How to organise after‑school clubs and holiday camps when you move to Geneva

Organizing childcare, after-school clubs, and holiday camps in Geneva requires early planning due to high demand among expat families. Geneva offers public, private, and bilingual options tailored to preschool ages (2-6 years), with flexible schedules for working parents.

Childcare Basics (Ages 0-4)

Public crèches (day nurseries) accept children from 4 months to 4 years, with fees based on income (around CHF 1,670/month minimum), managed by the BIPE office—apply during pregnancy due to long waitlists.​

Private bilingual preschools like La Nouvelle École Geneva offer full-day care (8:15-18:00) in English and French, with no residency requirements and flexible enrollment.​

Jardins d'enfants provide half-day programs (mornings, 2-5 days/week) for 2+ year olds, often commune-run and excluding meals or naps—ideal as a bridge to preschool.​

School Day & After-School (Ages 4+)

Public schools typically run 8:30-15:45 Monday-Friday, with half-days on Wednesdays and no built-in lunch supervision, driving demand for garderies.​

After-school clubs (garderies périscolaires) or external activities like sports, music, or bilingual English/French clubs extend care until 18:00+, with options from providers like PEP English or SISOG.​

Bilingual preschools in Geneva's Old Town seamlessly integrate school, after-school (park outings, crafts), and late pick-up, perfect for working expat parents.​

Holiday Camps (Stages de Vacances)

Geneva follows the Swiss holiday calendar (summer, Toussaint, Christmas, etc.)—book camps 6 months ahead as they fill fast.​

Day camps for 2-6 year olds offer themes like arts, nature, or sports (e.g., TotUP, Gymboree) from 8:00-18:20, including meals, at CHF 500-1,000/week.​

La Nouvelle École Geneva's bilingual holiday camps feature small-group adventures (forest exploration, gardening) in English/French, based right in the Old Town—no transport hassles.

New Family Checklist

• Register your residence at the local commune and secure mandatory health insurance before enrolling.​

• Contact BIPE for public options; visit private bilingual schools like La Nouvelle École for tours and spots.​

• Join Geneva expat Facebook groups for last-minute openings; budget accordingly for private care.​

  
  

Ready for hassle-free childcare in Geneva? Book a tour at La Nouvelle École Geneva today and see how we cover school, clubs, and camps under one roof.