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
77 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.
Rossens dam: the 83-metre wall that created Lake Gruyère
How do you make a lake? In 1948, an 83-metre concrete wall blocked the Sarine and flooded a whole valley: Lake Gruyère was born. The Rossens dam is discovered from its surroundings, with an easy 2.3-kilometre walk along the water.
Rossens dam footbridge: 105 metres suspended above the lake
Fancy a short walk that leaves a long memory? Between the Rossens dam and Pont-la-Ville, a 105-metre metal footbridge runs ten metres above Lake Gruyère. Free, spectacular, and walked as a loop in less than an hour with the children.
The St-Jean bisse and the Puchotaz waterfall: a walk along the water
Fancy a cool walk along the water as a family? Starting from Grimentz, the St-Jean bisse leads to the lovely Puchotaz waterfall. An easy walk much loved by children, with a shelter equipped with games for a picnic at St-Jean.
The Animal Trail in Grimentz: a footprint hunt for families
Fancy a playful nature walk starting from Grimentz? The Animal Trail links Grimentz to St-Jean by getting you to guess the mountain animals: footprints to recognise, silhouettes hidden in the forest and riddles on the panels. An easy trail, perfect with children.
The forest trail in Grimentz: a playful walk with Sylvette the owl
Fancy a playful nature walk for the children in Grimentz? In the Ilot Bosquet forest, an educational trail guided by Sylvette the owl offers 11 wooden stations to learn all about the forest: flora, fauna, games and quizzes. With a big picnic area by the river.
The lake and dam of Moiry: a nature walk above Grimentz
Fancy a walk beside a turquoise lake as a family? Above Grimentz, the Moiry dam holds back a high-altitude lake of incredible blue, facing the glacier. The top of the dam can be walked with a pushchair, and marmots often pop their heads out in the evening.
The Canal d'Entreroches: a nature trail and its daffodils, near Eclépens
Fancy an easy family nature walk? Between Eclépens and La Sarraz, an interpretive trail runs along a 17th-century canal. In spring, carpets of wild daffodils line the path. A 3.7 km loop, free, ideal with children.
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.