Jardin des dinosaurs in Gland

Jardin des dinosaurs in Gland

Geneva

Schilliger Garden Center in Gland (VD) is hosting a dinosaurs exhibition as a part of the 75th-anniversary celebrations. The entre is free, and the expo is fun. Oh! And it’s indoors!

Even more reasons

And the parking is free (and big), and there’s Café Agnes with snacks and beverages. And a pet shop. It’s also fully wheelchair adapted (including the restroom). If the weather is good, you can also help the kids burn some energy at the playground in the garden.
It all makes Schilliger Garden Centre a perfect destination for an outing with kids. At least, till March 28th 2020, when dinosaurs will be packed and move somewhere else.

Back to dinosaurs

Schilliger’s idea is to help us travel back time all the way to the Mesozoic era of giants (and some smaller reptiles). Some are hidden behind bushes, between the plants, or under leaves.
You’ll probably first see those smaller animals.
Somewhere there is a big egg, for kids to get into for a photo souvenir (taken by you). The giants are in the last room. That guy that looks like tyrannosaurus is not in fact. It’ an allosaurus. There’s also a cool one looking like a gigantic crocodile. He is by the little pond, eating fish – very realistic scene!

Outside

There is just one dinosaur outside: the king – Tyrannosaurus Rex. You’ll spot him easily. The playground is located right there too. Another thing outside? Birds! A huge cage with plants, parrots and other species.

Inside

For us the go to place each time is the pet shop filled with rabbits, hamsters, and all kind of animals I find a bit yyy but Z loves them. A bit further you’ll find the fish section with aquariums filled with beautifulness, and accessories. And then of course, there’s Café Agnes, to fuel up with deliciousness and keep the energy up for later!

 

As I said, definitely #parentvillerecommended for this winter in (well, around) Geneva!

PRACTICAL INFO

Adress:
Schilliger Garden Centre
Route Suisse 40
1196 Gland (VD)

Fully wheelchair adapted (including the restroom and caddies).

Link: schilliger.com

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Theatre des Experiences in the History of Science Museum (Geneva)

Theatre des Experiences in the History of Science Museum (Geneva)

Agenda, Geneva

The photo courtesy of Philippe Wagneur/Muséum Genève

Oh, how I could have used the Theatre des Experiences during my school years! It’s not a theatre show, nor an app, or an after-school class. It’s even better as it’s an exhibition currently taking place in the Musee d’Histoire des Sciences in Geneva.

Particles and unicorns

I know not everyone will relate, but all my struggles with physics at school started when we got to things quite abstract or “invisible” – like electricity. Still, the concept of some tiny particles flying in a wire to transform into an image in my TV is quite confusing. In my head it’s in the same box as unicorns and the platform 9 3/4. But maybe… if the school offered more hands-on science, my brain would be willing to cooperate.

Hence my joy when I discovered the “Theatre des experiences” in the History of Science Museum in Geneva. There is hope for the growing-up generation.

Marc-Auguste Pictet and women

This new exhibition (till 2021) displays part of the collection left by a very distinctive scholar (for his era) – Marc-Auguste Pictet. He was teaching physics for over 40 years at the Academy in late 18th and early 19th century. He was also given courses to adults, where… women were allowed!

Anyway, he believed that physics should be taught through demonstrations and experimentation. Such a brilliant guy, don’t you think?

The right way to teach

To facilitate his believes he started collecting various tools and instruments that would serve his teaching method. 40 years of patient collecting/shopping from the best European makers. (A real Swiss!). He gathered around 500 “teaching tools”! 500!

 

The exhibition

The exhibition shows 130 of them. Some replicas have been prepared for the public (yes, us!) to play with and learn on the way. Each experiment has a manual and an explanation. Traditionally now, the texts are in both French AND English. Yey!

Z’s favorite was the one with a cloth and a transparent box with small pieces of paper that would move inside in reaction to energetic polishing. Ladies and Gentlemen – static electricity.

 

WHO IS IT FOR

The exhibition is recommended for everybody of ages 7 and up. It is not as playful/interactive as the last one « Roulez les mécaniques ». It demands a bit of patience (reading the the instructions) and for many kids of early-primary years, the science behind the tricks may be too complex. Physics geniuses of my kind (oh gosh, I hope there are some!) can find some instructions complex, but maybe just don’t visit it on a busy day like we did (Wednesdays, rainy weekends).

My advice is to go on not so busy days, as the rooms are not big and when crowded, kids can get impatient or lose focus.  It is a great place for kids who are interested in physics, and those who already started to learn it at school. Still, I think it’s worth visiting. And remember, it’s open on Mondays!
PRACTICAL INFO

Musee d’Histoire des Sciences
Parc de La Perle du Lac
128 rue de Lausanne
CH-1202 Genève

Opening hours:
Every day except for Tuesdays: 10h-17h

English version of the information about the expo can be found here.  

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February holidays in Geneva

February holidays in Geneva

Geneva

For all those of you staying in Geneva for February holidays, I prepared the list of places that offer some fun outside the house. There’s also a little section with holiday camps (in Geneva, during the day). Are you ready to enjoy the February holidays in Geneva? Let’s go!

You can find even more events, workshops, theater shows, concerts, sports events, or exhibition by opening Parentville’s events calendar:
EVENTS CALENDAR

FEBRUARY HOLIDAY CAMPS IN GENEVA

For the little ones check out TOTup Science camp (Lancy) and Gymboree Geneva offer in Grand-Saconnex.

For school-age children I strongly recommend:

PLACES AND EVENTS

MAISON DE LA CREATIVITE
February 10, 11, 13, 14; 14h30-17h30

This amazing place will open its doors for 4 days during the February school break! A great opportunity for those of you who can’t go there on Wednesdays or Saturday mornings. It’s a truly magical villa, in which every room is devoted to a different activity. There’s also always one room for babies (for example with soft cushions in all possible shapes and colours). Other rooms can be about painting, sticky tape art, creating with yarn etc. It’s a wholeheartedly #parentvillerecommended.

EXPLORACENTRE
Monday-Sunday, 10h-18h/13h-18h

On the scientific-experimental front, we have Exploracentre that is now traditionally open daily during all school-holidays. Not only that but they have planned many fun workshops throughout the week! The recommended (by me) age for this place is 5+. You can find out all the details here.

LE JARDIN DES DINOSAURES
Monday-Saturday 9h-18h/18h30

Some of the dinosaures from the Dino Expo in Versoix moved to the Schilliger Garden Centre in Gland. Thy will stay there till March 28th and who knows where they will go next… Till then, take the opportunity to visit this beautiful garden shop to find the dinosaures. Some dinosaures move, some make sounds. There’s an egg kids can get into, and Agnes Cafe to grab a warm cuppa and a snack. More details here.

EPAFINI – for kids under 5 yo
Monday-Friday; 14h-18h

Epafini is an interactive space for children, temporarily located in La Julienne (Plan-les-Ouates). It’s where parents (or other caregivers) are also invited to play and create. I wrote about it in this article on the blog. February holiday is the last week of this event, be sure to visit it!

LE THEATRE DES EXPERIENCES
Open all week except for Tuesdays

Theatre of experiences is a title of the new interactive exhibition in the Musee d’Histoire des Sciences (till February 2021). I would recommend it for older kids (let’s say 10+) or those interested in science. There are many things to do, touch, and observe. Several seem more like magical tricks, which makes science fun! More about it here.

CATHEDRAL ST. PIERRE
Open daily

There are no special event but I just think it’s such a cool place to visit. The inside of the Cathedral is mainly raw, but the chapel is so colourful. You can climb up to the top of the tower, which can be hard but not undoable for little children, and then go out to the archeological site underneath the Cathedral – a labyrinth through the past. After making the visit check out the creperie just around the corner (it’s just here). There is a fee for entering the tower and the underground archeological tower. You can check all the info on this website.

SIMPLE FUN

Childhood needs to be not only about widening one’s horizons or education. It needs to also be filled with moments of pure and simple fun. So how about skating in one of many ice rinks in Geneva (best ice is in Vernets and Vergers), or bowling in La Praille or Balexert (we tested the one in Balexert and liked it a lot, even the food).

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EPAFINI

Geneva

 Cold, windy, or rainy. Winter is a difficult time to entertain kids in the city. Spending a lot of time outdoors is not possible every day, so what to do? There are several options for sure, but now you can add one more: Epafini in Plan-les-Ouates.

NOT AN EXHIBITION

It’s not an exhibition, it’s an interactive play area for kids under 5 (with an accompanying adult). Don’t fret, interactive here does not mean screens and technology. On the contrary, it’s filled with fabrics, cardboards, forts, cushions, and books!

It’s absolutely wonderful!

You can spend a lovely time there with your little one. Take off your shoes, find your inner child, and enjoy.

Enjoy what?

Sky is the limit! Build forts, hide, decorate, read, relax, have a pillow fight. Whatever you feel like doing! Use this space to have some fun, without fearing tidying up. Be silly, forget your phone, and play. Even if at first you’ll have no idea what to do, let your child guide you – yep, kids are the best guides in this places, as on many occasions we are too grown up to remember how to loosen up in a kiddy way.

Practical info:

It’s free.
There’s a cafe at the venue.
Put your nice socks on – no shoes allowed.
Fully wheelchair accessible.
Till February 20, on Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat.

Where? In La Julienne: 116, Route de Saint-Julien; 1228 Plan-les-Ouates.

All the details can be found here in Parentville’s events calendar and on this website.

You can find even more events, workshops, theatre shows, and exhibitions in Parentville’s events calendar.
EVENTS CALENDAR BY PArENTVILLE
February in Geneva for families

February in Geneva for families

Geneva

February for many people in the region is all about skiing. This is probably why the number of events in the city dropped a bit. But hey, I’m here for you! I managed to find some interesting bits here and there, so read on and choose whatever your family will like the most. Have fun!

Le Jardin des Dinosaures
till March 28th at Schilliger in Gland

Do you remember the Dino Expo in Versoix? Some of the dinosaurs are now living in the Schilliger Garden Center! Dinosaurs are hidden between the plants, some of them move or make sounds. It’s a free exhibition in a very nice setting. Recommendd for all dino lovers! Tip: combine it with a goute at Agnes Cafe at the Schilliger Garden Center. You can read about it more here, and see some photos here.

 

EPAFINI – INTERACTIVE SPACE FOR 0-5 yo
La Julienne, till February 14th

An interactive space for kids under 5 has been created in La Julienne (Plan-les-Ouates). It’s a spacious and pretty area, where kids can freely play and create! It is also where adults can free their inner child by playing silly with cushions or building forts! There are also „cabanes” to relax and play in and lots of books to read. For children under 5. Free of charge. I posted about it here, but you can even more info here.

ART GENEVE
Palexpo, till February 2nd

The annual Art Geneve expo in Palexpo is simply a massive art exhibition. Various galleries (local and not only), museums, and artists present their pieces. Most of tehm are for sale, but coming simply to watch absolutely makes sense. Also! The International School will be there providing a space for children with arts and crafts. You can find out more at artgeneve.ch.

 

ACTIVITIES AT MEG
February 2nd

The Etnography Museum of Geneva (MEG) has two propositions for the day: Voyage Sonore Autour du Monde and Danse des Collections. Both are designed for kids & families and aim to help them get to know the permanent exhibition better. MEG has other events for families/children this month on 16th, 19th, and 27th February. You can find them all on the brand new website of MEG.

BEAUTY CENTER FOR  THE WHOLE FAMILY
February 5th & 8th, Lancy

TotUp is a quickly growing center for families. There is creche, there is sports center, and now a Beauty Center will be added to the list! Finally a place with hair salon for kids and parents, manicures, pedicures, estetician as well. The best part? Free childcare during beauty treatments! The big opening is on Wednesday 5th, and Saturday 8th February,

MAH MUSEUM FUN FOR KIDS
February 5h, 19th, 21st, 26th

Musee d’Arts et d’Histoire has the biggest offer for children of various ages. There are 5 activities planned for the month of February. 19th and 21st of February « Les Z’Animaux » for kids of ages 3-5.
For those 6+ there are different themes on different days: 5th, 19th, 26th. Be sure to check well the location – some events are held at the main MAH buildings, some in Maison Tavel.

PAYOT STORYTIME IN ENGLISH
Payot Rive Gauche, February 8th

A monthly storytime in the English section of the Payot in Geneva is a great way to take a break from Saturday shopping. This month’s theme is « Hugs and Kisses ». Lisa form the English section of Payot, will read 3 books: Lola Dutch: I Love You So Much, Kiss the Crocodile, The Hug. Before or after the storytime you can order a warm drink and a snack at the cafe of Payot. The bookshop is fully accessible with prams and wheelchairs (including the restroom). You can find out more about this event here on Parentville.

A SHOW: « Smashed »  Gandini Juggling. (9+)
Le Lignon, February 21st

From the rich cultural offer of Ville de Vernier, this show stands out. It’s a performance by jugglers who dance, and dancers who juggle. It is a series of lively paintings that ends in an apotheosis of crushed apples and broken dishes. You can read more about it here and book your tickets here.

 

 

Salon de thé ambulant Aux mille pins by Musee Ariana
February 22nd – March 1st

In the framework of the Tea Shows Exhibition – Birth and Evolution of an Art of Living, Emiko Okamotos will set up at Ariana for tea tastings. Fun for the whole family.

BLISS FESTIVAL
February 29th, Eaux-Vives

This is a festival for young and old, come and discover with the family, our workshops, activities, and stands around maternity and children. A lot of discussions, conferences, selling stalls, workshops, etc. A great event for pregnant women and families with small kids. You can read more and purchase tickets here.

You can find even more events, including exhibitions, and theater shows in Parentville’s events calendar.
Parentville's Events Calendar

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December 2019 in Geneva with kids

Agenda, Geneva

Well hello! It’s the end of the year already, but not at all the end of the fun! Because in Geneva we have fun all year round. Do you need proofs? Let’s do it!

Sorry for the delay…

NOEL AUX BASTIONS
Parc des Bastions
Till december 30

After a huge success of the first edition if Geneva’s Christmas Market, we have it back this year! Food, shopping stalls, fondue chalet, pub chalet, ice skating, christmas ambiance, and many activities for kids! You can find them all in Parentville’s calendar and on the official website of the Noel aux Bastions.

Escalade
Old Town Geneva
December 6-8

The most important holiday in Geneva is here! If you’re interested in what it’s all about I wrote about it here. The celebrations start with the yearly run in the first weekend of December, and are followed by big celebrations with parades, costumes, concerts, and marmite! More info here.

The Night Before Christmas
Simply Theater
Till December 15th

We personally love Simply Theater’s Christmas productions every year. They’re beautiful, funny, perfectly adapted for children, and very festive! Here’s how the theater presents this year’s show: “This year Simply Theatre presents a magical tale for this most magical time of year. A heartwarming adventure story with a beautiful score, ‘The Night Before Christmas’ is sure to leave you full of Festive cheer”. Book your tickets here.

Concours Hippique
Palexpo
December 12-15

Calling all the enthusiasts of horse-riding and horses in general. This highly renown international competition is such a thrill! Z loves observing the riders, and looking through equestrian gadgets in the shopping area. There is also a pong initiation time slot on Saturday morning, as well as fun shows. Check it out here.

Green Noel Pop up Market
Baham Yellow (Plainapalas area)
December 14

This Green (read eco) pop up market has been organised by fellow expats. It will be the whole day of fun, with kids workshops throughout the day, lunch, drinks, and a Christmas party in the evening. This pop-up concept in an attempt to open a dialogue on sustainable living and offer an opportunity for communities within Geneva to embrace living and loving sustainability. Please, save the date and check them out!

The Wind in the Willows
Geneva Amateur Operatic Society
Nyon, till December 15th

GAOS presents as the adaptation of children’s classic book from 1908. It’s an opportunity to meet with Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger in a modern-day production.
It’s a show for the whole family (but it is 2,5 hours long)! Tickets are disappearing fast, so don’t hesitate and book yours!

Carouge Magique
Carouge
Till February

The city of Carouge amazes each time they organize festivities of any kind. The yearly celebrations of the end of the year season are no exception. The city stunningly Decorated with works of artists, will make a stroll through the streets of Carouge an unforgettable experience. there is also an ice rink, ice bar, animations, and 3 days of a Christmas market. You can check all the details here and in Parentville’s calendar.

Christmas Crafts
Herstreet
Mon-fri till December 20

When the weather doesn’t allow us to spend a lot of time outside, crafts are one of the best way for kids to have fun. This year Herstreet is holding a bricolaging activities every weekday (Mon-Fri) from 15h45 till 16h45 till December 20. They will offer ornament making, cookie decorating and other fun workshops. The best part? It’s for kids as little as 6 months of age (max 6 yo). You can book your spot here.

Know it All Market Place
Planete Charmille
Till December 24th

Another seasonal event that is becoming a yearly tradition! 52 local creators showcase their passion and products. This is a grate place to get seasonal gifts and support artists and entrepreneurs at the same time! Here’s how the organizers present the event: “You will find everything ranging from hard-to-find « man gifts » to lovely accessories for the ladies, from the funny to the luxury, items for babies and children, gifts you might want to keep for yourself (why not buy two?), and a few yummy ones too. “. You can find all the details here.

Workshops at Exploracentre
December 25 – January 5th

From December 25th till the 30th, Exploracentre will be open and will offer workshops for kids! With each atelier you will receive 50% reduction on your entry ticket. The workhops will continue during the school break in January. You can check them out here.

HAMEAU DU PERE NOEL
THE WHOLE MONTH

Santa is getting busier every day. Although Santa will not be present till December 24th, it is still a great place to visit in december! Santa’s sister awaits you with a lovely storytime in her chalet, Marchand du able waits for dummies in his pacifiers museum, and the angry Pere Fouettard is strolling around with his unpleasant jokes. The whole place is just magically christmasy, so be sure to plan a trip! Also, if you’re staying around for Christmas, check their special activities during the holidays. You can check the details here.

PARENTVILLE'S CALENDAR - ctivities for every day
Family fun in Geneva, November 2019

Family fun in Geneva, November 2019

Agenda, Geneva

Winter jacket? Already? With snow sitting on the top of the Jura mountains, November announces that winter is just one cable car trip away. But before all the slopes open, let’s see what we can do with kids in this rainy month. There’s a lot to choose from, buckle up! Here we go.

 

You can find WAY MORE in Parentville’s events calendar:
SEE THE CALENDAR

HAMEAU DU PERE NOEL
THE WHOLE MONTH

Santa is getting busier every day. Visit him before his pre-Christmas nap, that starts in December and lasts till « Noel » (at least this is how it works in the Hameay du Pere Noel). So, if you;d like to meet Santa, his mean brother, his sister, or the Marchand du Sable – November is the perfect month. Apart from some Mondays and Tuesdays, this one-of-a-kind place will be open. You can check the details here.

BOOK SALE
November 8-10

At the Sale there are thousands of second-hand English-language books for adults and kids, fiction and non-fiction. There are also books in French and other languages ready to be taken home, as well as CDs, DVDs and games. The tea-room is a sweet accompagnement to the sale! Check the opening hours here.

Automnales
November 8-17, Palexpo

Impossible to describe Automnales in one paragraph. It’s an annual event in Palexpo that groups together several expos and events at once. Expo Junior, Bebe et Moi, a 10k run, Cook n’Show, Dogs’ and Cats’s competitions, and much much more. This year, with Cook N’Show the focus is on sustainable and durable gastronomy – with cooking show, local épiceries and more. And of course, the program for kids of all ages is immense! Check it out here.

 

Exploracentre’s birthday celebrations
November 10th

A special anniversary day, Sunday, November 10, from 1pm to 6pm, filled with surprises and festivities for families. On this day there will be free workshops! From 13:30, every half hour, families will be able to discover several amazing and fun phenomena, like the lava lamp, rainbow straw, Brazil nut effect, fakir balloon, and more. Registration directly at the museum reception on November 10th. More info here.

Maison le Reve Bleu – inauguration
November 15th, Eaux Vives

Maison le Rêve Bleu is a non-profit organization created by a group of Lancy parents who are eager to find extra-familial childcare solutions for their preschool children. This event for small and big children accompanied by their parents, grandparents, or babysitters. From then on activities will be offered every Friday from 9am till 1pm. This inauguration is a great occasion to find out more! Their website is here.

Payot: Monthly Children’s Storytime
November 16th

One Saturday a month, Payot organizes the Storytime session in the English Department. From 10:30 to 11:30 AM, kids can enjoy readings on a different theme every month. November session‘s theme is “We love talking about books“ with following titles: “Library Lion”, Bear’s House of Books”, and „There’s a Dragon in Your Book”.

 

Le Petit Festival
November 16-17, Plan-les-Ouates

A weekend of shows, spectacles, animations, workshops, and other types of fun children of ALL AGES (well, 1+) enjoy! You can see the program and book your tickets on this website.

 

Schilliger Garden Center – Fete du Marche de Noel
November 16th (Gland et PLO) & 17th (Gland)

The Christmas Market in the Schilliger center in Plan-les Outes has already started and will last till Christmas. But on November 16 there will be a big fete! It will be filled with workshops for big and small, degustations, special offers, poney rides, and more. Both Shilliger centers (in Gland and PLO) have a nice program for that day, but compare them here and choose whichever you like better (for example in Gland: story time and games/toys demos). Check the whole program here.

 

A FUN EXPO IN ANNEMASSE
From November 19th (till 25.04.2020)

Entitled « Il était temps !« , this playful exhbition for kids will focus on the relationships between art, science and time. Visitors will travel in time via games, animations, videos, and other artistic representations. More info here.

30 years of the Rights of the Child
November 20, Place des Nations

A full day of shows and fun for kids of ages 3+ on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child! It is organized by the Child Rights Hub and 3 other NGOs. You can se ethe full program here.

Festival Couleur Cafe
November 20-30

The last week of November this festival will enrich Geneva with African sounds, and this year there is a paralel program for kids! It looks great, be sure to book your spots! You can see it all here.

 

Nocturne saint pierre
November 21, 22, 23 (18h)

Don’t miss it! For these three evenings the cathedral will be illuminated with 2000 (!!!) candles and no other light source. For its “nocturnes” it transforms into a truly magical place, accompanied by the live music by young local musicians. Entry: 5chf. More info: here.

FUREUR DE LIRE
November 21-24

Meetings, readings, performances, book signing sessions from 21 to 24 November in bookstores, municipal libraries and unexpected places around the central point of this edition, the Pitoëff Theater. There is of course a special program for children, you can check it out here.

Festival des Petits Bouts
November 23-24, Plainpalais

A festival for families with kids of ages 1+ – something for everyone! Shows, artists, and workshops fill its rich program. It will take place in the Maison de quartier de Plainpalais. There’s an entry fee of 5 chf (adults and kids), workshops also cost 5 chf  (for adults, kids for free).  You can find the details of the reservation process here.

 

PAYOT: le samedi des p’tits Lecteurs
November 23rd, 10h30

One Saturday ler month Laetitia in the (French) children’s section of Payot Rive Gauche invites kids to discover books of the season. It’s a completely free activity, no reservation needed. (This one is in French, but once a month there’s also a storytime in English – November 16th). Check it out here.

Nuit des bibliotheques
30 November

This is the afternoon of workshops, storytimes, shows, and conferences in several libraries in the canton: Avully, Bellevue, Cartigny, Chancy, Châtelaine, Cologny, Lancy, Pregny-Chambésy, and Vernier-Village. The program is very rich, do not hesitate to have a look at it and find what your family may enjoy (click here).

Is that all that is happening in Geneva for kids in November 2019?
Of course not!

 

 

Click (or tap) the buttons below to Access even more
VIA Parentville’s calendar:
EVENTS IN THE MUSEUMS
IN THE THEATERS
EVENTS FOR PARENTS
SHOPPING
ALL EVENTS
Bricklive Geneva for the October holidays

Bricklive Geneva for the October holidays

Agenda, Geneva

All kids like bricks, especially those classic plastic bricks that can create whatever sits in one’s imagination. Some kids need a bit of encouragement, others jump into the world of LEGO® without hesitations. Certainly, all will adore the Bricklive event happening this week in Palexpo.

We were very pleased to see that the space devoted to Bricklive is big, and did not feel overcrowded even on a Saturday afternoon!

This article is not sponsored by Bricklive. I did receive tickets for a contest on Instagram, and some for my family. That’s all. The article contains 100% honesty.

INSIDE

Where to start? Where to begin? The venue is spacious and filled with many different activities. The first by the entry is the creation of a massive Lego® mosaic. This is also where you can enter a tombola for 5 CHF (all profits go to a charity that takes bricks to children’s hospitals). The prize can be anything from a figurine (Lego® Gingerbread man anyone?), through small sets, to big big big Lego® sets.

There are brick pools: one purple and one red. Recently at home, we challenged ourselves to build one-colour constructions, so we loved to have a pool of purple bricks! There is also a different zone with only white bricks and lots of lovely creations.

There is a scene, on which many kids of competitions take place every day, a Lego® wall, Lego® flippers, an exhibition of marine-themed brick sculptures, and race tracks of different kinds. There is a huge map waiting to be filled with monuments and buildings. There is a section with several consoles to play Minecraft. Of course a shop as well!

The rest of the activities space is divided by the theme of Lego®: Ninjago, Star Wars, Minecraft, Friends.

Bricks 4 Kidz is there as well with very cool motorized builds to be made by visitors!

FOR THE LITTLE ONES

Many parents on Instagram have asked me about the minimum age to visit the BrickLive. I would say kids need to be at least four years old to take advantage of most, but probably those 6+ will have the best fun.

That being said, there are activities for smaller children too! There is quite a spacious Duplo zone, for example, or the marble run area. They will surely enjoy the exhibition of Lego® sea creatures and sitting in the little submarine made with bricks.

WORTH IT

For those kids who love building with Lego, creating, playing, this is the perfect event. To take advantage of every activity, I think at least half a day is needed, which (IMO) makes it worth the price of the ticket. We enjoyed changing the themes or colours of the bricks and after 2h on-site still had lots to do and see!

PRACTICAL INFO

Where?
BrickLive is in Palexpo, Geneva.

When?
Till Sunday, October 27th. Every day from 10 am till 6 pm.

Prices?
Free for kids under the age of 4. Under 14yo pay 18 CHF. Adults (15+) pay 25 CHF. You can purchase tickets at Palexpo, in Fnac, or online.

Accessible?
Yes, for wheelchairs and strollers. Parking on-site. Accessible toilets.

Food?
A snack bar, a buvette with warm meals, and a sweet snack bar at the venue.

 

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Halloween in Geneva, 2019

Halloween in Geneva, 2019

Geneva

Halloween in Geneva is getting better and better every year! Even if you don’t happen to live in a neighbourhood keen on trick-or-treating, there are events you can attend to celebrate this scary holiday!

Also, don’t forget to ask your friends about their hood’s Halloween traditions, as many do have candy waiting behind every door.

Here’s the list of family-friendly events for Halloween in Geneva in 2019:
Halloween workshops in MParc
October  21st – 27th

Every day Migros Do It + Garden in La Praille (MParc) offers Halloween workshops for kids (ages 3-12). The prices range from 3 to 10 CHF. Timings: Monday (13h-18h), Tuesday-Friday ( 10h-13h & 14h-18h), Saturday (10h-13h & 14h-17h).

PUMPKIN CARVING
OCTOBER 23rd (Plan-les–Ouates) & 30th (Gland)

A professional awaits you in the Schilliger Garden Centre (Gland or PLO depending on the chosen date), to help your kid carve the pumpkin and thus prepare for the holiday! Participation costs 15CHF; no prior booking is needed.

CHAPLIN’S WORLD
October 12th – November 3rd

Chaplin’s World has a whole October planned with spookiness! Till the 20th of October at 3 pm every day there will be a costume competition (a bit of acting needed as well!) and face painting. From October 21st till the 27th  they will hold a black-light show where ghosts and ghouls dance at the Monster Ball, plus pumpkin carving workshops. At last, from October 28th till November 3rd, two kids enter for the price of one. More about it here.

Vitam Parc
October 18th, 23rd, 26th, 30th

Vitam Parc launches Halloween during the October holidays already. 4 dates of different activities and workshops in the theme of spookiness and fun. You can see the detailed program here.

Swiss Vapeur Parc
11-31 Octobre

Nighttime rides in the trains paradise! During the terrifying period of the year, the Swiss Steam Park opens its doors to the bravest for a ride in a ghost train. The park will be fully decorated with Halloween colours. Pumpkins per hundred, ghosts, witches, giant spiders will be at the rendezvous. Enjoy squash soup and chestnuts over a wood fire. Also: makeups and witchhunt! Special treat: night-time rides on the 12th, 19th, 26th, and 31 st of October (16h-22h). For more click here.

SCARY BISCUITS & CUPCAKES
October 19th, 23rd, 26th

The Kingdom of two sisters: Melanie and Soizic, commonly known as Royaume Melazic is the place to go when it comes to everything related to baking and pastry. It is also THE place in Geneva for kids to enjoy making cupcakes, cookies, and other sweets. For Halloween, Royaume Melazic will open its kitchen to the children (ages 6+), where the baker-witches will reveal all their secrets about making pastries as delicious as they are scary! Whether it’s cupcakes or biscuits, every budding pastry chef will go home with his or her own creations.  Don’t hesitate to come dressed up – in this Kingdom everything is allowed! In Parentville’s calendar it is here.

A SPOOKY TREETOP ADVENTURE
October 28th, November 3rd&4th; Onex

Parc Aventure in Evaux offers three days of nighttime tree climbing! There are only 150 places available, so book fast. All kids above the age of 7 can participate. Bring your costume! A bit more here.

Halloween family brunch and tea-afternoon at Hotel d’Angleterre
October 27th,

Yet again, Hotel d’Angleterre comes back with a fun brunch and an afternoon tea time with fun for kids. There will be trick-or-treating, workshops, games, and activities! Check it here.

CUPCAKES WORKSHOP AT MANOR
October 30th

This workshop is free and will take place on the 4th floor of Manor in Geneva, in the Manora Restaurant. Bon apetit! Yu can also find this event in Parentville’s calendar.

RECRECREA AT MAMMA LISA
October 30th

Recrecrea and the restaurant Mamma Lisa in Puplinge will organise a fun Halloween afternoon with creative workshops, spooky ambience, and a scary gouter. Reservations obligatory (limited places). More details here.

Halloween Parties in TOT UP
October 30th & 31st
School: 30.10 from 7:00 to 19:00 Halloween day with sport, art, games, and going out! 60 CHF/ full day all-inclusive for kids from 3-6 years old 
Daycare: 31.10 from 15:00 to 18:00 Halloween workshop with pumpkin search, creative activities and spooky snack! 45 CHF for kids from 1 to 3 years old. 
Inscription [email protected] 
Soirée Halloween
October 31, Dardagny

Pro Natura and Restaurant Les Granges in Dardagny teamed up to provide you with an evening of spookiness and deliciousness. It’s worth considering as this will be the last day this year that this magnificent restaurant will be open. A special menu for this day will include enchanted pumpkin soup, red&black burger (a vegetarian option available), or a mysterious creme brulee. Most importantly, activities for kids are planned too – the discovery of the night world! Feel free to wear your scariest outfit. Click here for more.

HALLOWEEN A GLAND
October 31

For one evening the streets of Gland will transform into a Halloween scenery with inhabitants walking these streets in seasonal outfits! There will, of course, be the contest for the best costume. The organizers have partnered up with Haribo to ensure you have enough for trick-or-treaters (link here). What’s in the program? A pumpkin soup, a parade, a contest, a ball! In the haunted village, bars and food trucks await you, for the pleasure of your taste buds (tears of unicorns, bat steaks, Chimpanzee kidneys, seaweed lettuce, stuffed mosquito emulsion, carrot with maggots …).

HALLOWEEN PARTY
November 2nd

Swiss Nanny Association is hosting a spooktacular party this year in Geneva! It will be accompanied by various crafts, games, sensory play, and storytime. In general, kids above 2yo and under 9yo will have plenty of things to do (younger and older kids are welcome as well!). Tickets are on sale here. Raised funds will support the Swiss Nanny Association. Check it out here.

SPOOKY MINI TRAIN –PULLY
November 2nd&3rd

Located at the Port of Pully (close to Lausanne), the MiNi-Train is a 1/8th scale railroad club run by volunteers, where children and adults can take a seat in wagons for a journey of about 5 minutes each. The 420-meter circuit includes a tunnel, five-level crossings, and a train station.  “Thomas the tank engine” fans will be thrilled to visit this place! For the Halloween weekend, the whole place will be decorated, filled with spooky elements, and unique animations and activities. Kids wearing costumes will ride for free! Check it here.

Halloween at Signal de Bougy
November 3rd

This cool park about 30 minutes by car from Geneva is one of our family’s favourites, and they offer great children’s activities. For Halloween they’ve got a full day of fun activities in store, including a Halloween make-up zone in the restaurant from 9h00 till noon (ages 6+); course with the creation of a scary trick and a sensory experience (ages 2.5-6), and disco from 13h till 17h. Some activities must be booked beforehand (via phone or email). More through here.

For the most courageous of you, there are also events in indoor play centres: Jayland in Gland (October 31st),  L’Ile de Tortuga in Annemasse (all weekends of October probably), C L’Aventure in Annemasse (October 19th-November 3rd, and a Halloween Party on October 31st).

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October school-break in Geneva

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Staying in Geneva during the October school break? The weather is not god for a beach anymore, and not yet good for skiing, so what to do? With this article in hand, you’ll have tons of ideas, I promise!

MAH – Les Vacances Qui Donnent la Patate

From Tuesday till Friday MAH will offer activities for kids of ages 2-5 (from 10 am till noon) and for 6-12 yo (from 2 pm till 5 pm). The activities are free of charge, but check the program to see which ones need prior booking. More info here.

BRICKLIVE in Palexpo

The brick madness is arriving in Palexpo! I write about it in this article. This time it is not an exhibition, it’s a paradise for bricks lovers – workshops, shows, and thousands of bricks to build with. Open all week. Check it out here.

LA MAISON DE LA CREATIVITE

Yes! This time, the greatest place for kids in Geneva is open during the school break. You can visit it on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 14h30 till 17h30. Have fun! More info here.

 

PARC AVENTURE (Onex)

Parc Aventure – the treetop adventure centre will reopen during weekdays of the October holiday. Every day from 10h00 till 18h00 (last entry at 16h00). It’s a fun exercise, even for kids as young as 3! Check it out here.

ICE SKATING

The season is open! The ice rinks of Meyrin and Vernets are back! You can check the opening hours of the Vergers (Meyrin) ice rink here, and for Vernets (Geneva) click here.

EXPLORACENTRE

One of the most playful, educational, and scientific places for kids in Geneva, Exploracentre, will open its door every day of the October holidays. It’s a great option for kids of ages 5+ (imo), though I have seen some smaller children enjoying the visit as well. The entry costs 10 CHF per person (both for children and adults). You can read more about Exploracentre here on Parentville.

Expo: La Nature Habite En Ville

For ages 6+, an interactive expo in Chene-Bougeries stays open every day of the October holidays.  From October 21st till the 27th, from 15h till 18h. More info here.

LE HAMEAU DU PERE NOEL

I know it’s only October but listen carefully. If you plan to visit Santa’s village in December, it’s the month when he is asleep, so to meet him either go before or after Christmas. This year it opens on October 19th! During the holidays will open every day from 10h00 till 19h00. More info here.

YATOULAND ACACIAS

The indoor play area, also known as kids paradise and parents’ hell will be open from Wednesday till Sunday (10h00 – 18h00).

CHAPLIN’S WORLD (Vevey)

Why not enter into Halloween already? Chaplin’s World has activities, and special deco waiting for you! More info here.

DAY TRIPS

Why not use this week to visit the salt mine in Bex, or the Lac Souterrain de St Leonard,  Maison Cailler, Musee du Leman in Nyon, Chamonix (no winter crowds yet), Maison du Saleve, Aquatis, or even Espace des Mondes Polaires?

Even more to choose from in Parentville’s calendar (exhibitions, workshops, theatre shows) and in this article that lists Halloween fun in the region (many activities take place during the holidays of October).

EVENTS' CALENDAR

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