Geneva is small (200,000 residents), but has a lot: over 200 international organizations, a long history of hosting diplomatic negotiations and peace talks, a CERN laboratory, and Apls. In this post: Geneva with kids in winter, how we explored a renowned city.
Except for the international organizations, we discovered a huge part of it, in two days, with kids of 14, 6, and 9 y.o.
Geneva With Kids in Winter
1. CERN, Laboratory for Particle Physics
In simple words, “CERN is a lab for recreating the matter of the Big Bang on Earth”. It has several interactive exhibitions dedicated to visitors, big, and small, for free. We spent around 3-4 hours there:
2. Conservatory and Botanical Garden
We enjoyed our time at the Geneva Conservatory and Botanical Garden. It hosts two conservatories, a nice shady playground, botanical gardens, and flamingos. Free entrance
3. Geneva’s Biopark
Geneva’s Biopark is the only place in Canton Geneva, where you can closely observe more than 250 animals of around 85 species, and, – free of charge:
4. Free guided tour in Geneva
Guided tour was a real gem for understanding Swiss culture, history, and character. Plus, we saw all the great spots in less than 3 hours. Free, tips are appreciated.
Pictured below: Promenade de la Treille, the place we discovered during the free walk “Heart of Geneva”:
5. Strolling along Lake Geneva and the water jet
Geneva has a great location: it is situated near the Alps and the biggest mountain lake in Europe, Lac Leman.
Lac Leman is great for swimming, boat rides, strolling around, enjoying the crystal clear water and views:
Pictured below: hungry locals, young swans:
There are several playgrounds along the lake with plenty of shade:
Right along the lake is a nice museum we were told about by our guide:
6. Museum of History of Science
The only one of its kind in Switzerland, the museum holds old scientific tools from the scientists of the 17th to 19th centuries and helps to understand the development of astronomy, microscopy, and electricity.
Free admission.
7. Visiting Cathedral de Saint-Pierre and Chapel of the Maccabees
More than a thousand years old, the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre has been the main Protestant church of Geneva since 1535:
Interesting part: inside the Protestant Cathedral there is a small, beautiful Catholic chapel, the Chapel of the Maccabees:
8. Place Bourg du Four, Old City town square, and food recommendations
Geneva is a small, compact city. To understand the size, just take a look at how tiny is the main, oldest square:
Pictured below: food recommendation
9. Geneva with kids in winter: Patek Philippe Museum
Patek Philippe is the oldest independent Geneva watch manufacturer in family hands. Established in 1839, it is named after two of its founders, Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe.
Patek Philippe Museum allows us to discover watchmaking history and extraordinary collections from the 16th century. Children free.
10. Patinoire des Bastions
Each fall and winter, a temporary Ice skating rink is set up in Parc des Bastions. Enjoy skating in the heart of the city, near the Reformation monument for free, plus 2 euros for skate rental.
11. Fête de l’Escalade
“Climbing” is the most cherished tradition in Geneva. It is an annual celebration of the city’s victory over the Duke of Savoy in 1602.
It typically takes place in the middle of December and features races, traditional food like chocolate cauldrons, and a parade.
12. Christmas Market
Geneva’s Christmas Market usually runs from late November to the end of December and sprawls across various locations.
Mulled wine, raclette, carousel, and artisans’ wooden chalets, – Christmas is a festive, special time in Geneva.
13. Geneva Beach – save this spot for summer
With its bluish-green waters, Lake Geneve looks like the Mediterranean Sea, if watching from above. We definitely would like to visit it in summer, with a SUP and swimsuits.
Thanks for reading!
Make sure to check out hours, fees, and conditions before you go
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