Bowl de Vidy in Lausanne: outdoor skatepark by Lake Geneva

A street break by the lake

In Vidy, close to Lake Geneva and the lawns of Louis-Bourget Park, the famous bowl attracts families who love urban sports. The atmosphere is relaxed, with riders of all levels, from little ones on scooters to teens on skateboards. People come for the energy of the spot, the view of the lake, and the space to let off steam outdoors.

What your children will discover

The bowl in Vidy is a large concrete basin with gentle curves and some deeper areas for the more experienced. Beginner children appreciate the edges and flat areas to gain confidence on scooters or rollerblades. Older kids test their first carves, learn to manage speed, and observe the tricks of the regulars. Progress comes quickly by watching, trying, and then retrying. It’s playful, sensory, and very stimulating for motor skills and balance.

Who it’s suitable for and how much time to plan

• Recommended age: from 5–6 years on scooters or rollerblades, with full protection. Teens on skateboards also find their happiness here. Little ones can observe or ride on the very calm edges, accompanied.
• Duration: plan for 1 to 2 hours depending on the children's energy and the crowd.
• Type of activity: sporty and technical, with a good dose of learning and self-confidence. It works on balance, coordination, anticipation, and respect for other users.

Do you need to book, pay, or equip yourself?

The Bowl of Vidy is freely accessible and free of charge, without reservation. Make sure to bring a helmet (mandatory for everyone), wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. Bring water, a snack, sunscreen in spring-summer, and a small first aid kit. Absolutely avoid going on wet ground: the concrete becomes slippery and dangerous.

Access, strollers, and public transport

The skatepark is located in Louis-Bourget Park, on flat terrain. It is easily accessible with a stroller. The paths are wide and paved. By public transport, TL buses serve the Vidy area and the park; the walk to the bowl is short. By car, there are public parking spaces around the park and the lakeside (paid depending on the zones).

Safety and atmosphere on site

The bowl is a shared space. Riders go in the same direction, wait their turn, and enter the bowl when it is free. During quiet times (mornings, outside weekends), beginner children feel more comfortable. In the afternoon on nice days, there are more people and sometimes a higher level: perfect for observing, but keep little ones on the peripheral areas. The site remains open during the day; there is no dedicated lighting in the evening.

When to go?

The beautiful season is ideal: spring, summer, and autumn, in dry weather. In winter, avoid damp or icy days. After rain, let the concrete dry completely before riding.

Benefits for your children

• Motor skills and balance: learning to manage support, speed, and trajectories.
• Confidence: every validated attempt counts; you dare a little more with each run.
• Socialization: observing, encouraging each other, respecting turns and priority.
• Concentration: trajectories, braking, and anticipating other users.

Parent tips

• Arrive early to start in peace and spot the lines.
• Helmet and protection for everyone, even at a beginner level.
• Explain the courtesy rules before entering the bowl.
• First, test the edges and shallow areas.
• Bring water and a snack; there are green spaces all around for a break.
• Check the weather: no sessions on wet concrete.

Useful information

• Address: Parc Louis-Bourget, 1007 Lausanne (Vidy area)
• Period: free access all year round, in dry weather; ideal from March to October
• Hours: during the day; no specific lighting after dark
• Weather conditions: dry only; avoid after rain
• Access: TL buses to Vidy/Parc Bourget, public parking nearby; paths suitable for strollers
• Official site: City of Lausanne – Urban Sports (Skateparks section)

Why we recommend it

Because it’s an iconic spot, free and by the lake, where children gain confidence while having fun. The setting is beautiful, the atmosphere is often friendly, and you can combine the session with a picnic, a supervised swim at Vidy beach in summer, or a walk by the water.

In two words

A mythical skatepark, easy to access and ideal for introducing your children to urban sports outdoors. Want more tested and approved ideas from the community? Create your Kidora account or subscribe to the newsletter to not miss anything in French-speaking Switzerland.