Here are some ideas for family activities in the region when the weather is bad.
Ice rinks
Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds each have an ice rink. Skate hire available on site.
How to get there:
- in Neuchâtel, 15 minutes walk from the hotel (access)
- in La Chaux-de-Fonds, 20 minutes by car (access)
Opening hours and prices :
- Opening hours vary vary, please check the websites.
- Prices : Adults from CHF 6.50 / Children from CHF 3.-
Catering :
- in Neuchâtel, on site, Restaurant Le Café des Amis ou refreshment bar
- in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Restaurant Piscine Patinoire des Mélèzes
Other ice rinks:
Depending on your itinerary, there are other covered ice rinks in the canton, for example:
To skate on the Lac des Taillères, click here.
Indoor swimming pools
Swimming pools to have a good time and to exercise in Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Access:
- Piscine du Nid-du-Crô in Neuchâtel (25x12m swimming pool, 1m and 3m diving boards, paddling pool), 6 minutes by car from the hotel or 22 minutes by public transport (access)
- Piscine des Arêtes in La Chaux-de-Fonds (25x12m swimming pool, sauna, paddling pool), 25 minutes by car (access)
Opening hours and prices:
- Variable timetables, please consult the websites.
- Prices: Adults from CHF 7.00 / Children from CHF 3.00
Underground mills at Le Col-des-Roches
Discover the incredible history of the Col-des-Roches mills, which began in the middle of the 17th century.
How to get there:
- by car (35 minutes, view map)
- by train to Le Locle (free with the Neuchâtel Tourist Card) then by bus or on foot to the Col-des-Roches (1.8km)
Opening hours and rates:
- From November to April, open every Day from 2pm to 5pm
- Visit with audioguide (FR/DE/IT/EN) or guided tours at 2pm (in German) and 3:30pm (in French)
- Prices: Adults CHF 14.00 / Children CHF 7.00 / Family CHF 30.00
Restaurants :
There are many restaurants in the town of Le Locle, here are two that we can recommend.
More information and options: www.lesmoulins.ch
Asphalt Mines in Val-de-Travers
The Presta asphalt mines were in operation from 1712 to 1986. A visit not to be missed!
How to get there:
- by train directly to the mines, La Presta stop (free with the Neuchâtel Tourist Card)
- by car (35 minutes, free parking, view map)
Opening hours and rates:
- From November to March, open every Day from 2pm (Asphalt Story exhibition and Miners' Garden)
- Guided tours of the mines only! Every day at 2pm (on reservation from Monday to Friday, without reservation on weekends)
- Prices : Adults CHF 21.00 / Children CHF 15.00 (free under 6 years) / Family CHF 60.00
Restaurants:
On site, the Café des Mines allows you to taste its famous ham cooked in the asphalt, among other specialities!
More information and options: www.mines-asphalte.ch
Ticketing: www.mines-asphalte.ch/billetterie/
Planeta Magic in Saint-Blaise
550m2 where children between 1 and 10 years old can let off steam! Giant inflatable carpet, mini football/hockey/handball pitch, trampolines, ball pools, toddler area, table football, etc...
How to get there:
- by car (10 minutes, view map)
- by bus to St-Blaise centre (free with the Neuchâtel Tourist Card) then on foot, 8 minutes
Opening hours and rates:
- Open every day from 10am to 7pm (fall/winter)
- Price: CHF 8.50 for 1 hour / CHF 12.00 for 2 hours
Restaurant :
- There is a bar on site
- Manor Centre nearby
More information and options: planetamagic-neuch.ch or Facebook
Other activities to do when it rains
There are plenty of activities to do in our region when the weather is bad... here are a few more ideas for young and old children:
- Cinema : Neuchâtel has 7 cinemas, there is always something to suit you, visit website.
- Bowling: for bowling fans, go either to
- La Chaux-de-Fonds at XL Bowling, visit website
- Muntelier (BE) at The Bowling (ask for opening hours), visit website
- Escape game: rack your brains to get out in time...
- in Neuchâtel, Escape or not, visit website
- in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Escape now, visit website
- in Neuchâtel/La Neuveville/Gampelen, Escape Infinity, visit website
- Museums (most are free with the Neuchâtel Tourist Card)
- International Watchmaking Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds: go back in time and explore the history of watchmaking, visit website
- Find out what's going on in Neuchâtel's museums at museesdeneuchatel.ch
