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 Portal of Worlds — 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 from Sœurs & Saveurs, an artisan pâtisserie in Echallens, 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 Portal of Worlds 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 from Sœurs & Saveurs, a local pâtisserie, drinks for the children, and tea and coffee for the adults.