Hello lovely souls and Happy October! Do you want to know What to do in Lausanne for Families in October 2024? Then read on. I have curated a list of events and activities for families in Lausanne and the nearby region for October 2024.
The “Family Fun” includes events for the kids and/or the entire family and the “Mum having fun” includes events where you, beautiful mum, can go to have fun and recharge on your own, with your girlfriends or with your partner.
This blog post, What to do in Lausanne for Families in October 2024, is thoughtfully created for busy parents who want to find quickly what’s interesting in the city this month.
But first…
#Tip: If you are visiting Lausanne in October with your family, it’s good to remember that this month it’s school vacation in the canton of Vaud, from Saturday 12th October to Sunday 27th October 2024.
FAMILY FUN
SWIMMING
Vaudoise Arena swimming pool: if you are wondering which is the best indoor pool in Lausanne, then search no more. Although be warned, water temperature might not be ideal for recreational swimming (this is the case for most swimming pools in Lausanne). Sometimes there are special events organised – for example on Saturday 12th October there is a Pool Party from 17.00.
Mon Repos swimming pool
Recently renovated, Mon Repos swimming pool is also a favorite place for families to go and have some fun. It’s also more centrally located and easier to reach.
Where to stay in Lausanne, Switzerland
Activities to do in Lausanne, Switzerland
How to Get There – Check Flights to Lausanne, Switzerland
EVENTS
Titanic Immersive Experience
When: 27.09.2024 – 26.01.2024
Where: Beaulieu
Website & Tickets – https://titanicexpo.ch/
MUSEUMS
MCBA Cantonal museum of fine arts museum – Family activities
The MCBA (Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts-Cantonal Museum of fine arts) in Plateforme 10, organises various activities for families and their kids: art workshops, discovery booklets and family tours (in French, from ages 6-7). You can find all the events on the website.
These events tend to be sold out, so you should better book well in advance.
Fondation de l’Hermitage – Family Activities
There are workshops organised for various age groups around the theme of the current exhibition.
4-6 years old, Tuesday 15.10 at 10h, Duration: 2 hours, Ticket: 15 CHF / kid
6-12 years old, Tuesday 15.10 at 14h, Duration: 2 hours, Ticket: 15 CHF / kid
Kid & adult, Sunday 13.10 at 14h, Duration: 2 hours, Ticket: 15 CHF for kids & 27 CHF for adults
Olympic Museum – Family Activities
There is always something interesting going on in one of the most popular museums in the city. In October, check out the “Olympic Week 2024” – over 40 free sports and cultural activities for children aged 6 – 15 years old. The TOM café and restaurant is always worth a visit while you are there!
When: 13-17 October 2024
Language: all activities in French only
Tip: register in advance for the activities your kids would like to attend
THEATRE & CINEMA
Le Petit Theatre (french)
A great place to take your kids. Most of the spectacles are in French. Tickets tend to get sold out very quickly, but I have found that it’s worth checking for last-minute availability either via email, phone or at the theatre before the show starts.
Ticket: 15 CHF (kid or adult)
Théâtre de marionnettes de Lausanne
Ticket: 13 CHF (kid or adult)
La Lanterne Magique & La Petite Lanterne – Cinema for kids
La Lanterne Magique is a cinema club for kids (6-12 years old) where they can watch 9 different movies every year along with their friends. For the younger kids (4-6 years old), La Petite Lanterne is a similar concept but the kids watch the movie with their parents (or an accompanying adult). Tickets tend to go quickly so it’s best to register in advance.
Ages: La Lanterne Magique: 6-12 years old, La Petite Lanterne: 4-6 years old
Where: Cinema Pathé Flon 3, Rue du Port-Franc 16, CH-1003 Lausanne
Ticket: 10 CHF
Websites – https://www.lanterne-magique.org/ & https://www.petitelanterne.org/
Cinema for families at La Cinémathèque Suisse (Cine-Familles)
This curated movie programme invites families to discover a movie at the cinema once per month. In the end, the kids receive a kit with activities for further discussions based on the movies. Each movie has a suggested minimum age for the kids (details on the schedule).
Where: La Cinémathèque Suisse, Cinéma Capitole, Avenue du Théâtre 6, 1005 Lausanne
When: Once per month from September 2024 to May 2025
Organised by: La Cinémathèque Suisse and the Festival Cinema Jeune Public (https://festivalcinemajeunepublic.ch/)
Ticket: 7 CHF for kids under 12 years old, 15 CHF for adults
Where to stay in Lausanne, Switzerland
Activities to do in Lausanne, Switzerland
How to Get There – Check Flights to Lausanne, Switzerland
SHOPPING
Vide Dressing kids and adults by Troc de Belmont
When: 5th October 2024, 09.00 – 13.00
Where: Grande Salle Coin d’En Haut, 1092 Belmont-sur-Lausanne
What: Children’s and adults 2nd hand sale (items include clothes, shoes, sporting goods, baby supplies, books, toys, etc.)
Organised by: Le Troc de Belmont
Kids Vide Dressing – Lutry (0-16 years old)
When: 6th October 2024, 09:30 – 14.00
Where: Route du Grand-Pont 27, 1095 Lutry Vaud,
What: children’s 2nd hand sale
Organised by: Troc enfants de Lutry
Vide Dressing kids and adults – by Vestiaire de Savigny
When: 8th October 2024, 13:00 – 16.00
Where: Route de Savigny, 1073 Savigny Vaud, Suisse, Belmont-sur-Lausanne
What: Children’s and adults 2nd hand sale
Organised by: Vestiaire de Savigny
For more ideas on what to do during winter with your kids in Lausanne read the article Family-Friendly Lausanne in Winter – https://www.mygreektravellingspoon.com/travel/family-friendly-lausanne/
MUM HAVING FUN
Monthly events at Nueva Luna Yoga
This yoga studio in the centre of Lausanne organises interesting events every month, apart from the regular yoga and meditation schedule. P.S. They also have mindfulness & yoga courses for kids!
Breathwork by Grace Chinn – Online sessions and live events
Grace organises various Breathwork events both online and offline, often in collaboration with other wellbeing practitioners. Worth checking out.
Disclaimer: Grace is a friend of mine, and I only recommend people and services that I believe you would enjoy.
Yoga Events by Clélia Vuille
Clélia Vuille is a dancer and yoga teacher currently based in Lausanne.
She often organises fun events like Sunday mornings with yoga & brunch and it’s worth checking her Instagram for her upcoming schedule.
Where to stay in Lausanne, Switzerland
Activities to do in Lausanne, Switzerland
How to Get There – Check Flights to Lausanne, Switzerland
Le Petit Secheron, Lully
Christelle and her family have created a unique farm – community space and her yoga events in nature is on my bucket list.
They also organise various other events on the farm worth checking out such as camps for the kids or live music events and more.
Read more about Le Petit Secheron and the interview with Christelle here
Lausanne Marathon – 27th October 2024
If you love running, this popular event is back in town and the registrations are now open. There are various races such as: marathon distance, semi-marathon, 10km running, 10km Nordic walking and 10 km walking.
Photography Exhibition at CHUV – MLEKO by Jagoda Wiśniewska
Recently, I had the pleasure to listen to photographer Jagoda Wiśniewska speaking about her creative process during a Creative Morning event and I found it very inspiring. Jagoda Wiśniewska’s latest project is called “MLEKO” – a project about the maternal milk which will be presented through photographs and through interviews with mothers.
Where: CHUV, MAT Lausanne
When: 29.10.2024 at 17.30 (until 30 September 2025)
Gourmet Visits at the museum
Sunday Art & Brunch at Fondation de l’Hermitage
When: 6th October, 10.00 – 13.00
What: enjoy your brunch at L’Esquisse restaurant followed by a guided tour to the museum’s exhibition.
Cost: 65 CHF / 45 CHF (12-17 years old)
Check the brunch menu here – https://fondation-hermitage.ch/visites-gourmandes/
Guided Museum Visit and Dinner at L’Esquisse restaurant
When: 04th October at 18.45
What: enjoy a private guided tour at the museum followed by a dinner at the restaurant L’Esquisse
Price: 89 CHF (without drinks)
Cinema – watch a movie at Cinematheque Suisse (Capitol Cinema)
Check the schedule and go watch a movie on your own or with a good friend.
Brasserie de Montbenon Events
Not only is this a great venue for dining out, but they also organise some pretty cool events so check them out. In October, events include The Gin Fest, Humus & Wine, La brisolée menu and autumn market (on the 5th) and a special menu for “la chasse” (the hunting menu).
Did I miss any interesting events happening in Lausanne during this period? Let me know and I will be happy to add it!
Note: this column is not intended to make you feel overwhelmed by everything that’s going on. Instead, my goal is to help you have an overview of interesting events that are coming up and pick one or two that you would like to experience as a family or alone.
Are you visiting Lausanne soon and want to know which are the best places to explore with your young kids? Are you new to the city and eager to discover its charms with your family? Check out my ebook – 48 hours in Lausanne, A Guide for Families with Young Kids which consists of a 2-day itinerary and practical tips on local life.
