Summer is here to prove Geneva is not boring! The canton, the city, and other municipalities organize a lot of events, including fun things for kids. If we add the lake, paddling pools, and swimming pools on hot days, and all the fun summer trips and hikes to do – summer in Geneva can be awesome on every budget!
Here’s a list of several summer-only events in Geneva for kids or kids-friendly.
LUDOBUS & AMUSEBUS
July, August, September
The toy libraries aka ludotheques take to the streets and parks in spring and summer. They pack games, balls, costumes, bikes, and what not into trucks and visit different locations every week. In Ville de Geneve this is called a Ludobus (there are two), in Ville de Vernier it is called an Amusebus.
They are in different places every week, so it is best if you consult their schedules online: here for the Ludobus and here for the Amusebus.
CHAPITEAUX ENCHANTES
July 3 – September 8
A wonderful festival in Geneva for kidsages 0-4 with free activities every week. The festival takes place in different parks in the canton, every week from Wednesday till Sunday. This year it will take place in Vernier, Carouge, Thonex, Onex, Meyrin, and Lancy. What to expects? Instruments, shows, storytimes, movement, psychomotricite, and more! You can check the detailed schedule on the official website of Chapiteaux Enchantés.
THEATRE DE L’ORANGERIE
Till August 18
Another year, another great program by the Theatre de l’Orangerie, located in Parc La Grange in Eaux-Vives. They have a very nice program for adults, but also a lot for kids – performances and workshops for kids as young as 2 years old. Tickets for the shows are rather cheap, and many workshops are completely free. You will find free workshops for different age groups (even for tweens and teens!), but many require reseervations. For the theatre plays check the prgram and find the show adapted to your kid’s age. You can find all the information at the theatre’s website.
DE PARC EN PARC
July 2 – 27
In summer, the municipal library of Geneva takes over the parks! From July 2 till 13 – Parc Baud-Bovy, and From July 16 till 27 – Parc Beaulieu. What to expect? workshops, quizes, karaoke, robotics, creative activities, haiku atelier, and so much more! Every year, BM (Bibliotehue Municipal) goes over and beyond to provide free fun in summer to people in Geneva, including kids in Geneva! You can consult the detailed program here.
LA CANOPE
Wedensdays, all summer
Entirely dedicated to relaxation and getting back into shape, this ephemeral space near Baby Plage offers activities during the sunny days! Also for people with kids. On Wednesdays: ludotheque and yoga for kids with their parents. You can check the program for the hours of all activities here. Psst: everything is completely free!
SALON D’ETE, Parc des Franchises
all summer
Salon d’ete returns in Parc des Franchises to bring snacks, beverages, and fun ativities in Geneva for kids! At the moment the website of Salon d’ete is not working but as soon as it changes, I will update this article with activities they planned for this summer. For the moment you can check this website to see this Salon in super fun Parc des Franchises.
L’ETE AU JARDIN
all summer, Meyrin
This is a place you absolutely need to visit! Not only is the Jardin Alpin in Meyrin one of the most picturesque park in Geneva canton, but the program they prepared for this year is fantastic! Exhibitions, guided tours, shows, concerts, cinema, workshops, food trucks. Everything is free. Check this website for dates and times of each activity (including food trucks).
TOUR DE PLAGE
July 4 – August 18, Carouge
Tour de Plage at the Fountain of Tours de Carouge is a fantastic event for families this summer! From July 4th to August 18th, 2024, families can enjoy a delightful array of activities every Thursday to Sunday afternoon. The event offers something for everyone with a diverse program of cultural, sports, and other entertaining activities. Parents can relax on deck chairs and under parasols while their children engage in fun and enriching experiences. You can see a very detailed program of planned fun here at this website.
LES HALLES DE LA JONCTION
starting date to be announced
A fan new place on Geneva’s summer map will emerge soon! Halles de la Jonction are located in the old TPG hangars near Point de la Jonctio. There will be sports, workshops, food, drinks, and of course space for kids, and kids-oriented events as well! The opening date has not been announced yet, but it should happen in July. Watch this space to know where it happens.
MANY OTHER EVENTS
Sometimes it looks as if municipalities of the canton were trying to win the « best summer events » contest! Vernier with its « Contre Saison » cultural program, Lancy built a website dedicated website for its « Lancy en ete » program, and Plan-les-Ouates comes back with PLO Plage awesomeness! I am sure every municipality in the canton organizes somethimg!
There is much more to do in Geneva with kids in summer! Including 3 completely new places perfect for family fun!
There are so many things to do, and so many of them are free: from walking in amazing forests or by numerous rivers, playing in the parks, and bathing in many fun places! Be sure, to follow Parentville on Instagram to get more ideas for fun summer in Geneva.