Nature & Animals
89 activities for children
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.
Lioson Lake at Les Mosses: easy hike and swimming at altitude
Want to take your children on their first real mountain hike? Above the Col des Mosses, Lake Lioson spreads its turquoise waters at 1850 m, in the municipality of Ormont-Dessous. A steady ascent of about 1 to 1.5 hours, a swim for the brave, and a small animal park upon arrival: the perfect alpine outing for families.
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.
Bex Salt Mines: a journey to the heart of the mountain by little train
And what if you took your children on a little train to dive into the heart of the mountain? At the Bex Salt Mines, the oldest salt mine still in operation in Switzerland, you can explore vast galleries hand-carved at a constant 18 °C. An unforgettable underground adventure.
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.
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.
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.
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.