Treetop and adventure parks: where to climb as a family in French-speaking Switzerland?

Zip lines flying between the fir trees, rope bridges and small victories ten metres above the ground: treetop adventure remains one of the favourite outings of families here, and it’s easy to see why.

From Geneva to Saas-Fee, here are the adventure parks where you can climb as a family, with what makes each one special. Age and height requirements vary by course: check them on the official websites before booking.

In Geneva

Parc Aventure Genève, in Onex: tucked into the forest of the Centre des Evaux, it offers treetop courses, rope bridges and giant zip lines with routes from age 3. The most accessible for city dwellers, a few minutes from the centre.

In the canton of Vaud

Parc Aventure de Saint-George, in the Jura vaudois: courses in the trees for young and old, between gentle thrills and growing confidence. The Jura air is a bonus.

In Valais

• Parc Aventure de Sion, at the Domaine des Îles: treetop courses and zip lines by the water, from spring to autumn. Easy to combine with a swim and a picnic at the Domaine des Îles: the ideal full day.
• L’Organic Adventure Park, in Champéry: climbing in the heart of the forest with a view of the Dents du Midi. The finest panorama in our selection.
• Forêt Aventures Saas-Fee: zip lines and suspension bridges among the larches, at 1,800 m, with a postcard view of the peaks.

In Neuchâtel

Parc Aventure Chaumont: thirteen treetop courses and more than twenty zip lines on the heights above Neuchâtel, right next to the funicular station. Courses from toddlers to teenagers, and a large playground by the funicular for brothers and sisters too young to climb.

Our tips for a successful first time

• Start small: a child who completes an easy course asks for more; a child pushed too high freezes. Progression is part of the pleasure.
• Check minimum height and age: they determine access to the courses and vary from one park to another.
• Clothes that can take a beating: soft trousers, closed shoes, hair tied back. Cycling gloves are a much-appreciated extra.
• Book in high season: summer weekends and holiday afternoons fill up quickly.
• Plan for the waiting on the ground: a snack, a book or a nearby playground for younger children watching the older ones climb.

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