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

A family day out in Lausanne without spending a centime? Not only is it possible, but it is where some of the city’s finest outings are hiding.

Between the Sauvabelin forest, the lakeshore at Vidy and museums that are free on certain days, here are our favourite ideas for keeping children busy in Lausanne, all for zero francs.

Sauvabelin: the great classic that never ages

North of the city, the Sauvabelin site has everything you need for a successful half-day, free of charge:

• The animal park: goats, sheep and other animals to watch in supervised freedom.
• The Sauvabelin tower: spiralling steps that climb and climb, and at the top a breathtaking view over Lausanne, Lake Geneva and the Alps. Children love counting the steps.
• The Sauvabelin woods and their lake: a flat walk around the water, ducks to say hello to and a playground to finish.

Vidy: Roman history and board sports by the lake

• The archaeological park of Lausanne-Vidy: the remains of Lousonna can be visited freely in the open air. You walk through a real Roman town, and it’s free.
• The Vidy Bowl: Lausanne’s legendary outdoor skatepark, free to use for scooters, skateboards and roller skates, facing the lake.
• The quays of Vidy and Ouchy: lawns, playgrounds and kilometres of flat lakeside promenade, perfect for children’s bikes and scooters.

Culture without a ticket

• Plateforme 10: the arts district a stone’s throw from the station can be explored freely. The esplanade, the architecture and the atmosphere are worth the walk on their own, even without going into the museums.
• The first Saturday of the month: several Lausanne museums offer free entry, notably at the Palais de Rumine where the great white shark at the Naturéum is waiting for children. Check the conditions on the official websites before you set off.
• And for local legend: the cathedral and its night watchman, who has called out the hour every night for centuries. A story that always fascinates children on a walk through La Cité.

Our tips for a successful free day

• Combine high and low: Sauvabelin in the morning (in the cool), a picnic, then down to the lake in the afternoon.
• The M2 metro turns the journey into an attraction: let the children “drive” at the front of the carriage, standing at the window.
• Take a snack with you: it is often the only avoidable expense on a free outing.
• There is no shortage of fountains and water points: one bottle each is enough.

Want to explore further? Browse all the activities for children in Lausanne and our ideas in the canton of Vaud.

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