Kids' birthday party near Lausanne: an outdoor adventure in English

Organising a birthday party in a new country is its own kind of puzzle: the venues are unfamiliar, the websites are in French, and the guest list mixes several languages. Here is one option that works well for international families: an outdoor adventure in Echallens, just north of Lausanne, that the children can play in English.

The idea: get out of town for a life-size birthday

Instead of a play centre, the children go on a mission outdoors, as a team. A tablet tells the story, guides them along the route and checks their discoveries; puzzles are matched to their age. They run, search, think and win together, and an adult from your group goes along with each team.

On site, plan about 2 hours for ages 10–12 and 2.5 hours from age 12:

1. Welcome at the KeyQuest base, with a drink and a 20-minute briefing.
2. The adventure: 1.5 to 2 hours outdoors, tablet in hand.
3. Back at base: ranking if two teams competed, team photos, and a small gift for the birthday child.

Parties run Wednesday to Saturday, starting at 1 pm or 2 pm.

Which adventures are in English?

• The Magic Portal – Kids — ages 10–12, an enchanted forest and the Guardians' trials, 1.5 hours.
• The Magic Portal — ages 12–14, the full version with harder puzzles, 2 hours.
• Operation MindFall — age 14 and up, a spy mission, 2 hours.

The adventure for ages 8–10, Treasure Island, is currently available in French only. It still works well for children who go to a French-speaking school. Tell us when booking that you would like the briefing in English.

Prices

One flat price for the whole team, accompanying adults free:

• Up to 5 children: CHF 149 (ages 8–12) or CHF 150 (age 12 and up).
• 6 to 10 children, two teams competing: CHF 250 or CHF 300.

Included: the welcome drink, briefing and equipment, the adventure, team photos, a gift for the birthday child and printable invitations. Snacks are not included, except with the Party Pack on Wednesdays at 2 pm (CHF 15 per child extra): one hour at the base after the adventure, with a birthday cake, plates, unlimited syrup for the children, and tea and coffee for the adults. The Party Pack must be booked at least 7 days ahead.

One adult per five children goes along (required up to age 12, recommended after). They play with the team, free of charge.

Getting there

By train: the LEB from Lausanne-Flon, every 15 minutes, 27 minutes to Echallens, then a 10-minute walk. The line also stops at Chauderon, Prilly, Romanel and Cheseaux. For children, the train ride is already part of the party.

By car: about 20 minutes from Lausanne, with parking a 2-minute walk from the base at Route d'Yverdon 9A. Details on the access page.

How to book

The birthday booking page is in French but short: choose the age group, the number of children, a date and a start time, then pay online. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before. If you would rather book in English, write to contact@keyquest.ch or call +41 21 353 60 70.

Looking for an outing without a birthday attached? Read Outdoor escape game near Lausanne.

Frequently asked questions

Is the birthday adventure available in English?

Yes, from age 10: The Magic Portal – Kids, The Magic Portal and Operation MindFall can be played in English on the tablet. Treasure Island, for ages 8–10, is in French only.

How many children can come?

Up to 5 children in one team, or 6 to 10 children in two competing teams. One adult per five children goes along, free of charge.

What if it rains on the day?

The adventure runs in all weather: rain ponchos and umbrellas are provided and the welcome is indoors. Only a severe weather warning leads to a free reschedule.

Is a birthday cake included?

Only with the Party Pack, available on Wednesdays at 2 pm for CHF 15 per child: an hour at the base after the adventure with a birthday cake, drinks for the children, and tea and coffee for the adults.