Geneva is a cosmopolitan French-speaking city at the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, framed by the Alps and the Jura. Known for the Jet d'Eau, a compact medieval Old Town, Calvin's Reformation, the Red Cross and the United Nations, it is also a world capital of watchmaking, banking and science with CERN on its doorstep. Despite its high prices, Geneva rewards visitors with lake swimming, museums, fondue and easy day trips to France and the Alps.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Jet d'Eau and Lakefront Promenade
Geneva's 140 m fountain shoots water from the lake and can be viewed from the Jetée des Eaux-Vives or the Quai Gustave-Ador. Children love walking out on the long pier and watching the spray drift.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Natural History Museum Geneva
One of Switzerland's largest natural history museums with dioramas, dinosaur skeletons and hands-on rooms for children. Admission to the permanent collection is free.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Mouettes Genevoises Lake Taxi Ride
Small yellow commuter boats cross the lake between Pâquis and Eaux-Vives. Cheap, quick and a real thrill for small children.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Giant Chess in Parc des Bastions
Locals play on huge outdoor chessboards under the trees of Parc des Bastions, beside the Reformation Wall. Children can watch or join, and the park has shade and a playground.
Duration: 1 hour
Bains des Pâquis and Baby-Plage Swimming
Swim and picnic off the jetty at Bains des Pâquis or let toddlers paddle in the calm shallows at Baby-Plage on the quay. Lifeguards are present in summer.
Duration: Half day
CERN Microcosm Exhibition
A free exhibition on particle physics at CERN with interactive displays, a model of the Large Hadron Collider and films. Older children and teens enjoy it.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Botanical Garden and Conservatory
Free botanical gardens with ponds, a small animal park with deer and peacocks, and greenhouses beside the lake and the Palais des Nations.
Duration: 2 hours
Salève Cable Car and Plateau
A four-minute cable car ride to the Salève ridge brings fine views, picnic spots and gentle walks. Bring a passport as the cable car is on French soil.
Duration: Half day
CGN Lake Steamer Cruise
Belle-époque paddle steamers sail from Quai du Mont-Blanc to Nyon, Yvoire, Évian and beyond. Children love walking the decks and watching the engine.
Duration: 1-3 hours
Museum of Science History at Villa Bartholoni
A small free museum of scientific instruments in a lakeside villa in Parc de la Perle du Lac, with a pleasant park for children to run in afterwards.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Cathédrale St-Pierre Towers
Climbing the 157 steps up the cathedral towers rewards children with panoramic city views and a close-up of the bell.
Duration: 1 hour
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
A thoughtful, interactive museum on humanitarian action, best for school-age children and teens.
Duration: 2 hours
Carouge Market and Old Quarter
The Sardinian-style quarter of Carouge has a lively market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, a puppet theatre and ice cream shops.
Duration: 2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Novotel Genève Centre
Modern chain hotel a short walk from Cornavin station and the lake, with family rooms, a children's menu and an easy tram connection to the lake.
Family features: Family rooms, children's menu, central location, steps from Cornavin station
Hôtel Warwick Genève
Four-star hotel next to Cornavin station with spacious family rooms and easy access to the lake and Pâquis baths.
Family features: Family rooms, rooftop terrace, near the station and lake
Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva
Luxury lakeside hotel with connecting family rooms, lake views, a spa and a children's programme.
Family features: Connecting rooms, lakefront, spa, children's amenities
Geneva Youth Hostel
Well-run budget hostel near the Pâquis with private family rooms and a communal kitchen.
Family features: Family rooms, communal kitchen, close to the lake and Cornavin station
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Cheese fondue and raclette are family favourites; most restaurants serve milder versions for children
Chez Ma Cousine, Place du Bourg-de-Four 1, 1204 Geneva, serves low-cost roast chicken and sides
Café du Soleil, Place du Petit-Saconnex 6, 1209 Geneva, is a long-established fondue restaurant
Picnics from Migros and Coop supermarkets are the cheapest option on the lakefront
Ice cream stands line the quays in summer
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Visit Geneva with the Geneva Transport Card included in hotel stays
Many museums are free for children under 16
Plan lake activities between June and September
Bring swimwear to every outing from June to September
Children under 12 must travel in a child seat in cars; taxis will supply one if requested