Sion as a family: surfing, castles and islands, the Valais capital for children
Michael Ambass
2 min read
Surfing a real wave at the foot of the Alps, picnicking on the Îles, climbing from tree to tree and then exploring a museum housed in a former prison: welcome to Sion, one of the most surprising towns in French-speaking Switzerland for families.
The Valais capital plays on two fronts: the great outdoors of the Domaine des Îles on one side, the old town and its museums on the other. Enough to build very different days depending on the season and the mood.
Le Domaine des Îles, the nature base
A few minutes from the centre, the Domaine des Îles is the playground of Sion families: a lake, a pine grove, playgrounds and refreshment kiosks. It is also home to:
- Parc Aventure de Sion: treetop adventure from age 4, from green courses to black ones for teenagers.
- Les Îles Vapeur Parc: the miniature steam trains that loop around the lake.
- Alaïa Bay: the first artificial wave in mainland Switzerland. Surf lessons from age 8 — guaranteed to be the story told at school on Monday.
Thrills and escape games
- RealFly: the free-fall simulator has children flying from age 5. Unforgettable.
- SionEscape and Prison Island: puzzles and cooperative challenges from age 8, perfect in bad weather.
The old town and its museums
Beneath the castles of Valère and Tourbillon — two unmissable silhouettes that also feature among our finest castles in French-speaking Switzerland — the old town hides some surprisingly accessible museums:
- Le Musée de la nature du Valais: wolves, ibex and glaciers, from age 4.
- Le Pénitencier: temporary exhibitions in a former prison — the place alone gets children talking.
- Le Musée d’Art du Valais: a creative interlude from age 4.
- Le Spot – Pôle des Théâtres: Sion’s young audience stage, from age 3 depending on the show.
Our suggestion by season
Summer: a full day at Les Îles (treetop adventure in the morning, swimming and miniature trains in the afternoon). Winter or rain: RealFly or an escape game, then the nature museum and a snack in the old town. Spring and autumn: up to the castles in the morning, Les Îles in the afternoon.
Browse all the activities for children in Sion and our ideas in the canton of Valais. And so you don’t miss any of our finds, join the Kidora newsletter.
