Nature & Animals
Want to take your children into nature? The Romandy region of Switzerland is full of outdoor activities: wildlife parks like Bois-de-la-Bâtie in Geneva or Juraparc in Vallorbe, educational farms, botanical gardens, caves, and nature reserves by the lakes.
Whether you're looking for a stroller-friendly walk around a pond, a wolf encounter, or a boat ride on the underground lake of St-Léonard, you will find ideas here suitable for every age and every season — many are free.
Here is our selection of nature and animal activities for your children.
Our selection of nature and animal activities in Romandy, Switzerland
28 activities for children
Île Saint-Pierre: the boat crossing from La Neuveville
A whole island just for the day, how does that sound? From La Neuveville, a boat drops you on the Île Saint-Pierre, in the middle of Lake Biel: quiet beaches, picnic areas, a former priory and shaded paths. On Saturdays, children travel free.
The Marmot Park in Anzère: feeding the marmots as a family
Fancy getting close to marmots as a family in Anzère? At the entrance to the resort, the Parc à Marmota, set up at the Hôtel-Restaurant La Poste, lets children watch and feed marmots, rabbits and Valais blacknose sheep. A simple nature encounter, while parents enjoy the terrace.
L'Arche des Crétillons in Chalais: the animal farm to discover as a family
Fancy meeting farm animals as a family? In Chalais, at the foot of Vercorin, L'Arche des Crétillons opens its agritourism estate to visitors: you wander freely among the animals, taste the farm's produce and enjoy the refreshment hut. A simple, endearing nature outing.
Pissevache Waterfall in Vernayaz: 116 meters of drop at the roadside
Want to see an impressive natural spectacle without walking for hours? In Vernayaz, the Pissevache waterfall cascades from nearly 116 meters right by the road, just a stone's throw from Martigny. A refreshing and free stop, perfect for breaking up a trip in Valais and dazzling the kids.
Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne: 200 hectares of nature to explore with the family
Fancy a big breath of fresh air with the children on the Vaud part of La Côte? In Aubonne, the Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne unfolds nearly 200 hectares of forest and meadows, crossed by themed trails and home to more than 3000 species of tree. A nature day to be savoured at child height.
Leysin Deer Park: a free-roaming herd, with free access
Looking for a gentle encounter with animals, with no ticket or timetable to keep an eye on? In Leysin, the deer park is home to a herd of free-roaming semi-wild deer, visible all year round, free of charge. A perfect nature stop with young 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.
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.
Why choose a nature and animal outing with family?
Because it's the type of outing that grows with your children. Toddlers marvel at the animals at the Ferme de la Gavotte in Lancy or the Vivarium in Meyrin; older kids push their limits on the trails of Creux du Van or in the Gorges du Durnand in Bovernier.
It's also the category that offers the most generous free activities: nature reserves of Grangettes or Bois de Chênes, botanical gardens of Geneva and Neuchâtel, picnic spots, and themed trails like the Sentier des Toblerones in Prangins.
Finally, the nature of Romandy can be visited year-round: the Grottes de Vallorbe and the underground lake of St-Léonard keep you sheltered from the weather, while the Rochers-de-Naye or the Pro Natura Centre of Champ-Pittet change their appearance with the seasons. And if you're looking near you, each canton has its own selection.