Travel diary
Family Activities in the Alpes Vaudoises: Top 10 Things to Do This Summer
Published on 09.06.2026
Content
This summer, set off on a family adventure: from fun walks and nature walks to swimming and bike rides, the Alpes Vaudoises are brimming with unique, accessible and charming activities for explorers of all ages. Follow the guide!
1. An Afternoon at Gryon Parc
In the refreshing shade of tall trees, Gryon Parc is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
Children are in heaven with a wide range of games and activities. No sooner have they stepped out of the miniature cars than they’re hopping on the little train for a ride around the park, before grabbing a mini golf club for a friendly family tournament.
For the more daring (1.30 m and up), the Skydive zip line flies over the park, delivering a good dose of thrills… and the irresistible urge to go again!
Gryon Parc charms with its variety of attractions at very reasonable prices — a must for families looking for outdoor fun.
Good to know
- Tickets and mini golf club rental available on-site
- Picnic tables and benches freely accessible
- Free parking at Place de Barboleuse and Bex–Villars train stop just 1 minute from the park
- Restrooms available on-site
The cherry on top
Time for a snack? Head over to Charlet-Ançay bakery & tea-room, just a stone’s throw from the park, for a delicious treat!
A wide range of fun activities at the Gryon Parc © Anthony Anex
2. From Tree to Tree at Parc Aventure in Aigle
Take your kids climbing through the trees… or maybe they’ll be the ones pulling you onto the big zip line!
At Parc Aventure d’Aigle, the experience is meant to be shared as a family. Choose a course together and tackle it side by side, each at their own pace. Older kids cheer on the younger ones, and everyone enjoys the thrill of adventure together.
Looking for a different mountain vibe? Parc des Diables in Les Diablerets also features treetop courses, starting from age 4, in a beautiful alpine forest setting.
Good to know – Parc Aventure (Aigle)
- Free entry for non-climbing companions
- 12 courses and 206 elements for all ages, from “Piccolo” (4–7 years) to “Commando” for ages 16+
- Covered and outdoor picnic areas, plus an on-site snack bar
Tree climbing courses for all levels © Visualps
3. Disc golf in an alpine setting
Summer is here, the grass is lush and green: it’s the perfect time to try out disc golf, a fun outdoor activity.
In Leysin, an 8-basket disc golf course is available at the Tobogganing Park all summer long. Based on the rules of golf and originating in the United States, the game is based on a simple principle: throwing discs similar to frisbees, but smaller and heavier, into metal baskets along a course with several holes. Fun, eco-friendly and original!
Head to the sports centre at the ice rink to hire your equipment, then set off to explore the course. A basket comes into view in the distance: take aim and throw. Each Frisbee that lands in the basket scores a point. Beginner’s luck might just put you in the lead… but watch out: the youngest member of the family might well end up taking the lead!
Good to know
- Equipment, course map and list of checkpoints provided for hire
- Disc golf course (approx. 1½ hours)
- Activity available without booking
Explore Disc Golf
4. Water fun at Lake Frience
Walk across the pastures, follow the fence and the herd of cows: at the end of the path, a mountain lake awaits you, watched over by the Miroir d’Argentine in the background.
Children quickly find the motivation to keep walking — water games upon arrival and the promise of an ice cream at the snack bar are enough to keep their spirits high.
This natural lake is maintained through an ecological regeneration system using a vegetated zone. Colorful dragonflies, shimmering reflections on the water, peaceful atmosphere — it’s the perfect spot to cool off in the heart of the Alpes Vaudoises.
Good to know
- A shallow basin is reserved for little ones, while another welcomes older children
- Accessible by car, with two parking lots available, then a five-minute walk to the lake
- Snack bar and restaurant on site
- You can also reach the site on foot in about an hour via the Solalex–Frience section of this easy hike
Between swims, stop by the Alpage de Frience to discover their homemade specialties: butter, cheeses, jams… and the famous “gâtelet,” a traditional sweet cake from the region.
A swimming lake nestled in alpine pastures © Nathalie Racheter
5. Summer biathlon
Get your fill of thrills with an introductory shooting session in Villars !
Biathlon, a winter sport combining shooting and cross-country skiing, also has a summer version! Even when the snow has melted, you can try your hand at shooting with the Swiss Ski School in Villars. Set up on a green course, the electronic targets allow you to test and improve your accuracy and skill with an infrared rifle.
Summer biathlon comes in a range of formats to suit everyone: activities for children aged 6 and over, introductory sessions for all (children over 1.20m tall and adults), and private sessions for those who wish to form their own group. Perfect for challenging yourselves as a family.
Good to know
- Suitable for children aged 6 and over; minimum height 1.20m for beginners
- Duration varies depending on the format, between 1½ and 2½ hours
An activity that can be enjoyed whatever the weather © ESS Villars
6. Deer Watching at the Leysin Deer Park
Just behind the Tobogganing Park, a peaceful spot draws both kids and adults: the Deer Park in Leysin. Open and easily accessible year-round, it offers the chance to observe majestic deer and hinds in a semi-natural enclosure bordered by forest.
Children are often mesmerized by the deer, especially when they come close to the fence. If everyone stays quiet, extend the visit with the Animal Walk — a gentle loop that circles the park, winds down into the woods, and gradually climbs back up past the Goat Farm. You might spot the deer again, this time more active.
Good to know
- Picnic area and fountain nearby (drinking water available in summer)
- Free parking just steps away
- Accessible on foot, with a stroller, by bike or by car
The herd of deer in the meadow © José Crespo
7. Splashing, Sliding, and Picnicking at the Pool
Head to the pool for a day where everyone has fun!
With pools of varying depths, slides, diving boards, mini golf, and large grassy areas, kids can run, jump, slide… and enjoy their picnic in the sun or shade.
And when snack time comes around: who’s up for an ice cream?
Good to know
- Some pools offer free entry with a guest card
- Swim lanes are available in certain pools
Shallow and deep pools for fun and swimming © Sébastien Staub
8. Trails Within Train Reach
In summer, the cool mountain air is a welcome escape! To make hiking more accessible for everyone, hop on a mountain train and hike your way back down.
Or take a cable car to the top, walk a section of the trail, then jump on a train for part of the way, hike another stretch — mix and match based on your energy and your kids’ motivation.
Pack a picnic in your backpack — not too heavy, you’ll be carrying it — and head off at a steady pace toward the fresh air.
Good to know
- The Magic Pass is valid on most mountain lifts
- Children under 6 years old travel free
- Bring a swimsuit — you might just come across a mountain lake!
Mountain trains to access hiking trails © Olivier Fatzer
9. A Treasure at the End of the Trail?
Young adventurers, lace up your shoes — treasure hunts will lead you to discover mountain animals, alpine plants, or even local legends.
Along the way, children get fully immersed in the game. They search for clues, observe, decode… and often forget they’re even walking! By the end, they’ve learned a little more about the local wildlife, flora, or mountain history — and most of all, they’re proud to have completed the quest.
These playful hunts, often part of educational trails, can be found along many hiking routes.
Good to know
- Several routes are available, with varying themes and durations
- Ask the local Tourist Office for the hunts available near you
Treasure hunts for all ages and all walking levels © Visualps Matthias Lehmann
10. A Visit to the Bex Salt Mines
Come rain or shine, or even if it’s too hot, the Salt Mines maintain a constant temperature of 18°C deep inside the mountain, making them a great place to visit whatever the weather. What’s more, the site was renovated in 2026 and has plenty of new surprises in store throughout the tour…
Introducing children to heritage and traditional know-how has never been easier. Boarding the mine train feels like the start of a real adventure: stepping into the tunnels with the sound, the breeze, and the uneven lighting can give a bit of a thrill. How long is the tunnel? Where does it lead? When will we come out again?
After the guided tour, explore the museum section with your children and try to figure out together what the old tools were used for in the salt extraction process. Pause at the display case showing how salt crystals were sorted. Tell your children that this very cavern was carved out by hand. They’ll never look at salt the same way again!
Good to know
- Advance booking is strongly recommended but not required
- Free entry for children aged 5 and under
- A covered picnic area is available on-site
A little extra
To round off your visit, follow a stretch of the Sentier du Sel to reach the mines. This educational downhill walk comes from Plambuit and passes close to the site.
In the Salt Mine galleries of Bex © Gabriel Monnet
