Nature & Animals in Canton Vaud
Discover the best Nature & Animals activities for children in Canton Vaud.
46 activities for children
Juraparc
Fancy showing your children bears, wolves and bison, deep in the nature of the Jura vaudois? At Juraparc, perched on the Mont d'Orzeires between Vallorbe and the Vallée de Joux, you watch the big wild animals then pet goats and alpacas at the mini-farm.
Rochers-de-Naye by cogwheel train
What if you offered your children a trip to over 2000 meters in altitude, starting from Montreux? The cogwheel train climbs in about fifty minutes to a vast panorama over Lake Geneva and the Alps. A breathtaking family outing.
Vallorbe Caves
And what if you took your children to explore an underground river and a stalactite forest in the heart of Vaud Jura? At the Grottes de Vallorbe, you descend underground at your own pace, flashlight and app in hand, to discover one of the most beautiful underground networks in Switzerland.
Menhirs of Clendy
Did you know that there is an alignment of standing stones by Lake Neuchâtel? In Yverdon-les-Bains, the Clendy site features 45 stones erected over 6000 years ago. A free, outdoor, and easily accessible walk to take the whole family on a journey back to prehistory.
Grangettes Nature Reserve
Want a nature walk, free and easy, by Lake Geneva? At the mouth of the Rhône, the Grangettes reserve offers your children peaceful trails, a birdwatching tower, and amazing wildlife. A wild interlude just a stone's throw from Villeneuve.
Pro Natura Center of Champ-Pittet and the Grande Cariçaie
What if your children set off to explore the largest lake marsh in Switzerland? At the Pro Natura Center of Champ-Pittet, wooden walkways delve into the reeds of the Grande Cariçaie, leading to a birdwatching tower. An unforgettable nature outing by Lake Neuchâtel.
Les Pléiades and the AstroPléiades trail
Want a trip that combines mountain trains, stars, and flower-filled meadows? At Les Pléiades, above Blonay, your children take the train from Vevey, walk along a path dedicated to the solar system, and discover a 360-degree panorama of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Ranch Paradisio
In Begnins, on the heights of La Côte, Ranch Paradisio is a family stable where children meet ponies, horses and small farm animals. Pony rides, courses, camps and farm birthday parties for 3-12 year-olds. Booking by phone; exact address and prices to be confirmed directly with the ranch.
Mies Beach: family swimming by Lake Geneva
On the shores of Lake Geneva, between Versoix and Coppet, the beach of Mies features a large shaded lawn where families lay down their towels as soon as the nice weather arrives. Shallow edges, playgrounds, and barbecues: a day at the lake, simple and free.
Oujon Spiritual Trail (Chartreuse d'Oujon)
Above Arzier, the Oujon spiritual trail is a flat, signposted loop of about an hour that leads to the ruins of the oldest charterhouse in Switzerland. Around fifteen information panels, a large picnic area nearby: a free family walk blending nature and history.
Lakeside promenade and CGN landing stage of Coppet
At the port of Coppet, the lakeside promenade and the CGN boat landing invite a stroll with your feet by the shores of Lake Geneva. You can wander, watch the boats, and embark on a mini-cruise to Nyon or Geneva before heading back to the old village.
Walk to the Refuge de la Barilette
Above Saint-Cergue, an unpretentious family walk takes you through pastures and fir trees to the Barilette refuge and the ruins of the old castle. A simple, free nature outing, perfect for taking a deep breath with the family in the Vaud Jura.
