Playground of the Vallée de la Jeunesse in Lausanne: the legendary tunnel slides

The mythical tunnel slides of Lausanne, free access

There are playgrounds that mark childhood, and the Vallée de la Jeunesse is clearly one of them. Developed in the Flon valley for Expo 64, it features its iconic installations on sloping terrain: large mounds pierced with tunnel slides that have delighted children for generations. All set in a green setting, close to the lake and the shores of Vidy. People come to climb, slide, run from one module to another, and then relax in the shade of the trees. It's free, it's outdoors, and it's a true piece of Lausanne heritage.

What your children will discover

The stars of the place are these tunnel slides housed in mounds: you climb to the top, dive into the tunnel, and come out at the bottom, again and again. The little ones have their own universe with a maritime-themed area designed for them. Around, there are climbing games, swings, spring games, and balance modules. The older ones are not forgotten, with more sporty installations to expend energy. And to extend the outing, a path leads down to the lake through a rose garden adorned with a body of water.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a large, popular, family-friendly park, where children come and go from one game to another while parents settle a bit further away. The sloping and terraced terrain adds depth to the exploration: you go up, you go down, you hide. It’s a neighborhood place as much as a stop on a walk towards Vidy. You can easily follow up with a stroll along the lake or a nearby visit, spending a good part of the afternoon without getting bored.

Before you go

• Recommended age: 2 to 12 years (maritime area for the little ones, more sporty modules for the older ones).
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours, or even a whole afternoon when combined with the lake.
• Price: free, open access.
• Reservation: none, you come when you want.
• Stroller accessibility: sloping and terraced terrain, expect some effort depending on the areas (to be confirmed for the steepest passages).
• Transport: by public transport, metro M1 stop Malley then a few minutes on foot; by car, exit towards Malley (parking to be checked on site).
• What to bring: water, cap in summer, clothes that can get grass and dirt.
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn, in good weather. Public restrooms are available on site.

Parent tips

• Aim for late morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the heat on the sunny mounds.
• Identify in advance the area suitable for your children's age: maritime area for the little ones, sporty modules for the older ones.
• Enjoy the rose garden and the path to the lake to turn the outing into a real walk.
• Bring a snack: there isn't always a refreshment stand nearby (to be confirmed).
• Keep an eye on the younger ones: the area is not fenced.

Useful information

• Address: Vallée de la Jeunesse, Lausanne (Vaud) — exact number to be confirmed on the official site.
• Official site: City of Lausanne — Vallée de la Jeunesse
• Hours: free access outdoors; no closing hours announced (to be confirmed).
• Access: metro M1 stop Malley then a few minutes on foot; close to the lakeshore at Vidy.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Lausanne.

Why we recommend it

Because it ticks all the boxes for a good family outing: free, outdoors, varied according to ages, and full of memories. The tunnel slides always make an impression, the maritime area reassures parents of the little ones, and the proximity to the lake allows for an extended day. It’s one of those places you willingly return to, season after season.

In a nutshell

A large free outdoor playground in Lausanne, with its mythical tunnel slides and a maritime area for the little ones, just steps from the lake.