Archaeological Park & Roman Museum of Lausanne-Vidy

A Roman Outing by the Lake

Between the lake, the trees, and the meadows of Vidy, you stumble upon a piece of history: Lousonna, the ancient Roman city of Lausanne. The archaeological park can be explored freely outdoors, and the Roman Museum, right next door, showcases everything with objects, models, and activities designed for families.

What Your Children Will Discover

In the park, you follow easy paths, observe the ruins, and imagine the houses and streets of yesteryear. At the museum, children enjoy the eye-level displays, reconstructions, occasional workshops, and little puzzles that make them want to see everything. Sometimes you touch materials, compare tools from yesterday and today, and connect what you see outside and inside. It’s calm, curious, and very tangible.

Why This Idea Works for Families

• You can combine a short visit to the museum with an outdoor stroll.
• The content is accessible, even if you don’t know much about Antiquity.
• The pace is flexible: you stop, have a picnic, and continue.
• The site is flat and practical with a stroller.

Before You Go

Recommended age: from 4 years old to enjoy the museum; the outdoor park remains pleasant from 2–3 years old with a stroller. Expect 45–60 minutes at the museum and 30–60 minutes for the park, depending on your children's interest. The activity is rather calm and educational, with a hint of outdoor exploration. The archaeological park is freely accessible and free of charge. Entrance to the museum is paid; no reservation is needed for a self-guided visit, but it may be required for workshops and groups.

Practically speaking, the museum is open all year round (closed on Mondays, daytime hours). The park can be visited in all weather, but it’s more enjoyable in dry conditions. Bring closed shoes for outside, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and a small snack. In summer, a hat and sunscreen are useful: there is shade but also open areas.

Accessibility: the interior of the museum is accessible and stroller-friendly; the paths in the park are generally flat, with some gravel or grass areas. Young children can move around easily under parental supervision. Restrooms and a changing table are available at the museum.

What This Outing Brings to Children

• Curiosity: Antiquity becomes tangible by seeing “for real” remains and objects.
• Language and storytelling: you narrate, question, and reconstruct scenes of life.
• Observation skills: spotting details, reading a map, comparing inside/outside.
• Confidence and autonomy: following a small path, choosing what to explore.

Parents' Tips

• Start with the park to stretch your legs, then enter the museum when attention is high.
• Photos are allowed without flash: ask at the reception for specific areas.
• Bring a light jacket: the room can feel cool in summer.
• Locate the picnic areas in Vidy to extend your outing.
• Check the museum's agenda: family workshops fill up quickly.

Useful Information

• Address: Chemin du Bois‑de‑Vaux 24, 1007 Lausanne
• Official website: lausanne.ch/musees/mrl
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday during the day; closed on Mondays (check before you go). Often free on the first Saturday of the month in the museums of the City of Lausanne.
• Weather: ideal in dry weather for the park; museum perfect in bad weather or winter.
• Public transport access: TL buses to Vidy/Bois‑de‑Vaux (stops a few minutes' walk away).
• Car access: paid parking around Vidy and Parc Louis‑Bourget; a few spots near the museum.

Why We Recommend It

Because we love when an outing checks all the boxes: nature, culture, and logistical simplicity. The Vidy site is calming, the museum is child-sized, and the whole experience gives meaning to what you see outside. You come back with images in your head and stories to tell.

In Two Words

A beautiful getaway by the lake that combines a stroll and Roman discovery, easy to organize year-round. Looking for more family ideas in French-speaking Switzerland? Create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter.