Weekend in Lausanne
This weekend itinerary for Lausanne families focuses on a delightful balance of free outdoor fun and exciting paid attractions. From vibrant markets and engaging performances to a world-class aquarium and playful parks, every activity is chosen to spark joy and create lasting memories for children aged 3-12, while being mindful of the family budget. Practical considerations like transportation and age suitability are included to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Friday Evening - Playful Park & Circus Wonders
Friday, October 3Park Play & Aviary
Kick off the weekend with some fresh air and playtime at Parc de Mon Repos.
This beautiful park offers several playgrounds, majestic trees, and a charming aviary with various exotic birds. Kids will love running around, exploring the different play structures, and spotting the colorful birds. It's a perfect spot for children to burn off energy after school.
Ideal for children of all ages, especially 3-12. The playgrounds are well-maintained, and the aviary provides a calm, engaging experience. Public restrooms are available, and pathways are stroller-accessible. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours of relaxed play and exploration.
Easily accessible by public transport (e.g., bus stops nearby). Limited street parking might be available, but public transport is recommended for ease with family.
Circus Knie Show
Experience the magic of Circus Knie, a Swiss national institution.
Their 2025 tour features international artists, daring acrobats, elegant horse performances by the Knie family, and Swiss comedy. This grand spectacle promises an enchanting evening for the whole family. There's a show scheduled for Friday evening.
Suitable for all ages, but the 8:00 PM start time might be late for very young children. Consider an early dinner beforehand. The show typically lasts around 2.5 hours, including a 20-minute intermission. Food and drink stands are available on-site. Dress warmly as it can get cool in the tent in October.
Place Bellerive is well-served by Lausanne's public transport, particularly the M2 metro line to Ouchy-Olympique, followed by a short walk along the lake. Parking garages are available in Ouchy, but can be busy.
Saturday - Cultural Delights & Aquatic Adventures
Saturday, October 4Babar's Musical Journey
Delight your little ones with 'Le voyage de Babar' (Babar's Journey), a free musical performance based on the beloved elephant king's adventures. This event promises a captivating storytelling experience brought to life with music, perfect for engaging young imaginations.
Highly suitable for children aged 3-10. The performance is free and offers a wonderful introduction to classical music and storytelling. Arrive a bit early to secure good seats as it's a popular free event. Duration is typically around 45-60 minutes.
Accessible by public bus (e.g., bus 42 to Rozavère stop). Limited parking in the surrounding streets. Public transport is advisable.
Downtown Market & Lunch
Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Lausanne's Downtown Market.
Stroll through stalls overflowing with fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and flowers. It's a feast for the senses and a great place to pick up picnic ingredients or affordable, delicious treats for lunch. You'll also find stalls selling various goods, from textiles to second-hand treasures.
Perfect for families to experience local life. Kids will enjoy the bustling environment, picking out a snack, and seeing all the colorful produce. Public restrooms are available in the area. Find a spot in one of the squares for an impromptu picnic lunch with market finds.
Central location, easily accessible by all public transport lines (metro M2 stops at Riponne-M. Béjart or Bessières, various bus lines). Paid underground parking available at Riponne.
Aquatis Aquarium Visit
Embark on an incredible journey through freshwater ecosystems at AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium Lausanne, the largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium in Europe.
Discover fascinating fish, reptiles, and amphibians from five continents, presented with engaging multimedia displays. Kids will be captivated by the Komodo dragon, piranhas, and the diverse aquatic life.
Ideal for children aged 3-12, offering educational fun. The entire facility is stroller-accessible with elevators and ramps. Allow 2-3 hours for a comfortable visit. On-site cafes and a picnic area are available. Kids under 5 are free. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save money and time.
Very easily accessible by public transport: take the M2 Metro to Vennes station, which is directly above Aquatis. If driving, take the Lausanne-Vennes exit from the A9 motorway; ample parking is available.
Casual Dinner & Lake Walk
After a day of exploration, enjoy a relaxed early dinner at a family-friendly restaurant near the lake or Aquatis.
Afterwards, take a peaceful evening stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva at Ouchy, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views as the sun sets, a perfect way to wind down the day. Many casual eateries offer kid-friendly menus.
Look for restaurants offering children's menus or a casual atmosphere where kids are welcome. The Ouchy area has many options. A gentle walk along the lake is relaxing for both parents and children before bedtime. Restrooms are available along the promenade.
From Aquatis, take the M2 metro directly to Ouchy-Olympique. If dining near Aquatis, it's walking distance. Public parking is available at Ouchy.
Sunday - Relaxed Explorations & Creative Play
Sunday, October 5Botanical Garden Stroll
Spend a peaceful Sunday morning at the Naturéum - Botanical Garden.
This urban oasis offers thousands of plant species from around the world, greenhouses, rock gardens, and shady paths, creating a beautiful and educational environment. It's a wonderful place for a relaxed family walk, allowing children to connect with nature and discover different plants and flowers.
Suitable for all ages, easy paths for strollers. Kids can enjoy the open spaces and the novelty of different plants, including carnivorous and tropical varieties. Public restrooms are available. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours. Pack a few snacks and drinks for the children.
Accessible by public bus (e.g., bus 2 or 7 to Mon Repos or Montriond stops). Limited street parking available in the vicinity.
Indoor Play Fun (Urba Kids)
For an afternoon of energetic indoor fun, head to Urba Kids, a large indoor play center (over 1300m²) designed for children up to 12 years old.
It features bouncy castles, trampolines, mini electric cars, a giant maze, ball pools, and slides. There's a dedicated area for younger children (1-4 years) and plenty of activities for older kids. It's an excellent option, especially for a rainy day. The corn maze (Urba Byrinthe) is also open until October 26th for a combi option if weather permits.
Perfect for burning off energy. Accompanying adults are free, making it budget-friendly for families. Children aged 2-12 pay. Parents are required to supervise their children. A cafeteria offers snacks and drinks, and you can bring your own picnic or make sandwiches from their small grocery shop. Allow 2-3 hours. Remember that it is a 30 min drive outside of Lausanne.
Driving is recommended due to its location in Orbe, about 30 minutes from Lausanne. Follow signs for Chemin de l'Etraz in Orbe. Ample parking is available on site. Public transport to Orbe and then local connections is possible but less convenient for families.
Relaxed Evening & Library Visit
Wind down the weekend with a quiet visit to a local public library.
Lausanne's libraries offer a vast collection of children's books in various languages, providing a calm environment for reading and imaginative play. While specific story times for this exact Sunday aren't confirmed, the general offering of free cultural activities for children and adults makes it a valuable resource for families.
Great for a quiet end to the weekend, fostering a love for reading. La Grenette (mentioned Friday) is also a good option for indoor play and reading if you're looking for something more active but still free and central. Check the specific library's opening hours online, as some may have limited Sunday hours or be closed. La Grenette is open until 6:30 PM on Saturday, but closed on Sunday. Libraries offer free registration and borrowing.
Lausanne's public libraries are generally centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Parking availability varies by location.
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