Warm clothes, boots, umbrellas – prepare the gear and enjoy the outdoors! Because in Geneva there are so many beautiful places. I even found three that are suitable for prams! Unfortunately, many fascinating places close to Geneva are in France, where we can’t go at the moment, but still, I assure you there are enough of adventures to do in Geneva to fill your Wednesdays and weekends!

Here. We. Go!

Reserve Naturelle Moulin De Vert

This place has it all! A steep way down from Cartigny, beautiful woods, meadows, ponds, and Rhone. There are also ruins of an old mill, and if you’re up for it you can make it a loong walk up to the Barrage de Verbois. It means you can start either in Cartigny (there’s a small parking, and signs to follow to get to Moulin de Vert) or from Verbois. You can see some of my photos from this place here.

Teppes de Verbois

On the other bank of the Rhone from the Moulin de Vert, there’s Teppes de Verbois – a fascinating place with several birds observation points (take binoculars!). You can start in La Plaine – the path will lead you to the railway bridge over Allondon, where you can also play at the pebble beach. The bridge itself is great. The bricks and graffitttis around make it a super nice place for photoshoots. From there, you’re almost near the first observation point. The last pond may be too far for some kids but it has nice platforms over the water. You can see our trip to this place here.

La Drize

This canton has so many rivers, there should be an official challenge to visit them all! One of the not well-known streams is the Drize. It starts at the footsteps of Saleve, enters Switzerland in Troinex and goes to Carouge where it joins Arve. You can start your adventure for example at the College de Staël, or in Troinex of course. A great place to observe the stream, and play in the forest!

Bois de Grille – bord du Rhone

On of our favorite places is in Vernier, down from Vernier Village. You can take the bus to the stop « de Sauvage » and go down following the Nant de la Noire or take your car down to the Zone Au Moulin. From there you have three possibilities. The first is to go left to the Ferme du Lignon (on the way you’ll see animals, and local veg awaits at the farm) and visit the fascinating, hanging Passarelle du Lignon over Rhone. The path is uphill-downhill all the way but it’s a short distance. The second option is to turn  right from the parking all the way to the beautiful Passarelle de Chevre through mostly flat path, very close to the river, and horses paddocks at the beginning. You can also connect option 1 and 2 and make it a long walk (around 2-3  hours): you just cross one of the passarelles to the other side of the River and cross back through the other passarelle. To make the walk even more amusing you can try to find several geocache spots on the way.

Les Douves, Versoix

A very lovely and very pram friendly trail! The first part leads through wooden platforms over fairy-tale-like ponds. The rest is in the forest. You can take asphalt paths or have fun between the trees. It’s a great place whith lots of possible trails, where you can have a short walk, long walk, exercise on the equipment placed here and there. We visited this place in summer – you can see it here.

Versoix – river

Another river in the canton – la Veroix in, wait for it, yes! Versoix! We found this hike thanks to a brochure by La Poste (you can find it here). It’s a beautiful forest with a beautiful river bank. there’s lots of place to play. If you’re up for a longer walk you can start up the stream and finish in the town of Versoix or the other way around. Our first visit to this forest was back in 2018, captured here.

La Roulave

Guess what? Another river – and this one is so unknown even my very-hiking-Geneva-born-nature-passionate friends haven’t heard about it. It is the most beautiful trail I’ve seen around so far – look at this part of the forest (and swipe right to see more pics from this trail)! The path leads to the remains of an old asphalte mine (they look like small caves). If you grab a bit of the ground from the caves and smell it, you’ll get a scent of petrol! There is a lovely place with a bridge and a platform. It’s a great, not very frequented forest, that I recommend wholeheartedly. Park your car near this bridge, cross it, enter the forest and you’ll be on the right path.

Vineyards

The vineyards in Mandement (Satigny-Dardagny-Russin area) are beautiful no matter the season of the year. In summer it may be too hot for a long walk (not much shade) but all other parts of the year are perfect, and each will make this place look completely different. Feel free to walk along numerous paths. One time we even took our scooters for a ride. You can see it here.

Allondon

The beautiful river of Allondon is a very refreshing and fun place for a family day in summer, but also a fun and adventurous place in autumn and winter. You can get there with TPG (« Malval Centre Nature ») or by car (park here or here). There are some shallow places perfect to explore the river in high boots (like Peppa Pig). The path along the river has some small footbridges that kids enjoy and many small beaches. At times it’s a fast flowing mountain-like strong stream, and in other places it flows smoothly and quietly. The river is a home to various fish and its banks to various animals. If you look close enough, you may find their traces. I posted

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Halloween is all about candy, but is it? It’s also about ghosts, zombies, dress up, and… pumpkins! We all now the sugar rash that accompanies the Halloween eveing, and I am not about to tell you to ban candy. I will myself get some candy from my daughter’s bucket and eat it in hiding 😉

But! Okasana from Nutrition Right proposes to use Halloween to make pumpkin more present on kids’ plates, and to include them in meals preps! Are you in? I now leave you in caring hands of Oksana.

We all want our kids to eat our vegetables & we, parents try so hard to incorporate the healthy veggies into daily diets of our little darlings. There are however moments, where instead of happily eating the wholesome meal we lovingly prepared, the kids start investigating very closely the plate using their fork as a magnifying glass to identify what exactly is on the plate “What is the green stuff?”  & inevitably the “green stuff” gets pushed away to the side of the plate.

A great solution to getting the kids to eat more veggies is to involve them in cooking their favourite foods. They love getting messy, using super noisy kitchen gadgets & generally having fun. Like this, a vegetable, whose look had little appeal to them, magically in their own hands transforms into something really yummy.

Pumpkins are associated with autumn & particularly with Halloween. This vegetable is the star of the two healthy recipes: Pumpkin Gnocchi and Gluten Free Dairy Free Pumpkin Cookies.

What’s more, these recipes are also budget friendly! Once the pumpkin flesh is scooped out of the pumpkin, use the knife to cut out the eyes, nose & teeth to make a scary Halloween face, put candle inside the hollow pumpkin & you are all set to celebrate the Halloween.

Pumpkin Gnocchi

Once gnocchi are ready but not cooked, freeze them and keep for later or cook and eat straight away.

Serves 4
Ingredients:

• 1 medium size pumpkin to make 1 cup cooked pumpkin
• 1 cup wholewheat flour
• Pinch of salt /pinch of pepper
• ½ tsp ground nuttmeg

Instructions for a child

1. Mash the pumpkin pieces with potato masher in a bowl until they turn into puree.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, nutmeg & pumpkin.
3. Put the mix onto a chopping board & knead 10-12 times until the dough is soft. Let rest for 15 minutes.
4. Roll each portion of the dough into 2 fingers thick rope.
5. Using a fork, press the fork alongside the dough rope.
6. If gnocchi is misshapen use your hand to make them a bit elongated

Instructions for a parent

1. Scoop out the flesh from 1 medium size pumpkin. Steam it for abt 30 mins until cooked. Either use Thermomix of steaming or boil water in a large pan, add the pumpkin pieces into colander, put the colander on to of the boiling water, cover & cook over boiling water. This can be done 1 day in advance. Once cooked, let the pumpkin pieces to cool.
2. Cut each rope into pieces.
3. Boil water in a large pan. Cook gnocchi in batches for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until they float.
4. Serve hot with butter & grated parmesan.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Pumpkin Cookies

Rice flour is used in this recipe instead of the white flour, to give it a very soft and chewy texture.

Total time 35mins.
Ingredients:

• 1tsp baking soda
• 1tsp baking powder
• 1tsp cinnamon
• 1cup rice flour
• ¾ cup corn starch
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1 medium size pumpkin to make 1 cup cooked pumpkin
• ¾ cup demerara sugar
• 1 handful of vegan chocolate pieces, broken into smaller pieces
• Cookie cutters or rings for starters/desserts
• Optional: A handful of walnuts or pecans for a more crunchy taste

Instructions for a child

1. Mash the pumpkin pieces into puree with potato masher.
2. Mix baking powder, baking soda, rice flower, corn starch, spices & nuts (optional) in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, add the coconut oil, sugar. Take is using a hand wisker or in blender.
4. Using a big spoon mix the dry ingredients with wet ones. Mix very well.
5. Choose the cookie cutters or rings for starters/desserts. Arrange the cookie cutters onto the baking sheet. Using a soup spoon, add 1 spoonful of mix into each cookie cutter, spreading it well. Continue until the tray is full.
6. Take a plastic bag, put chocolate bits into it & break them into smaller ones.
7. Decorate the cookies with scary Halloween faces.

Instructions for a parent

1. Scoop out the flesh from 1 medium size pumpkin. Steam it for abt 30 mins until cooked. Either use Thermomix of steaming or boil water in a large pan, add the pumkin pieces into colander, put the colander on to of the boiling water, cover & cook over boiling water. This can be done 1 day in advance. Once cooked, let the pumpkin pieces to cool.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a microwave for abt 30seconds until it is liquid.
3. Place a baking sheet onto baking tray.
4. Preheat the over to 175deg. Bake for for 20 mins.
5. Once the cookies are cooled a bit but not completely cold decorate with chocolate chips.

Holidays not far away from home? Hell, yeah! It’s especially great with kids, and especially practical in the times of travel-uncertainty. Luckily, Geneva’s location is a gem! Within 1h drive in every direction there are so many great holiday-destinations, one would need a lifetime to visit them all.

We have been offered a weekend stay in Emerald Stay apartment in Morzine – an alpine town in France, we have never visited before. How was it? Fab!

COSY LUX

The buildings are brand new, designed in a modern way, with luxury touch and a cosy feel. Located 5 mins walk from the centre of Morzine, it makes it a great base for visiting the region.

But that’s not all. On the site there’s a swimming pool and a spa. Many apartments are equipped with a hot tub on the terrace. It means even if the weather sucks, the holiday feel is guaranteed. During the day just hop in the Jacuzzi with kids for some splash time – they will be thrilled to be in a swimming pool outside when it’s cold but without feeling the cold. In the evening, when kids are asleep, the hot tub is a perfect place for a glass of wine with a magnificent view on the sky full of stars!

The fully equipped kitchen, the most comfortable mattresses on the planet, and Nuxe cosmetics in the bathroom were the things we loved! The high-speed wi-fi was a feature we also appreciated big time, as it let one of us work remotely for one day (they have a special offer for remote working, in which they equip the apartment with all the things needed to work comfortably!).

MORZINE

There’s lot to do and see all around in Morzine for families with small and big children, during every season of the year!

In Morzine itself, a stroll through the lovely town is a must, where a bridge over the gorge, with accrobranche structure undernetah is a fun site for kids! Not far from it, there’s also a great accrobranche parc (for kids as young as 2yo!).

If you’re up for an easy walk, Parc des Dereches is your place (strollers-friendly)! A lovely stroll, a playground, nature, and the mountains – fresh air guaranteed (and probably a relaxing nap afterwards, too).

There is also a lovely horse riding place, where kids can have a pony ride.

In winter, there’s of course lots of skiing, sledging, snow-shoing, and snowman building opportunities!

AROUND MORZINE

A bit further from Morzine, don’t miss the gorgeous Lac de Montriond – the third big lake in the region (after Lac Leman and Lac d’Annesy). For a stroll around the lake and all-terrain pram or a baby carrier would be best. It’s a 3km walk to go around the lake. There are restaurants on both ends of the lake, mini golf on the end closer to Morzine. If 3km are not enough, another 4km walk (to and back) takes families for a lovely hike to the Cascade d’Ardent.

There are hikes of every possible level of difficulties all around. The best place to find the most suitable route for your family is by contacting the Morzine-Avoriaz tourist office, or the Emerald Stay staff.

TROPICAL FEELING

An activity especially appreciated by families is a splash time in Aquariaz – a tropical aquaparc. The water is 30 degrees warm, with tropical plants all around, creating a feeling of a holiday far far away. There are pools for every level, for every age, with water jets and slides. For the adrenaline seekers – the slide winder is a must! It’s so good, I know people who take a day trip just to spend there a few hours.

A SPECIAL FAMILY-GUIDE

Obviously, one weekend was not enough to discover everything the region has to offer. The tourism Office prepared a pdf that lists all family-friendly activities for all year round. You can check it out here.

AFTER

After the whole day of fun, Emerald Stay apartments are a perfect chill-out base. Fully equipped kitchen, super cosy sofas, board games on the shelf, and those bloody comfy mattresses that I now crave to have at home.

Kids love to climb! From the moment they learn how to move around they try climbing the furniture around the house. It’s a great sport that engages all the muscles, demands thinking, planning ahead, and provides tons of fun!

Recently, in Geneva and around there are more and more places to climb – both high walls with a help of the harness, and without any protective gear on the climbing blocks.

Here’s where you can go with your children, or enrol them to the climbing class.

STRUCTURE PAN D’ESCALADE, VERNIER

Hidden in the industrial zone it’s the oldest climbing place in Geneva. They offer kids classes, family Sundays and are equipped in both climbing blocks (no harness or lines) and big climbing wall with security equpment.

Book your entry and enjoy! You can find all info here.

PLANET CLIMBING, PLAN-LES-OUATES

A great place with climbing blocks and a separate space for kids. They offer camps during holidays, wednesday classes and more. There is also a yoga room and a fitness room. Oh! And a drink/snack corner. Chek it out here.

GRIMPER.CH, SATIGNY

To be open in autumn 2020! We’re waiting impatiently for this new place. It will probably be the biggest climbing place in the canton, with both climbing blocks and climbing walls. They will also have a cafe, kids courses, and all sorts of fun! Here’s all the info you need.

TOTEM, VERSOIX & MEYRIN

In Versoix: the climbing block at the front of the room has been designed for kids. If they climb to the top they get to enjoy a very fun wooden playground. The bar offers cold and warm snacks. There are also yoga classes, camps, and lessons. In the other part of the climbing space, there are more and more difficult routes but many of the kids can do them as well, so you can enjoy the family climbing time.

In Meyrin: the space is really big and the separate zone for children is the biggest of this kind in Geneva. It’s mixed with a playground, is very colourful, and offers climbing challenges even for the little munchkins.

Check them out here.

VITAM PARC

Climbing space in Vitam is big and has a great part adapted to kids. In Vitam they only have climbing walls, so the activity is accompanied by security lines and a harness. It’s amazing how high kids can climb when they feel safe. Check it out here.

ARKOSE GENEVOISE, FRANCE

Another place with climbing blocks and a special part for kids only (up the stairs). They also have a restaurant and a snack bar. A great place for weekly classes or a one-time activity for the whole family. You can find all the info here.

We’re experiencing an especially cold and wet October but it doesn’t mean there is nothing going on. Below, you’ll find events and places that offer entertainment this month.

As someone who regularly gives ideas for family outings, in these special times, I would like to remind you: wash your hands, wear a mask, keep social distance, and stay at home if you don’t feel well. Sorry to be a party pooper. #sorrynotsosorry.

Also, please bare in mind that the situation is dynamic, the protective measures can change overnight. Events can also get cancelled. Always try to book a place, and be prepared for changes. It is no longer possible for Parentville to monitor all events and their possible changes.

Now that I cleared that out, let’s go!

PETIT BLACK MOVIE

For several years now, Black Movie Festival is accompanied by an autumn-long festival for children – the Petit Black Festival. Each month, in various locations in the canton, children can watch several short movies. Altogether this year they will be able to see 21 films from 16 countries. The chosen movies are great at opening a discussion on subjects such as ecology, difference, or mourning. You can find out all about the festival here, and see all the screenings date in Parentville’s calendar.

Sound and Light show in Bastions

Every other year Bastions hosts the mapping show on the occasion of the Wright Colloquium. Every evening for almost one month the facade of UNIGE’s oldest building will become a stage for a wonderful show. This year’s title « Maths et Brillant » (not a typo). It will take spectators on a journey through the beauty of algebra and geometry. The show will visit the Babylonians and ancient China, all accompanied by music. Each performance lasts 20 minutes, and it will be repeated three times each evening starting at 18h. More info here.

SCHILLIGER GARDEN CENTRE – PUMPKINS & MARCHE DE NOEL

It looks like the Christmas season begins, at least in Schilliger (in Gland, Matran, and Plan-les0Ouates). It’s always worth seeing even if you’re not planning to buy anything. They are experts on seasonal decorations and every year they turn their shops into magical places!
What about the pumpkin? The big Fete de la Courge will take place on October 17th – a pumpkin carving workshop included! All the information about the reservations, and events in each of their shops are available here.

MOMAN D’AMOUR

A new heartwarming association in Chene Bourg (easily accessible with trams), organizes meetings for parents of young children and playful time for small children. You can find out all about their events here on Facebook (and in Parentville’s calendar of course).

Potato holidays at MAH

Did you know that the origin of the autumn break in Switzerland comes from the need to harvest potatoes? This is why this week is also called « vacances des patates » (potato holidays). The Museum of Art and History of Geneva organizes activities (not a camp!) for the 8th consecutive year. This time everything will be themed around the circus. On the menu: acrobatics, magic tricks, balance and all sorts of circus craziness. The whole week consists of guided visits, shows, workshops and tales. There is also a planned visit to the cellars of the Maison Tavel!
The activities are destined for children as young as 2! Reservations are obligatory. You can read about all details here.

MARCHE DE L’ESPOIR

This year, the famous Marche de L’Espoire is taking a half-digital form. Obviously, it is not quite possible to do a 5k walk online, but they found a way to make it happen without bringing a huge crowd to the lake! All you have to do is to enroll, find sponsors (family, friends), download the special app and walk! The more you walk, the more funds you’ll collect to help children in Bolivia. You can read all about it here (availble in English, too!).

MAISON DE LA CREATIVITE

This month the kids’ paradise aka Maison de la Creativite is open all Wednesdays, two Saturdays, and the whole week of school holidays. Reservation are obligatory, as well as the masks for adults. It is by far the best place Geneva has for children – a big villa with rooms offering different activities that children can do however they like. It’s were creativity, discovery, exploration, and imagination can all meet to have the best time. To book you place click here. (All opening dates of the Maison are always available in Parentville’s calendar).

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

There is not one, but three new temporary exhibitions in the Natural History Museum! The reason to have three new expos at the same time is simple and magnificent – 200th birthday of the museum! It has been tested and approved by the Parentville team. I wrote all about it here.

Let the journey begin! (Nyon)

A brand new exhibition in the Chateau de Prangins, designed for families with kids 4+! Yey! Most importantly it is not a temporary event – it;s here to stay! Yey!
This role-play based exhibition has two different forms for kids aged 4-10, and those 11+. At the site, we are invited to imagine ourselves as an English tourist or a young chimney-sweep from Ticino, traveling around Switzerland on foot, by train or by boat. This immersive experience is different each time depending on the choices made during the game. Depending on the options taken, the course can last from 5 to 20 minutes per character!
Info: paid entry, opens on October 11th.
More information (in English) on the Museum’s website.

TIC-TAC TECTONIQUE (LAUSANNE)

The UFO shaped building of the Espace des Inventions is preparing a new exhibition. They haven’t published much information about it, but their expos are always brilliant! The new one is entitles « Tic-Tac Tectonique ». Earthquakes are one of the natural phenomena that impress and worry. They are unpredictable and can be as fascinating as they are destructive. In a fun and interactive journey this exhibition offers a better understanding of earthquakes. It is reccomended for children of ages 7 and up.

La forêt, maison des animaux

A new temporary exhibition for ages 3-12 in one of Parentville’s favorite places – Maison du Saleve (15 mins from Geneva). Enter the world of the woods where badgers and foxes live together. The exhibition is filled with visual poetry, beautiful colors and interactive elements. Not to miss! Read all about it here.

And that is not all! To find out about everything that is happening this month in geneva (for families of course!), check the one and only calendar for family-activities in the region!

Simply, click the button below 🙂 Have fun!

For all working parents, and all others whose kids love/need an October camp, the selection of the top, the best, the coolest camp is also on the blog! Click below to check them out:

There is a museum in Geneva that all families love. In the past few years, it provided us with amazing exhibitions (eg. about dinosaurs, ants, predators, duck fleas, and more). The permanent exhibition is also incredible, with many gems hiding behind the glass. It is, of course, the Natural History Museum in Geneva! This year it is celebrating its 200th anniversary in a magnificent way!

On this occasion, the Museum prepared 3 temporary exhibitions – all of them worth seeing (more than once). Let me tell you a little bit about each.

Bouteille à la mer 2120, Te Ao Maori

A mesmerizing, beautiful, thought-provoking and sad at the same time. This is fascinating instalation by George Nuku is a must-see. You will dive in into the underater world of plastic. Not just plants are made with plastic/plexglas – also the living creatures mutated and are made from recycled plastic bottles. There is everything: coral reefs, anemones, fish, and sharks. Underwater columns with ancient motifs and Māori images. Don’t forget to look above and see manta rays and tunas! The colours, the light, and the overwhelming feeling of beauty and dispear will stay with you for a long time.

It’s a great opportunity to show children the possible future, to discuss the usage of plastic in everyday life. But it is also an exhibition that will inspire crowds to reuse plastic bottles and make something beautiful with them.

INFO:

till June 27, 2021
Entry paid (ticket valid also for the « Wildlife Photographer of the Year » exhibition).
Adults 10 CHF
Kids under 18: free
A visit-bookler for kids 4-12 availble in Eng and Fr for 3.50 CHF.

Trésors

200 years, 200 objects, 200 years of research. 200 reasons to visit the Museum.

It started as the Academic Museum of Geneva 200 years ago and since then scientists in the canton have studied minerals and animals (both those living now, and those extinct). In the result of this amazing work, the museum’s permanent collection is made of 15 million specimens and objects. 15 million!

For Museum’s 200th birthday the scientist undertook a difficult task of chosing 200 of this 15 million to present Museum’s accomplishments. Among them are specimens super tiny and big. Some are local, some are exotic. Some are very old, some are new.

Tresors will be accompanied by a program of Wednesday meetings with Museum’s scientists. Each Wednesday a different specimen for the exhibition will be chosen and discussed with children and adults. Watch out for the dates on Museum’s website or in Parentville’s calendar.

INFO

till June 27, 2021
A treasure hunt booklet for children available in several spots.
Free entry.
Bilingual French-English.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

An exhibition of spectacular images of all things-nature, for the first time in Geneva! It presents mind-blowing photographs taken by the winners of the 55th international competition organized by the Natural History Museum in London.

The captions are all in English, and I strongly advise to read them – you’ll learn about things you had no idea existed. One of the biggest surprises is the last section with junior photographers, some under 10 years of age! It’s absolutely awesome to see what kids can do!

INFO
till 27 juin 2021
Paid entry (also valid for the Bouteille a la mer 2120):
Adults 10 chf
Kids under 18yo free

You can find more information about these three exhibitions on the website of the Natural History Museum in Geneva.

Please note that the Covid-19 measures keep chamging and it is always best to check directly with the Museum for the current ones. At the time this article was written, the masks were not obligatory but only recommended in Geneva museums. The three exhibitions discussed int his article do not have a one-way direction of viewing and pick hours the distance is impossible to maintain.

Please, wear a mask, wash your hands and stay at home if you don’t feel well.

Looking for an October camp for your kids? You’re in the right place. Many parents have no other choice than to work and find a camp but this year there are also many who had to cancel their trips last minute due to this year’s chaos. This list aims to help you find the right camp for your child. The list does not include those camps that were full at the time of creation of the article (eg. Gavotte, Blackyland).

Ready? Let’s do it!

OTHER OPTIONS:

Gymboree (Grand-Saconnex) offers half and full day camps for 3-6 year olds. You can check out the info here, or enroll here.

Addict Lab (Ferney Voltaire) – fascinating camps based on STEM and Arts activities. Half days and full days in Ferney Voltaire (France). Check it out here.

Espace Opera (Eaux-Vives), for kids as young as 3. They offer a week full of performance-related fun. Click here to know more.

Kids Up (Meyrin) specialises in circus gymnastics. You can choose between half days and full days for kids ages 4 and up. More info here.

Simply Theatre (Versoix) – theatre in English for kids in Vesroix. Check it out here. 

Despite the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation, it looks like for now, many events are taking place in September. Some are well known, many are already beloved by Geneva families. Bear in mind, that due to Covid-19 restrictions, most events have participants limits, can be cancelled at the last minute, and require prior booking.

Just as a reminder, so that we can all stay safe:

• if you or anyone in your household is not feeling 100% well – stay at home.
• wear the mask properly (cover your mouth AND nose),
• disinfect your hands frequently, especially when out and about.

Now, let’s have some fun!

LE PETIT BLACK MOVIE
Throughout the month, various locations.

Le Petit Black Movie is the Black Movie Festival for kids. It takes place every year From September till December. Every month, in various locations across the canton, a different theme of short movies is screened. Depending on the month, kids will watch 5-7 short movies from around the world. Many communes are involved, so there is a chance you’ll find screenings in your neighborhood. Find out more here.

Journees du patrimoine
12-13 September, Various locations

The 27th Swiss edition of the EHD takes place the 2nd weekend of September. In Geneva, expert guides will be mobilized on the weekend of September 12 and 13 to introduce visitors to many prestigious sites around the theme « Verticality ». It’s an opportunity to visit many fascinating, normally closed, places. Browse through their program to find something that will make the weekend fun!

LA RUE DE JEU
September 26th & 27th, Plan-les-Ouates

Workshops, board games, skill games, giant games, space for teens and 0-4 years old, but also shows (theater, magic, music) and a merry-go-round. Full schedule to come. The entry is free. A bit more info here.

POLYJUNIORS
September 19th & 20th; Ferme de la Gavotte

Polyjuniors is a festival for families. It brings together local companies and service providers to showcase their novelties and share their worlds through activities. Fun and educational workshops for kids to discover, as well as bouncy castles, and poney rides. Many ideas and practical solutions await parents, too. In program: entertainment, games, shows, sports demonstrations and more. Check it out here.

ALTERNATIBA FESTIVAL
September 26, Parc des Bastions

The festival is the opportunity to get to know the local initiatives that contribute to the reduction of the climate change. Sustainibility, ecology, everything-bio, and so much more. There will also be many stands for parents, and some fun for kids! Check the program here.

CHATEAU DU VULLIERENS – AUTUMN PROGRAM

The activities at the Cateau du Vullierens are always good, but this autumn it all loks incredible! There will be many Wednesday and weekend events, open-air cinema, and a truly wonderful show « Alice au Jardin des Merveilles ». You can check all the upcoming events at the Chateau in Parentville’s agenda – just click here.

Maison de la Creativite
Wednesdays and Saturdays, Conches

Finally! The most amaizng place for children in Geneva has finally opened it’s door after months of closure (due to Covid restrictions). This is a magic villa, where every room offers a different activity – in every room children can do whatever they want, use the objects and material in any way they wish. Isn’t it how childhood should look like? Because of the restrictions a prior booking is required. Simply visit their website for more details.

LUDOBUS
Mon-Thursday, various locations

Summer holidays are over but the Ludobbus is still rolling! A perfect activity with little ones, with lots of toys, games, and sports equipment. You can check its location and dates in Parentville’s calendar.

There are many other events, shows, and concerts for children of all ages happining this month. You can see them all in Parentville’s events agenda, by clicking the button below.

From now on, once per season (let’s see how many seasons will have this year), Oksana Petersen will share with you yummy and healthy recipes that the whole family can enjoy. She invites you all to cook with children using seasonal produce. For this last few weeks of summer (yes, it’s still on!) she came up with some crazy deliciousness! See for yourself below.

THE LAST TASTE OF SUMMER

– RECIPES BY OKSANA PETERSEN

Messy Sweet Apricot Crumble

Apricots from Valais are in abundance now. They are known for the juicy sweet flavour & firmness which makes them perfect for a crumble. Apricots are high in Vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy eyes, as well as vitamin C, which keeps our immune system strong to ward off viruses.

Usually crumble is cooked using highly refined nutritionally poor white flour but this recipe uses much healthier wholemeal spelt flour. Spelt flour nutritionally is far better than white flour. When used in baking, it gives the final product very soft, moist texture. Spelt flour does not provide the same fluffy, light texture as a white one. You could mix 50/50 white flour with spelt flour to retain some of that soft sponge consistency, for example for sponge cakes or cupcakes.

Instead of white sugar, a much healthier alternative of maple syrup is used. The crumble will still taste sweet but without the post cake sugar rush.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

5 medium-size Valais apricots;

175g wholemeal spelt flour;

65g cold bio butter;

25g ground almonds (in case of a nut allergy omit the almonds);

50ml organic maple syrup.

Instructions for a child

1. Wash apricots & dry them with kitchen paper.
2. Using your hands open apricots & remove the stone. Throw away the stone.
3. Take a large bowl. Add flour & butter. Using your hands rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. It takes a little bit of time.
4. Into the bowl with “breadcrumbs” add almonds & syrup. Using a big spoon, stir until all the ingredients are well mixed. Taste a little bit & if it is not sweet enough add a little bit more of maple syrup.
5. Take the baking tray, using our hands scatter apricots chunks onto the bottom of the tray.
6. Take a big spoon, sprinkle the “breadcrumbs” mixture over apricots, making sure all apricots are covered.

Instructions for a parent

1. Cut apricots into small chunks.
2. Weight the flour, butter, ground almonds & maple syrup in different containers.
3. Diced the butter.
4. Preheat oven to 180deg c/ 160deg c Fan / Gas 4.
5. Graze the baking tray with butter.
6. Bake for abt 30mins.

Serving suggestions:

when the crumble is hot, add a bit of vanilla ice cream to a serving portion. A spoon of Gruyere cream is also delicious with the crumble. A homemade custard makes this treat even tastier.

Super Easy Fresh Tomatoes Pesto

Tomato sauce is definitely a kids favourite. We don’t, however, need to either used canned tomatoes or spend time by the stove cooking it to receive a delicious tomato sauce. Here is a Super Easy Fresh Tomatoes Pesto made in minutes. It can be kept in a fridge for a day to save you time.

Fresh cherry tomatoes make pesto really juicy & full of flavour. The chives & fresh basil complement the taste & also give it a yummy smell. Check out Serving suggestions to find out how this pesto might become your favourite sauce this summer.
What kid doesn’t like to use a kitchen gadget that makes a noise?! So prepare blender, food processor or a bullet to have your little ones have fun.

This recipe makes about 1 large muesli bowl.

Ingredients:

500gr cherry tomatoes,(mix red, orange & yellow ones for more colour);

1 clove garlic;

½ handful of chives (or a small onion);

6 fresh basil leaves;

½ tsp salt;

2tbsp olive oil;

2-3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Instructions for a child

1. Wash cherry tomatoes, chives & basil leaves & dry them with kitchen paper.
2. Into the blender put garlic, salt, basil leaves, tomatoes, chives, salt, Parmesan cheese & olive oil.
3. Mix on full power until the tomatoes are tiny bits.

Instructions for a parent:

1. Prepare a blender, food processor or a bullet.
2. Peel garlic glove.
3. Grate Parmesan.

Serving suggestions

Use it as a sauce for pasta or rice. Add some mozzarella or mix some soft goats cheese & either add it to pasta or spread the mix on a piece of bread. A great accompaniment to a picnic basket as pesto can be used as a dip for any raw veggies, a topping on a loaf of bread or a sauce for a cold pasta salad. If you are preparing a BBQ, you can grill a few slices of bread & top it with pesto for your own version of bruschetta. If feeling creative, grill a few slices of halloumi & top it with pesto. P.S. lots of kids actually like halloumi because it is a bit chewy & lack any overpowering smell or taste.