Nature & Animals
73 activities for children
Gorges du Chauderon in Montreux: the wild hike above the lake
Looking for a real adventure for keen walkers, just steps from the lake? Above Montreux, the Gorges du Chauderon climb alongside a cascading torrent in an almost tropical forest setting. Be warned: this is not a stroll but a fine mountain hike, spectacular and refreshing, from age 7.
Trient Gorges in Vernayaz: a canyon on walkways for the family
What if you offered your children a dive into a dizzying canyon, on wooden walkways clinging to the rock? In Vernayaz, just a stone's throw from the train station, the Gorges du Trient plunge into a narrow crevice where the torrent roars. A short, refreshing, and spectacular visit, perfect in the height of summer.
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.
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.
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.
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.