Neuchâtel as a family: from the Laténium to the Creux du Van, our outing ideas

Often overshadowed by its neighbours on Lake Geneva, the canton of Neuchâtel is nonetheless a gem of a family destination: an archaeology museum by the water, a funicular up to the heights, cruises on three lakes and one of the finest rocky amphitheatres in Europe. Follow the guide.

In town: museums and swimming

• Le Muséum d’histoire naturelle: animal dioramas that captivate from age 3, right in the centre.
• Le Jardin botanique: a free, stroller-friendly walk in the Ermitage valley.
• The Nid-du-Crô pools: indoor and outdoor pools by the lake, all year round.
• Kidz Moove Area: the indoor playground that saves rainy days, from age 1.
• The Littoral ice rinks: family skating from age 3.

Browse all the activities in Neuchâtel.

In Hauterive, 50,000 years of history

The Laténium, the largest archaeology museum in Switzerland, is worth the trip on its own: its free-access park recreates lakeside dwellings at the water’s edge — children play at being archaeologists without even going inside the museum.

On the heights of Chaumont

Gain some altitude: the Chaumont panoramic tower offers a view over the three lakes and the Alps, the playground keeps the youngest busy and Parc Aventure Chaumont gets the whole family up into the trees from age 2.

On the water and in the gorges

• LNM cruises: set off for the Three Lakes from the harbour — a mini cruise always works its magic.
• The Areuse gorges: walkways, waterfalls and cool air, from age 7 for comfortable walking.
• The Creux du Van: the spectacular rocky amphitheatre has to be earned (a hike from age 10), but the reward is unforgettable.

Our suggested weekend

Day 1: the Laténium in the morning, a picnic in its park, an LNM cruise in the afternoon. Day 2: up to Chaumont, the adventure park and the panoramic tower — or the Areuse gorges if the weather calls for somewhere cool.

All our ideas in the canton of Neuchâtel are sorted by age and by season. Join the Kidora newsletter to discover our next Neuchâtel addresses.