Activities for children in Lausanne
Capital of the canton of Vaud and Olympic capital, Lausanne gently unfolds above Lake Geneva. From the train station to the Ouchy district by the water, the city offers an exceptional setting for families: one moves from the lively streets of the center to the shores of the lake, passing by the great Sauvabelin forest that overlooks the city.
Here, there is plenty to keep all ages and interests occupied. For a Wednesday afternoon, a rainy weekend, or a week of vacation, one can find exciting museums, animal parks, aquariums, playgrounds, and sports activities. Both toddlers and teenagers will find something to enjoy, whether the weather is nice or if one is looking for an idea indoors.
Lausanne is very easy to access by train from all over the Romandy region, and its metro and bus network (the TL) allows most places to be reached without a car. This page brings together a selection of activities for children in Lausanne to help you find inspiration for your next family outing.
Our selection of family activities to do in Lausanne
Indoor activities
Cinéma Bellevaux in Lausanne: neighbourhood art-house with Ciné-Junior
Fancy a warm neighbourhood cinema that also programmes for children? Cinéma Bellevaux, an association-run art-house cinema since 1959, offers films off the beaten track and a young-audience date, Ciné-Junior, during the school holidays. A lovely address, in any weather.
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Zinéma in Lausanne: the city’s smallest cinema, child-sized
Fancy a truly intimate cinema screening, far from the big multiplexes? The Zinéma, the smallest cinema in Lausanne with its two tiny screens and its café-bar, cultivates a living-room feel. An independent neighbourhood cinema, to discover as a family for a change from the big halls.
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Pathé Les Galeries Cinema in Lausanne: the cinema between station and centre
Fancy a cinema outing a stone’s throw from the station, right in the centre of Lausanne? The Pathé Les Galeries, with its eight screens, gives pride of place to original-version films and major titles from every country. Easy to reach on foot, perfect for a family screening in any weather.
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Pathé Flon Cinema in Lausanne: big films, 3D and a children’s club
Fancy a big film as a family, in the heart of the trendy Flon district? The Pathé Flon, the only 3D cinema in Lausanne with its seven screens, shows the big hits of the moment and even hosts the La Lanterne Magique club for children. On the most central metro stop, perfect in any weather.
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Le Capitole Cinema in Lausanne: the biggest screen in Switzerland, for families
What if you took your children to the largest cinema still in operation in Switzerland? Le Capitole, a 1928 Art Deco gem renovated and reopened in 2024, is the “House of Cinema” of the Cinémathèque suisse, right in the heart of Lausanne. A cultural, awe-inspiring outing, magical in any weather.
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Skatepark Sévelin – HS36 in Lausanne: the indoor that makes you want to ride
An indoor skatepark in the heart of Lausanne, perfect for discovering or progressing in skateboarding, scootering, or BMX, sheltered from the weather. Urban, safe, and family-friendly atmosphere.
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The Door – escape game in Romandy, Switzerland with family
Looking for a team challenge with your kids? The Door offers immersive escape games, perfect for cooperating, thinking, and laughing together, no matter the weather.
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UNIL-CHUV Hand Museum in Lausanne: science and health for the family
An interactive museum in Lausanne where families explore the body, health, and sciences. Fun exhibits, workshops, and hands-on activities to awaken curiosity and critical thinking.
View listingOutdoor activities
Malley-Pyramides playground: the big slide of Lausanne
What if you offered your children the longest slide in Lausanne? At Malley-Pyramides, a giant slide of 24 meters winds down at the foot of a wooded hill, surrounded by swings and a vine carousel. A recent playground, free and accessible by metro. Shall we take you there?
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Playground of Lake Sauvabelin: the largest playground in Lausanne
Want a great outdoor outing just steps from the center of Lausanne? The playground at Lake Sauvabelin, nestled at the edge of the forest by the lake, is the largest in the city. A tubular slide, zip line, nest swing, and trunk structures await children, all for free.
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Vidy Playground (fishing village): the adventure by the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne
What if your children became fishermen for an afternoon? In Lausanne, by Lake Geneva, the Vidy playground features a real little fishing village with its stilt huts and sand. A free outdoor outing designed for the little ones.
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Milan playground: the cat tower and the water games that bring joy to Lausanne families
Are you looking for a playground that keeps children entertained for hours without spending a dime? The playground in Milan, located in the heart of the Milan park in Lausanne, ticks all the boxes: an iconic cat tower, endless water and sand games, hammocks, and a slackline.
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Montchoisi Pool in Lausanne: swimming with real waves
And what if, without leaving Lausanne, your children could jump into real waves? At Montchoisi, the outdoor pool activates its wave machine several times each afternoon, in a large 50 m pool. Between the wading pool for the little ones and the lawn for picnicking, you can easily spend the day there with your family.
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Playground of the Vallée de la Jeunesse in Lausanne: the legendary tunnel slides
Are you looking for a large free playground in Lausanne, outdoors and just a stone's throw from the lake? The Vallée de la Jeunesse features its famous tunnel slides on hills, a maritime corner for the little ones, and a rose garden to stroll through. There's plenty to keep the whole family occupied for a good part of the afternoon.
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Plage de la Voile d'Or: the quiet corner of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, on the Vidy side
Are you looking for a quieter spot by the shore than the large beach of Vidy to lay down your towel with family? The Plage de la Voile d'Or, in Lausanne, on the west side of Bellerive and very close to the Théâtre de Vidy, offers a lawn by the lake and free swimming in Lake Geneva, just a stone's throw from the city.
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Pedal Boats in Lausanne (Ouchy and Vidy): a family outing on Lake Geneva
Want to get the whole family out on the lake in Lausanne? At Ouchy and Vidy, pedalo rental puts you on Lake Geneva within minutes: you pedal, sometimes slide down a little chute, and the children love taking the helm. A simple, refreshing summer outing — no booking required.
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Fleur-de-Lys Swimming Pool in Prilly: outdoor swimming at the gates of Lausanne
Want a day of swimming close to Lausanne? The Piscine de la Fleur-de-Lys in Prilly welcomes you from May to September with its renovated pools, diving boards, and large lawn. A conveniently accessible spot, perfect for cooling off the whole family as soon as the nice days arrive.
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Playground at the Port of Pully: a pirate ship by the lake
And what if your children took the helm of a pirate ship facing Lake Geneva? By the water, near the landing stage, the playground at the Port de Pully combines a large wooden structure, sand, and gravel in an exceptional setting. A public and free playground, perfect for a family break.
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Park Pool in Morges: swimming by the lake with family
Want a day of swimming with family by Lake Geneva? The Piscine du Parc, in Morges, features its outdoor pools between the lawn and the shore, from mid-May to mid-September. A large pool for swimmers, a non-swimmer pool for the little ones: who will get in the water first?
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The Cinéma Casino in Cossonay: the big screen for children
Fancy a cinema outing as a family? In Cossonay, the Cinéma Casino, a 156-seat hall, hosts the La Lanterne Magique club for ages 6-12 and La Petite Lanterne for ages 4-6. Real films on the big screen, at a child's level.
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The Bowling Miami in Échandens: 26 lanes and games for the whole family
Fancy a family game of bowling near Lausanne? In Échandens, the Bowling Miami lines up 26 lanes with ramps and bumpers for children, billiards, arcade games and a restaurant. A friendly indoor outing, ideal whatever the weather.
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Escape World in Morges: a family escape game in the town centre
Fancy an hour of puzzles as a family in Morges? At the Les Charpentiers shopping centre, Escape World offers three escape-game rooms to solve mysteries as a team before the clock runs out. An indoor outing full of suspense, whatever the weather.
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The Morges tourist train: town and vineyard for families
Fancy discovering Morges without tiring little legs? From April to October, the tourist train offers a Town Tour and a Vineyard Tour, departing from the landing stage. A 45-minute seated ride, ideal for families, between lake, old town and vineyards.
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The Musée Alexis Forel in Morges: antique dolls and toys for families
Fancy a journey back in time with the children? In the heart of Morges, the Musée Alexis Forel, set in a fine 16th-century townhouse, holds a collection of antique dolls, games and toys. A gentle, curious cultural outing, free for children.
View listingActivities by budget
Malley-Pyramides playground: the big slide of Lausanne
What if you offered your children the longest slide in Lausanne? At Malley-Pyramides, a giant slide of 24 meters winds down at the foot of a wooded hill, surrounded by swings and a vine carousel. A recent playground, free and accessible by metro. Shall we take you there?
View listing
Playground of Lake Sauvabelin: the largest playground in Lausanne
Want a great outdoor outing just steps from the center of Lausanne? The playground at Lake Sauvabelin, nestled at the edge of the forest by the lake, is the largest in the city. A tubular slide, zip line, nest swing, and trunk structures await children, all for free.
View listing
Vidy Playground (fishing village): the adventure by the shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne
What if your children became fishermen for an afternoon? In Lausanne, by Lake Geneva, the Vidy playground features a real little fishing village with its stilt huts and sand. A free outdoor outing designed for the little ones.
View listing
Milan playground: the cat tower and the water games that bring joy to Lausanne families
Are you looking for a playground that keeps children entertained for hours without spending a dime? The playground in Milan, located in the heart of the Milan park in Lausanne, ticks all the boxes: an iconic cat tower, endless water and sand games, hammocks, and a slackline.
View listing
Playground of the Vallée de la Jeunesse in Lausanne: the legendary tunnel slides
Are you looking for a large free playground in Lausanne, outdoors and just a stone's throw from the lake? The Vallée de la Jeunesse features its famous tunnel slides on hills, a maritime corner for the little ones, and a rose garden to stroll through. There's plenty to keep the whole family occupied for a good part of the afternoon.
View listing
Plage de la Voile d'Or: the quiet corner of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, on the Vidy side
Are you looking for a quieter spot by the shore than the large beach of Vidy to lay down your towel with family? The Plage de la Voile d'Or, in Lausanne, on the west side of Bellerive and very close to the Théâtre de Vidy, offers a lawn by the lake and free swimming in Lake Geneva, just a stone's throw from the city.
View listing
Montchoisi Pool in Lausanne: swimming with real waves
And what if, without leaving Lausanne, your children could jump into real waves? At Montchoisi, the outdoor pool activates its wave machine several times each afternoon, in a large 50 m pool. Between the wading pool for the little ones and the lawn for picnicking, you can easily spend the day there with your family.
View listing
Cinéma Bellevaux in Lausanne: neighbourhood art-house with Ciné-Junior
Fancy a warm neighbourhood cinema that also programmes for children? Cinéma Bellevaux, an association-run art-house cinema since 1959, offers films off the beaten track and a young-audience date, Ciné-Junior, during the school holidays. A lovely address, in any weather.
View listing
Zinéma in Lausanne: the city’s smallest cinema, child-sized
Fancy a truly intimate cinema screening, far from the big multiplexes? The Zinéma, the smallest cinema in Lausanne with its two tiny screens and its café-bar, cultivates a living-room feel. An independent neighbourhood cinema, to discover as a family for a change from the big halls.
View listing
Pathé Les Galeries Cinema in Lausanne: the cinema between station and centre
Fancy a cinema outing a stone’s throw from the station, right in the centre of Lausanne? The Pathé Les Galeries, with its eight screens, gives pride of place to original-version films and major titles from every country. Easy to reach on foot, perfect for a family screening in any weather.
View listing
Pathé Flon Cinema in Lausanne: big films, 3D and a children’s club
Fancy a big film as a family, in the heart of the trendy Flon district? The Pathé Flon, the only 3D cinema in Lausanne with its seven screens, shows the big hits of the moment and even hosts the La Lanterne Magique club for children. On the most central metro stop, perfect in any weather.
View listing
Le Capitole Cinema in Lausanne: the biggest screen in Switzerland, for families
What if you took your children to the largest cinema still in operation in Switzerland? Le Capitole, a 1928 Art Deco gem renovated and reopened in 2024, is the “House of Cinema” of the Cinémathèque suisse, right in the heart of Lausanne. A cultural, awe-inspiring outing, magical in any weather.
View listing
The Door – escape game in Romandy, Switzerland with family
Looking for a team challenge with your kids? The Door offers immersive escape games, perfect for cooperating, thinking, and laughing together, no matter the weather.
View listing
Platform 10 in Lausanne: an arts district to explore with family
Just steps away from the Lausanne train station, Plateforme 10 brings together three museums and a large esplanade. A vibrant cultural space where you can stroll, learn, and marvel with children.
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The Jump Spot – Trampoline park in Lausanne
A large indoor trampoline park in Lausanne where children can safely expend their energy. Ideal for rainy weather or after school, with time slots for younger ones.
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The Olympic Museum in Lausanne: sports, games, and family discoveries
In Ouchy, the Olympic Museum brings together the history of sport, iconic objects, and an interactive center that gets children moving. A smart, fun, and inspiring outing by the shores of Lake Geneva.
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Foundation of the Hermitage in Lausanne: art museum and garden
A manor in the heart of a wooded park, accessible art exhibitions, and a café with a view: the Fondation de l'Hermitage in Lausanne is a gentle and inspiring family outing.
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Foxtrail in Lausanne – Urban treasure hunt for families
A life-sized treasure hunt in Lausanne. In teams, you follow clever clues and solve puzzles. Perfect for moving, thinking, and exploring the city with family.
View listingBy activity in Lausanne
Why choose Lausanne for a family outing?
Lausanne has a rare density of activities for a city of its size. Up in the heights, the Sauvabelin park and tower offer a real breath of fresh air: you can observe the animals in the animal park, climb to the top of the wooden tower for a view of the lake and the Alps, and enjoy the Sauvabelin lake for a peaceful stroll. It's the ideal place when looking to combine nature and the outdoors without leaving the city.
On the museum and culture side, the offerings are particularly rich. The Olympic Museum, one of the emblems of the Olympic capital, immerses families in the history and values of sport in an interactive way. The Plateforme 10 district, near the train station, brings together several museums including Photo Elysée and mudac (design and applied arts), perfect for sparking the curiosity of older children. Over in Vidy, the Lausanne-Vidy Roman Museum tells the ancient history of the city, right on the site of the former city.
For children curious about science and mechanisms, the Espace des Inventions offers hands-on exhibitions that make learning fun. And for an immersion in the world of freshwater, AQUATIS, the largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium in Europe, takes both young and old on a journey through different ecosystems. Two reliable options when the weather invites staying indoors.
When the sun is out, the lakeside at Ouchy becomes an open-air playground. You can rent a Pédalino to pedal on Lake Geneva, enjoy the water play area Pieds dans l'O in summer, or let the kids have fun along the quays. Skateboard enthusiasts also have their spots with the skateparks in Vidy and Sévelin, while The Jump Spot, a trampoline park, allows for indoor fun. The youngest will enjoy a performance at the Petit Théâtre, dedicated to young audiences.
With these few examples, we only scratch the surface of what the city offers: Lausanne has around thirty activities listed on Kidora, providing plenty of variety throughout the seasons. Between culture, nature, sports, and the lakeside, you're sure to find an idea suited to everyone's age and mood of the day. That's the beauty of a big city like Lausanne: you can return without ever having done the same outing twice.