Free activities for children in Geneva: plenty of ideas that cost nothing

A family day out in Geneva without spending a franc? Not only is it possible, it is often where the best memories are hiding. Between the lake, the free-access animal parks and the treasures of the bay, here are our favourite free ideas to keep your children busy.

In Geneva, free doesn’t mean plan B. Some of the outings Geneva families love most simply cost nothing at all.

By the water, the show never stops

• The Jet d’eau: the must-see. Walk to the end of the Eaux-Vives jetty to feel the spray — shivers guaranteed, especially on windy days.
• Baby-Plage, next to the Jardin Anglais: a free-access beach designed for little ones, with sand and shallow water.
• The bathing area at Quai Wilson: free-access pontoons and ladders for a dip in Lake Geneva as soon as the fine weather arrives.

Animals to watch with no entrance ticket

• The animal park at Bois-de-la-Bâtie: goats, peacocks and other residents in a large wooded park above La Jonction. Free access all year round.
• The Jardin botanique: tropical greenhouses, a scented garden and a small animal park. Entry is free, and you can easily spend half a day there.
• Lac des Vernes in Meyrin: a natural stretch of water with an observation trail, perfect for a stroller walk in search of ducks and dragonflies.

The old town, a historic playground

• L’Ancien Arsenal: its cannons and mosaics fascinate children, right in the heart of the old town. You pass it on the way up to the cathedral.
• The Broken Chair on the Place des Nations: the giant chair with a broken leg always intrigues children — a good chance to talk about the world, simply.

Our tips for a successful free day out

• Bring a picnic: the Parc des Bastions, Parc La Grange and Perle du Lac all have shady corners and playgrounds.
• Many Geneva museums have free permanent collections or free first Sundays of the month: check the official websites before you go.
• Combine places by neighbourhood: Jet d’eau, Baby-Plage and the Jardin Anglais are all within walking distance of one another, as are the old town and the Bastions.

To go further, browse all the activities for children in Geneva — the filter shows you the free outings — and our ideas across the whole canton of Geneva.

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