The Petit Théâtre de Lausanne: first stage emotions for your children

A Child-Sized Scene in the Heart of Lausanne

Just below the Cathedral, Le Petit Théâtre is a small venue dedicated to families. It is a place to discover performances created for children, with a simple, caring atmosphere that is very close to the audience. It’s the ideal spot for a first outing to the theater, without fuss, but with a lot of poetry.

What Your Children Will Experience

On the program: staged tales, puppetry, dance, music, object theater. The formats are short, rhythmic, and designed to capture attention. Children enjoy the proximity to the stage, the inventive sets, and the stories that make them laugh, think, and sometimes shiver just enough. It’s playful and sensory, but also very educational: it opens the imagination, stimulates language, and develops empathy.

Things to Know Before You Go

Most performances are announced by age group. Generally, it is suitable from 3 years old, with offerings for 4–8 year-olds and others for older children. The average duration is between 40 and 60 minutes, often without an intermission, which is well-suited for young children. The atmosphere is calm and cultural, with beautiful moments of sharing as a family.

Entry is paid, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during school holidays. You can purchase your tickets online on the theater's website. The season typically runs from autumn to spring, with occasional events outside of that; it’s advisable to check the program before you go.

In terms of access, the M2 metro (Bessières stop) leaves you a few minutes away on foot. The old town's alleys go up a bit: allow a little extra time. Strollers are accepted, but a baby carrier may be more practical for the stairs around the Cathedral; on-site, there is usually a space to leave the stroller at the cloakroom. For parking, target Riponne or du Centre, then walk up.

Bring a small water bottle and a light garment: the rooms can get warm when full. No equipment is needed, just the desire to listen and watch. Safety is ensured: a human-sized room, attentive staff, and well-marked exits. It’s an ideal activity all year round, in rainy weather as well as in winter.

Benefits for children: cultural curiosity, vocabulary, listening skills, self-confidence when discovering live performances, and a real moment of socialization.

Parent Tips

• Arrive 15 minutes early to settle in comfortably.
• Read the recommended age for each performance: it’s a real guideline.
• Choose seats by the aisle if your child needs to move.
• After the performance, take the time to talk about it: characters, emotions, preferences.
• A small snack in the neighborhood extends the outing without stress.

Useful Information

• Address: Place de la Cathédrale 12, 1005 Lausanne
• Official website: https://petit-theatre.ch
• Hours: variable programming, performances mainly on Wednesdays, weekends, and holidays; check the online calendar
• Ideal weather: all year round; perfect in cold or rainy weather
• Public transport access: M2 Bessières (5–7 min walk), bus via Riponne
• Car access: parking at Riponne or du Centre, then walk up to the Cathedral

Why We Recommend It

Because it’s a true cultural cocoon for children: short formats, carefully crafted creations, and a team experienced with young audiences. It’s where they experience their first stage emotions without pressure, in a warm space accessible to families. The performances open doors: imagination, language, critical thinking, empathy.

Want to Give It a Try?

Le Petit Théâtre is a beautiful gateway to live performance, simple and inspiring. For more outing ideas in French-speaking Switzerland, create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter.