We survived Halloween, now is the time to brace ourselves for November. Why? We now have one month to Thanksgiving, Escalade, and just a few weeks till Christmas! Days are short and time flies faster, hence the bracing need. Luckily, it’s also the month of Automnales (yes, it’s back!), start of light shows, fondue with friends.
Of course, there is more! Indoors and outdoors – the fun awaits.
Ready? Let’s do it!
MATHS ET BRILLANT – SOUND & LIGHT SHOW
till 21 November, Bastions
Colloque Wright is back and with it its famous mapping on the facade of UNIGE in Parc des Bastions. It’s worth withstanding the cold, I assure you. It’s a beautiful show that evokes the beauty of mathematics. The piantings and animations will guide us through the different civilizations that have shaped mathematics. But even if you’re nit into maths, go and see this show – it’s beautiful! It will be screened every day at 18h, 19h, 20h30. You can read all about it here.
La chasse aux vilains à Genève
till 28 November, Old Town Geneva
Villans hide in the monuments and streets of the ancient medieval city. Can you find them? This independent treasure hunt is suitable for families. This treasure hunt takes you on a mysterious quest filled with puzzles and challenges. Thanks to your playbook and its many clues, you will go in search of the villainous characters hidden in Old Town. Book it here.
Scientific Show at Cern (6+)
Till December 1, Meyrin
Break a rubber tube with a hammer? Levitate a magnet? Come and watch some scientific experiments! Some of them will look like magic tricks. Show done in a simple and playful way. Different properties of matter and magnetism will be disccused during the show. It’s free, Covid pass for all 16+ is required, reservations obligatory. Check it all here.
Treasure hunt: « A la recherche de Mère Royaume », 6+
3 November – 5 December, Bastions
This animated treasure hunt takes you on a mysterious quest, filled with puzzles and challenges. Thanks to your game booklet and its many clues, you will go in search of Mère Royaume. Any clues you find will earn you points that turn into treats and other surprises at the end of the race. Special secrets about the history of Escalade await! More info here.
Treasure Hunt: « Le puzzle mystérieux », 6+
November 6 & 28, Musée Barbier-Mueller
A new quest at the Barbier-Mueller Museum that will invite young adventurers to be curious and inventive! Children are invited to go on an adventure to Southeast Asia to piece together clues that will allow them to solve a strange puzzle while marveling at the mysterious objects of Ðông Sơn culture! To book click here.
Balade animée « Les secrets de Genève »; 6+
November 10 & 28 Old Town
This lively walk invites curious children aged 6 to 12 to discover the well-hidden treasures of the old town of Geneva while having fun. No more guided tours where your child keeps pulling you on the sleeve to leave. Here, everything is designed so that children discover the history of Geneva while having fun!
La Nuit du Conte
November 12; all canton
This year, the Nuit du conte will take place on November 12. The theme chosen for 2021 is: « Our planet – our house ». Schools, libraries, bookstores, youth centers, community centers and other institutions are once again invited to participate and share the experience of storytelling and reading. This year, MEG is joining the event with a wonderful program, but be sure to check this link for all events in the canton.
AUTOMNALES
12-21 November, Palexpo
It’s a huge yearly event in Palexpo (well, it used to be yearly BC). It’s several expos/fair in one place at the same time. What can families expect? Brick Live, Expo Juniors, Salon Bebe et Moi, Cats Exhibition, Dogs Exhibition, Cook’n’Show, Salon du Velo (bikes), and much much more! There also many worksops and conferences. It’s a good place to start Christmas gifts hunt. More info: here.
Le Festival des Petits Bouts
13-14 November, Plainpalais
It will be the 4th edition of the festival designed for children as young as 1! On the menu: magician, opera for kids, relaxation workshops, and more! Check it out and book here.
NOEL AU JARDIN
18 Novembre – 26 Decembre
Christmas starts in November. This holiday season will finally resemble the one from the BC era (I’ll let you decode BC on your own). Once placed in the Parc des bastions, Geneva’s own Christma market moves to the gorgeous Jardin Anglais. Lots of activities for kids, restaurants, shops, mulled wine, fondue chalet, and above all Jardin Anglaid in Christmasy look! You can find all info and book your tables here.
FESTIVAL FILMAR
19-28 November
Filmar is the biggest film festival devoted tothe latino-american culture in Switzerland. There is a separate program for children: they can discover movies, series, and short films either with family or within parascolaire activities. At the same time and throughout the year, FILMAR School presents school screenings adapted to all levels and to many disciplines. Find out more here.
TOTEM BLACK LIGHT PARTY
27 November, Meyrin
Totem Escalade is bringing the blacklight party to its new premises in Meyrin! It will be an afternoon and evening in the dark, climbing under the UV light, fab decorations, and entertainment for children (for adults too, of course – till 4 am in the morning). Theme & dress code: Back To The Jungle. The best costume will wina subscription to Totem. The whole program and reservations here.
OTHER OPTIONS
THEATRES
Lots of shows this season! A particurarly rich program at AmStramGram (including shows that require no knowledge of French!). Also, Simply Theater is back with their wonderfullness. You can also check Theatre des Marionnettes de Geneve which presents shows even for the youngest spectators. Theatre du Loup is also busy with a show for 6+. There are many more shows for all ages all over Geneva, you can check these theatres here.
MUSEUMS
The Natural History Museum has a brand new exhibition: « Tout Contre la Terre », that talks about the climate change from an emotional angle.
Musee d’Ethnographie also launched a climate-change related exhibition: « Environmental Injustice Indigenous Peoples’ Alternatives ».
MAH, on the other hand, tackles fashion in an interesting way: « Pour la Galerie ».
Musee du Leman, which is in itself a great place for an outing, has a new exhibition all about the swans.
Last but not list, World Press Photo 2021 will be in Chateau de Prangins from November 11th.
This article’s photo credits: Laurent Egli.