GENEVA & VAUD
KIDS ZONE
SUMMER 2025
ISSUE NO. 5
EXPERT PARENTING ADVICE
OUR PICK OF EVENTS JUN / JUL /AUG
DAYS OUT IDEAS
0-5yo
OUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST
EDITORS NOTE
CONTENTS
EVENTS NOT TO MISS
Listing of some events happening in
JUNE / JULY /AUGUST
BEST SUMMER EVER
ADVENTURE-ZONE
THE DIRECTORIES
CONFIDENCE IN TEENS
BEING PRESENT
18 SUMMERS
LUDOTHEQUES
IDEAS OF PLACES TO TAKE YOUR VISITORS
DAYS OUT IDEAS
BIRTHDAYS
PLAYGROUNDS
DAYS OUT
Friends of Kids Zone have told us about their
best Summer memories
Sustainable toy libraries you should know about
10
12
22
17
27
Top Tips and Ideas to keep
your visitors entertained
We’ve been coming up with lots of days
out adventures for you and your kids
Connecting with your teens confidence
Ideas of things to do with with little ones
The days are long, but the years are short
PARENTING-ZONE
SUMMER CAMPS
34
5-11yo
11+yo
SUMMER’S HERE
EDITOR OF KIDS-ZONE.CH
The ski gear is packed away, the garden furniture has been liberated from
its cobwebs, the plage is buzzing, and the lawn now demands weekly
attention. A few festivals are already marked on the calendar, and panic-
buying of shorts has begun in earnest. That can only mean one thing:
Summer is nearly here!
With the summer holidays fast approaching, there’s always that moment of
realisation (and slight dread): how on earth am I going to keep the kids
entertained for the whole summer? Ten weeks may sound like bliss but let’s
be honest, it’s a serious operation to coordinate camps, childcare,
holidays, activities, visitors, playdates, downtime (yes, we’re even
scheduling that!), and more.
Maybe you’re the kind of parent who flies by the seat of your pants, and if
so, hats off! I always admire that approach. But if you’re like me, and find
yourself setting up “Holiday Fun” WhatsApp groups just to figure out who’s
around and when, you’re in good company.
Luckily, this summer edition of Kids-Zone is packed with ideas to help you make the most of the season:
Summer Camps Directory – Our guide lists what’s on offer, for what age, where, and when. Whether it’s sports,
creativity, adventure, or tech, there’s something to keep your child engaged, learning, and having fun.
Days Out & Visitor Trip Ideas – From nearby nature walks to hands-on museums, we’ve rounded up some of our
favourite family-friendly outings in this issue. Want even more? We have a full downloadable list ready for you.
WRS Radio Segments – We’ve been teaming up with WRS to share quick 5-minute updates packed with themed
ideas—from nature adventures and science fun to the best kid-friendly restaurants. Catch up on past episodes on our
dedicated WRS page.
Events happening in June, July & August
If that’s not enough we have some Summer Memories from some of our partners to get you in the mood for those long
Summer days. In fact in our Parenting-Zone we have some great insights into the importance of not scheduling every
moment, but saving some time to do nothing much at all.
So don’t worry... you’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.
Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, laughter, learning, and just the right amount of down time.
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EVENTS NOT TO MISS
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21st year of the car
rally...meet the crews and
see the cars zoom past
Aigle
www LINK HERE
5-7th June
Rallye du Chablais
spring market in Morges with
more than 200 stalls
Morges
www LINK HERE
14th June
Marche Printemps
starting at 10am a 5km colour run,
get covered in paint for a good
cause
Cessy
www LINK HERE
8th June
Colour Run
11-19h in Saturday & 10-17h
Sunday many events &
activities
Gex
www Link HERE
15-16th June
Medieval Festival
journey on a steam train
with meal, 65chf adults
Le Pont
www LINK HERE
15th June
Train Tartare
music on the streets of Nyon
Nyon
www LINK HERE
21st June
Fete de la Musique
theatre, magic, circus and
puppet shows
Morges
www Link HERE
21-22nd June
Diabolo Festival
get your dancing shoes on
for the festival by the lake
Crans-pres-Celigny
www LINK HERE
5-8th June
Caribana Festival
over 250 wineries open
their doors for tastings
Vaud
www LINK HERE
7-8th June
Caves Ouverts
cycling race - on the road
with the pros
Villars
www LINK HERE
27-28th June
Gran Fondo World Series
tickets to the games in
Lausanne are available
Lausanne
www LINK HERE
28th June-6 July
th
U19 World Cup Basketball
amazing opportunity to
watch some world class
football play at the Euros
Geneva
www LINK HERE
4-22nd July
Womens Euros
if you didn’t get tickets you can
still enjoy the vibe and the
music on the waterfront
Montreux
www LINK HERE
4-19th July
Montreux Jazz Festival
tickets sold out in record
time but 1500 tickets are on
sale every morning for that
day
Nyon
www LINK HERE
22-27th July
Paleo Festival
a children’s paradise of shows, theatre,
workshops, lego masters, characters
Chateau d‘Oex
www LINK HERE
23-27th July
Children’s Festival
jazz concerts aren’t just for
Montreux this month, on the
riviera of Lake Geneva
Nyon
www LINK HERE
3rd July - 10th August
Festival Rive Jazzy
eclectic mix of theatre,
dance, music, comedy and
children’s shows
Lausanne
www LINK HERE
1-6th July
Festival de Cité
enjoy the fireworks on the
waterfront - dusk
Switzerland
1st August
Swiss National Day
sunset concerts on the banks
of lake Geneva
Lutry
www LINK HERE
5-8th August
Apero Beach Festival
athletics meet in Pontaise stadium in
Lausanne. Come and see the finest athletes
do their thing.
Lausanne
www LINK HERE
20th August
Athletisma
only every to years, this is a
very fun one that last long
into the night.
Geneva
www LINK HERE
from 29th August
Circus Knie
mountain biking competition
open to 13yo+
Cheserex
www LINK HERE
30th August
VTT La Barilette
take part or come-out to
support
Nyon
www LINK HERE
9-10th August
Nyon Triathlon
This summer, we’re trading screen time for sunscreen and putting some proper fun on
the agenda. Top of the bucket list? Getting around the lake without getting lost,
discovering parts of Switzerland we can’t pronounce, and maybe even mastering the
art of the picnic that doesn’t involve squashed sandwiches. Most importantly, we’re
aiming to spend more time together as a family. Whether that’s hiking, swimming, or
just arguing over who forgot the snacks. It’s all about making memories, having a few
adventures, and embracing the chaos that comes with summer.
SUMMER BUCKET LIST
WHAT’S ON YOUR LIST???
Go to a music festival
Cycle round the lake
Lots of paddleboarding
Hire a boat and motor into Geneva
Try Wing- Foiling
BEST SUMMER EVER
We asked some of our Kids-Zone contributiors to tell
us about their favourite Summer memories...
I remember a horse-riding summer camp I went on as a teenager. To be clear, I had zero
aspirations of owning a horse and this camp was a one-off with some friends who were
considerably more enthusiastic than I was. Honestly, horses slightly scared me, not because
they're giant beasts of muscle (also valid) but because I'm pretty sure they can see into your
soul and all your weaknesses.
During a week-long camp, I got paired with the horse no one else wanted. He was stubborn,
tricky, and not great at jumping, but he was really good at picking up pace as we hurtled
towards the jumps, only to stop right in front of them and throw me forwards in my saddle.
At first, I dreaded riding him. But something shifted. Maybe it was all the time spent together,
or maybe he started to trust me as I tried awkwardly, determinedly to trust him. By the end of
the week, something clicked. We weren’t perfect, but we were clearing jumps.
Thierry
Katt Cullen Director & Breakfast Show Co-host at WRS @_kattcullen
I grew up in Givrins, on the Chemin du Jura, so the name Jura has always meant
something special to me. It reminds me of summer days spent riding bikes through
the forest with my best friend, building treehouses, playing in the river, and making
jumps just for fun. Every day we did a different sport eg. football, unihockey, tennis,
roller skating… we were always moving, always outside. Jura Sports is really just a
reflection of that childhood. I’ve always loved cycling, but also believe kids should
try lots of different sports and just enjoy being active. That’s what our camps are all
about... recreating those simple, fun, adventurous days where every sport feels like
play and every day brings something new.
Moving to Geneva just before Covid could have been a disaster. But, for our family, we were
so unbelievably lucky and the summers of 2020 and 2021 hold some of my favourite
memories. Why? Because time sort of stood still and life slowed down to allow us to
explore and fall in love with our new lives here. Friendships were formed more quickly
because we were finding our way and going through this strange experience together, away
from friends and family back home. We were allowed to resume a certain level of normality
when outside - so outside we were for much of the time, swimming in the lake, going for
bike rides and hiking in the Jura. During our summer holidays, we took a trip around
Switzerland and visited so many different places on and off the beaten track that I don’t think
we would have ever have done if normal life had continued. Writing this now is making me
remember all the things that shared! This is what it is about … getting out and exploring and
making the most of all the opportunities that we have available right here on our doorstep.
Elaine from THE HUB @thehubgeneva www.thehub-geneva.org
Thierry is founder of Jura Sports www.jurasports.com
Mary Parrish – Founder of Simply Well-Being
@mary_simplywellbeing
Growing up in the '80s, before the internet was a thing, booking a holiday in the UK was an
adventure in itself. Every June, my parents would spend days glued to Teletext, scrolling
endlessly for bargain breaks across Europe. Brochures were spread out on the kitchen table,
and travel agents were involved—but the real excitement came from what my dad called a
“pot luck” booking. You’d choose a destination and a star rating—say, a 3- or 4-star hotel, but
you wouldn’t know the exact resort or accommodation until you landed at the airport!
That mystery added a real buzz. The five of us would speculate wildly all the way there. Some
holidays were fantastic, others… a bit more challenging! But every trip gave us a great story,
and decades later, we still laugh about them. It’s those unpredictable, imperfect adventures
that make the fondest summer memories.
Tamara Editor of Kids-Zone.ch
My favourite summer memories are wrapped up in a feeling of freedom and no sense
of having to be anywhere. I grew up in London, my early Summer memory was of
endless weeks – one of going for a picnic on primrose hill when I was probably 6yo
and running with my friends as fast as I could down the steep hill, so fast that I felt I
may never be able to stop. Scary and exhilarating.
When I was in my early teens, I was with my cousin and a friend from the riding stables
– we took our horses and went for a hack (a ride through open parkland). It was an
adventure, we were given freedom from adults, we could go anywhere… so we
bought a pizza and rode our horses and stopped to eat pizza under a tree, with no
one around. It was so simple, but I don’t know if I’d ever have that opportunity again.
Mirsada supports international parents www.mirsadahoffmann.com
One of my favourite summer memories is the 3,000-mile road trip I took with my kids across the
American Southwest. As global citizens used to airports and international moves, it felt
exhilarating to explore by car... windows down, music up, desert air swirling in. We visited old
friends, marveled at the wildlife in Yellowstone, stood at the Four Corners, and watched my
kids ride bucking bulls at a rodeo. The Grand Canyon was a dream, though I had accidentally
booked our hotel on the opposite side, four hours away. Thankfully, this side had a room. It cost
double, but gave us the gift of waking at dawn to see the sunrise as we hiked into the canyon’s
depths. In our rush to hit the road, we left behind a beloved stuffed animal. And yes, we turned
back. Two extra hours and one rescued “doodoo” later, we were back on track. That trip,
promised for years and nearly lost to Covid, became one of the most joyful, chaotic,
unforgettable adventures that we’ll always treasure.
WWW.STRIDEYOURPASSION.COM
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PARENTING-ZONE
Some of our friends have written articles about
navigating the Summer with kids
Mary Parrish is an expert in wellness and
author of Simply Well-being a guide to
transform your mental, physical and
spiritual well-being. She has worked with
young people to help address anxiety and
confidence challenges and has recently
launched an online course - Thrive and
Shine.
Find out more by following this link -
https://mary-parrish-simply-well-
being.aweb.page
www.simply-well-being.com
Instagram: mary_simplywellbeing
Summer - the season of late mornings, fewer routines, and the sweet relief of no exams. For teens, it’s a
well-earned breather and a time when they begin to stretch out into their independence, try new
things, and just be. But in between the Netflix binges, lie-ins, and pool days, summer is also a brilliant
opportunity to help our teenagers quietly build something important: confidence.
This doesn’t mean loading up their schedules or micromanaging every moment. In fact, it’s the opposite. Confidence grows
in freedom, in choices, in the little things they start doing on their own. Here are a few simple ways you can help that
happen this summer:
BUILDING SUMMER CONFIDENCE IN TEENS
SMALL STEPS, BIG GROWTH
A Final Note: Don’t Blink
Let’s be honest: the days when your teenager wants to hang out with
you are slowly becoming fewer and further between. But they do still
want connection, just in their own way.
So when you get those moments: grabbing an ice cream, watching a
movie together, or even sitting side-by-side in silence, soak them in.
Want to give your teen a boost this summer?
Check out my confidence-building online course: Thrive and Shine - a
space just for teens to grow, reflect, and feel good about who they
are. https://mary-parrish-simply-well-being.aweb.page/
1. Look Back Before They Leap Forward
At the end of the school year, everything moves so fast: exams,
deadlines, grades, goodbyes. But there’s so much value in pausing for a
moment of reflection. A few days into summer, ask your teen:
What were your three biggest highlights this year?
What are you most proud of?
What would you like to do differently next year?
These questions aren’t just feel-good exercises they help your child see
how far they’ve come, which builds a foundation of quiet self-belief for
what’s ahead.
2. Give Them the Wheel (Literally and Figuratively)
Teenagers crave independence and summer is the perfect time to let
them take on more responsibility in a way that feels meaningful.
Let them plan a family day out or even help organise your summer
holiday.
Ask them to cook one meal a week.
Encourage them to redecorate their room.
Suggest finding a mini job: babysitting, dog walking, tutoring…
These experiences build skills but even more than that, they show teens
that you trust them.
3. Help Them Try Something New
Is there something your teen has always wanted to try but never had the
time? Maybe they’ve mentioned it in passing learning guitar, starting a
blog, trying rock climbing, or launching a tiny business. Now’s the time.
Mastering even a small part of a new hobby can make them feel
powerful and it’s great for mental health, too. Not sure where to start?
Scroll through the Kids-Zone directory together and see what catches
their eye.
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SUMMER WITH LITTLES
This article was written by Deborah (on the right).
Who along with Rachel (on the left) is a parenting
professional and one of the founders of Our Parenting
Community Association, and owners of Our Parenting
Journeys. www.ourparentingcommunity.org
Making the Most of Summer: Connection, Curiosity & Calm
Summer often comes with a long to-do list: sign up for camps, plan holidays, keep the kids entertained, stay cool, stay
sane... It can feel like a lot! And while summer is full of opportunity, it can also come with pressure to make the most of
every moment. But what if the best memories don’t come from doing more, but from being more present?
Often, it’s the smaller moments that stay with us - eating ice cream in the sun, a walk outside, or meeting friends at the
park. These simple experiences can feel ordinary, especially when you’re juggling work, childcare, or the early years of
parenting, but they matter. They build connection in a way that doesn’t require extra time or effort.
Connection: The Little Things
In the heat of Summer, it’s those quiet, everyday
moments: the car rides, bedtime stories, or lazy
mornings in pyjamas, that truly strengthen bonds. These
moments don’t require planning, money, or perfection.
Here are a few ways to build meaningful connection this
summer:
Have one-on-one “mini dates” with each child. Even a
trip to the bakery or a quick board game before bed
can mean a lot.
Make a simple summery picnic. Grab a blanket and
enjoy lunch outdoors or indoors on a rainy day.
Snuggle up with a favourite book. Try it outside under
a tree or in bed at the end of a long, sunny day.
Start one small ritual that works for your family:
Sunday pancakes, “TV and toast Tuesdays,” or
evening walk-and-talks.
Remember, it’s okay to just be with your child without
doing anything. Quiet time, long cuddles, lying on a
picnic blanket… those moments stay with them.
Encourage their curiosity
Let them choose the activity sometimes, even if it’s not
what you would have picked.
Leave space for slightly chaotic fun: water play, cardboard
box castles, outdoor “potions.”
Ask simple, open-ended questions: “What should we do
with this?” or “What happens if we mix these?” and let them
surprise you.
You don’t need to be endlessly creative. Summer magic
often happens when we leave space for it.
Calm: Everyone Needs a Breather
It’s tempting to fill the calendar with camps, outings, and
playdates, especially if you’re working and want to make
the most of your time off. But too much scheduling can
leave everyone frazzled, especially little ones (and let’s be
honest, parents too).
Some days, especially with a toddler or baby in the mix,
even a trip to the playground feels like a mission. That’s
okay.
Balance is key
Build in “slow days” or restful mornings after big days out.
Don’t fear boredom. It’s often the spark for creativity.
Give yourself permission to say no. One plan a day is
enough. Two is a stretch. None is okay, too.
Try not to compare yourself to the family who seems to be
doing everything. You’re never seeing the whole picture.
You’re not failing if the day doesn’t look fun or productive.
For your kids, just being with you is enough.
Whether your break is filled with beach trips, festivals, or
quiet afternoons at home, remember it doesn’t have to be
perfect to be meaningful. Some days will be busy, others
slow, some joyful, others messy. That’s all part of it.
Your child doesn’t need perfection. They need presence.
And maybe an ice cream or two.
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ACTIVITY SHEET
ONLY 18 SUMMERS ?
The Guilt is real, the calendar is ridiculous
They say you only get 18 summers with your kids - a handful of magical Julys to chase fireflies and build forts.Which
sounds lovely… Until you realise summer is coming and it’s TEN WEEKS LONG.
Ten. Whole. Weeks.
I looked at the school holiday calendar, did some quick mental maths, panicked, and immediately started outsourcing
childhood joy to summer camps. Football camp, art camp, “whatever-is-still-available” camp ... and if a friend is able
to go with them its a big bonus!
The Guilt is Real. The Calendar is Ridiculous.
Somewhere between booking camps and saying yes to more visitors and getting more stressed. That feeling that we
should be planning magical lake days or Pinterest-level lemonade stands. Instead, I’m just trying to keep work afloat,
locate missing water bottles, and remember who’s allergic to wasps (spoiler: it’s all of us).
It feels like I’m patching life together with duct tape and late-night trips to decathlon for boat shoes. I constantly feel
like I’m not doing enough — or doing it badly. But then it hits me: maybe I am giving them something that also
matters...
The Invisible Gifts
Sure, I’m not available 24/7 with sun hats and hand-cut watermelon, but I’m giving them:
Independence: They’re learning to pack bags, meet new people, and adapt.
Resilience: Watching mum juggle a spreadsheet and school pick-up with three minutes between. That’s grit, and
great multi-tasking.
Role model: who works hard and wants to achieve and knows that perfect isn’t always possible.
They see a mum who tries. Who gets it wrong. Who forgets things, but always shows up. I’m also proud, because in
between early drop-offs, late-night laundry, and “what’s for dinner,” I’m raising little humans who are learning what it
means to work hard, role with challenges of life and laugh through the chaos.
They won’t remember that I didn’t plan 10 weeks of magic. But they’ll remember feeling safe, supported, and loved —
even with sunscreen in their eyes and the wrong snacks in their backpack.
Here’s to the working mums & dads, the camp jugglers, the spreadsheet survivors. We may not be doing summer like
Instagram, but we’re doing it. And that’s enough. (And if it’s not? There’s always ice cream & a wonderful list of camps
to choose from)
ADVENTURE-ZONE
Ideas of activites and places to go with your kids
over the LONG Summer holidays
1. Gruyères & Maison Cailler: Cheese, Chocolate &
Castles
This is the ultimate Swiss experience in one day!
Start in the medieval hilltop village of Gruyères, stroll the cobbled streets
and explore Gruyères Castle.
Pop into the HR Giger Museum if your guests like the unexpected.
Then head to nearby Maison Cailler for a chocolate-scented tour — and
tasting galore.
Distance from Geneva: 1h 45m drive
Top Tip: Buy your Cailler tickets online to skip the queues, especially during
weekends and school holidays.
https://cailler.ch
VISITORS WELCOME
Whether it’s family or friends, the Lake Geneva
region is packed with day trip gems. From
chocolate and cheese to medieval villages and
sparkling lake views, here’s a go-to list of 8
amazing day trips to wow your guests and
enjoy yourself too.
2. Ferry from Nyon to Yvoire – With Lunch
& the Garden of 5 Senses
A perfect lakeside escape!
Catch the CGN ferry from Nyon to the medieval village of
Yvoire, France.
Wander the car-free streets, grab a crêpe at a local café or
splurge on a fine meal by the water.
Don’t miss the stunning Garden of the Five Senses, filled
with fragrant herbs and hidden corners, where you are
encouraged to pick, touch, taste, smell the plants.
Ferry Time: Around 20 minutes
Top Tip: Check ferry schedules in advance — boats don’t
run all day or year-round.
https://cgn.ch
3. Lausanne & The Olympic Museum
Ideal for sporty guests or culture lovers.
Stroll the Ouchy waterfront in Lausanne, take a lakeside drink
or ice cream, and visit the world-class Olympic Museum.
Add a walk through the old town and cathedral if time allows.
Distance from Geneva: 45 mins by train
https://olympics.com/museum
Top Tip: The Olympic café terrace is a gorgeous (and
surprisingly affordable) lunch spot with lake views.