AQUATIS – Aquarium-Vivarium in Lausanne: an outing that amazes

An Aquatic Journey in Lausanne

Just a stone's throw from the M2 metro, AQUATIS takes you on an immersive journey through the rivers, lakes, and wetlands of several continents. The atmosphere is soft and bright, with carefully crafted decor, giant tanks, and vivarium spaces that intrigue as much as they reassure. It’s an ideal outing when you're looking for a dry, educational activity that is accessible to the whole family.

What Your Children Will Discover

You follow a smooth itinerary between freshwater aquariums, reptiles, amphibians, and sometimes lesser-known species. Children love to observe the darting fish, the lounging dwarf crocodiles, or to spot a camouflaged frog. Screens explain ecosystems and biodiversity in simple terms. You come away with plenty of stories to tell about the rivers of the world and the importance of protecting them.

• Fun aspect: light games, tunnels, and large windows that create a "wow" effect.
• Educational aspect: clear panels, maps, and small animations about habitats and species.
• Sensory aspect: sounds of water, soft soundscapes, variations in colors and perspectives.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Age: suitable from 0 years. Little ones are captivated by the movement of the fish; older kids enjoy the explanations and interactive quizzes.
• Duration: 2 hours on average, more if your children like to read and observe.
• Type of activity: rather calm and contemplative, with a strong educational dimension and sensitivity to the environment.
• Reservation and tickets: adults aged 21 and over CHF 32 at the door (CHF 29 online), young people aged 16 to 20 CHF 28, children aged 5 to 15 CHF 22, free under 5, family package CHF 89. Online tickets are recommended on weekends, during holidays, and on rainy days.
• Accessibility: indoor pathway, accessible with strollers and wheelchairs; elevators and wide aisles are included.
• Public transport: M2 metro, Vennes stop, just a few steps from the entrance. Very convenient with children.
• By car: nearby highway exit and the Vennes P+R, 1200 spaces, CHF 2 per hour on weekdays and free on Saturdays.
• What to bring: light clothing for indoors, a small water bottle, snacks for the outing (snacks available on site). If you are sensitive to darkness, be aware that some areas are dimly lit.
• Safety: glass panels and barriers protect young children; keep them close to you in darker areas and explain the rules of quiet around the animals.
• Ideal season: all year round. It’s perfect in rainy weather, during heat waves, or in the middle of winter.
• Benefits for children: awakening scientific curiosity, vocabulary about nature, patient observation, ecological awareness, confidence during discoveries, family interaction.

Parents' Tips

• Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowd and maintain a relaxed pace.
• Take breaks: there are benches and a dining area on site.
• Take photos without flash to keep beautiful memories without disturbing the animals.
• Set a simple rule: we observe, we whisper, we don’t tap on the glass.
• Consider a journal: ask the children to draw their favorite species.

Useful Information

• Address: Route de Berne 144, 1010 Lausanne
• Official website: https://www.aquatis.ch
• Hours: open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, all year round; doors close at 5:10 PM.
• Weather: ideal in rainy, cold, or very hot weather.
• Public transport access: M2 metro, Vennes stop, just a few steps away; buses may be available depending on your route.
• Car access: Lausanne-Vennes highway exit; Vennes P+R, 1200 spaces, CHF 2 per hour on weekdays and free on Saturdays.

Why We Recommend It

Because it’s an outing that puts stars in your eyes while nurturing curiosity. The journey is smooth, comfortable with children, and you really learn something about freshwater environments. It’s rare to find such an immersive, accessible, and inspiring place that appeals to both young and old.

Want to Go?

AQUATIS ticks all the boxes for a stress-free, rich, and memorable family outing. Create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter to discover even more outing ideas in French-speaking Switzerland.