Wednesday afternoon: 10 ideas to keep children busy without exhausting yourself

Wednesday afternoon is every parent’s weekly equation: a few hours to fill, homework hanging around, children bursting with energy — and you, who would also like a breather. Here are 10 realistic ideas, from free to low-budget, for Wednesdays that run smoothly.

The secret of a good Wednesday: one main activity (1 hour 30 to 2 hours), a snack, and some free time. No need to over-programme.

1. The local library or toy library

Underrated and yet champions of the Wednesday: story times, games to borrow, reading corners. The library in Gland, the Terre Sainte toy library or the intercommunal library in Coppet are fine examples — and your commune is bound to have its own.

2. The indoor pool

An hour in the water equals relaxed children and a peaceful evening. Indoor pools such as Les Pervenches in Carouge or the one in Terre Sainte in Coppet are quiet on Wednesdays in early afternoon.

3. The trampoline park

The Jump Spot in Lausanne or AIRLOOP in Lancy: an hour is more than enough to drain the batteries.

4. The climbing wall

Totem in Meyrin, in Gland or in Versoix: climbing channels energy and builds confidence, from age 3–4 depending on the venue.

5. The creative workshop

L’Épicentre in Martigny or La Maison de la Créativité in Chêne-Bougeries for the youngest: painting, modelling, free exploration.

6. The playground plus a snack

The zero-franc combo that always works. Pick a new one every week to keep curiosity alive — our Playgrounds category lists dozens of them.

7. The indoor playground

Kidz Moove Area in Neuchâtel and its equivalents: the plan B for rainy Wednesdays with under-10s.

8. The museum, mini-visit style

30 to 45 minutes, a single floor, one mission (“find the strangest animal”): the ideal Wednesday format. Many museums in French-speaking Switzerland are free or almost free for children.

9. The themed walk

A storytelling trail, an educational path or a natural treasure hunt: turn the walk into a game.

10. The “nothing” Wednesday

Once a month, a Wednesday with no plan: free play, a den in the living room, creative boredom. Children need it as much as they need activities.

The organising tip

Draw up a list of 6–8 tried-and-tested outings near you, and rotate them. Our search engine lets you filter by town, age and weather: build your list and Wednesday will never be a headache again.

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