Ludobus at a park in Geneva - Photos Gabriela RRB

Geneva, Switzerland – Calling all children for outdoor fun! Although the much dreaded back-to-school date is getting closer, there are still plenty of outdoor activities for children to enjoy. One option in particular offers kids the chance to meet other kids in a fun environment: the “ludotheques,” and until the end of September, the “ludo bus.”

The ludos, for short, could be described as playrooms or children community centers with toy/games libraries. Children can play at the ludotheque or may borrow toys and games for long or short terms. Entrance is free and open to all.

In these “fun centers” children can find board games, both current and from bygone eras, as well as toys, doll houses and sports related items such as footballs or kick scooters.

During the warm months, from May to September, a ludo bus regularly visits 16 areas in the City of Geneva. During these months, the neighborhood ludo closes and all activities are taken to the streets. For the remainder of the 2009 summer, the ludo bus will be in St.-Jean/Charmilles, Geisendorf, and other areas, so look for the blue-green bus, the screaming kids, and the serious fun going on.

There are 11 ludotheques in the City of Geneva, and usually one in each of the towns in Switzerland and neighboring France. These are usually, but not always, associated with public schools in the area.

Children playing outdoors at the Ludotheque

You do not need to become a member to have your kids play at the ludotheque, however, in order to borrow toys or games (as borrowing books in the library), you must register and a minimum donation of CHF20 per child/per year/40 per family, is strongly encouraged.

Although schedules vary the ludos are usually open weekdays after school when many school-age children actively participate. In Geneva most ludotheques are open for a few hours on Saturdays during the winter months.

This is a good resource to keep in mind for Wednesdays when children in public schools in Geneva do not have classes.

Remember the ludos are open a few hours a day, all-year round but they also break  for vacations and holidays, so it is best to check ahead.

Family playing at the Ludotheque outdoors

“It is best to bring a friend, or a parent, or you may get bored if the ludo supervisors are busy,” according to our resident ludo expert, and photographer for this blog, my daughter.

Additional resources:

• Ludotheque in Lausanne
• Ludotheque in Nyon

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