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
86 activities for 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.
The Sources of the Venoge in L'Isle: a nature walk along the water
Fancy a family nature walk at the foot of the Jura? In L'Isle, an easy walk leads from the castle park to the sources of the Venoge, where the water gushes from the rock. A refreshing and instructive outing, along the water.
The Étang du Sépey in Cossonay: a nature walk in frog country
Fancy a free nature walk as a family? Near Cossonay, the Étang du Sépey reserve is home to frogs, newts and birds in a peaceful setting. An easy walk to observe the life of a pond, especially in spring.
The Gardens of Vullierens Castle: irises, sculptures and the Roi Lézard for families
Fancy a magical nature day as a family? In Vullierens, on the heights of La Côte, the Castle Gardens unfold 400 varieties of irises, giant sculptures and the « Royaume du Roi Lézard » (Kingdom of the Lizard King), a nature trail for children. All with a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
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.
