Kid-friendly activities in Geneva: our top 5 for the summer months
Top 5 kid-friendly activities in Geneva, Switzerland. Our favorite family-friendly activities in Geneva in summer. Updated Jan. 2022.
Geneva is one of my favorite city to visit with my children.
I find it easy to navigate, pleasant, beautiful and it is surrounded by stunning mountains that work as a wonderful backdrop as well as an easy option for day trips and excursions in all seasons.
The first time we visited Geneva as a family, we had a limited time and sp created family-friendly itinerary for a day in Geneva with kids to see the city’s highlights.
Since then, we have been many more times and have had the chance to discover and experience many things to do in Geneva that made us fall in love with the city even more.
Today I am going to share our kids’ highlights.
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Top 5 kid-friendly activities in Geneva
Visit the UN headquarters and the broken Chair Monument
If you take the bus from Geneva airport into the city center, the first part of town you pass is the UN area, where many international organizations (and big businesses) have their European headquarters.
I have always been fascinated by International institutions and while I can see their shortcomings, I love what they stand for and I am very keen on making my kids aware of the problems of this world but also the many efforts made to make it a better place.
In Geneva, there are two ways this can be done: a guided tour of the institution themselves (suitable for older kids) and a visit to the nearby broken Chair monument (suitable for all ages, depending on how explained it).
I believe a trip to visit the UN headquarters is one one the most inspirational and education kid-friendly activities in Geneva at any age.
The ‘broken chair’ monument was erected in 1997 by artist Daniel Berset at the request of Handicap International.
It is 12 meters high and it is very impressive for both its size and meaning.
The monument stands on 3 legs, its fourth visibly damaged, and commemorates the victims of landmines around the world and raises awareness about this awful practice.
The plague of landmines is a theme close to my heart and one I want my kids to be aware of.
Talking to children about the practice is not easy but I confide in their intelligence and I believe that, with an age-appropriate explanation, they can engage with war and its consequences from a very young age.
Admire the lake and the Jet d’Eau
Geneva lies on the shores of beautiful Lac Leman and a stroll along its shores is a must no matter what time of the year you are in town. The lake is home to Geneva’s symbol and something the kids adored: the jet d’eau, a tall fountain of water.
The jet d’eau is a water feature 140 meters tall.
I only recently learned that it was originally built to regulate the pressure in Geneva’s pipe system but became quickly so popular with the locals that they not only kept it but made it into the symbol of the city.
My kids loved it: the ‘jet’ only runs when the weather allows and you can never take it for granted.
This made for great excitement and ‘I spy’ games and my son was in awe of the fact that is is a record-breaking attraction: the jet is the tallest fountain in Europe.
The jet d’eau is one of my favorite bits of Geneva. It is the symbol of the city and a pleasant addition to the already beautiful lake shores
Stroll around Geneva Old town
The history of Geneva dates back to Roman times, but it is the Middle ages that left the biggest mark on the city’s old town architecture.
The old part of town, on the left bank of the lake, is a maze of cobbled medieval streets and a pleasure to discover on foot.
The most kid-friendly attractions in this part of town are the small, independent shops, the fantastic Parc des Bastions (which has a wall with massive carvings of the main reformers that shaped Geneva’s religious beliefs) and some interesting sights including the Old Arsenal and Maison Tavel.
This last one is the oldest house in Geneva now hosting, among other things, an impressive 3D map of the city as it used to be in the 19th century.
A curiosity your kids might enjoy: a big part of Frankenstein’s story is set in Geneva. Mary Shelley, the author, spent some time in Geneva during a trip to Europe she took in 1818 and here is where she came up with the idea for her book.
Geneva commemorates this fact with a zombie statue in the area called Plainpalais, excellent for kids not just for the monsters’ connection but also for hosting skating rings and rollercoaster rides.
Play in Geneva’s many parks
The mark of a child-friendly city is, I believe, an abundance of green spaces and Geneva has a generous amount.
In the old town, the most impressive is Parc Des Bastions, but you have some gorgeous green spaces also along the lake, namely the Jardin Anglais and the Parc des Eaux vives.
Top tip for families visiting Geneva with kids: the left bank of the lake is a kids paradise stretching from the Jardin Anglais all the way up to the Parc des Eaux Vives, a few minutes walk up the road. Along this stretch, you will find Geneva’s marina, with boats and ducks, the children’s beach (baby plage), a vintage merry go round and many ice-cream sellers. You can read more in detail about our itinerary in this area here.
Explore Geneva’s surroundings
Last but not least, Geneva’s surroundings are also likely to be a hit with your kids.
The city is well connected with the surrounding countryside and with a short train ride it is possible to reach many beautiful locations along the lake or on the mountains.
An easy excursion from the city is a visit to the top of the Saleve, the mountain overlooking the city.
Only 20 km from the city centre, the summit can be reached by car or cable car and offers incredible views over the city and surrounding areas.
Near Geneva, there are also many gorgeous smaller villages that are worth a visit, including the one we visited our last time there: Nyon.
Last but not least, Geneva is connected with good and efficient trains to the rest of Switzerland and you can easily visit from here other cantons and beautiful towns such as gorgeous Lucerne and Alpine paradise Zermatt
Top tip! I recommend you also read out Geneva packing list for families, with all the tips you need to pack for a family stay in Geneva.
I hope you enjoyed this overview of our favorite things to do in Geneva with kids in summer. Safe travels!
