Espace des Inventions in Lausanne: the science that makes you want to explore

A Smart Outing Just Steps from Ouchy

In the green Valley of Youth, the Espace des Inventions offers interactive exhibitions that spark a desire to understand. Here, you can manipulate, observe, and elicit little "wow" moments with each experience. It’s a human-sized place, designed for families. You quickly feel at ease and have the impression of rediscovering science through play.

What Your Children Will Love

Modules to manipulate, simple yet stunning experiments, themes that resonate with children (energy, illusions, mechanics, nature, human body…). The scenographies are playful without being "gimmicky." You progress at your own pace, make mistakes, try again, and that’s where the magic happens. The youngest love to touch and marvel. The older ones engage in the challenges and explanations.

What to Expect Specifically

The visit is both calm and active: you’re indoors, moving from station to station, reading short panels, operating levers, listening, and watching. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the tour without rushing. The activity is suitable from age 4 for a guided discovery; the main target remains 6–12 years old, when curiosity explodes. The space is secure and designed for robust handling, with logical pathways that avoid jostling.

Practical Information for Parents

• Paid entry with child and family rates. The self-guided visit generally does not require a reservation. Workshops and activities, however, must be booked via the website.
• Open several days a week and more extensively during Vaud school holidays. Hours may vary depending on exhibitions: a quick look at the website before you go avoids disappointment.
• Accessible by public transport (metro M2 and TL bus nearby) and on foot from Ouchy. There are parking spaces in the area, but they are limited during peak hours.
• Strollers welcome. The venue is on the same level/equipped to facilitate access.
• Bring comfortable clothes, a water bottle, and a small snack. In nice weather, the park in the Valley of Youth right around the corner is perfect for a picnic break.
• Suitable for all weather. It’s ideal when it rains, but the building's coolness is also appreciated in summer.

What the Activity Brings to Children

• Curiosity and questioning: you ask "why" and seek answers.
• Concrete understanding: science becomes tangible, you see and touch.
• Confidence and autonomy: each successful experience encourages trying the next one.
• Socialization: you test in pairs, compare, explain to parents.
• Fine motor skills and coordination: turning, bending, adjusting, aiming… all gently.

Parent Tips

• Arrive early or late in the day on weekends to avoid crowds.
• Read the instructions with your children: one minute of reading, ten minutes of fun.
• Set a "wild card" to revisit a favorite module at the end of the visit.
• Leave some time for a stroll in the nearby park after the exhibition.

Useful Information

• Address: Vallée de la Jeunesse 1, 1006 Lausanne
• Official website: https://www.espace-des-inventions.ch
• Hours: generally open from Wednesday to Sunday and daily during certain holidays. Check updated hours and exceptional closures on the website.
• Weather: perfect in all weather; indoor activity.
• Access: by public transport, metro M2 (Ouchy-Olympique stop) then a few minutes on foot; TL bus nearby. By car, public parking available in the Ouchy/Bellerive area (allow a few minutes of walking).

Why We Recommend It

Because it’s a simple and joyful way to make science enjoyable. The exhibitions are designed for children, without jargon. You leave with ideas, questions, and the desire to return for the next themes. For families in French-speaking Switzerland, it’s a reliable choice, both accessible, inspiring, and full of discoveries.

In Two Words

A curious and playful interlude in Lausanne, igniting children’s desire to explore. Create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter to discover more family gems in French-speaking Switzerland.