at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

 

• Saturday 28th November 2015: Cultures animées, free Animatou screenings suitable from age 8 in the Auditorium of the the MEG museum in Geneva (Musée d’ethnographie de la Ville de Genève, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 65-67). From 11.15am until midday. FREE ENTRY no advance booking required.

 

• Saturday 28th November 2015: Vide-grenier enfants at Foound concept store in Geneva (16, rue Jean Gutenberg). The sale will run from 2pm until 6pm and everyone is welcome. The cost to participate and set up your own stall is only 15CHF and you will be able to sell all your kids items, clothes, books, toys and baby equipment for ages 0 to 15. FREE ENTRY for those who wish to browse and buy, of course! Find the full terms and conditions here.

 

• Saturday 28th November 2015: Voirie en fête in Nyon (VD). The grand opening of the new recycling centre will run from 10am to 4pm with street art performances, workshops and shows for the whole family. FREE ENTRY. Voirie de Nyon, chemin du Bochet.

 

• Sat. 28th-Sun 29th November 2015: Marchés de Noël season kicks off in style this weekend with a great selection of Xmas Markets in Geneva and Vaud. Here’s some you might want to check out! FREE ENTRY.

 

 

 

• Sunday 29th November 2015: “Journée de jeux en famille”, family event at the Salle Communale de Plainpalais in ‪‎Geneva‬ from 10am to 5pm. Families are welcome to join this free event and take part in fun games, creative workshops and magic lessons! Children will receive a free snack and there will be plenty of space to leave your pushchair. FREE ENTRY. Directions: Salle Communale de Plainpalais – rue de Carouge 52 – Geneva. Tel. 022 418 48 00; Bus 1, stop Plainpalais; Tram 12, stop Pont-d’Arve.

 

• Sunday 29th November 2015: Brunch Musical Digital Detox at Un R de Famille in Geneva. Do you need a digital detox in your life? If so, switch off your iphones and tablets and reserve your place for the Family Musical Digital Détox Brunch at Un R de Famille this Sunday 29th of November. The brunch is organized by Made With Love and will provide a delicious homemade brunch, live unplugged concerts and fun activities for kids. There will be 2 sessions: the first one from 10.30am until 1pm and the second one from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. The price is 50CHF per person, 15…CHF for children under 12 and free for children under 3. Places can be reserved at 076 416 50 07 or by email at madewithlove.mwl@hotmail.com (mention the code: dé-brunch).

 

• Sunday 29th November 2015: Marché de Noël at the Ecole Françoise Dolto in Chevry (110a Route de Taninges, France) from 11am to 5pm. The Xmas market committee has organized many workshops for kids at nominal prices, some of which have to booked in advance. The Xmas light and photo souvenir workshops don’t need any advance booking and will run throughout the day. There will be Xmas trees on sale too, as well as delicious crêpes, gaufres and a giant tartiflette! FREE ENTRY.

 

• until 29th November 2015: “Bougez!”, a fantastic interactive exhibition at Le Musée Olympique in Lausanne (1, quai d’Ouchy). Enter Tom’s house and have fun jumping on the bed, playing table tennis in the kitchen using a frying pan or sneak your way through the dangerous maze of the laundry room! You can watch the video here. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm. Entry to this interactive exhibition is free of charge, while tickets to the Olympic Museum are 18CHF for adults, 10CHF for children aged 6+ and 40CHF for family tickets.

 

• Sunday 29th November 2015: 20th Winter Market at La Grande Boissière – Ecolint  school in Geneva (62, route de Chêne) from 10am to 4pm. Stock up on unique hand-made gifts, new and used books, jewellery, scrummy home-made bakes and more. FREE ENTRY.

 

• Sunday 29th November 2015: “Sommes-nous seuls dans l’Univers?” – free guided tours for families and children  aged 7+ and accompanied by an adult at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free Sunday tours will take place at 2pm on all floors.

 

• Sunday 29th November 2015: “Système solaire Atelier” free workshops for children  aged 6+ at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou). In connection with the current exhibition “Exoplanètes”, these free workshops will take place at 11am until 12pm on the second floor. FREE ENTRY, no advance booking necessary.

 

• 29th November-9th December 2015: “Le Père Noël n’a pas peur du Loup!”, a Xmas story about a scary wolf and a family on holiday who are determined not to let him spoil their celebrations! The show is brought to the stage in French at the Théâtre Töpffer in Geneva (21, Avenue Eugène Pittard). Suitable from age 3, performances will take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 3.30pm. Tickets are 30CHF for adults and 15CHF for kids. Make sure you get there well in advance to secure good seats when the doors open!

 

ONGOING:

• until 6th December 2015: Aquariums exhibition at the Musée du Léman in Nyon (VD). The exhibition has been extended due to its great success, so make sure you go before it ends!

 

• until 9th December 2015: INITIATION À L’ARCHITECTURE, Wednesday workshops for children aged 7 to 12 at the Pavillon Sicli in Geneva (Route des Acacias 45), organized by the Maison de l’Architecture. Workshops take place in the afternoon from 1.30pm and last 1 and a half hours. The price is 200CHF per term, places can be booked in advance at  enfants@ma-ge.ch / + 41 (0)78 681 56 73 / www.c-fal.ch

 

• until 10th January 2016: « Dans la peau de Hundertwasser »  free exhibition at the Quartier Libre SIG in Geneva (Pont de la Machine, 1). The exhibition will showcase the architectural designs, original graphic works and paintings by Austrian artist Hundertwasser. FREE ENTRY, workshops must be booked in advance at +41 (0)22 420 75 75 or exposition@sig-ge.ch.

 

• until 17th January 2016: «Lascaux, chef-d’œuvre de la préhistoire» at Palexpo Geneva – Halle 7. As the official website says: “For the first time in Switzerland, discover the splendour of this UNESCO listed cave in an impressive life size replica and an exhibition spreading on 4000m2! Thanks to the diversity and quality of the paintings, the Lascaux cave is one of the most important in the world. Discovered in 1940, the wall paintings are considered a treasure of paleolithic art. The exhibition will reveal the secrets of this fabulous cave and its masterpieces painted by our ancestors, the Cro Magnons, 200 centuries ago. Embark on a wonderful journey through time and enter the Lascaux cave, closed to visitors since 1963.” Make the most of the 16CHF discounted tickets on “Discovery Mondays” 4th of October; 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th of November; 7th and 14th of December; 11th of January. The exhibition is free for children under 6. Visit the official website for opening times and tickets booking.

 

• until 31st January 2016: “Yakari, les Suisses à la rencontre des Amérindiens”, new temporary exhibition at the Musée des Suisses dans le Monde in Pregny (Geneva). Definitely one for comic books fans!

 

• until 4th April 2016: Exoplanète, a great exhibition at the Muséum d’histoire naturelle, Genève (1, route de Malagnou) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the discovery of the first exoplanète, a planet situated outside our solar system by the Swiss astrophysicists from the Observatoire de Genève, Michel Mayor & Didier Queloz. This exhibition is accompanied by a number of kids workshops, guided tours, astronomical observation and many more events in the months to come.

 

• until 4th April 2016: Terre & Soleil exhibition at the Musée d’Histoire des Sciences in Geneva (Rue de Lausanne 128). The exhibition explores the change from a universe centred on the earth to a dynamic system of planets orbiting around the sun. You can continue the journey beyond our solar system to the discovery of other planets, the exoplanets, with the current exhibition at the Natural History Museum in Geneva. The first exoplanet was discovered in 1995 by Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz, while they were working for the University of Geneva observatory.

 

• until May 2016: Exposition de la maquette de la ville de Genève. The architectural model of the city of ‪Geneva‬ looks pretty awesome, it comprises of 145 modules and it took 40 years to complete! It is now on display for the first time and open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am until 6pm at the “Exposition de la maquette de la ville de Genève” — 25 rue du Stand — Geneva. The exhibition opened on the 15th of April 2015 and will run until May 2016. You can call +41 22 418 20 63 for more info or to book a guided tour.

 

• The 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.