5 Best Weekend Family Walks in Lausanne for 2026
Lausanne offers many beautiful paths for parents and children to explore together. Finding the best weekend family walks in Lausanne is easy with our helpful 2026 guide. These routes feature stunning views and fun activities for all ages to enjoy. Plan your next outdoor adventure in this scenic Swiss city with your loved ones.
Best Weekend Family Walks in Lausanne: Ouchy Promenade
For official information, visit Lausanne Tourisme.
For the most up-to-date details, check The Olympic Museum before you go.
The Ouchy Lakeside Promenade is a top choice for families visiting Switzerland in 2026. This flat path runs along the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva for several kilometers. It is perfect for parents using strollers, children on scooters, and young walkers. You can enjoy the mountain views while the kids play in the nearby grass.The walk starts at the Olympic Museum and ends at the park in Vidy. Along the way, you will find several large playgrounds for children to enjoy. Many families stop at the carousel located near the busy port area. This route is one of the most stroller friendly walking paths in Lausanne today.
Public toilets and water fountains are available every few hundred meters for your comfort. You can also find many ice cream stands during the warm summer months. The path is very safe and stays away from busy roads and traffic. It is an ideal spot for a relaxing Sunday morning with the whole family.
Sauvabelin Forest: A Nature Escape for Families
Sauvabelin Forest offers a peaceful escape from the busy and loud city center. This wooded area features a large lake and a tall wooden tower. The climb up the tower provides amazing views of the Alps and the lake. Children love watching the deer and peacocks in the free animal park.
The paths here are wide and shaded by very tall, old trees. You can walk around the small lake in about twenty minutes at a slow pace. There are several picnic spots with benches and tables for a family lunch. It is a great place to enjoy nature without leaving the city limits.
The park also has a large playground with fun wooden climbing structures. It is known as one of the best playgrounds along Lausanne walking routes for locals. Visit during the fall to see the beautiful changing leaves in the forest. The area is easy to reach by taking the number 16 bus.
Milan Park: City Views and Botanical Gardens
Milan Park is located very close to the main train station in Lausanne. It features a large grassy hill that is perfect for children to roll down. The Botanical Garden sits right at the bottom of this beautiful public park. Families enjoy exploring the exotic plants and small ponds filled with water lilies.
The climb to the top of the hill is short and very easy. You will see incredible views of the lake and the French mountains beyond. There is a large playground with swings, slides, and several climbing frames. It is a popular spot for weekend birthday parties and family gatherings.
The park is very close to several kid friendly cafes on walking routes nearby. You can grab a coffee while the children play safely in the grass. The atmosphere is always lively and very welcoming for families with small kids. It is a perfect spot for a quick and easy city walk.
Hermitage Park: Art and Scenic Lake Views
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Hermitage Park offers a unique mix of art and natural beauty for visitors. The park surrounds a famous art museum located in a historic Swiss mansion. It features vast green lawns and many old, majestic trees for shade. The view of the cathedral and lake is truly breathtaking from this height.
The walking paths are well-maintained and very easy for children to navigate. You can explore the small forest area located behind the main museum house. Many families bring blankets for a relaxing picnic on the soft green grass. It is a quiet spot away from the noise of the city streets.
This park is part of the most scenic walks in Lausanne 2026 has to offer. Entrance to the park grounds is free for everyone to enjoy. The museum often hosts family workshops and events on the weekends. Check their online schedule before you visit for extra family fun.
Mon-Repos Park: A Hidden Gem in the City
Mon-Repos Park is a hidden gem located in the heart of Lausanne. It features a beautiful neo-Gothic tower and a small, interesting bird aviary. Children enjoy looking at the colorful exotic birds kept in the cages. The park also has a large sandpit and a safe play area.
The walking loops are short and very easy for little legs to follow. You will pass by stone fountains and many colorful flower beds. The park is very well-kept and feels very safe for young children. It is a wonderful place for a short and easy afternoon stroll.
There is a lovely cafe located right inside the park grounds. It serves fresh snacks and cold drinks for hungry and thirsty walkers. The park is easily accessible by using the M2 city metro line. It is a peaceful place to relax on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best time for family walks in Lausanne?
The best time for family walks is during the spring and summer months. The weather is warm and the parks are filled with blooming flowers. Autumn is also beautiful due to the changing colors of the forest leaves. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.
Are the walking paths in Lausanne stroller friendly?
Most walking paths in Lausanne are very stroller friendly and well-paved. The lakeside promenade in Ouchy is completely flat and easy to navigate. Parks like Milan and Sauvabelin have wide paths suitable for most modern strollers. Some forest trails may have small gravel sections.
Do I need to pay for access to these parks?
No, all the public parks mentioned in this guide are free to enter. This includes the animal park in Sauvabelin and the Botanical Garden in Milan Park. You only need to pay if you visit the museums or cafes. It is a budget-friendly way to spend the weekend.
Where can I find food during these walks?
Most parks in Lausanne have small cafes or snack stands nearby. Ouchy has many restaurants and ice cream shops along the main lake path. Mon-Repos Park features a lovely cafe right in the center of the green. You can also find grocery stores near the train station.
Lausanne is a wonderful city for active families to explore in 2026. These weekend walks offer beauty, fun, and fresh air for everyone. Plan your next adventure and enjoy the Swiss outdoors with your children today. You will create wonderful memories while exploring these scenic and friendly paths.
