Petit Marché, second-hand shopping made easy

Petit Marché, second-hand shopping made easy

Geneva, Mumpreneurs

When Anna moved to Switzerland with her two kids, she started searching for what she knew from Denmark – an easy way to buy and sell children’s second-hand clothes, toys, and gear, in other words, an app.

Searching

She found many ways to do it, but none of them seemed really easy. Facebook groups are difficult places to browse what we really need, posts get lost in overly long feeds, scheduling payments, appointments and reserving items can become a hustle. There are some websites out there, but not many people know about them, so the offer they propose is limited. She wanted a nice, easy to use app aimed at local families.

The solution

When she realised nothing like that existed here, she decided to try and do it. As a result, you can now download (iOS only for now) a beautifully designed app – Petit Marché, designed for the Geneva region families.

As it is designed by a Dane, it is as Hygge as an app can be. Nice, clean, friendly, easy to use.

Not only do we need to get rid of our kids’ too small clothes as no basement can hold it all forever, but we can also save money and our planet by buying second hand. Anna knows buying second-hand doesn’t seem the safe/cool way of shopping for everyone. That is why she created an app that answers all these doubts.

Buying & Selling

Within the app, you can browse through categories, buy and sell. The app solves many problems with already existing second-hand-shopping solutions. For example, once you find what you want you can click on “buy now” – the money on your credit card will be blocked but not yet transferred to the seller, it will only happen once you receive the item. You can also contact the seller directly to schedule other forms of payments.

Quality & Pricing

The app assures the high quality and reasonable prices of items being sold there, as Anna goes through every new selling post to approve it. This way you won’t waste time on going through worn off low-quality t-shirts put out there for a price of almost new.

Conciergerie

If you’re faced with Marie-Kondo-style pile of clothes to get rid off and don’t have the time/energy to photograph it all and manage the selling process, Anna can do it for you within the “Conciergerie” service! She will pick up the items, photograph them, put online with descriptions, meet up with buyers and coordinate every details od the selling process (commission: 25%).

Security

To assure people buying and selling within the app are serious and real, we all have to put in our banking details (IBAN) and the credit card number to start. Financial transactions are carried out by a professional payment provider securing the data and against fraud, so using the app is safe for everyone. If you only want to browse, no problem you can do it. Paying directly within the app though will financially support the app to grow further and assure even better service in the future with a tiny percentage of the sale going to the app’s owner.

I would be really grateful if you could spend a few minutes to download the app and check it out! Let me know what you think afterwards!

(And in any case – see you at the Petit Marché! I’ll be soon selling there Z’s clothes (sizes 5-6 years old) and looking for spring/summer clothes in sizes 6-7/122.)

Other articles you might be interested in:

ZERO-WASTE PARENTING IN GENEVA
SUPERMAMANS - HOME MADE MEALS FOR FREE
APP THAT TURNS EVERY WALK INTO A GAME

This weekend in Geneva

This weekend in Geneva

Geneva, Places

When you guys tell me this website could serve you better, I always do everything I can to meet your needs. This is why Parentville is now equipped with an events calendar – perfect for planning weekends, Wednesdays, and all other days of the week.

You can search via dates, locations, and categories (including ages of children). There is one particular category with charity events and occasional categories such as « Easter camps » for example.

The calendar shows one-off, ponctual activities, festivals, and workshops.

If you hear about any event not included in the calendar, or are hosting one – let me know! I will happily include it (and yes, it is absolutely free).

open the calendar
Zero waste parenting in Geneva

Zero waste parenting in Geneva

Geneva, Zero waste Geneva

In this Zero-waste-series I will share with you projects, ideas, and places, that can help you create a green and healthy planet for all of our kids. This time I’ll focus on all-about-kids zero waste solution.

 

One of our goals as a family this year is to decrease the amount of waste we produce. We start by decluttering, being more detailed recyclers, and more conscious consumers.

The more we’re into it, the more I see how in our busy lives there is hardly any place for making own granola, dishwashing powder, jams, and buying food only on farmers’ markets and in “en vrac”(eng. in bulks) shops. In response to that, I did what I love doing – I researched and put together a list of more or less simple solutions. I genuinely believe every small step matters.

The zero-waste journey’s goal is not to become 100% zero waste in a month or even a year. Each family can find its own pace, compromises. There are things each one of us can easily let go (like plastic straws, plastic food foil) because replacements are affordable, easy, and nice.

CLOTHES

The smaller the kid, the more clothes they need (at least what many of us are told at the beginning of parenthood) and the faster they grow out of them. We buy, use, dump/sell/donate. Constantly.
Solutions: buying second hand (Kidsadress or a new app Petit Marche) and renting (Les P’tits Louent or Biboutic).

DIAPERS

Back to crap… Kids, diapers, waste. Nappies from supermarkets are easy to get, easy to put, and easy to dispose of. But they also take ages to decompose. What if I told you there are (almost as easy) solutions that are planet-friendly at the same time?
Solution: Reusable diapers. Definitely not for me but maybe for you? It’s just an option, check it out and then decide. Who knows, maybe you won’t be grossed out and find it practical. Reusable diapers are better looking and easier to use than 40 years ago. In Geneva, there’s even a company that can deliver a clean, fresh set of 35 nappies to your home every week (Eco-couches).

TOYS

How many toys do kids play with? And how many do they own? Toys take a lot of space, become dull too quickly, and cost a fortune. In Geneva, there is a way to have toys, change them as often as one likes, and save money at the same time.
Solution: it’s called a ludotheque. You can read about it in this short article on Parentville. It costs 30 CHF a year to be enrolled and borrow toys. Nice?

Baby BOX instead of a cradle

Yes, there is even a solution to replace cradle in a zero waste friendly way. Let’s face it; cradles take space, are not used for a long time, to then retake a lot of space in the basement. How about an easily transportable « cradle », that can later become storage for baby’s firsts, or toys?

Solution: Baby box, the Scandinavian style but in Switzerland. It’s called Baby Nids, and it is lovely.

BOOKS

This one is pretty obvious, but damn so easy to forget: good old libraries. Even small libraries in the region have a selection of books in languages other than French. It is mostly: English, German, Spanish, Portuguese. If you find a Polish section, please let me know!

OTHER

What if in the end we still end up having quite a lot in the recycling bin? It can all be used for bricolage, DIY and fun for kids (e.g. bowling with pet bottles). The master of that art is Recrecrea, organising kids workshops across the canton, mainly in La Julienne, Mamma Lisa de Puplinge, and Bibi Cafe.

How to not the waste in the house is the key! Start with decreasing your interest in leaflets or business cards (grab a photo of them with your phone), don’t accept free crap, samples, kinder egg toys. Think about if you need all the newspapers and magazines. Every item for each you no-thank-you is a win!

In the future articles from this series, I will try to tackle food, shopping, bathroom, kitchen, and other areas of our daily lives. Stay tuned!

February agenda for families in Geneva

February agenda for families in Geneva

Geneva

The mountains are currently the main direction for many people, but if you need suggestions to what to do when you stay in Geneva, voila! Here I am with plenty of ideas.

 

I know that this super long article is not very easy to read, but rest assured a solution is on its way!

 

If you need a super short version, it is available on ThingsToDoInGeneva.ch.

 

This time the agenda is divided into highlights, libraries, museum exhibitions, theater shows, and February camps.

HIGHLIGHTS

31.01 – 03.02
ART GENEVE
Palexpo

No age limits. Entry fee (details here).

Artgenève is an art expo that has been taking place in Palexpo for several years now. It is a chance to visit local and international galleries in one place. Both public and private collections have their place. Every year there is also a children’s area where they are invited to play and create.

1-23.02
ANTIGEL
Various locations

The annual Antigel festival does not aim at kids, but here a selection of events and shows that might suit your family or older kids.

“Feu Au Lac” a possibility to visit the plage des Eaux-Vives before it opens for the public in summer. The visitors will receive torches that will create a show of lights. Might be difficult with prams, but overall sound like a nice family outing! 2.02, 17h30.

“Le Corridor” – a basement of a school transformed into a world of David Lynch or Stanley Kubrick, so definitely for older children or those fearless. 20-23.02, 19h&21h.

“Hocus Pocus” – a dance show of thousand and one full adventures, twists and surprises. A show for the whole family, though it starts at 8 pm. 11-12.02, 20h.

24.01-15.02
EXPOSITION MONDES VIRTUELS
La Julienne   

Free entry, minimum age: 7. Details here.      

Two installations in augmented reality for young audiences (from 7 years old). The first is « Ko’Ko’s Curse », an interactive ecological tale co-produced by the RTS. The second one is Adventures-Mat, a play mat to discover the human body.

These installations are accessible by using applications for smartphones and tablets.

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 9h-19h, Thu-Fri 9h-20h.

2.02-3.02       
MUSEE VR DU GIFF
La Julienne   

Minimum age: 12, free entry. More info here.

The first weekend of February, the VR (Virtual Reality) Museum of GIFF (Geneva International Film Festival) will be moved to La julienne. The program includes works in virtual reality that reproduce famous paintings realised by contemporary artists. The opportunity to immerse in paintings by Hodler, Vallotton or Böcklin.

Opening hours: Saturday 11h-19h, Sunday 11h-18h.

3.02, SUNDAY
DANSE EN FAMILLE
Maison de Quartier de Carouge

For ages 2-4, fee: 5 CHF, reservation required. More info here.

The + Dense association invites you to experience an approach to contemporary dance through Danse en famille workshops. Guided by two dancers-teachers, they offer the opportunity to explore the different paths of the dance world.

Touching, carrying, hugging, dancing and laughing in an artistic setting, under the direction of professionals, are all actions that create new links between the child and the adult.

Reservations at : [email protected] or 022 307 89 08.

3.02, SUNDAY
GRAND BAZAR
Musée d’Ethnographie de Genève

No age limits, no entrance fee.

Every first Sunday of the month MEG becomes a place filled with activities for kids of all ages. There is a baby bazar for those aged 0-2, guided tours for families, music activities, and more.

14h-17h Make your pair of poï-toa before and dance to improve reflex, flexibility and coordination (places limited, no reservations, free).

Starting at 15h, every 30 minutes till 17h, a baby Bazar will take place thanks to Espace Musical. Each session lasts 20 minutes and is destined to families with kids between 0 and two years of age (places limited, no reservations, free).

At 15h and 16h an exploration of the exhibition in a very playful way will wait for all kids age 2 and more (places limited, no reservations, free).

More info about these activities and even more taking place that day at MEG’s website.

3.02, SUNDAY
FESTIVAL DES ENFANTS
Saint Cergue

No age limits.

A ski festival for kids with fun activities including fun with sledge dogs and Ecole Suisse de Ski. The main event of the day is a slalom for kids attending classes 1P-6P. You can enrol via this document.  The festival will take over the whole village of Saint-Cergue, the slopes, the ice rink. It all starts at 13h30. More information here.

3.02, SUNDAY
PETITS RENDEZ-VOUS, « SAVOIR FAIRE ET DÉFAIRE »
MAMCO

Ages: 5-10, free. More info on Mamco’s website.

Guided visits for kids in MAMCO are worth your time! They’re funny, playful, and educative. Each tour lasts 45 minutes, is held in English and French. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the activity.

Also on that day, a workshop for kids age 7+ will be held from 15h till 17h, in French. For this workshop, please book your place at [email protected], as the number of participants is limited.

6.02, WEDNESDAY
ATELIER PHILO FOR KIDS
STUDIO SOHAM

Alexandra Célérault, an author of the philosophical children’s book “Je Suis Une etoile et Toi Aussi”, hosts regular workshops for kids and families. This one is in the form of a debate on topics chosen by children themselves. It is designed to help kids be more conscious, active, and respectful human beings, learn to listen to others’ points of view. They will work on critical thinking, tolerance, and benevolence.

For children aged 4-7, the workshop will start 14h30, last 45 minutes and cost 20 CHF. For older ones between 8 and 12 years old, it will start at 15h30, last one hours, and cost 30 CHF.

For bookings and more details, please check on this website.

6.02, WEDNESDAY
TROI PETIT COCHONS
THONEX

Free entrance, minimum age: 4.

A well-known tale about three little pigs and the wolf as a theatre show is awaiting you in Carouge. Inscenization created by Théâtre Couleurs d’Ombres. One house builds with straws, the other with wood and the third one with bricks. Then the wolf comes… it ends happily (at least for the pigs). You can find out more here.

9.02, SATURDAY
THE LAUNCH OF PETIT FAVORITE
LIBRAIRIE DE L’ÎLE

Free entrance. No age limit for the event. 3+ for the workshop.

Petit Favorite is the new Swiss fashion brand for the whole family! Created by a lovely “Genevoise”, Julie Parenthoux, the brand will soon offer clothes for moms, dads, kids, but first – the socks! Soft, nice, and with a neat print! The event will start at 14h and go on till 18h. Some workshops will be waiting for you (though better to reserve your spot now at [email protected]): silkscreen printing on tote bags, cupcakes decorations (for 3+).

More details about the brand here, about the event here.

9.02, SATURDAY
STORY TIME
PAYOT, RIVE GAUCHE

Free entrance, no age limit.

Once a month, on Saturday, Payot organises an English story time for kids! It is held in the English section on the first floor (where you can also find “ABC Geneva”). The February session will include timeless classics like Gruffalo, The Little Mole, and the Hungry Caterpillar. It starts at 10h30 and lasts 1 hour. You can read more or less the same info here 😉

10.02, SUNDAY
MOVIE: MON VOISINE TOTORO
MEG

Minimum age: 4, free entrance, adult’s presence required, no reservation, a limited number of places. More info here.

Mei and Satsuki move to the countryside with their head-in-the-clouds father and their sick mother. To be cured she needs to get away from the stress of the city. Arriving in their house on the edge of a vast forest, they discover the existence of mysterious creatures. The girls develop an unusual, unique friendship with these supernatural beings! A heartwarming beautiful children’s movie.

10.02, SUNDAY
ATELIER DECOUVERTE
ESPACE COLIBRI

9h-12h, for 5-10-year-olds (no parents’ participation), 50 CHF

Espace Colibri has a special place in our hearts; we adore their workshops be it painting, yoga, music, or school support. The educators working in Espace Colibri are amazing, passionate, and with heads full of ideas.

Improvisation, movement, dance, singing, listening and percussion are at the rendezvous to explore the different facets of a sound universe. The opportunity to practice music in a group and in a fun way without any prerequisites. More information and enrollments here (be sure to check their other courses!).

12.02, TUESDAY
SWISS FOOD ACADEMY WORKSHOP
ESPACE 99

An occasion to create a healthy relationship with everything kitchen-related. Swiss Food Academy hosts many workshops across the canton, including these in Charmille. Each time a different activity with a different theme awaits little cooks and gourmands. If Charmille is not convenient for you, check Swiss Food Academy’s website for workshops in other areas. Enrollments: [email protected].

14.02, THURSDAY
LIRE AVEC SON BEBE
Bibliothèque du Saint Jean

For babies and toddlers (ages 0-2), free participation, enrollments required.

A great program by the city libraries! You come with your kids to enjoy books and reading in an intimate setting of a library. Librarians will accompany you in the discovery of children’s literature, present their favourites and offer you personalised advice. And don’t worry if you don’t speak French, many picture books await you there too! More information here. For enrollments call 022 418 92 02 or email: [email protected].

14.02, THURSDAY
VALENTINE’S DINNER FOR FAMILIES
Bibi Cafe

No age limits, reservation required.

Bibi Cafe came up with a brilliant idea! A Valentine’s dinner for parents and kids with a special menu, and a nanny to make the kids busy! Reserve a table asap as all events like that in Bibi Cafe get sold out fast. For more information about the dinner check this Facebook event, for more information about Bibi click here. Psst: “ABC Geneva” is available there too!

23-24.02, WEEKEND
MUSEOMIX & AMUSEN EXPOSITION
La Julienne

No age limits, free entrance.

AMusEn is an association that aims to build a children’s museum in Geneva. Over the February school-break, together with Museomix, they organise a bilingual camp for kids 8+, during which they will ask kids to imagine a museum of their dreams. Based on the dreams children will be building prototypes of their ideas, using traditional materials and modern technology. After the camp, all the prototypes will be exposed in La Julienne! #parentvillerecommended.

OTHER EVENTS:

1-3.02, Disney sur Glace (details)

 

2.02, 10h & 14h; workshop for kids ages 5-7 at Ariana Museum (details)

2.02, 10h30 for ages 4-6. La Petite Lanterne at Pathe Balexert. Details.

 

6.02, 16h; Atelier Bricks for kidz in Bibi Café (details).

6.02, 15h, for ages 6-10 activities at MAH (details)

6.02; 16h15; activities for ages 2-4 and 5-10 at MAMCO (details)

 

8.02, 10h30; activities for ages 3-5 at MAH (details).

 

9.02, 10h, 11h30, 15h; workshop for ages 2-5 at Ariana Museum (details)

 

10.02, 15h30; activities for ages 6+ at MAH (details)

10.02, 14h; activities at MEG for ages 8+ (details)

 

13.02, 15h, activities for ages 6-10 at MAH (details)

13.02, 10h30, 14h30, 15h30; activities for ages 3-5 at MAH (details)

13.02, 11h30; music activities for ages 0-2 at MEG (details)

 

15.02 10h; Comment booster le système immunitaire de votre enfant en hiver at Bibi Café (details)

15.02, 18h-20h; Disco enfants, ice rink Carouge (details)

 

16.02, Disco sur Glace, Vernets (details)

 

17.02; 10h; yoga for kids at MEG by Espace Colibri (details)

 

20.02, 15h; activities for ages 5+ at MEG (details)

 

24.02; 11h; Visites dansées for ages 3-5 at MEG (details)

24.02, 11 h& 14h & 17h, Petit Ours Brun, Theatre du Leman. (details)

 

27.02, 10h30; activities for ages 3-5 at MAH (details)

27.02, 15h; activities for ages 6-10 at MAH (details)

MUSEUM EXPOSITIONS

This month be sure to visit:

Roulez les Mecaniques -> details.

Tender is the night, bilingual -> details.

Faites comme chez nous -> bilingual details.

Expolarcentre (and their workshops not listed above) -> details.

Ariana Museum is always a good choice as is MAH, MEG, MAMCO, Centre d’Art Contemporain – their kid’s activities are all listed above.

LIBRARIES

2.02, 14h; Bibliothèque de la Cité, Couleurs d’hiver (details)

2.02, 11h; Bibliothèque de la Cité, Lire et relire (details)

6.02, from 10h; Bibliothèque de Paquis, Lire avec son Bebe (details)

6.02, 15h30; Espace le 4e, Scratch (details)

9.02, 15h; Bibliothèque Eaux-Vives, L’invitée du mois : Fanny Dreyer (details)

9.02, 15h; Bibliothèque de Saint-Jean, Tâne petit âne en chemin (details)

9.02, 17h15; Bibliothèque Servette; Le Dernier Loup (details)

9.02, 17h15; Bibliothèque Servette, L’incroyable voyage (details)

12.02, 16h40; Bibliothèque de la Cité, Les nids d’oiseaux (details)

13.02, 14h30; Bibliothèque Servette, Couleurs nature (details)

13.02, 15h; Espace le 4e, jeux video (details)

16.02, 14h; Bibliotheque Servette, Les mains dans la terre (details)

20.02, 15h; Bibliothèque Jonction, La vie fascinante des animaux (details)

20.02, 10h30; Bibliothèque de Saint-Jean, Prête-moi ton oreille (details)

26.02, 17h; Bibliothèque Jonction, 30 minutes numériques (details)

THEATER

2-3.02, 7+, Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève, Tropinzuste (details)

2.02, 15h, Plan les Ouates, “Au Royaume de Zombly” for ages 4+, free entry, reservations needed. (details here)

3.02, 10.02, 17.02, Théâtre AmStramGram, 4+, “La Brioche des Mioches” (details)

6-17.02, Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève, 4+, “La Fille, la sorciere, et le fer a bricelets” (details)

6-10.02, Simply Theater, 3+, Storyteller Storyteller (details).

8-10.02, Théâtre AmStramGram, 9+, “Les Tactiques du Tic Tac” (details).

FEBRUARY CAMPS

Museomix and AMusEn (in Plan les Outaes, for kids age 8-12) – details.

Gymboree Geneva – details.

Bricks for Kidz – details.

Future Kids – details.

Espace Colibri – details.

Spell Languages – details.

Gymboree Geneva

Gymboree Geneva

Geneva, Places

Photo credits: Gymboree Geneva. (all pictures in this article).

A few weeks ago I was invited with Z to visit a familiar place that we had not been to in a while, a place beloved by us both; Gymboree Geneva. As soon as we entered, the familiar smell of babies and sounds of happiness brought back my memories of joy and exhaustion from the first years of motherhood.

Our story

Back then, when Z was little, my French was limited by a massive lack of confidence, and I did not know many other local parents, so when a friend told me about a play centre for English-speakers I didn’t think twice. Z was eight months old, and with each passing month I felt more lonely and addicted to my phone (and the mom-friends I chatted to within it). To cut a long story short, Gymboree Geneva ended my misery. I met my best friend in Gymboree, Z met her best friend there as well, and we learnt songs that we still sing today!

Gymboree Geneva

Located in Grand-Saconnex, Gymboree is a large soft-space area with many fun obstacle courses for babies and toddlers. It also offers several types of classes, including sensory, music, art, play&learn, for a multitude of ages, and there is a free COFFEE MACHINE!

And that is not all – there is also a preschool, the possibility to organise a birthday party within its soft, colourful interior, and countless occasions to hug a giant plush clown called Gymbo. Oh, and my first children’s book “ABC Geneva” is available in the little Gymboree boutique!

Gymbo himself

If, at first, you feel like it sounds a little bit like joining a sect who pray to a colourful clown, don’t worry, you’re probably not the only one (at least I hope I was not the only one!). Sitting in a circle each week with Gymbo sat front and centre, singing songs about him and to him, and then taking turns to kiss him might sound disturbing at first. Don’t worry though; it will pass, and soon you will be thankful for meeting Gymbo, his role in making your kid happy, and for a bigger circle of friends who will love to chat about diapers, sleepless nights, and developmental milestones.

It’s funny, now that I have written this it does feels even more like a sect, but a pretty damn good one: Gymbo the clown – The Savior of Parents.

PLAY GYM

What I love most about Gymboree is that even if you enrol only for one class per week, you still have access to the play area during the “free-play” hours called « Play Gym » (which is offered 2-3 times a week). This alone is brilliant during wet and cold months, or when you just need your child to let off some energy while you have a well-deserved (and still hot) coffee or tea.

I remember times when my new parent-friends and I, after a sleepless night, would take turns to keep an eye on the kids while some others chilled with one eye closed in the corner, fuelled by coffee and biscuits. It became our refuge, almost like Starbucks has done for a teenager eager to get out of the house.

The village

Gymboree definitely helped me create my own village (and I am sure we all agree that it takes a village to raise a kid, or us parents go nuts!). It was there that I met women without whom Parentville would never have come to life. It also helped me to speak English with ease, a bonus that we were not aware of, not we did we expect.

YOUR SOCKS

So, if you have a child or children to care for and are looking for a place to have both a coffee and an enclosed play area for the kids, Gymboree is THE place.  

There is just one thing left to do: put on your socks. Yes, socks! – Because you can only enter the soft-space with socks on. Learn from my mistake, and make sure you have socks on both feet, preferably the same pair, and without holes. Although Gymboree has thought of that and has some spares readily available for those days when even getting two socks on your own feet seems like a challenge.

If you would like to know more about Gymboree or my experience there let me know in the comments, send me an email or even a pigeon will work (just let me know what I need to feed it, and if it, too requires socks).

FEBRUARY CAMP WITH MUSEOMIX AND AMUSEN

FEBRUARY CAMP WITH MUSEOMIX AND AMUSEN

Geneva

This one is for all of you looking for a February camp and those who wish a kids museum existed in Geneva!

Wouldn’t it be nice if kids were more involved in the creation of places destined for them? If we let them talk, be part of the decision process, not only will the world become more kid-friendly but more importantly we will raise a generation of responsible, innovative young people that know they’re voices matters!

Since Z was born, Geneva has been becoming more and more kid-friendly. So many places and initiatives have been started or launched! Among them the absolute best – AMusEn!

http://amusen.ch/en/AMusEn – Association pour un Musee des Enfants dans la region genevoise (Association for a Children’s Museum in the Geneva area).

AMusEn will be a museum for kids that will be created in Plan-les-Ouates. The founders have been inspired by kids museums already existing in the world. While travelling with their children, they discovered great places and started to think of creating something similar in the Geneva region. Thanks to their hard work, it will soon become a reality!

Amusen will be focused on kids, created with kids in mind. The title of the permanent exposition will be “Switzerland – a Country of Diversity”. It will address topics such as environment, economy, history, sport, arts, politics, demography, and more.

I am sure it will be a great place to prepare us for the Swiss nationality test 😉

THE CAMP

To be sure the museum will be a place kids like, AMusEn partnered up with MeseoMix to organise a brilliant “hackathon” winter camp for children aged 8-12. Special offers await families in a more difficult financial situation, so please do contact them if you need help – they are welcoming all kids no matter the economic status of the family.

During this camp, kids will imagine and create prototypes of games and installation they would like to see in a museum of their dreams. They will be using traditional materials (paper, scissors, glue, video) and modern technologies (animations, robotics, programming).

But it is not only art and hard-skills that will be the focus of this camp. Collaboration, problem-solving, co-creation, and innovation are the soft-skills they will work on as well.

After these five creative days, their prototypes will become an exposition opened to the public for a weekend in La Julienne.

DETAILS

 

FOR WHO:

Children from 8 to 12 years old (few months difference is ok)

 

WHERE:

Salle communale de Plan-les-Ouates

3, Route des Chevaliers-de-Malte

1228 Plan-les-Ouates

 

WHEN

18-22 February, 8h00-18h15 (activities from 9h00 till 17h00)

 

COST

380 CHF per child (10% off for 2 kids, 15% off for 3 kids).

Lunch, and 2 snack times included.

!!! If you are in a difficult financial situation please contact Jehanne Zaki (+41 76 388 80 39), to find out about special reductions Amusen and MuseoMix can offer your family.

 

LINKS

About the camp: click here.

AMusEn: click here.

MuseoMix: click here.

Christmas in Geneva and around

Christmas in Geneva and around

Geneva

You can find plenty of Christmas shows, workshops and other events in Parentville’s December 2018 agenda. In this article, I will share some other Christmas attractions worth your time.

IN GENEVA

Noël aux Bastions
The first edition of an adorable Christmas market in the centre of Geneva – in the Parc des Bastions. Yurts and chalets, shops and services, food and ice skating. There is one yurt with lids activities every day, and one other with punctual activities (you can check them here).
Noël a Carouge

 

When Ville de Carouge is organizing a festival, it is always a must-visit event. So much will be going on, I have to send you to a detailed pdf, but if you need any help decoding it, let me know in the comments!
Geneva Lux
One of the yearly events for which I love this canton so much! Geneva Lux is a festival of light always happening at the end of the year (and slightly in the beginning of the year). It is a part if the Christmas deck but it is not Christmas-themed. Local and international artists make all the installations that please eyes of passersby no matter how strong the bise. Check the program here.
Lancy en Lumiere
Some ”communes” never accept staying behind. One of them is Lancy with its festival of light that transformed urban space into an art space. You can find the whole program here.

AROUND GENEVA

Hameau du Pere Noël
Santa’s village 20 minutes drive from Geneva is every child’s delight. Far from being tacky, it is a fairytale land of Santa, his brother Père Foutard and his sister Mère Noël. The level of detail of the decorations is impressive. Watch closely, and you will find some tongue-in-cheek elements. You can visit Santa’s house and those of his relatives. You can visit the land of dummy’s and donate yours (for each dummy Santa will bring a meal to a child in Cambodia). There is also the Elves’ garden, Santa’s sledge, a story time, a but to write letters (and receive a reply). All can be fueled by crepes sold indoor and outside.
On weekends a nearby farm is opened for business with animals and local produce!
Schilliger garden centre

Every December this high-end green shop transforms into a Christmas land. This year’s Christmas market has the circus as a theme, and it is magnificent. The decorations are wonderful; you can order a personalised Christmas-tree ball, and meet some animals. Important notice: opened on Sundays till December 16! Be sure to check the list of kids activities planned for Sunday 16th in Gland, but also the animal farm visiting the Schilliger in Plan-Les-Ouates
Marche de Noel Montreux
The most renown Christmas market of the region is in Montreux. So renown you should avoid going there over the weekend, and if you can’t help yourself take the train. Beautifully decorated, with tons of attractions (including a flying Santa sledge, and Chateau du Chillon special time), is one of those events one should visit at least one time over a stay in Switzerland. The Family of 5 prepared an excellent article about this event, so I’ll let you discover their photos and experience here.
Rochers-de-Naye Santa village:
Because we’re already in Montreux, how about a mounting train up right the Rochers-des-Naye to the Santa’s house in a cave? Fun waiting for kids there includes a treasure hunt and a diploma hand signed by Santa. More about this Golden Pass trip here.

A BONUS:

Here’s a link to a crazy list of all Christmas markets in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Click here and knock yourself out!

My Little Room for Christmas

My Little Room for Christmas

Geneva

It starts to feel a lot like Christmas! Recently, Z. has received a cute gift from MyLittleRoom.ch (precisely, this advent calendar). It’s an online shop with kids’ room decorations, thoughtful toys, and useful yet beautifully designed everyday objects for you and your children. After receiving the gift, I browsed their shop and found so many things worth sharing with you!

So, if you’re still on a hunt for a Christmas gift for children in your entourage, spend a few minutes discovering what Z. and I recommend from MyLittleRoom.ch.

This is a sponsored article, written in collaboration with MyLittleRoom.ch, but rest assured it is here only because I find it worth sharing. I recommend these items honestly. You will never see here worthless paid content that I don’t stand by.

CARDBOARD HOUSE

You’ll find many fabric-tipis on MyLittleRoom’s website, but the cardboard one caught my eye. I have tried to build one using old boxes several times, but my DIY skills are far away from reaching a satisfactory level. If only I knew about this cute cardboard house back then! You can build it together, paint it together, and have hours of fun!

DOLLHOUSES

Two dollhouses caught my eye instantly. One that I would love to have as a deco on my shelf, and that every modern doll would dream of having. The other presents many possibilities to play with for all kids who need a house for their toys, animals, or other figurines. The last one comes in two sizes. And once they grow out of playing with it, it will make for a lovely shelf.

WOODEN CRANE

A perfect gift for all those kids who stop to stare at each construction site. Now they can have a crane to play-pretend all sorts of situations they imagine the crane is for: building a house, filling a ship with containers, moving their toys from one point to another.

A VET SET

With that set you will be freed from being a patient, now all your kid needs is their plush toys becoming slightly ill. It’s a cute wooden set, that even contains x-ray photographs, making the game so much more real!

WOBBEL

If you haven’t heard about the Wobbel before, you have just found the perfect gift! It can be used in so many different ways – it’s hard to list them all here. It will surely make your kids’ bodies and imaginations move! A perfect item for the season that makes us stay indoors more than we’d like to.

FOR BABIES

We couldn’t decide between many brilliant toys MyLittleRoom offers for babies. In the end, we chose one modern design, and one classic no child should be deprived of.

MEMORY

Memory used to be Z.’s favourite game so that I can swear by the game with all my heart. WIth time kids get so good at it, it is hard to win the game with them. This wooden set is so pleasing to the eye; it is hard to resist! There are 16 pairs included, but you can start with as little as 3 or 4 at the beginning, and then slowly add more. It trains patience and visual memory while offering real fun at the same time.

GRAND TOUR SWITZERLAND

Another game on the list, this time for a bit older kids (10+). Like every game done by Helvetiq, it is beautifully designed and fun. With this game, the whole family can learn about Switzerland by answering questions. We will get one ourselves once Z. is a bit older.

THE GLOBES

For small children, a traditional globe can quickly become boring, but these paper globes are interactive toys. Kids can play with them, colour them, and discover the world like kids should – while playing! There are two of them that I find interesting: this one and that one.

Tricoting

I am not sure how about you, but here Z has been crazy about making clothes and accessories for herself and her toy-friends. It is one of the activities she can dive into. I have been looking for a while for tricot sets adapted to her age, and voila! Here it is! There is also another set that you can discover here.

Escalade family activities 2018

Escalade family activities 2018

Agenda, Geneva

Escalade is full of fun! It’s a very festive period that puts Christmas on the side for a bit. Thank you, Geneva, for this diversified last month of the year. Even though December is cold and can be windy, people will go out to run, to watch parades, and drink the « vin chaud ».

There is fun for kids and whole families too!

Escalade for beginners - read here
December 1&2
Course de l’Escalade

The registration to this running event is closed, but do not hesitate to come and cheer for all those running up and down Geneva hills in the cold winter weather. More info on escalade.ch.

December 5, 15h
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire (MAH)
For 6-10 year olds

“It was dark and frosty night in 1602 when the Savoyards attacked Geneva and tried to scale the city walls with ladders…” – to hear the rest of the story (in French) visit MAH on December 5. Children will be welcomed by the Mère Royaume, who will show them the Escalade ladders and other war « souvenirs ». Also, grab the MAH visitors’ discovery guide available free at the welcome desk – it will take you from MAH to the Maison Tavel.

December 5
Eaux Vives Municipal Library
For kids age 5+

Have you already noticed that libraries offer lots of fun for kids throughout the year? On December 5th, the Eaux Vives library will host the Mere Royaume herself . An occasion for children age 5+, to discover the origins of Escalade and its traditions.Travel in time back to 1602 with Mère Royaume to discover the origin of the Escalade and its traditions. After the « official » part, kids will smash the marmite and fill tummies with chocolate and marzipan! Free entrance.

December 7,8,9
Old Town

« La Compagnie 1602 » is a group of volunteer actors, who reconstruct the daily life of Geneva from the past Escalade days. It is a historical procession with soldiers, horse riders, historical characters parade through the centre of the city.

December 8
Torch Parade

It is a beautiful and mesmerising parade in the Old Town Geneva. It will start at 19h45 at Rue de l’Evêché 1. Candles will be on sale at that address from 18h30, for all those willing to participate. More information on the Compagnie 1602 website.

December 8, 14h30
Bibliotheque Municipal la Cité
For kids aged 8-12

« Les Enfants de l’Escalade » is a book by Olivier May that will soon be published by Editions Auzou. The author will be waiting for the kids in the Bibliotheque de la Cité to talk about Escalade and his book – the first children’s fiction book about the Escalade.

December 8, 15h30
International Museum of the Reformation (MIR)

A museum experience in the dark! If you and your kids are not afraid of the dark, be sure to visit the Museum of the Reformation for a visit with a flashlight! First, listen to a story about the days of Escalade at the beginning of the 17th century. Then, grab your torch and discover the artefacts from 1602. Entrance: 6 CHF. Prior reservation advised. More information about the MIR here.

December 8&9
Passage de Monetier
Once a year event!

Passage de Monetier opens for public only once a year – on Escalade. This super-narrow path from the 5th century was part of the whole network of « secret » passages created to evacuate the city if needed but also used by soldiers of Escalade to get to their battle stations quickly. I can’t stress it enough… the passage is very narrow, so narrow that at times you will have to go sideways. It is only opened during Escalade, and it is a one-way path. Entrance is situated on Rue du Perron 19.

December 9, 17h
THE parade

Around 800 volunteers on horse and foot will take part in this yearly parade. It will start at 5 pm in the Parc des Bastions. The parade is accompanied by other events; you can check them all on the website of the Compagnie 1602.

December 12, 14h00
Martel

Patisserie Martel invites you to take part in breaking the marmite together with their Chocolatier (the person specialised in making chocolate treats). The marmite will be not so easy to crack as it will weight 6,5 kg! Of course, the youngest and the oldest in the room will have the honour to start, and everyone will be able to taste the marmite. More information here.

December 15, 20h
Escalade soup
Maison de Quartier de Saint-Jean

The Escalade vegetable soup is served outdoors across the city this time of the year. Many « Maisons de quartier » will organise their events, for example, Maison de Quartier de Saint-Jean will be celebrating on the 15th with a costume pageant and a free soup for everyone! Be sure to check your local school and your local Maison du Quartier for the events in your neighbourhood.

December in Geneva with kids

December in Geneva with kids

Agenda, Geneva

Once again Parentville is here to prove that there is no such thing as a dull period in Geneva. Never. December is almost all about Christmas, but I am sure you will find other themes if Christmas is not your holiday.

Grab a cuppa or a glass of wine before reading below, as this might be the longest article ever published on this website. Though I can assure you, it is worth your time!

FYI: all the theatres’ shows are listed at the bottom of the page (in an attempt to create some kind of order in this crazy month).

The much shortened version on TTD in Geneva
November 16 – December 2
Filmar

A 20th cinematic odyssey in Latin America will be happening again in Geneva! A special program, FILMARcito, will be offered to young viewers and families. Be sure to check their website soon – the detailed program is available here.

November 29 – January 13
Geneva Lux

Adorable thing about December in Geneva is that apart of some Christmas decorations, the city is decorated with Christmas-unrelated colourful illuminated works of art. This outdoor exposition is called Geneva Lux. Each piece of art is created especially for this occasion. They are placed in different parts of the city of Geneva. How about a treasure hunt to find them all? More info here.

December 1-3
Nordic Christmas Brunch & DIY
For mums & children aged 0-3
HYGGE – DESIGN ENFANTS/ATELIER DIY
3 Rue des Rois
Geneva

You are invited to experience the real Nordic Christmas magic together with Nordic Taste and HYGGE! You are welcome to bring your baby or small child along and join us for a wonderful Nordic brunch. The Nordic way of life is rustic and is great for Christmas, so if this makes you wish to take a Nordic trip of your own and pop over to places such as Iceland, you can always check out https://www.rent.is/blog/best-time-of-year-to-visit-iceland/ to see how you can do that! Anyway, back to what I was saying, while you are eating and enjoying our brunch, you can have fun with our DIY workshop decorating Christmas cookies made by Nordic Taste, and at the same time learn how to make beautiful Nordic Christmas decorations. Kids can participate in the workshop or if you prefer they can play in a cosy playing area with the beautiful Nordic children’s products by HYGGE. You can choose between 2 days and 5 time slots: Saturday, Dec 1, 10h-12h; Sunday Dec 2, 10h-12h & 13h-15h; Monday Dec 3, 10h-12h & 13h-15h. To book your spot email at [email protected]. The cost of the brunch and a workshop together is 65 CHF. More information on Nordic Taste’s website.

Weekend, December 1-2
Batiment du Force Motrice
The birthday of the Orchestre Suisse Romande (OSR)

A weekend full of musical pleasures for young and not so young will be organised in BFM. Concerts for little munchkins, bigger kids, musical instruments to try out, DIY workshops, and much more. Not to miss, #parentvillerecommended! For the whole program, please download this pdf.

December 1, 10-13h
Clothes library
Place du Rondeau 4 (1er étage)
1227 Carouge.

Vet’Lok is a library that rents children’s clothes. Check out their event on December 1st or December 15th in Carouge and decide whether you would like to become a member of this planet-friendly and family-friendly association. The membership is 30CHF for six months (or 60 for a year) and lets you 15 pieces of clothing as often as you like. It’s like being able to dress your kid in new outfits every week, or every day if you wish. Just brilliant! Check out their event either on Facebook or on their website.

December 1
La Librerit
1 bis Place du marché
1227 Carouge

A great occasion to visit this lovely bookshop in Carouge, that very often hosts activities for children. On December 1 all kids aged 7+ are invited to come and create their advent calendar. It will start at 15h30 and last till 17h. Number of places is limited, please reserve your spot with the host. More info here.

December 1, 10h & 11h
Bibi Café
Creative workshop with Recrécréa

Bibi Café is not only the most kid-friendly cafe (and lunch place) in the region, it is also a place offering workshops and activities for kids, and sometimes moms.

On December 1 Bibi Café will host Recrécréa with a creative upcycling workshop. At 10 am kids aged 2-5 are invited to take part with an accompanying adult for 25 CHF. Later at 11 am it’s time for 4-8-year-olds (20 CHF workshop only, 27 CHF (a drink, a meal, and a cookie included). More info here.

December 1-24
Carouge
Noel a Carouge

Hard to describe in few sentences as the city of Carouge planned so many small and big things for the Christmas period! The advent calendar, carriage rides, big carousel, ice skating rink, pony rides, the Christmas market (December 7-9), workshops for kids, theatre shows, concerts, and much much more. You will find some of these events mentioned separately, but if you would like to consult the whole program download the pdf here.

Sunday, December 2, anytime between 14h and 17h
MEG
Grand-Bazar: Amulettes et talismans, 2+

Successful exams, finding love, winning football, protecting yourself from the flu or attracting luck? This Grand Bazaar is dedicated to protective and lucky charms! In Africa, regardless of religious affiliation, amulets are worn to protect against diseases and evil spirits, or to attract success and luck. Come and make your object of protection and choose what power it will be endowed! More info here.

Sunday, December 2, 15h, 15h30, 16h, 16h30, 17h
MEG
Grand-Bazar: Le Baby Bazar, 0-2-year-olds

Babies are active in the Grand Bazaar! The Espace Musical, a specialised music school, takes up residence in the Atelier du MEG. The 0-2 year-olds and the adults who accompany them will explore different sound worlds, thanks to instruments from all over the world adapted to tiny hands! Each session lasts 20 minutes. More info here.

December 2-19
Various locations
Black Movie Festival, age: 4+

Grand Cinema for the little ones is the autumn edition of the annual Black Movie, which usually takes place in January. It is addressed to children aged 4+. To end the year smoothly, it is the snow that will be celebrated in this pre-winter selection of enchanting and hilarious short movies. What are the films about? A tale of a baby hedgehog who faces all the dangers to find his family, an icy marathon at the North Pole; and Father Frimas, an old man with magical powers who watches over the spirit of Christmas. More info here.

Sunday, December 2; 16h
Fondation Baur
« Fabriquer ton dragon chinois » kids workshop, 6+

A guided visit for kids aged 6+ in the Chinese section of Fondation Baur. First children will be taken to see the dragons in the museum’s rooms discover their meaning and secrets. After that, they will be invited to create a dragon of their dreams! The whole workshop will last 1h30; participation cost is 20 CHF per child (free for accompanying adult). Please register in advance at [email protected]. More details here.

Monday, December 3, 14h
Bibi Café
Duplo workshop

Parent-child workshop for 3-5 years old with Bricks 4 Kidz from 14h to 15h at the Bibi Café. Come and build a Bricks 4 Kidz model with DUPLO bricks as a family! More about Bricks 4 Kidz Geneva Rive Droite here.

Wednesday, December 5, 14h
Musee de Carouge
A kids workshop

As a part of the « Christa de Carouge » exposition, the Museum of Carouge proposes a children’s workshop. Led by Atelier Nolita, children will play with the graphic lines of the Christa de Carouge’s clothes. It will start with discovering the exhibition, after which aspiring artists aged 4-12 will create textile objects themselves. More info here.

Wednesday, December 5, 15h.
MEG
Meet the Birdwife: An object, a sound, a story
For kids 6+ with an accompanying adult.

Every first Wednesday of the month, the MEG invites you to discover the treasures of the Museum, from its exhibitions to its library. This month, explore the magico-religious universe of Africa by listening to the story of Hatiam and Kalita. Divination, sorcery, amulets, will invite you the enchanting and musical world presented in the exhibition « Afrique. Les religions de l’extase ». More details here.

Wednesday, December 5, 16h15
MAMCO
Fun for kids

For little ones aged 2-4 (with an accompanying adult) an artistic awakening course entitled « Mirror, tell me ». It will be held in French and last 20 minutes. For older children aged 5-10 Mamco prepared an interactive guided tour entitled « Dans ma maison je mets… ». Accompanying adult is required, the tour will last 45 minutes. To know more what’s happening in MAMCO at the moment click here.

Wednesday, December 5, 15h
MAH
Pétards et chocolats: guided visit

Musée d’Arts et d’Histoire de Genève has a famous and rich program of activities for kids of different ages. This time, this interactive guided tour will take kids ages 6-10, to discover… what do you think looking at the title? Free, without registration. Here’s your link.

Wednesday, December 5, 15h30
Centre d’Art Contemporain
Akademinis

Families are invited on a journey through each of the Centre’s exhibition, with visits punctuated by creative and original activities. Activity is free but requires a reservation by phone (022 329 18 42) or email [email protected]. And here’s their website.

December 6-19
Lancy en lumières

Each year three places in the city of Lancy are selected to participate in this end-of-the-year light show. This year it will be the Skateplaza (interactive installation), Salle communale du Petit Lancy, and Eglise du Christ-roi (a mapping show). Also to see: Place des Ormeau Ar-Lancy. Urban space taken over by digital art designers turns everyday places into means of expression. Nothing left to do but take a walk around Lancy to discover the beauty of light, your kids will love it (even more if you stop for a hot chocolate). More details here.

Thursday, December 6, 10 am
Bibi Cafe
Creative workshop (for adults)

Jessica from « Mères-Veilleuses » will host a workshop during each you can create your Christmas wreath made of felt and eucalyptus. A perfect event for moms of small babies, that look for a fun, socializing event that can be attended with a child. To register please use this link.

December 6-9
Concours Hippique International de Genève
Palexpo

Calling all the parents of horse passionate children! Created in 1926, the Concours Hippique International de Genève (CHI) is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and it is happening again in Palexpo! Kids enjoy watching the show, taking a stroll down to the stables, or simply looking at the all equestrian accessories sold at the venue. On Saturday the 8th, at 11:45 pony initiations will take place in the attractions area. More information on CHI official website.

Thursday, December 6
Saint Nicolas Day
Gymboree Geneva
Rue Sonnex 23
Grand Saconnex

On this Thursday Gymboree is opened to all kids aged 6 months to 5 years, and their parents, for free. Come and discover the playful world of Gymbo the clown, the great soft play area with obstacle courses, and more. Here’s the plan: 14h-15h & 15h50-17h00 – open PlayGym, 15h-15h45 – Family Play&Learn class, 16h15-17h00 – Family music class. Oh! And if you sign up for Gymboree fun on that day, the registration fee is 0 CHF. Gymboree is mine and Z favourite place for babies and tots in Geneva, #parentvillerecommended, #approvedbyZ. More about Gymboree Geneva here.

December 6 – 31
Park Bastion
Noël aux Bastions, age: 0-100

A real Christmas market in Geneva this year is looking great: street food, fondue chalet, carrousels, face painting, ice skating, carriage rides, and… a kids chalet with bricolages, workshops, and special fun on will be open every day at market hours. The little visitors can dive into DIY projects, play or just read Christmas stories in a comfortable and well-heated yurt. All the special activities are listed below in this agenda. You can also consult all the program here.

December 6 & 7
Christmas Market
TotUp Creche
Avenue des Morgines 12
1213 Geneva

TotUP and Geneve Business Center are happy to invite you to a Christmas market on December 6th and 7th, 2018!
A wonderful opportunity to find gifts for the whole family! More than 20 stands and 40 brands will be waiting for you. A bonus: foie gras and vin chaud. Find out more on Facebook.

Friday, December 7
Jonction
Organized by MEG

The grand parade of Father Fouettard and Chauchevieille celebrates its 40th anniversary this year! Go to Parc Gourgas to form the procession that will cross the district of La Jonction and make a festive stopover at the MEG, before returning to the park for a pleasant dinner. More information on the Museum’s website.

December 8
La Fanfare Magique
Concert for families
Salle Frank Martin, Geneva

The 6th season of Geneva Camerata is filled with magic, and so is this concert. Once upon a time, there was a fabulous fanfare that could, by playing a few musical notes, transform disasters into funny, joyful and crazy events … But where do these mysterious musicians come from and how did they receive their magical powers? Come and find out, and already pencil in the next dates: February 2, and March 23rd. Book your tickets here.

December 8-9, 14h, 16h
Parc des Bastions
Swiss Food Academy

At 14h kids will decorate their Christmas trees with… flavours! At 16h it will be a story time accompanied by a healthy Christmas snack (so that you don’t feel guilty to snack on chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate for the rest of your visit to Bastions). To book your place, please contact the Academy at [email protected].

Saturday, December 8, 9:30 am – 11:30 am.
Bibi Cafe
Bricks 4 Kidz Workshop

Bibi Cafe and Bricks 4 Kidz got together to offer you a chance of kids-free Christmas shopping. While you help Santa prepare, your kids will construct motorised models and will not even notice the time pass. Cost: 45 CHF. The registration link is here.

Wednesday, December 12, 14h
MEG
The blind workshop, for 6+ and an adult

Discover the exhibition « Afrique. Les religions de l’extase » by soliciting your different senses, before participating in a blind workshop. In a tactile approach, realise your box of memories, inspired by the reliquaries of Gabon to approach death otherwise. Price: 8-12 CHF. Book your place online here or directly at the museum.

Wednesday, December 12, 14h & 18h
Noël aux Bastions
Gingerbread workshop

The famous Cuppin’s offers a workshop to decorate little gingerbread men with your children.

Wednesday, December 12, 15h
MAH
Pétards et chocolats: guided visit

Musée d’Arts et d’Histoire de Genève has a famous and rich program of activities for kids of different ages. This time, this interactive guided tour will take kids ages 6-10, to discover… what do you think looking at the title? Free, without registration.

Thursday, December 13, 14h-16h
Afternoon drop-in
Cabinet d’Accueil Perinatal

Ana (child psychiatrist) and Laetitia (mid-wife and osteopath) will be there to answer all your questions about child development, breastfeeding, sleep, and your health. Come and chat with them (in French, Portuguese or English) and with other new parents. Scales for baby available. Play area for babies and small children. More information www.caperinatal.net

Friday, December 14
MAH
Visite petits pas: Is the museum a zoo?

A guided visit at the Musée d’Arts et d’Histoire de Genève for children aged 3-5, accompanied by an adult. It will last 30 mins, is free of charge, and no reservation is required.

Friday, December 14, 14h.
Balade avec bébé
For new parents with their babies and parents-to-be

Once a month, Catherine will lead you on a gentle walk through the streets and parks of Geneva (with a visit to a playground if there are small children with us), finishing at a café. The walk is a chance to meet other parents, to chat about life in Geneva and life as a parent. The participation fee is 5 CHF PER YEAR (nope, no mistakes there). More details here.

Wednesday, December 15, 14h-17h
Noel aux Bastions
Stamps with Godzilab, 4+

Creative mini-workshop for the family: children from 4 years old accompanied by an adult. A fun workshop to realise from A to Z your personalised stamps. On your marks? Make, ink and dab!

Saturday, December 15
Bibi Cafe
Christmas market

Again, Bibi Café! I told you it’s a fantastic place with a rich program! On Saturday 15th come to enjoy the Christmas market and discover local books (« ABC Geneva » included!), clothes, bijou, food, and more! Between 2 pm and 3 pm Santa will visit Bibi to chat with your kids and take pics. The market will start at 15h and last till 19h. Come and say hi!

Saturday, December 15, 16h & 18h
Noël aux Bastions
Gingerbread workshop

The famous Cuppin’s offers a workshop to decorate little gingerbread men with your children. Fee: 4 CHF.

Saturday & Sunday, December 15-16, 14h
Noel aux Bastions
Swiss Food Academy workshop

Mini chefs workshop with a special recipe for energy balls. Places are limited: first come, first served.

Saturday, December 15, 16h30
Place Molard
Candles by Caritas Suisse

Tens of thousands of candles will be lit in solidarity with people living in poverty. The event will happen across all Switzerland. In Geneva, it will take place at Place du Molard.

Saturday, December 15, 12h45-14h45
Noël aux Bastions
Meeting with Santa

What a chance to meet Santa in person! Do not miss the opportunity to meet him with your children during his walk in the Market and his visit to the children’s Yurt.

Saturday, December 15, 16h
Maison de Quartier Le Spot
île MaZik

ZikiZik on his island MaZik, it’s magic! Fun songs and catchy music for the whole family. For dad and mom, granny and grandpa, uncle and aunty. But also for the nanny, cousins and neighbours. A dynamic, poetic and playful, and a little crazy universe, where even vegetables have their time on the scene! Staring the actress-singer Ziki and her musicians. Registration is obligatory, phone only: 022 348 96 78.

December 16
Creative upcycling workshop by Espace Colibri and Recrecrea, 6+
Un R de Famille
Rue Goetz-Monin 10, 1205 Genève

In collaboration with Récrécréa, Espace Colibri invites you to a creative workshop that combines DIY, eco-friendly practice and re-use. This workshop is an opportunity to highlight the interest of recycling and an open mind on the second life of an object. Through the journey between manipulation and creativity, the child will stimulate his sensory faculties and his imagination. Each child will be able to realize his work from materials resulting from the recovery. The activity is destined for kids aged 6+. More information on Facebook.

Sunday, December 16, 13h & 16h-18h
Noel aux Bastions
Les comptes du SACRÉ PÈRE NOËL! , 4+

Storyteller Caroline Langendorf presents her show « Sacred Santa! « . Little stories of 20 minutes at once funny, surprising and original.

Sunday, December 16, 15h30
Centre d’Art Contemporain
Akademinis

Families are invited on a journey through each of the Centre’s exhibition, with visits punctuated by creative and original activities. Activity is free but requires reservation, on Friday the latest, by phone (022 329 18 42) or email [email protected].

Sunday, December 16, 14h
MEG
Tunique Magique, 6+

What is the meaning of clothes, and t-shirts in particular? They cover our bodies, but they also protect us and identify us. Brands, logos or colourful patterns? Tie or crest of superheroes? Turtleneck or V-neck? Discover the objects of protection presented in the exhibition « Afrique. Les religions de l’extase » with your kids. After the visit, you will participate in a workshop to create your own protective dress/shirt/top. Price 8-12 CHF. Please make the reservation in advance either on the Museum’s website or directly at the MEG’s ticket office.

Monday, Decembre 17, 13h30-15.30
Babytalk
Breastfeeding support group (in English)

The topic for this week will be Christmas and other end-of-year festivities. Will you be going « home » for the holidays, or will the family be coming to visit? What are you most looking forward to? What are you dreading? Can you have a glass of champagne to bring in the new year? How will you deal with « helpful » suggestions about why the baby is crying? How will your baby cope with being passed from one loving relative to another? Find out more here.

Wednesday, December 19, 15h
MAH
Les Batailles de Hodler

Musée d’Arts et d’Histoire de Genève has a famous and rich program of activities for kids of different ages. This time, this interactive guided tour will take kids ages 6-10, to discover Ferdinand Hodler’s art. Free, without registration.

Wednesday, December 19, 15h30
Centre d’Art Contemporain
Akademinis

Families are invited on a journey through each of the Centre’s exhibition, with visits punctuated by creative and original activities. Activity is free but requires reservation, by phone (022 329 18 42) or email [email protected].

Saturday, December 22, 13h & 16h-18h
Noël aux Bastions
Les comptes du SACRÉ PÈRE NOËL! , 4+

Storyteller Caroline Langendorf presents her show « Sacred Santa! « . Short stories of 20 minutes at once funny, surprising and original.

Sunday, December 23, 14h30-16h30
Noel aux Bastions
Meeting with Santa

What a chance to meet Santa in person! Do not miss the opportunity to meet him with your children during his walk in the Market and his visit to the children’s Yurt.

Sunday, December 23, 13h & 14h30
Noel aux Bastions
Mrs Potter And The Snow, 3+

Have you ever wondered where the snow comes from? Come to listen to the enchanted story of « Mrs Potter and the Snow » read in English by Fariza Ahmadova. For adults and children from 3 years old.

Thursday, December 27, 14h-17h
Noël aux Bastions
Stamps with Godzilab, 4+

Creative mini-workshop for the family: children from 4 years old accompanied by an adult. A fun workshop to realize from A to Z your personalized stamps. On your marks? Make, ink and dab!

THEATRE SHOWS

Till December 2, and from December 27 till January 5, 2019
ZOT COMPAGNIE
Casse-Noisette

Older Clara tells the story of an adventure she experienced on Christmas Eve as a child. Her grandfather gave offered her a beautiful toy: a nutcracker. Fritz, hes turbulent little brother, immediately took the nutcracker and broke it. Clara very sad had fallen asleep and had embarked on an incredible journey seating on the living room carpet, that turned out to be a flying carpet. Here’s the Zot’s website where you can find out about timings, prices, and book your tickets.

December 1, 20h
Salle du Lignon
Spring – Gandini Juggling, 8+

For this new creation, Sean Gandini collaborates with the contemporary choreographer Alexander Whitley. SPRING is an adventurous and kaleidoscopic production, which addresses the reflection of the choreographic act. The approaches to juggling and modern dance will come close to each other, to complement each other and to dialogue: one aerial and elusive, the other earthly and anchored in the ground. Here’s the link to the show’s website.

December 1-2
Theatre AmStramGram
We are Monchini, 7+

Shihya Peng was born in Taiwan but lives in Paris. Marco di Nardo was born in Naples but lives in Berlin. How to meet when we have good reasons to avoid each other? How to get along when the ramparts are high? Which language to choose? What to do in the face of clutter caused by cultural stereotypes?

Here, bodies have their irony, their desire for joy, sometimes their melancholy. Shihya Peng and Marco Di Nardo tend their bodies, like two distorting mirrors, where one discovers oneself more than one recognises oneself. They wear, fly, fall, do not support each other, then get up and walk together.

For show’s hours, prices, and more details, please visit AmStramGram’s website.

December 5-23
Theatre des Marionettes Geneve
La Poupée Cassée
des 4 ans

This show tells a story about a little Mexican girl, who grew up to be internationally famous – Frida Kahlo. Lively, curious and a little daring, Frida loves to climb trees and play acrobats with her capuchin monkey. Lulled by the laughter, the cries of birds and the murmur of water, the little Mexican lives a carefree and happy childhood in the lush garden of Casa Azul. A perfect idyll, if she did not feel the pain always more insistent in the right leg caused by Polio and a bus accident. For more details visit the Theater’s website.

December 8, 20h
Salle du Lignon,
Petites Histoires.com, 8+

Directed by Kader Attou, one of the essential figures of French hip-hop, Petites histoires.com mixes performance, emotion and music in a new and unexpected way. For Petites histoires.com, Kader Attou imagines a show composed of many small pieces. Some tell stories, others are more abstract. The things of life, as well as the news, have always nourished the work of the choreographer. Moving from one story to another, jumping from cock to donkey, mixing performance, emotion, musicality in a rather burlesque show! More details here.

December 9
Theatre le Caveau
Les Contes Spontanes, 5+

This show is different each time, because the story depends on the public. As the actors come on stage they have nothing to tell, they need the audience to make the story, and so it is the children who decide on the characters, an era, a place, the emotions, and more. The actors create a unique show filled with laughter, sharing, and complicity. The stories that emerge are accompanied by original music. More details here.

till December 11
Simply Theater
The Snow Queen

When it’s getting too cold, wet, and dark to spend time with kids outdoors, the theatre is always a good choice. Each year the Simply Theater prepares a seasonal show, and we are safe to say that this year’s winter season this year will begin in this English-speaking theatre in Versoix with their winter musical show – « The Snow Queen ». This adaptation of timeless classic Hans Christian Andersen’s story will transfer children into the enchanted world. More info here.

Till December 16
Théâtre Töpffer
Hansel and Gretel

Adaptation of a popular fairytale for the whole family. It is played in the Théâtre Töpffer on Wednesdays at 15h, and on weekends at 15h30. The production will be shown two time on Sunday December 16 (at 14h and 17h). Book your tickets by calling 0227035125 or 0792192071.

Till December 19
Théâtre de Gaspard, av. des Tilleuls 21.
Christmas show

Theatre de Gaspard invites all kids aged 4+ for a series of 2 puppet shows. They are played every Wednesday at 4pm and every Sunday at 11am and 4pm. Till December 9 enjoy the show entitled « Nigg Nogg. Celui qui vient de loin ». From December 12 till 19, a different show will be served on the scene, about Christmas this time: « Noel. L’histoire de Noel ». Entry: 5 CHf for kids, 10 for adults. A bit more about the show here.

CINEMAS TO CHECK

Cinelux, Les Scala, Cinema Bio, Pathe Balexert, Arena in La Praille.