Water parks and thermal baths: where to slide and splash as a family in French-speaking Switzerland?

Twisting slides, a warm river, a bubbling paddling pool: when the lake is too cold or the rain arrives, heated water saves the day.

French-speaking Switzerland has one true water park, several thermal centres that welcome children very well, and a few summer pools with slides. Here is where to go depending on the weather and your children’s ages. Prices, opening hours and minimum ages vary: check them on the official websites before setting off.

Aquaparc in Le Bouveret: the region’s water park

Aquaparc, in Le Bouveret, at the far end of the Haut-Lac, brings together slides, waves and heated family areas. It is the “whatever the weather” outing par excellence: everything happens in the warm, and the place works just as well with toddlers as with teenagers looking for thrills.

Le Bouveret is reachable by train, with the station served by the CFF. Enough to turn the journey into the first part of the adventure.

Thermal baths, open all year round

Less spectacular than slides, but unbeatable on a grey Sunday: nearly all the region’s thermal centres have an area designed for families.

• Les Bains de Lavey, in Lavey-les-Bains: the largest thermal centre in French-speaking Switzerland, with naturally hot water indoors and out, at the foot of the Chablais mountains.
• Les Bains de Saillon, in Valais: hot pools, a thermal river and family areas, open all year round.
• Les Bains de la Gruyère, in Charmey: heated indoor and outdoor pools, with a view over the Prealps. A gentle outing, open to the youngest.
• Les Bains de Cressy, in Confignon near Geneva: pools at 34 degrees lined with tropical plants, in a calm setting where young and old relax together.

One point to watch: hot water tires young children quickly. Keep it short, get out before the tears, and plan a proper snack afterwards.

In summer, open-air slides

As soon as the weather is fine, outdoor pools with slides take over, often for far less money.

• AquaSplash in Renens, in the Lausanne area: a large pool, diving boards and a toddler area in a single park.
• Les Bains de Géronde, in Sierre: heated pools, a water play area and a big slide, in the green surroundings of Lac de Géronde.
• The Le Landeron pool, on the shore of Lake Biel: a large pool, slides and an octagonal paddling pool set on wide shaded lawns.
• The outdoor pool in Yverdon-les-Bains: a 50-metre pool, a paddling pool, diving boards, a slide and vast lawns for picnics.

Our tips for a successful water outing

• Arrive at opening time on rainy days: that is exactly when everyone else has the same idea.
• Check the rules before promising a slide: minimum height, whether armbands are allowed, and swim caps compulsory at some venues.
• Plan for less time than you think with under-6s: two hours in the water is already a lot.
• A full set of dry clothes in the bag, plus a plastic bag for wet swimsuits: it transforms the drive home.
• Keep a constant eye on little ones, even in supervised areas: lifeguards never replace your own watchfulness.

Fancy swimming under an open sky? Browse our selection of outdoor pools and Lake Geneva beaches, or explore all our Sports & Leisure activities.

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