Explore the Best Milan Park Walking Route for Families
This Milan Park walking route for families offers a wonderful way to explore Lausanne in 2026. The park provides a perfect mix of nature, play areas, and stunning views of Lake Geneva. You will enjoy the fresh air and green spaces while walking through this historic city gem.
Reaching the Milan Park Entrance
The park is located very close to the main train station and is very easy to reach. You can take the M2 metro line to the Grancy station for the most convenient access. This starting point allows you to begin your walk at the bottom of the hill. It is a great way to save energy for the climb later.
The main entrance on Avenue de Milan provides a flat starting point for those with strollers. Families with small children will find the paved paths very easy to navigate during their visit. There is plenty of space for kids to run around safely near the park gates. You will find clear signage pointing toward the botanical garden and the hill.
If you choose to drive your car, you can find blue-zone parking along Avenue de Milan. These spots are often busy during the weekends so arriving early is always a smart idea. Most visitors prefer using public transport to avoid the hassle of finding a parking space. The walk from the Lausanne train station takes less than ten minutes.
Practical Details:
- Metro Stop: Grancy (M2 Line)
- Walking Time: 10 minutes from Lausanne Gare
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly at the main park entrances
- Entry Fee: The public park is free to enter all year round
Walking Through the Botanical Garden
The Cantonal Botanical Garden sits inside the park and features thousands of unique plant species. Admission to the outdoor gardens is free for everyone visiting Lausanne during the 2026 season. It is one of the best nature parks in Lausanne for local plant lovers. You will see rare flowers and exotic trees from all over the world.
Follow the winding stone paths through the rock gardens to see many beautiful alpine flowers. The garden is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM throughout the entire year. It provides a quiet escape from the city noise and a great educational experience for kids. Children will enjoy looking at the small ponds for frogs and colorful dragonflies.
The paths inside the garden are narrow but they are still manageable for most active families. Take your time to enjoy the seasonal blooms that change throughout the spring and summer. There are many educational signs that explain the different plant families found in Switzerland. This section of the park is very peaceful and perfect for slow walking.
Climbing to the Crêt de Montriond Viewpoint
The Crêt de Montriond is the highest point in the park and offers incredible views. A gentle slope leads you from the botanical garden up to the very top. From this height, you can see Lake Geneva and the majestic French Alps across the water. This panoramic view is a major highlight of your 2026 family walking trip.
The summit features a large grassy area for relaxing and enjoying the warm Swiss sunshine. You will find several wooden benches placed under the shade of tall, ancient trees. It is a perfect spot for a family photo with the lake in the background. The atmosphere at the top is very calm and inviting for all visitors.
The descent from the hill leads you directly toward the main playground of the park. This area has modern swings, slides, and climbing frames for children of all ages. Kids can play safely while parents rest on the benches located around the play area. The playground is well-maintained and remains a favorite spot for local Lausanne families.
Best Picnic Spots and Family Amenities
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Milan Park offers many great places for an outdoor meal with your whole family. The large lawns near the playground are ideal for spreading out a large picnic blanket. You can find many best picnic spots in Lausanne parks right here in this green space. Most areas offer a good mix of bright sun and cooling shade.
Public toilets are located near the botanical garden entrance and are kept very clean. You will also find several drinking water fountains scattered throughout the park for your convenience. These facilities make long family visits much more comfortable and easy to manage. A small seasonal cafe near the entrance serves cold drinks and tasty ice cream.
You should bring your own food to save money during your Swiss holiday trip. Local supermarkets are located just a five-minute walk away from the park entrance on Avenue de Milan. You can buy fresh Swiss cheese, fruit, and bread for a perfect outdoor lunch. Please remember to use the trash bins to help keep the park clean.
Extending Your Walk to the Ouchy Waterfront
You can easily extend your Milan Park walking route for families by heading south. Exit the park at the lower gate and walk down the hill toward the lake. This adds a scenic Ouchy lakeside promenade walks in Lausanne to your day. The walk to the water takes about fifteen minutes at a relaxed pace.
The route to the lake is mostly downhill and passes through very quiet residential streets. You will see beautiful old architecture and small private gardens along the way to Ouchy. Once you reach the lake, you can visit the famous Olympic Museum nearby. This is a fantastic way to end your afternoon of walking in Lausanne.
Ouchy offers boat rentals and many more ice cream shops for the kids to enjoy. You can take the M2 metro from the Ouchy-Olympique station back to the center. This loop is very popular because it combines hills, gardens, and beautiful lake views. It is a complete Lausanne experience that every family should try in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Milan Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the park but they must stay on a leash at all times. There are specific areas where pets are welcome to walk. You can check where are dog-friendly walking parks for more options in the city of Lausanne.
Is the Botanical Garden in Milan Park free?
Entry to the outdoor sections of the Cantonal Botanical Garden is completely free for all visitors. You can explore the rock gardens and plant collections without paying a fee. Some special indoor exhibitions may require a small ticket price during certain times of the year.
What is the best time to visit Milan Park?
The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn for the best weather. Spring offers beautiful flower blooms while summer provides perfect conditions for a family picnic. The park is open every day from dawn until dusk throughout the entire year.
The Milan Park walking route for families is a top choice for anyone visiting Lausanne. You will find a great mix of nature, views, and fun activities for children. Plan your visit today to enjoy one of the most beautiful green spaces in Switzerland.
