INTERACTIVE

mesoscaphe AKA SUBMARINE

Let’s talk about it for a bit. Long story short, Auguste Piccard had the idea to put “a mesoscaphe” (a fancy name for the submarine that does not go super deep) on the lake. His son, Jacques Piccard, built it for the 1964 national expo in Lausanne. Due to some complications, the submarine (well, a “mesoscaphe”) started operating 2 months after the expo. It dived over 1000 times and carried over 33000 people to the bottom of the lake. The renovated original is currently in the fabulous Transport Museum in Luzern (it’s the best place ever!), but Musee du Leman has a whole section on it too.

AND MORE!

ARRIVE IN STYLE

To make it more fun you can get there by taking one of the ships going from Geneva to Nyon! Or combine it with an exploration of Nyon and a picnic.

PRACTICAL INFO

Accessibility

The weather is beautiful, and the Federal Council allowed museums to reopen on March 1st. In the whole country. Let’s celebrate by looking into what is actually going on in the museums – in Geneva. I’ll soon prepare the same recap for all museums between Geneva and Lausanne. The French museums are still closed for now – keeping fingers crossed as we massively miss Maison du Saleve, Parc des Epouvantailles and many more!

Before we start, let me lay down some practical info:

• Most museums are closed on Mondays. Each time a museum is open on Monday, I mentioned it in the text.
• Not all museums will open on March 1st (Monday) or even on March 2nd. Some of them need more time to prepare or have planned their new exhibitions for a bit later. Always consult their website when planning a visit.
• I couldn’t find info on Exploracentre and Cern -I’ll add them as soon as I know anything.
• It was not possible for me to write about all of the museums. Here are the ones I did not include below:  Musee de Carouge, Musee Barbier-Mueller, Museum of the Martin Bodmer Foundation, Red Cross Museum.

Ready? Let’s do it!

Vivarium

Also check: Musee de Carouge, Musee Barbier-Mueller, Museum of the Martin Bodmer Foundation (all about theatre).

MAMCO

The Modern and Contemporary Art Museum in Geneva is always a great place to visit with kids of all ages. Their permanent exhibition is fuel for imagination and conversations. When you’re there, don’t forget to enter the cave – a piece of Sylvie Fleury entitles « Be Good, Be Bad, Just Be! ».

Museum’s reopening is a great opportunity to check out the new temporary exhibition: « Inventaire » (eng. « Inventory »). It’s a result of a full inventory the museum underwent in 2019. This exhibition is a physical representation of the hard work the staff performed.

MUSEE D’HISTOIRE DES SCIENCES

This museum is a treat! It’s located in the gorgeous parc Perle du Lac and it is open on Mondays! The permanent exhibition is fascinating for science and history passionates and the temporary exhibition is a full-on, hands-on experience! I wrote about it back in the days when nobody expected museums to be closed for so long – you can read it here.

MEG

In the Museum of Ethnography, children love to observe the waves and listen to music on headphones. They are mesmerized by masks and other objects from far away places. The permanent collection is fascinating, even more, when viewed during a guided tour. But! The temporary exhibition « Jean Dubuffet, a barbarian in Europe » was planned to only last till the end of February 2021. I keep my fingers crossed they will prolong it for at least one month. The exhibition is accompanied by a program for children (6+) via the “Dubuffet’s little factory”. Check their website for info.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

For Geneva families, one museum ranks no 1 each time I ask around – the Natural History Museum. Their permanent exhibition always brings smiles to children’s faces, always makes them ask questions, widen their interest. The temporary exhibitions, 3 of them to be precise, are fabulous! They are all there to celebrate the museum’s 200th anniversary. I wrote a whole article about it last year, you can read it here.

MAH

Musee d’Art et d’Histoire de Geneve is always #parentvillerecomended. Walking the corridors and rooms with paintings is like being in a picture book and if your kids went to the guided tours for the little ones, you’ll know how to turn a visit into an adventure. The new temporary exhibition « Walk on the Water » is a new level of awesomeness. The title is a mix of Deep Purple’s « Smoke on the water » (written in and about Montreux) and the painting “Miraculous Draught of Fishes” by  Konrad Witz, which depicts Christ walking on Lake Geneva. It’s a whole new scenography and an invitation to the public to imagine themselves walking on the water. More information on MAH’s website.

ARIANA

Musee Ariana is another place families quickly come to love. It’s incredible how this talented stuff turned a ceramics museum into an enjoyable place for children. I mean, stereotypically small children should not be allowed near ceramic and glass, right? Well, not in Ariana. There are many treasure hunts they can enjoy (different games for different age groups) and a small yet great play area on the ground floor. Go to Ariana’s website for more details and info about temporary exhibitions.

CENTRE D’ART CONTEMPORAIN

Contemporary Art Center will open on March 23rd with an exhibition that looks incredible. It’s called « Lemaniana » and will present « the diversity of the contemporary artistic production in the Léman region ». Until then you can visit the museum via online tours. More info here.

Immersions – Une exposition sur l’eau, Berges de Vessy

The description of this exhibition makes me really want to visit it! There is not much info yet, but it will not open till March 19th, so let’s wait a little bit. The website clearly states that a rich program for different kinds of public will accompany the exhibition, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will have something fun for the kids! In the past, their exhibitions were always great and always had something for children. The location allows combining the museum visit with an adventurous walk by the river and around the Vessy dam. More info here.

STREET ART AT QUARTIER LIBRE

If you haven’t got a chance before the semi-lockdown happened (again) to visit this exhibition in the centre of Geneva, then I have good news for you! The Street Art is on till March 14th. Grab your kids for a walk by the lake, some good ice creams and walk into the Quartier Libre for some graffiti fun. It’s open all week long (yes! Even on Mondays), and the entry is free. Read more about it here.

SAINT PIERRE CATHEDRAL

Geneva’s old town may not be massive, but you cannot be bored once there. Many museums (Musee de la Reformee, Maison Tavel, Musee Barbier-Mueller, and the Cathedral’s archaeological site), picturesque narrow streets, great cafes (take out only for now), and spectacular views. Let’s go back to the Cathedral now. You can visit it inside (obviously). You can climb up to the top of one of the towers (really worth it!), and visit the Cathedral beneath – the archaeological site is fascinating, intriguing, and cannot be missed!  You can find out all about it here.

VIVARIUM

Not really a museum, it’s more of a zoo, but I have missed it so much I had to include it in this article! It’s a place with reptiles, lizards, turtles, spiders, and fish. It’s very well located in Meyrin, close to bus and tram stops, there is parking and the visit will not disappoint the kids! It’s also a good place for birthday parties (especially if your child would like to cuddle with Iguana). I wrote about Vivarium in this article on Parentville about animals in Geneva.

OVER 10% 

TWO SIDES

THE SOLUTION AT IIL

THE ONLY ONE

Curious about the International Institut de Lancy? They’re about to have their virtual tours (instead of a traditional open day – you know why). You can find out all about it here:

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READY, SET, GO!

It all starts in the village of Choully (close to Satigny). After walking a bit towards Allondon river, you enter the forest and follow the path along the river. It can be extremely muddy after rainy days, but shoes can be washed, right? There are 2-3 places that demand a few acrobatic skills and add an adventurous factor to the outing. Each time you get to this kind of crossing (over a stream or a small gorge) and it looks too difficult to do, search for another crossing closeby. There are other options closeby for sure!

A CAMPSITE & A FOREST

THE VINEYARDS

One last thing! That water tower (glamorously called Chateau d’Eau)About the water tower shall soon be replaced by a wooden observational tower accessible to the public. Oh, the view it will offer!!!

THE MAP

I prepared a map for this walk via Google maps. Sadly the paths by the river are not shown, but as long as you head in the right direction you should be fine. Also, the coverage is quite good even in the forest, so don’t hesitate to open any maps app to help you out if you feel lost. Click on the map to see more details.

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Many of you contacted me frustrated about spending February holiday in the city with everything closed. It’s true: no museums, no ice skating, no cinemas, theatres, or bowling. But I promise there are other options! I have vowed to never leave families in Geneva without ideas of outings and activities, so I did what I love doing – a Staycation Guide!

This special edition of the Staycation Guide is free. It does not mention camps. It is not sponsored. It’s just me for you. The times are tough, and we have to help one another, stick together, and get through this madnesses!

WHAT’S IN IT?

The Staycation Guide for February 2021 presents some hikes in the Canton of Geneva and day trips around to cool places not far away.  It also suggests ways to make the family walks in nature (and in the city) more adventurous. There are also propositions of indoors outings (yes! nothing spectacular but useful for rainy or especially cold days). I also included some online activities.

SUMMER STAYCATION GUIDE

Have you ever seen the Summer Staycation Guide (new edition every year)? If not, this free February edition can give you some taste, although – it’s much simpler and with less functionality. Ask around, and you’ll find out that the summer edition is simply fabulous.

GET THE GUIDE

Receiving the Staycation Guide February 2021 edition is as simple as a download can be. As already mentioned, I am not charging a penny for it. Nevertheless, I am asking for something in return – that is to stay in touch with you via my email list. 

Subscribe to the newsletter and enjoy your holidays in Geneva!

So, you’ve been living in Switzerland for a while. You’ve visited some mountains and a few lakes. You get to know the country more and more every weekend. You may have even learnt some French (yey!). But how much do you really know about it?Speaking the language and the knowledge about local tales, traditions and places are bases for good integration.

I’m here to tell you that you can deepen your integration from the comfort of your sofa while playing with kids! Sounds good, right? Damn, I hope… Anyway, while scrolling down you’ll see children’s books and board games that will teach the whole family about Switzeraland in a pressure-less and enjoyable way. 

Ok, you’re ready? Let’s go get’em!

BOOKS by Auzou Suisse

Auzou has published lots of children’s books about Switzerland for all ages. Many of them are available in French, German, Italian, and English!

Les enquetes de Maëlys

Perfect for early readers (7+) or as bedtime stories.Maëlys is a curious little girl who solves mysteries all around Switzerland with her friend Lucien’s help. They work on finding out why all of the Escalade chocolate marmots in Geneva disappeared; they’re chasing the flowers thief in Carouge; spend an adventurous evening in Chateau Chillon. They also travel to Vevey, Bern, Lucern, and many many more places. With each mystery, each adventure, readers get to know more about beautiful Swiss places and traditions. Available at many bookshops, libraries, and online. Check their official website. For Males in English click here.

MES P’TITS CONTES DE SUISSE

Each culture has its legends, and Switzerland is not an exception! Of course, because of its cultural and linguistic diversity, there are different legends in all cantons. « Mes P’Tites Contes de Suisse »

This series is available in French only. It invites children (and adults) to discover the swiss legends canton by canton. These books are also great to read together, or independently by 9+.

Mes petits atlas des cantons suisses

So far, this series presents three of the Swiss cantons: Vaud, Valais, and our beloved Geneva. With these playful atlases, children (and adults) can follow playful characters and broaden their knowledge about the cantons. Because these are areas close by, they can be a great base for the day-trips bucket list. It’s always great fun to visit the places kids read about in books (sure, they would more likely enjoy a visit to Hogwarts but let’s give them a chance). As every atlas, these are also made of maps and drawings, and the content is diverse.

OTHER BOOKS

ABC GENEVA by Parentville

The most lovely book about Geneva – the work I am most proud of! A children’s book about Geneva in the form of an ABC-type book. Each letter of the alphabet presents a place, a person, or something else characteristic for the Geneva canton. It’s been sold out everywhere to my knowledge, but you can find it in most libraries in the canton.

GAMES

Let’s move from books to an even more playful introduction to Switzerland for the whole family. Play at home, on holidays, on warm days out in a park. You’ll giggle, you’ll have fun, and get to know Switzerland along the way. Let’s play Switzerland!

Super cool board games by Helvetiq

 My favourite is the Grand Tour Switzerland by Helvetiq available at CFF shop (here). It’s a fun board game for 10+ (although we tried with an 8+ and it worked out fine too). Players answer questions to move their cars from one place to another. There’s no need to know all the answers to win as several factors play a role. On the way, you win tokens and points. Even though I know more about Switzerland than Z, she managed to win several times, and we all learnt a lot about the country we call home.

Helvetiq has several games about Switzerland in their catalogue, and many are available in English: Matterhorn (8+), Swiss IQ (12+), Helvetiq (10+), Geographica (8+), Dice Trip (8+), Zurich IQ (15+), and more!

Monopoly

An old-time classic, Monopoly, wears many hats! It’s been years since they launched regional versions, and Switzerland is no exception. You can find Monopoly based on places in many different cantons (Monopoly canton Uri anyone?) or a Monopoly game with the whole country divided into cheapest and most expensive areas (that’s intriguing on its own in a country like Switzerland). I couldn’t find Monopoly Junior in a regional version, but am sure 6+ is a good age to start a regular one.

Jass

A cards game like no other. And nope, you won’t be able to use your regular cards. Jass looks complicated to novices but I’ve seen so many families with kids playing this game, that it is surely possible! First, dive into the rules and applications, prepared perfectly in English on this website. Master the game and surprise your Swiss friends (some people report to have seen Swiss people in Geneva, it’s not an urban myth).

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Ferme la Gavotte is one of the most popular places among families in Geneva. It’s a petting farm with sheep, goats, poneys, rabbits, and more (more about it here). They also offer money rides on Wednesdays and on weekends. And guess what? It is very close to the river  L’Aire, making it a perfect starting point for this walk!

(Oops! Restrictions due to the Virus-That-Must-Not-Be-Names can force La Gavotte to close at times. Check their website before planning your trip).

Thanks to the numerous arrangements made by the canton, the surroundings of the Aïre (or L’Aire) allow this peaceful pleasure to as many people as possible. The Promenade de L’Aire is accessible for prams and wheelchairs. The short bits in the woods may be doable with all-terrain prams but not with a wheelchair.

The path allows you to go as far as Saint Julien en Genevois! Or you can make a full loop (around 2h30) through Signal de Bernex and Onex vineyards.  There are many picnic areas and large benches all along the way, so don’t forget your snacks!

two ways to begin

You can park at Centre Sportif des Cherpines (very close to La Gavotte). For 100% pram & wheelchair friendly way go through La Gavotte, to Chemin des Verjus, turn left to Route de la Galaise, through the Pont des Marais to the Promenade de l’Aire. 

For a bit of wilderness, feel start differently. From Cherpines go left on to the Chemin du Pont-du-Centenaire and follow it until you reach Chemin des Marais. From now on follow the river to reach the Promenade de l’Aire. You may encounter a super cool swing made of brunches and a robust rope – this fun place may make your shoes wet, but it’s so worth it!

ARCHITECTURE

It is a perfect place for prams, scooters, and bikes. It’s also a perfect place to walk on dry land when all forests are wet and muddy due to days-long rain. But we most loved it for combining urban architectural delights with nature. There is a gigantic pergola offering shade during the warm months, a beautiful bridge with a sharp triangle, and schody rzeka jakby wodospady?

GAVOTTE – THE BEST TREAT

you can visit Gavotte at the beginning of your Aire adventure or at the end. Bear in mind, kids get stuck there for a long time. The visit to this farm can be used as a reward for a long walk (for those kids who need it). I guarantee that cuddling with a poney is a better reward than any cookie!

practical INFO:

Accessibble with TPG: from Route de Chancy and Route de Base.
Parking: blue zone (3h) at the Centre Sportive de Charpines.
Duration of the walk: 2h30 for the whole loop but feel free to shorten it according to your preference.

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You’re about to find out how to transform a simple outing into a fun Geneva outdoor adventure!

Because let’s face it, at some point strolling through the city gets boring even if we change places regularly. It’s still just walking. But not anymore! Next time you venture out, it will be a whole different kind of family time, promise. Scavenger hunts and escape games await!

Ready?

Outdoor Escape Games
For 10-12+, paid game

If you’re like me, you may be a bit too anxious to try out an indoor escape game but this company offers great games outdoors (available in English, German, and French)! Currently, in Geneva, they offer one game for adults, and one perfect for families with children – Le Portail Magique. This adventure happens with the help of AR technology in the heart of Geneva. You will receive a tablet and an activity pack. With these tools in hand, by working as a team, you’ll see Geneva’s Old Town from a different angle! Your goal is to find crystals that close the portals and banish some evil creatures. Sounds fun!

More info: outdoor-escape-games.ch

Ouchui.ch
8-10+, A scavenger hunt, free

 Ouchui is a free scavenger hunt, available in several places in the Canton (Lancy, Nations, Old Town, Carouge etc). All you need is a smartphone (and a sense of orientation). You’ll be led by a map from one place to another and at each point, there is something to find and a question waiting for an answer. You will learn a lot about Geneva for sure, even if you think you know it all.
Two of the hunts are available in English (Geneva and Carouge). I couldn’t find official information about the minimum age recommendation but I think it’s doable with 5+ (just adapt their role and help them out and leave out most of the historical info given on the way). It can be a perfect outing for parents of babies, too! Just grab the pram or the carrier and have some fun!

More information: ouchui.ch.

GEOCACHING
free, 5+

Geocaching is so far Parentville’s favourite. This game takes place worldwide everywhere. All you need is a free app with a map. The goal of the game is to find the treasures aka « caches » – waterproof containers. Inside the treasure, you will find a logbook (sometimes also a pen and other things). Finding caches is a reward in itself. It is not as easy as one could think. The caches come in all sizes: from micro to lunch-box size. For adventures with kids chose caches marked « easy », and don’t hesitate to read the hints.

More info: here.

One of the most frequent question parents hear is « can I have a snack? ». Sometimes it gets asked so many times a day, it’s difficult to have so many snacks prepared, not to mention healthy options. I mean.. how many times a day can I offer an apple to my kid? We always have to come up with ideas and stock the cupboards. 

Fortunately, we have Oksana from Nutrition Right sharing her recipes! You will end up not only with a snack but also a screen-free activity, yeah!

A WORD FROM OKSANA

Kids love snacking and “gouter” is their adored treat time. So, if you live in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, you will know that the afternoon gouter is firmly installed into a daily routine of children. It is a good moment in the day to have a break and enjoy something small and yummy (for both kids & adults). Usually, the snack choices are sweet, like biscuits, fruits, small baked goods like madeleines, etc. But why not using the gouter as a chance to eat healthy foods?

Here are the simple and nutritious snack ideas to make gouter a healthier! 

APPLE SLICES SURPRISE

The first recipe, Apples Slices Surprise, is a super fun one as kids get to choose the topping for their apple slice. Firstly, you cut an apple, take the core out and slice it into rings. Then, layout different kinds of nut butter such as peanut, pistachio, almond. Add a selection of nuts and dried fruits like raisins, cranberries; cream cheese or honey. Then, let your kids decide what they want to put on top of the apple slice. 

CHOCOLATE SUPER BALLS

This recipe is an amazing time-saver, since the balls can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days! In fact, they even taste much better after being in the fridge for a while as they get cold and firm. Chocolate Super Balls are simply a kids-friendly version of the power balls, much loved by many adults as a quick highly nutritious snack.

Ingredients:
Makes abt 16 balls

1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup oats
1/3 cup walnuts
1/3 shredded dried coconut
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
7 dates, pitted
¼ cup of coconut oil
2tbsp dark unsweetened chocolate powder
Pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. (child) Put all the ingredients, except for the sunflower seeds, in a blender.
2. (adult) Blend.
3. (child) Using a big spoon transfer the mixture from the blender into a bowl.
4. (child) Add sunflower seeds & mix very well using your hands. The mixture should be sticky but also a bit crumbly.
5. (child) Take abt 1 tbsp of the mix & roll it in the hands to make a ball. Once all the balls are rolled, put them in a plastic container with a cover put in the fridge.

Get inspired by a selection of healthy easy recipes for the whole family prepared by Oksana Petersen @ Nutrition·Right, Geneva. Visit Oksana’s blog over at Nutrition Right!

This bizarre year is almost over, and with this ending comes Christmas. For obvious resons, most Christmas events have been cancelled, but it does not mean there is nothing to do! I mean, this is why you follow Parentville, right? Whatever the season, whatever the weather,no matter the day of the week – I will always find things to do and places to visit for you!

Ready? Let’s go!

ILLUMINATIONS

Ville de Geneve

Christmas lights in Geneva are an art of its own. It’s not so much about Santa, but  more about lightning up the city with amazing art pieces. Illuminated trees, fountains, and other places – there are 22 places to discover! Grab warm jackets, gloves and all – and enjoy the evening walk expierencing a very seasonal Geneva! More about it here.

Plan-les-Ouates

Plan-les-Ouates also holds its annual illuminations! While strolling through the city of PLO – look up! Among the illuminated places are the Town Hall, la Julienne, and over 30 trees. It’s always beautiful and if you’re looking for new stroll routes, I recommend PLO. Have fun! (official website).

Carouge Magique

Illuminations in Carouge are my favorite of all. All the birds and fish sparkling above the streets together with elves and flowers make walking in Carouge a marvelous experience. There’s lots to see! I invite you to check this website for detailed plans of each illumination’s location. You can also scroll down this article to find out about more things happening in Carouge this month! (official website)

Lausanne Lumieres

A not that long drive away from Geneva, in Lausanne, you can admire an amazing mapping show on many buildings. It’s colorful, mesmerizing, and fascinating! There are guided tours available. It’s a great way to get to know this beautiful city. More info here.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Schilliger Garden Center

Schilliger’s Christmas decorations turn this garden center into the most beuatiful Christmas wonderland. This year the theme is very trendy and spot on (not only for those living in Switzerland): Swiss Mountains. There’s lots of snow, ski lifts, lots of wood, and it’s just hard to imagine that it was made by people and not elves. It’s usually accompanied by various workshops and events, but this year.. well it’s 2020, so there’s that.

Herstreet

Herstreet will transfrom into a Christmas market on December 5th (11h-20h) and 6th (11h-18h). Thirty local makers will show up with their goods – perfect Christmas gifts. And for kids? Santa’s grotto awaits – to meet Santa (while respecting social distance) please book online. The old man will also read stories to little groups and has little gifts for kids to take home. There is also a Christmas cards workshop for children (8y+). More info here.

Carouge

The shops in beautiful Carouge are open every SUNDAY from 11h till 17h. This way you can combine shopping, illuminations, poney rides (yes, yes! read on!) all in one place.

Charmille

Know-it-All Marketplace is back in Planete Charmille with over 40 local creators. You can find out more here.

Hammeau du Pere Noel (France)

Santa’s village across the border is a fairytale on Earth. Their shop alone is an all-year-round Christmas wonderland. If you’re looking for some seasonal gifts of any kinds 0 they probably have them. (Please rememmber about restrictions in France).

OTHER FUN THINGS

HAMEAU DU PERE NOEL (France)

The most famous Santa’s place in the region opens again on December 15th. There is a chance (fingers crossed) that Parc de Noel will open up as well – I will surely announce it on Instagram once there’s any info. This year, of course, you have to book your visit online (they reimburse 100% in case you cannot come), small groups will be allowed in, masks are mandatory. Please, check the Covid measures in France on the day of your visit and prepare required documents. To book your visit check here.

CABINE A HISTOIRE

A fantastic idea by Plan-les-Outaes – listen to a story while waiting for the bus! Each story is 1-5 minutes long, so just perfect when you have a moment to spare. Stories are all-ages appropriate and are awaiting your visit in an old phone booth next to the Aviateurs bus stop.

CARRIAGE & PONEY RIDES, Carouge

Enjoy the seasonal ride till January 3rd at Place du Marche in Carouge! If your kids prefer poneys, it’s also possible but at the Place de la Sardaigne (till January 5th).

LETTERS TO SANTA

Sending the letter to Santa is one thing, but receiving a reply (not written by parents) is one of the most exciting things that can happen to those who believe in Santa. There are two ways to do this.

The first is by sending a letter in your local post office. You can find out all about it here.

The other way, is heading to Carouge and sending the letter there via a very festive and special letter box. To receive the old man’s reply before Christmas – send your letter by mid december.