Museums
Forget the museum where you silently bore yourself: the Romandy region of Switzerland is full of places designed for children. At Château de Chillon, you can explore the passages and ramparts; at Maison Cailler in Broc, the visit ends with a chocolate tasting; at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, sports are experienced as much as they are watched.
Science, archaeology, design, photography, Saint Bernard dogs at Barryland, or science fiction at Maison d'Ailleurs: there is a museum for every child, and most offer paths or workshops tailored for families.
Here is our selection of museums to discover with your children.
Our selection of museums to visit with family in Romandy, Switzerland
71 activities for children
The La Lée copper mine: 'miner for a day' above Grimentz
Fancy an underground adventure as a family? Above the Val d'Anniviers, the La Lée copper mine can be visited with a guide: 500 metres of galleries to explore. On Sundays, children become 'miners for a day' and extract the copper ore themselves.
The old village of Grimentz: stepping back in time as a family
Fancy strolling through one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland? In Grimentz, blackened wooden raccards, lanes overflowing with geraniums and centuries-old chalets tell of life in the old days. Guided tours reveal the Maison de Grand-Maman, the mill and the cellars of the Vin du Glacier.
La Fromagerie Gourmande in Montricher: Gruyère making for families
Fancy discovering how cheese is made? In Montricher, at the foot of the Jura, La Fromagerie Gourmande reveals the secrets of Gruyère AOP: a making gallery, a robotic cellar to see behind a glass window, a film and a tasting. A gourmet visit for the whole family.
The Musée Suisse du Cheval in La Sarraz: all about horses for families
Do your children love horses? In the heart of the Château de La Sarraz, the Musée Suisse du Cheval — the only one in Switzerland — tells the story of the horse across eight rooms, workshops and demonstrations. A fascinating visit for the whole family, from April to October.
The Château de La Sarraz: a medieval fortress to explore as a family
Fancy travelling back in time as a family? In La Sarraz, north of Morges, an imposing medieval fortress can be visited from April to October. With its playful exhibition « 900 ans de Dynasties » and its park, the castle plunges young and old into history.
The Morges Observatory: an evening under the stars for families
Fancy showing the children the stars? In Morges, the ASTRAC observatory opens its dome to the public one evening a month, free of charge. Moon, planets and star clusters through the telescope: a magical and instructive outing, to enjoy as a family after dark.
The Musée Alexis Forel in Morges: antique dolls and toys for families
Fancy a journey back in time with the children? In the heart of Morges, the Musée Alexis Forel, set in a fine 16th-century townhouse, holds a collection of antique dolls, games and toys. A gentle, curious cultural outing, free for children.
The Maison de la Rivière in Tolochenaz: aquariums and nature by the Boiron
Fancy diving into the world of fresh water as a family? In Tolochenaz, beside the Boiron, the Maison de la Rivière introduces children to aquariums, naturalised animals and even a submarine. A lively, interactive nature museum, perfect whatever the weather.
Why choose a museum for your family outing?
Because it's the outing that saves rainy Sundays while creating memories: interactive museums like the Espace des Inventions or the Musée de la Main in Lausanne allow children to manipulate, test, and question — they won't have time to get bored.
Castle-museums combine visits and fresh air: Chillon by Lake Geneva, Grandson and Yverdon by Lake Neuchâtel, Prangins with its historical vegetable garden, Gruyères and its medieval streets. And food lovers are not forgotten: Maison Cailler for chocolate, Maison du Gruyère for cheese, Alimentarium in Vevey for everything else. Check the hours on the official websites — several museums are closed on Mondays.
