Travel diary
Family Activities in the Alpes Vaudoises: Top 10 Things to Do This Summer
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This summer, set off on a family adventure! From playful walks and nature discoveries to lake swims and bike getaways, the Alpes Vaudoises are full of simple, charming, and accessible 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 the Fields
August is here, the meadows have been mowed — it’s the perfect time to try out Disc Golf, a fun outdoor activity for all ages.
In the Pays-d’Enhaut, stop by Mirella Fleurs in Château-d’Œx to borrow a set of discs (similar to frisbees), then head out into the fields. A basket appears in the distance — aim carefully and throw! Each disc that lands in the basket scores a point. Beginner’s luck might get you off to a good start… but beware: the youngest player in the family might just take the lead!
This easy-going sport is also available in Leysin, in an equally stunning alpine setting.
Good to know – Pays-d’Enhaut
- 10-basket course set up each summer in the Laitemaire alpine pastures
- Free access from early August, once the meadows are mowed
- Introductory sessions available on request for groups, companies or individuals
Explore Disc Golf © Esprit Montagne
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. Cycling along the Sarine
Hop on your bikes for an easy ride that’s perfect for families. Mostly downhill or flat, the route follows the Sarine River from Gstaad to Rossinière, tracing the natural border between French-speaking and German-speaking Switzerland.
Starting from Gstaad train station, the path runs alongside the river through the villages of Saanen, Rougemont, and Château-d’Œx. Along the way, take time to admire traditional chalets, enjoy a riverside picnic, or cool off at the Ramaclé waterfall.
Nearby, the Pont Turrian — built in 1883 — is well worth a detour. It’s the oldest suspension bridge in French-speaking Switzerland, still standing and marking the entrance to a protected alluvial zone.
The ride can be done all at once or in stages. The Montreux-Oberland Bernois MOB railway runs regularly between the villages and allows bikes on board, so you can adjust the effort to suit your children’s age — or your mood of the day.
Good to know
- Easy, well-maintained, and safe route
- Several grocery stores and shops along the way
- Picnic and BBQ areas available, especially near the Ramaclé waterfall and Pont Turrian
- Bikes are accepted on the Montreux–Bernese Oberland train
- The route is accessible by mountain bike (or on foot) from Gstaad station
Biking through the valley along the Sarine © Pays-d'Enhaut Région
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 © Etienne Bornet
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
Whether it’s rainy, windy, or too hot outside, the Salt Mines stay at a steady 18°C deep inside the mountain — making them a perfect destination in any weather. But their appeal goes far beyond practical comfort.
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
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