In the heart of the Gros-de-Vaud, the regional toy library of Echallens offers games to borrow for playing alone or as a family. What sets it apart: toy librarians who are on hand to give advice, but also to play with visitors, a lovely way to learn the rules before taking the box home.
The toy library also organises birthday parties and takes part in summer activities in the area. A games catalogue can be consulted online before visiting, at Chemin du Grand-Record 54 b.
It is open three days a week: Tuesdays from 9:00 to 11:30 and again from 16:00 to 19:00, Wednesdays from 16:00 to 19:00 and Thursdays from 15:00 to 17:00. The Tuesday morning slot is a welcome option for parents of young children.
Kids activities nearby
Family outing ideas around the toy library.
Fancy an easy family nature walk? Between Eclépens and La Sarraz, an interpretive trail runs along a 17th-century canal. In spring, carpets of wild daffodils line the path. A 3.7 km loop, free, ideal with children.
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Fancy travelling back in time as a family? In La Sarraz, north of Morges, an imposing medieval fortress can be visited from April to October. With its playful exhibition « 900 ans de Dynasties » and its park, the castle plunges young and old into history.
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Do your children love horses? In the heart of the Château de La Sarraz, the Musée Suisse du Cheval — the only one in Switzerland — tells the story of the horse across eight rooms, workshops and demonstrations. A fascinating visit for the whole family, from April to October.
View detailsNearby toy libraries
Other toy libraries in the same canton.
Ludothèque La Ludo-Bib Bretigny
Bretigny s/Morrens, 1053
Under one roof, La Ludo-Bib in Bretigny combines a toy library and a library: games, toys and books for all ages, to try out on site and then borrow. There is a play area, demonstrations and activities, as well as a reading corner with a wide choice of novels and non-fiction for adults. Opening follows an alternating rhythm: Tuesdays every other week from 16:30 to 18:00, Thursdays every other week from 17:30 to 19:00, and one Saturday morning a month from 10:00 to 12:15. A schedule worth noting before heading to Rue de la Maison de Ville 7. As for prices, memberships range from 20 francs a year for an individual to 80 francs for the all-inclusive option. An outlay that quickly pays for itself compared with the price of new games and books.
Ludothèque Froideville La Récré
Froideville, 1055
Two mornings a week, on Wednesdays from 8:30 to 11:30 and Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30, La Récré toy library hires out games to families in Froideville, at Chemin du Bas de la Fin 3c. It operates on a single membership fee, with no complicated maths at each loan. Wednesday mornings have a special atmosphere: the toy library runs the Ludo Caf', with coffee and games available on site. People come as much to play as to catch up with other parents, while the children discover new boxes. La Récré also organises a puzzle swap and takes part in seasonal events such as the Passeport Vacances, the Christmas market and an annual outing. A small organisation firmly rooted in village life.
Ludothèque Le Dé-Tour
Cheseaux, 1033
Borrowing hundreds of games and toys, but also playing on site: that is the dual purpose of Le Dé-tour, the Cheseaux toy library, with its play kitchen corner, its play area and advice from the staff. Games are sorted by age group using a colour-coded labelling system, then grouped by type of game, which makes finding your way around very easy, even for children. Two options are available: occasional hire from 1 to 5 francs depending on the value of the game, or an annual membership at 25 francs giving unlimited borrowing, with a family discount from two members onwards. The library opens twice a week, on Mondays from 16:30 to 18:15 and Thursdays from 15:15 to 17:00, at Route de Lausanne 4, right in the heart of Cheseaux.
