The best things to do in Geneva for families

By Caroline Bishop

十月 1, 2022

With its chocolatiers, old-fashioned toy shops and outdoor adventures, Switzerland’s second city is a hit with families.

For families, Geneva makes for an idyllic city break. The city’s a manageable size and full of child-friendly attractions, from well-stocked toy shops to quirky museums. 

Excess energy to burn off? There are lakeside pools to splash in, parks and playgrounds to explore, and mountain adventures on your doorstep. The warm welcome at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva adds to the appeal, with welcome gifts for kids, complimentary meals and a free activity session.

Toy story

This is a city that truly excels when it comes to toys, and there’s no better place for present-shopping. For starters, head to Franz Carl Weber, whose three-storey emporium is paradise for kids. It stocks pretty much every toy and game you can think of, from old-fashioned railways and hobby-horses to high-flying drones. 

A ten-minute walk away, you’ll find Le Carrousel, whose toys run from balance-testing Wobbel boards to tutu-wearing ballerina mice. Finally, for children’s clothes, head for L’Asticot, known for its vibrant, ethically-made designs.

The great outdoors

Quarter of an hour’s walk from the hotel, Parc des Bastions is an excellent all-rounder, with its giant chess boards, play area and winter skating rink, along with a charming café. 

For the coolest playground in Geneva, though, head to the Parc Gustave & Léonard Hentsch, in the Charmilles district. Its play space has a sleek, space-age vibe, with undulating slides, trampolines, water fountains and swings that look like abstract art. In summer, cool off at the Geneva Plage complex with its water slides, children’s pool and lakeside beach. 

Alternatively, hop in the cable car up nearby Mont Salève, for panoramic views, paraglider-spotting and some easy hikes. Thrill-seekers will also enjoy Parc Aventure in Evaux, with its treetop zip wires, rope bridges and vertiginous balance beams.

Museum piece 

There’s plenty to enthrall kids at the Natural History Museum, from its snarling taxidermied tigers to its resident two-headed tortoise. The city’s Museum of Ethnography (MEG) is also great for curious kids, with its continent-hopping collections. There are Samurai sabres, African masks and sealskin Inuit gloves, along with more macabre pieces.

For artistic inspiration, MAMCO is the place to head – the city’s lofty, light-filled museum of modern and contemporary art. Choose the most child-friendly of its multiple exhibitions, or come on a Sunday for kids’ tours, in English or French. 

Where to eat with kids

You can’t leave Geneva without sampling some Swiss chocolate. Get the inside track on how it’s made with a tour of Cailler’s factory, or stock up at Auer’s famed boutique on Rue de Rive, in situ since 1939. 

For dinner, kids will love the novelty of fondue – served in kitsch, chalet-inspired surrounds at the charming Le Gruyérien. If pizza’s your go-to, Luigia is an excellent bet. The food is great at its two Geneva outposts, and they also keep kids busy between courses, with table football in one branch and a cinema room in the other.

About the Author

Caroline Bishop

Caroline is a Switzerland-based freelance journalist, and former editor of Switzerland’s English language newspaper, The Local.