Animal Park of Bois-de-la-Bâtie

A bubble of nature above Geneva

Perched on the hill of Bois-de-la-Bâtie, just a stone's throw from the center of Geneva, this small animal park is one of those outings we love: free, outdoors, and perfect for a morning or late afternoon without a grand plan. People come to stroll peacefully between the enclosures, observe the animals, and enjoy a breath of fresh air with the children.

What your children will discover

The park features nearly 300 animals, mostly species from the region and farm breeds. Your children will encounter blue peacocks displaying their feathers, brightly colored pheasants, chickens, ducks, ponies, as well as endangered breeds like the peacock goat or the mirror sheep. It's a great opportunity to put names to local animals, far from the large exotic zoos.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is calm and family-friendly. Visitors move from one enclosure to another, stopping to observe and comment. The park can be explored at a leisurely pace and can be completed in about an hour, making it an ideal outing for little legs. Note: feeding the animals is prohibited, which is better for their health. Take the opportunity to turn the walk into a little observation game: who will spot the peacock, the pony, or the pheasant first?

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 3 years old, but younger children in strollers also enjoy it; both toddlers and older kids will find it enjoyable.
• Duration: plan for about an hour of relaxed visiting.
• Reservation: none, access is free and open.
• Stroller: the site is outdoors on a hill; the terrain may be sloped and the park is not indicated as wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly with a stroller.
• Transport: TPG bus lines 2 and 19, stop Clair-Vue. The park is on higher ground, so expect a bit of walking.
• What to bring: good shoes, water, and something to cover up depending on the weather. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed in the park.
• Ideal season: all year round, with a special fondness for spring when the young ones are born.

Parents' tips

• Come in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the calm and coolness.
• Combine the visit with a walk in the Bois-de-la-Bâtie all around: it's a lovely green area to extend the outing.
• Remind the children that we do not attract or feed the animals: we simply observe.
• Leave the dog at home, as it is not allowed inside the park.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin de la Bâtie 28, 1213 Petit-Lancy, Geneva
• Official website: geneve.ch (City of Geneva, Bois de la Bâtie animal park)
• Hours: open every day; hours vary by season, check the official website for the exact hours on the day of your visit.
• Access: TPG bus lines 2 and 19, stop Clair-Vue
• Fee: free entry

Why we recommend it

Because it is one of the simplest and most accessible outings in Geneva: free, outdoors, no reservation needed, and designed for families. You can discover animals from our region in a peaceful setting, ideal for a first encounter with nature for children.

In a nutshell

A small free animal park in the heights of Geneva, nearly 300 local animals, and a perfect nature walk for families, in any season.