For parents of chronically ill children

For parents of chronically ill children

Geneva, Mumpreneurs

When her son was diagnosed with the type I diabetes at the age of 2, the whole life of Oksana and her family was turned upside down. Through her journey, she learnt about the massively positive impact of interactions with other parents. This is why she created a support group on Facebook – supported by HUG.

A HELICOPTER

It all happened in Ticino during a family vacation. Oksana’s son was hospitalized, she received an overwhelming amount of information about her son’s future and new routines. After that, she was placed in a medical helicopter with her little one.

The journey let her breathe and think. The whole way to Geneva, her boy was asleep. The beautiful views below calmed Oksana down. She started to ponder and wonder. What the hell could she do to help her child? It was then that she decided to change their lifestyle and her career. She got off the helicopter and started implementing the changes.

LONELINESS

One of the most challenging parts of this situation was loneliness. Her regular parents-friends could not relate to her family’s experience. None of them had kids suffering from any kind of family-life-influencing conditions. She lacked a sense of community. I guess it is the same feeling all parents have once their child does not fit the norm, no matter the reason.

THE GROUP

Oksana knew there must be other parents out there. This is why, with the support of the HUG (Hopitaux Universitaire de Geneve), she created a group for parents in similar situations. It is called Amazing Parents Geneva – Group For Parents Of Kids With Chronic Conditions.

The goal of the group is not really to exchange tips and tricks (although everybody is welcome to do so), but to promote self-care.

In an aeroplane, you are asked to put your oxygen mask first, before helping your children. The same goes for parenting. We need to care for ourselves. Otherwise, we may become too tired, frustrated, and unhappy, to help our little ones thrive.

SMALL THINGS COUNT

Not all parents cane change jobs, shift careers or introduce any big changes. Each family is different, so for each, a solution and tools will be different.

Not everyone can afford a relaxing day in a SPA; not everyone can find the time for a 2h walk in nature. But there is always something, even if small. That can make a difference.

Oksana’s group will help you figure it out.

HOW IT WORKS

The group is active on Facebook, but also organises meetings in Geneva now and then (participation is not obligatory).

If your child (no matter the age), suffers from autism, diabetes, Down Syndrome, cardiovascular disease, asthma, allergies, or any chronic condition, be it light, mild, or severe, this group is a place where you can safely vent, rage, laugh, or cry. You can share good and bad emotions, hopes, or frustrations. It’s where you will be understood, where nobody will judge. And it is where you will learn how to better take care of yourself.

PERSONAL

I am also a member of that group. Z’s health is now more or less ok, and to be honest, she has never suffered from anything very serious or severe. But when she was little, her allergies gave us a hard time and changed the way we lived. Luckily, I had a friend whose son was going through the same. Her presence helped me immensely. I now hope that now I will be able to help someone else.

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Family-friendly events in October 2019, Geneva

Family-friendly events in October 2019, Geneva

Agenda, Geneva

October is an extremely busy month! It will be filled with events, festivals, holidays, and Halloween! Are you ready? Parentville is here to help you plan a super-duper family-friendly October!

This list is not all-inclusive; it mentions the most significant, most important, or close to my heart events (and nope, I was not paid to place any of them in here).

Many other events (theatre plays, workshops, storytimes, etc.) are to be found in Parentville’s events calendar – new events are added every day! Click below to open the calendar.

Events calendar by Parentville

AGENDA FOR OCTOBER

Chateau de Vullierens, Vaud
Every weekend till the end of October

Chateau de Vullierens will stay open in fall! At least on every October weekend. Don’t miss it! Each weekend will have different activities for kids, and mo matter the activities, the Kingdom of the Lezard King is a fascinating part of the garden! Speaking of which, do you know there is a bilingual (fr-eng) book based on that garden – « King Lizard’s Kingdom »?

You can check the full autumn program of the Chateau here.

 

Patisserie workshop in Manor
October 2 & 30

Workshop for kids ages 4-12, completely free of charge, no reservations needed. Two workshops for each date: 15h & 18h. This workshop can spark some joy into shopping on Wednesday – kids love decorating cupcakes! The activity will take place on the 4th floor, in the Manora restaurant. More info here.

PETIT BLACK MOVIE
October 2-16, many locations

This edition focuses on animals and relationships: solidarity, friendship, empathy. The festival will present a new movie each month until December. In October kids will have an opportunity to watch « Le Cochon, le Renard, et le Moulin ». You can find out more about it here.

ANIMATOU
October 4-12

The International Festival of Animated Films is here again, and again it has a beautiful program for children of (almost) all ages! It is especially close to my heart this year, as there is a big part of the festival devoted to the Polish animations, including the most awesome ever Bolek and Lolek – for kids! You can consult all Animatou events for children and families here.

Fete de l’Abeille et du Terroir
October 5

The « Bee Festival » is an excellent opportunity to discover local products. Through various playful stands held by different producers and associations, you will be able to try, taste, purchase high-quality products from local producers made with ingredients from this region. There will be kids activities as well! You can check the program here.

Rallye auChocolat
October 5

Rallye du Chocolat is a fun and gourmet course in the city with a goal of encountering artisan chocolate makers. All you need is a choco passport and choco cravings! There are also mystery words to be found and prizes to be given. You can find out more about it here.

Respire! Festival Assemblage, Troinex
October 5

This show has been shown in Europe hundreds of time, but it is the first time it will be presented in Geneva. It will make you lose your breath! You can find out more here.

« Ned and the Whale », Simply Theater
October 5-12

A new production is awaiting you in Versoix at Simply Theater. When I was reading the description for the first time, I couldn’t stop thinking about Game of Thrones (Ned, strange lands, Kingdom of Spies…). Fortunately, this show is for kids (3+), filled with music, and positivity! You can book your tickets here.

Fete de la Courge in Corsier
October 6

Over the years, the « Fête de la Courge » has become a major event in Corsier. It now has a large number of visitors attracted by the stands around the theme of cucurbitaceae and its derivatives.

Artisans and stands of local products await you! On the occasion of our 26th edition, music and entertainment for young and old await you throughout the day. More details here.

SWISS CASTLES’ DAY
October 6-7

A playful day with many workshops and kids activities across many Swiss castles! More info here.

Historic Trams
October 6

Discovery rides onboard historic tramways. Various souvenir items for sale during the rides (photos, postcards, various publications, etc.). More info, including prices, here.

Petite Favorite – Les Rendez-vous Complices #1
October 9

Petite Favorite is a young fashion brand startup from Geneva. For this day it invited its partners, collaborators, and friends to organise a family day! There will be activities for small and big, discussions about family life, yoga, and fashion of course! More about it here.

Family Wednesday at MAH
October 9

« The beautiful Apollo ». For children from 6 years old, accompanied by an adult. Free, without reservation. Check iy out here.

Parentville at Payot
October 12

 The most important date in October (unless your loved one celebrates a birthday this month) is October 12! I was invited by Payot Rive Gauche for a dedications afternoon. It’s all about my « ABC Geneva » book (bilingual, for children), which I will be more than happy to sign for you, or to chat! Come and say hi! More info here.

Villages des Sciences
October 12

The gardens of the Chateau Voltaire will be transformed into a science village! A rick program of animations, attractions, conferences, workshops, accompanied by scientific stands awaits you! Check it out here.

OPEN DAYS AT A RECYCLING CENTER
October 12

For one afternoon, the SOGETRI teams immerse young and old in the heart of the SORTERA sphere, the jewel of Swiss recycling! There will be four workshops, for children of ages 8+. They are free of charge, but you need to book your spot. And the workshops? Check the details here.

 

MPFLM shopping & brunch
October 12-13

After the edition in Carouge, last March and a real taste of paradise a little over a month ago Mes Pulls Font La Manche is back! This time at the Le Bout d’la Rue (Plainpalais area). The formula remains the same: a friendly, ethical and delicious shopping Throughout the weekend. On Sunday, come spend a sweet Sunday with a « kids corner » where an adorable nanny will take care of your children while you enjoy a brunch served by Granola Geneva. More info here.

Marche de Espoir
October 13

One of the most awaited event – at least for the kids who have already taken part in previous editions. The idea is simple: you register for free, you find sponsors who commit to donate a certain amount for each kilometre. The trail is 5 km long, but you can do less or more. Each kilometre means a stamp in a special « passport ». You can commit as little or as much time and energy as you wish. Just remember to register! The event will be accompanied by various activities, shows, and other kiddy-fun! You can learn more about it here.

Faire sa part workshop
October 13 

Espace Colibri invites all children between the ages of 4 and 10 to a workshop that will make them aware of climate change, plastic pollution, but will also give them the skill to fight it all with beeswax wraps – every little step counts, right? More about it here.

Festival Salamandre, Morges
October 18-20

Tons of workshops, movies, storytimes, and exhibitions. This festival focuses on nature: its richness and fragility, so crucial in the times we live. You can see the whole program and book your tickets here.

Bricklive, Palexpo
18-27 October

2019 edition of BRICKLIVE, one of Switzerland’s largest exhibitions for fans of the LEGO® brick. This unique brick event will give visitors access to more than ten million bricks; professional brick-built statues and interactive digital content. You can find it here.

Journée des Familles
October 19

The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and the University of Music of Geneva invite you to discover the future Cité de la Musique.. Inscriptions: osr.ch/familyday.

 

More events in the the Parentville’s calendar!

EVENTS CALENDAR FOR FAMILIES IN GENEVA

Other articles you may be interested in:

OCTOBER CAMPS
HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
October camps in Geneva, 2019

October camps in Geneva, 2019

Geneva

The school year has just started, so it’s time to think about the October holidays. Not travelling? Do you need a camp? This is why you clicked and found yourself here, right?

Did you know that October holidays are also known as Vacances des Patates? In the past kids had a week off not to rest but to help with the autumn harvest.

Here’s a list of camps I found, heard of, or were contacted to share with you (not paid partnerships). In no particular order, here we go – October camps in Geneva!

Not interested in camps but still looking for October holidays fun?
Check Parentville’s calendar!
EVENTS CALENDAR
Atelier du Square

A week of Manga art for kids ages 7+ at Atelier du Square.
October 22-25 , 14h-17h. CHF 225.-

Espace Colibri

Two camps to choose from. For ages 4-8 a week of getting to know the world of the bees in Yogartaminis studio (1205 Geneve). For ages 7-13 in Chatelaine with « Birds » as the theme.

Possibility to enrol for half-days, full days, the whole week, or just some days.

Exploracentre

For the October holidays, Exploracentre prepared four different camps! Two themes for kids 4+, and two other themes for those 8+! All four are fun, science-oriented in a playful way! Also, by enrolling your child, you will support Exploracentre’s crowdfunding campaign that will let them maintain the best of what they have, and plan new expositions!

Half-days possible. Only whole-week enrollemnts.

Bricks 4 Kidz

Several options of a week with lego bricks in Bricks 4 Kidz center in Lancy.

Possible to enrol for the whole week and some days, half days and full days.

Institut International de Lancy

This private school has a wide range of October camps themes! Check them out here.

Swimming with ENG (Varembe)

Ecole de Natation de Geneve has two options: 5 lessons in a group, or 4 private lessons.

MUSEOMIX AT MEG

For children 8+. Surrounded by professionals, using their imagination, and by experimenting kids will create prototypes of a museum of the future for the MEG.

Only full-days, full-week.

Spell Languages

Very playful language courses (English or French) in the form of a camp by Spell for two age groups: 4-6 & 7-10.

Enrolments for the whole week only, half days possible.

FOR KIDS UNDER 4yo

For younger children, please check with Gymboree Geneva  and  TotUp.

Other articles you might be interested in:
COSTUMES FOR HALLOWEEN
Fruit picking - pumpkins included
Horse riding for kids in Geneva (and around)

Horse riding for kids in Geneva (and around)

Geneva

I probably don’t need to explain to anybody reading this, how fun horse-riding can be. These gentle (yet sometimes stubborn) creatures teach patience, empathy, discipline, and give an opportunity for physical activity all at the same time.

Question about horse-riding is one of the most commonly sent my way, so I thought I should finally put online all the places I know about. Some of them we tested ourselves, others were recommended by our friends, or on Parentville’s Facebook group.

Here are your horse riding classes for kids in Geneva:

1. Poney Club Echevenex (France).

2. La Belle Ferme in Gex (France).

3. Centre Equestre, Plan-les- Ouates.

4. Manege d’Onex, in (surprise, surprise) Onex.

5. Ferme la Gavotte (Bernex).

6. Ranch Blackyland (Bernex).

7. Manege Machefer, Versoix.

8. La Pallanterie, in Vésenaz.

9. Manège de Vandoeuvres, in (tatadam) Vandoeuvres.

10. La Chaumaz in Russin.

11. Poney Club de la Gambade, Laconnex.

12. There is also a Manege in Meyrin, but their website was not working when this article was written.

Music classes in Geneva for kids

Music classes in Geneva for kids

Geneva

Whether for general musical initiation, to learn how to play an instrument, or see how operas are working, Geneva has everything for your kids. Here’s your list of music classes in Geneva for kids:

SINGING

I found 4 theatre places where kids learn about staging and singing.

Catalyse in Eaux-Vives. 

Academie de Comedie Musicale Geneve in Les Acacias.

Simply Theater in Versoix and Petit Lancy.

Espace Opera in Eaux Vives. https://espace-opera.ch/

Also:

Conservatoire Populaire, Ecole des Musiques Actuelles, Conservatoire de Musique de Geneve.

INSTRUMENTS

Drums lessons in Chêne-Bougeries by Drum.ch.

Conservatoire Populaire in various locations (various instruments).

Ecole des Musiques Actuelles in Les Acacias.

Academie de Musique de Geneve, in Eaux Vives.

Institut Jacques Dalcroze, in Eaux Vive (piano).

Conservatoire de Musique de Geneve, in various locations.

Espace Musical in Eaux-Vives.

Ecole de Musique Suzuki, in Onex and Eaux-Vives.

Ecole de Musique et FunPhare, in Vernier.

Do you know other places not listed above, worth sharing with other families? Let me know either in the comments below or via email.

After school activities in Geneva

After school activities in Geneva

Geneva

Main days for extracurricular activities in Geneva are Wednesdays and weekends. Many children also attend after school activities on school days, though that requires an adult to transport kids from the school to an activity, so is not feasible for all.

Luckily, in most places in the canton, you don’t need to drive a long way to find sports activities, language courses, or others. Most communes and districts organize and subsidize fun time for children. Be sure to check with your local Mairie or Maison du Quartier – they should have all the info.

There are, of course, other after school activities in Geneva, offered by private organizations. Below you’ll find links to existing articles on Parentville, that list these places under relevant themes, as well as other places I see often recommended on social media.

New categories will be added shortly: swimming, horse riding, music classes.

Please let me know in the comments what you are looking for, or what you know should be added, and I will do it asap!

A TIP: book spots as soon as possible! Some of these places were open for enrollments already in Spring.

Parentville’s top choices (personally and what I see people recommend):

1. Spell Languages (language courses: English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Russian, and more. Classes on schooldays, and 4h courses on Wednesdays and Saturdays).

2. CPAM Meyrin (ice skating, weekdays and Sundays).

2. Addict Lab (STEAM – science and art in one, mainly Wednesdays).

3. Knock On Wood (wood-crafting for 8+ with an adult or 10+ alone on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Nations)

4. Red Whale Geneva (swimming classes in a gentle and playful atmosphere).

5. IT Step Academy (programming, internet safety, games design, video classes, and more).

6. Espace Colibri (school support in a playful way, but also yoga, discovery classes, arts, music).

7. Dulce’s Academy (sports, arts, theatre)

8. Exploraclub (on Saturdays, science for kids)

9. First Aid courses by Samaritans in Bernex (no link, the courses took place last year, best to contact them directly here).

STEM IN GENEVA FOR KIDS

DANCE CLASSES IN GENEVA

PLAYGROUPS IN GENEVA

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

SWIMMING CLASSES

HORSERIDING COURSES

LANGUAGE COURSES

MUSIC COURSES

Fabriq’expo at Exploracentre

Fabriq’expo at Exploracentre

Geneva, Places

Exploracentre is a fab place close to Plainpalais (I wrote about them before, click here).

It’s a really fun place with interactive exhibitions, workshops, and soon a Wednesday ExploraClub.

Now, before we go any further. Exploracentre lowered the tickets price. It’s now 10 CHF per person, much more affordable – and as you’re about to find out, the new expo is also much better than the first one!

FABRIQ’EXPO

The brand new expo of Exploracentre, Fabriq’Expo, unites science and technology, resulting in a mix of a laboratory and DIY space.

When you enter, you’ll instantly see a giant black circle thingy (that I forgot the name for). It’s a bowl shape thing with a hole in a centre. Your job here is to throw in some wooden marbles and see how their speed changes depending on how far they are from the hole. It’s simply a recreation of a solar system, marbles being the planets, and the hole representing the sun. It’s hypnotizing!

MODULES

The whole expo is made of several modules – working stations. Each one has a different theme, for example:

  • Chain reaction (super playful),
  • Robotics,
  • Objects under the magnifying glass (repair, assemble, disassemble, and design your own!),
  • Engineers in question (this stand works against discrimination in the world of science),
  • Design (imagine, draw, invent)

TECH EVOLUTION

Has your child ever seen a cassette? Or the old-school computer disk? One of the stands offers children to meet these bizarre objects and figure out their purpose. On the other side there are models of the telephones from different times. Kids can try and use an old phone with a ring-dial to see, how in the past, ringing someone ment using a ring dial, not only causing the phone to make the ringing sound. They can also match the phones with wallpaper designs from different decades.

SHOP

Exploracentre also opened a gift shop with a vast variety of science-themed toys. Be sure to check it out!

It’s a really fun and highly interactive (in an almost screen-free way) play area! It is designed in a way to also make the parents into a playful mood! #parentvillerecommended

USEFUL INFO

Exploracentre (website)
Rue des Bains 33
1205 Geneva

Accessible with prams and wheelchairs (including an adapted toilet). Changing table in the restroom.

In summer open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am till 6 pm.

Entry: 10 CHF (free for kids under 3)

Home in Balance – Geneva’s smartest organizer

Home in Balance – Geneva’s smartest organizer

Geneva, Mumpreneurs

or about how finally I can dance in my basement

Things I had in my basement… a bag with 3 rocks, and a pot with dry soil, wires to who knows what, chargers to prehistoric phones, boxes of appliances we do not have anymore, clothes I forgot I had. But also good things, I finally found my business cards (in a random bag filled with stuff from my old car). How’s your basement?

No matter how hard I try, sooner or later the clutter is accumulating. I got good at hiding it though – especially in the garage and in the basement. It is quite simple: gather all the random useless objects, put them in a bag/box and off to the cave. Close the door, and forget. It seemed perfect, until I had to get the suitcases out of the basement… It took time and bruises to get them out. I probably would have been better off looking at something like prefab garages opposed to stuffing everything in my basement.

COLLAB EXPLAINED

Then I remembered about a friend, who started an uncluttering service called Home in Balance and we made a deal – she would help me unclutter the basement and garage, and if I am happy with the process and the result, I will use Parentville to promote her. And here we are.

SWISS ORGANIZERS

Inga, a member of Swiss-Apo (Swiss Association of Professional Organizers – yes! It is a thing!). A few years ago, she launched her business called Home in Balance. She helps people unclutter and organise their space in a practical way. Check Inga’s Instagram profile!

Her ability to know which box should go where, and which cabinet should stand in the corner and which shouldn’t, is impressive. She is full of positive energy, fresh perspective, and ideas!

ORGANISED UNCLUTTERING

Inga came in the morning, full of positive energy. She was very fast to get things out of the basement, give me tasks, and setting the rules: things for charity on the left, items for the decheterie on the right, give me back what stays etc.

The process was super fast, super smooth. The speed of it didn’t give me much time ponder on every single item. The question was simple: leave it or get rid off it? No sentiments, practicality. Well, with several exceptions.

GET IT DONE

Of course, for everyone, this will be a different process, and Inga knows it. She did not influence or question my decisions. She knows it is a very personal subject.

At the same time I was grateful it was not a Marie Kondo style uncluttering. I don’t want to say hello, goodbye, or thank you to my belongings. I don’t want to create a massive pile of clothes that would just overwhelm me. It was about getting it done. This is why Inga was just perfect for the job.

BYE BYE CLUTTER

She packed all the things for the charity into the car (it filled the whole car, every corner, every hole), and drove it to CSP in Meyrin. I hope many of these items, in perfect condition, will find new homes.

ROCK’N’ROLL

And now, I cannot only go into my basement but I even also dance inside!

KIDS ROOM

Next on my list is Zofia’s room. We declutter her room at least once a year. She needs to be involved in the process, so it takes a full day of playtime…

I asked Inga for some advice on how to limit the creation of the clutter in her room – you can find it at the bottom of the post, click on the images to enlarge/download.

ACCROBRANCHE aka Tree Top Adventure Parks in Geneva

ACCROBRANCHE aka Tree Top Adventure Parks in Geneva

Geneva, Places

Accrobranche (aka tree top adventures) is a great activity for kids and whole families. Depending on the age (or the height) of your child different options are available.

How does it work?

First you (or your child) gets into a special harness that will keep them safely attached to the trail. Then they can enjoy the trail up above the ground filled with zip lines and obstacles. Depending on the parc and the age of your child the trails are on different heights. It really is safe, so nothing to be afraid of, except if you’re like me and the idea of being anywhere above the ground scares the life out of you.

Some parcs with children trails only allow kids to enjoy it with an accompanying adult beside them. For me, that’s a no go, but fortunately I learnt that it’s worth calling the place before hand and reserve the staff member to accompany my daughter. In many parcs kids 6+ (or taller than X) can enjoy even more trails – with an accompanying adult.

There are also 2 parc in the area with treetop fun without obstacle trails, but with giant trampolines!

They are all listed below. Choose a place and go!

PARC AVENTURE (EVAUX, GENEVA)

This is the only parc located in Geneva – in the great parc of Evaux (Onex). There are two trails for kids aged 3-6, and one other for 4-6 year olds. They are low enough to let you accompany your child from the ground, standing next to them and helping out if needed. It’s really perfect for the tree top initiation! Four more are availble to those after 6th birthday with an accompanying adult, or alone if they’re at least 7 years old. There are even more optopns for those ge 10+.

Parc Aventure (Signal de Bougy, VD)

Here you can choose between 16 courses! 5 of them are destined for kids aged 4-7, all equipped with zip lines. These trails are higher above the ground than in Geneva, but kids can go alone no problem. When in trouble, just call the staff and they will help or even climb up if needed!

JURAVENTURE (Col de la Faucille, France)

Juraventure is more than just a tree top parc. There’s mini golf, paintball, and donkeys, but for the sake of this list I’ll focus only on accrobranche. According to their website, the « The Kids, juniors and adult courses are unlimited! ». The parc is designed in a way that all too difficult steps can be avoided to enjoy the rest of the course. For the Mini trail the minimum height is 100 cm, and for the junior trail it’s 120 cm. I wrote about other activities on La Faucille in summer here.

Forestland (Divonne, France)

Forestland in Divonne is another place that offers not only Accrobranche but much more. Yet again, in this list I will focus on accrobranche only. There are 6 courses in Forestland: one for 3+ (max heigh 120 cm), two for 7+ (min height 120 cm), and three more for those taller than 140 cm. A great excuse to visit Divonne with kids!

TACTIQ AVENTURE (Cruseilles, France)

Parcours Decouverte « Enfant » – for kids of the minimum age of 4 and minimum height of 1.m. Parcours Decouverte « Junior » – minimum age 7, minimum height 120 cm.

Other accrobranche parcs to try:

  • Accro’Aventures in Reigner (France): for kids as small as 1m  but kids younger than 5 and below 11cm of height needs a parent to accompany them up in the trees.
  • Parcours Aventure in Sciez (France): min age is 5 here, and minimum height 110cm, adult must climb too.

TRAMPOLINE PARCS

In the tree-top trampoline parcs  (fr. parcabout) you’ll need no harrness , and will not be challenged by obstacles. Instead, you’ll enjoy something that I would describe as a walk (or jumping) on the clouds! It’s absolutely marvelous, fun, amusing, relaxing, and extraordinary!

Two principal places to enjoy this activity are:

  • Filenvol (close to Saleve), no minimum age. Kids under 5 can enjoy a separate section. All kids can go to the main one with an accompanying adult. As of the age of  8 they can enjoy the place on their own. No sandals, bear feet allowed.
  • Gaia Loisirs (in the French Jura). I found no information about minimum age, but it is strictly advised to wear long trousers, and long-sleeve tops, as well as full shoes (no sandals).
Will you try a tree adventure? Which one?

Col de la Faucille in summer

Col de la Faucille in summer

Geneva, Places

Col de la Faucille in summer is even more fun than in winter! It offers so many activities that could easily fill the whole weekend. And if we add some other fun places from Gex, we’d have the whole week of adventures!

JURAVENTURE

Accrobranche (and more!) at Juraventure! This obstacle trail is adapted to kids as little as 1 metre of height. The trails for kids are really great, while those for adults seem to be awesomely challenging! Juraventure also has mini golf, donkey rides, carriage rides, and paintball. It is conveniently located just next to the parking (well enough separated to be safe). You can check out their whole offer on this website.

Luge d’été

Eng. summer sledge aka rail toboggan. It is a combination of a roller coaster and sledging. Each sledge goes separately on special rails. They are very simple to use – one stick serves to both break and accelerate. All the way down you can control the speed and go really slowly, really fast, or something in between. You cannot stop though, as it is dangerous for others and yourself. You have to keep the distance of 25 metres from the cart in front. Ignore the grumps who will criticize you for going too slow but don’t be ashamed to yell at those who come too close to your cart. Kids under 5 are not allowed to join the fun. From the age of 5 they can enjoy the sledge with an adult, from the age of 11 they can go down alone. Both me and Z were deadly scared on the first run, had fun on the second go, and pure joy on every next ride!

The top

Get to the top with the telecabine (gondola lift) – accessible with strollers, bikes, and wheelchairs. The trip is short, with a taste of spectacular view waiting for you at the top – beautiful Jura mountain chain on one side, and amazing alpine panorama on the other side with the lake, Geneva, and Jet d’Eau underneath. For many kids, the trip with telecabine will be an adventure on its own! There’s a restaurant on the top, so grab an ice cream and walk back down (20-30 minutes walk). For opening hours and prices check here.

HIKING

If you’d like to prepare your kids for some serious alpine hiking, or simply get them started, Jura is perfect: hikes are rather easy, with great views and sometimes even animal guests, or raspberry tasting. You can, for example, go up with telecabine and walk down choosing from 3 different routes (20 mins, 40 mins, 60 mins). Check this website for more details.

Qimmiq Aventure

How about summer with sled dogs? CanniRando is walking the dog in the mountains (for around 2h), but it is the dog guiding you, not the other way around. CaniCross (around 1h) is the same but much faster, for more sporty folks. Or maybe you’d rather try a CanniTrotinettee (a scooter pulled by a dog)? All this to find in Mijoux (a village down from the Faucille)!

 

More in the neighbourhood

A 20 minutes drive without leaving the mountains, and you’re in Lemoura, where Gaia Loisir offers a bare feet trail, pony rides, trees-trampoline park, and more. Also relatively close: Espaces des Mondes Polaires (a museum and an all year ice rink). There is also a great firemen museum in Gex, as well as the famous Belle Ferme (poneys, horses).

 

 

A SLEEPOVER

If you fancy staying in Jura overnight (great solution to hot Geneva nights), there is what to choose from: campsites, hotels, (la Couronne, La Mainaz, and more) chalets, giant balloon-like tents, and more! And I’m serious about the balloon-like tents. For all kinds of accommodation in this Jura station, check out their website.

Now that you know the la Faucille mountain top a little bit better, will you make it there this summer?

For more ideas of fun summer activities with kids, why not trying the Staycation Guide by Parentville?