Activities for children in Neuchâtel
Nestled on the shores of Switzerland's largest entirely Swiss lake, Neuchâtel charms families with its historic center of yellow stone, its castle, and its Collegiate Church that overlooks the old town. Between the lake and the first slopes of the Jura, the city offers an ideal setting to share discoveries with children throughout the year.
Whether you are looking for an idea for a Wednesday afternoon, a family weekend, or school holidays, Neuchâtel offers a wide variety of experiences suitable for all ages. Interactive museums, walks along the water, swimming in summer, nature outings to the Jura, or indoor sports activities: everyone can find something to keep the children entertained and create beautiful memories.
Easily accessible by train or car and ideally located in the heart of the Three Lakes region, Neuchâtel appeals to both local residents and visiting families. This page brings together a selection of children's activities in Neuchâtel to help you find inspiration for your next family outing.
Our selection of family activities to do in Neuchâtel
15 activities for children
Activities by type in Neuchâtel
Playground of the Évole Bay: the sand boat by the lake in Neuchâtel
Looking for a simple outing by the water, where children can run around and invent a thousand stories? The playground at Baie de l'Évole, right in the center of Neuchâtel and by the lake, ticks all the boxes: a large boat planted in the sand, a slide tower, and a green setting. And it's free.
Pierre-à-Bot playground: the wooden area with a view of Lake Neuchâtel
Want an outdoor playground in the heights of Neuchâtel? The Pierre-à-Bot playground welcomes you amidst greenery, featuring a zip line, a large wooden structure, and a huge sandbox. Lake view included, and access is free.
Monruz Beach in Neuchâtel: the peaceful cove by the lake
Want a swim in peace, away from the crowds of the big beaches? To the east of Neuchâtel, Monruz Beach is a small discreet cove by the lake, with its lawn and shaded area. A free haven of tranquility, perfect for a family afternoon with your feet in the water.
Falaises Beach in Neuchâtel: lawn by the lake and family swimming
Want a peaceful afternoon by the lake, east of Neuchâtel? The Plage des Falaises welcomes you for free on a large lawn, right next to the Nid-du-Crô pools. A natural spot, perfect for families to splash around, picnic, and bask in the sun.
Jeunes-Rives Beach in Neuchâtel: the city's renovated beach
Want a day by the lake without leaving the city? The Jeunes-Rives beach, just steps from the center of Neuchâtel, has been revamped: gentle sloping entry into the water, large wooden piers, and spacious shaded lawns. Perfect for laying down your towel with family, just a few minutes from the train station.
Minigolf La Canebière in Neuchâtel: 18 holes by the lake
Looking for a family outing almost at the water's edge? The minigolf in Neuchâtel is La Canebière: an 18-hole open-air course, set on the quaysides by the lake. Your children aim, count their shots and enjoy the open air, a stone's throw from the harbour and the promenade.
Adventure Park Chaumont
On the heights of Neuchâtel, the Parc Aventure Chaumont welcomes you for a day in the trees, from toddlers to teenagers. Thirteen treetop courses, over twenty zip lines, and everything you need to climb safely, right next to the funicular station.
Panoramic tour of Chaumont
On the heights of Neuchâtel, the Chaumont panoramic tower offers a 360-degree view of the Three Lakes and the Alps. It is easily accessible by funicular, making it a simple nature outing for the whole family.
Littoral Ice Rinks
On the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the Patinoires du Littoral welcome you and your family for public skating sessions starting in the fall. Two covered rinks, skates available for rent on-site: everything is ready for a successful ice outing.
Neuchâtel Natural History Museum
In the heart of Neuchâtel, the Muséum (MHNN) showcases Switzerland's wildlife in life-sized dioramas. A perfect outing for families, and you can even enjoy a snack under a whale skeleton.
Neuchâtel Botanical Garden
In the heart of Neuchâtel, the Botanical Garden combines tropical greenhouses, thematic gardens, and nature trails. A family outing in the great outdoors, with free admission.
Pools of Nid-du-Crô
By the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the Piscines du Nid-du-Crô bring together indoor pools, a large outdoor area, and a pebble beach. An ideal spot for a family day, whether it rains or shines.
Kidz Moove Area
A large covered play space just steps from the centre of Neuchâtel, designed so children aged 1 to 12 can let off steam safely — while parents relax at the snack corner.
LNM Cruises on the Three Lakes departing from Neuchâtel
Board at the port of Neuchâtel for a cruise on the lakes of Neuchâtel, Morat, and Bienne. An outing along the water that delights the whole family, from the little ones to the older ones.
Kidz Moove Area
A large indoor play area just steps away from the center of Neuchâtel, designed for children aged 1 to 12 to expend their energy safely — while parents relax at the snack corner.
Why choose Neuchâtel for a family outing?
Neuchâtel has many assets that make it an ideal destination for families. Its human-sized city center, lively shores, and rich heritage provide an environment conducive to discoveries and activities suitable for children.
The castle and the Collegiate Church, which overlook the old town, are among the iconic sites of Neuchâtel. Their cobbled surroundings, viewpoints over the lake, and nearby promenades offer an ideal setting to awaken the curiosity of the youngest while enjoying a moment with the family. The old town, with its yellow stone facades and historic fountains, is easily explored on foot through its alleys.
The shores of Lake Neuchâtel are another favored spot for families. Between walks along the water, green spaces, designated swimming beaches in the summer, and cruises on the Three Lakes, the shores are often the starting point for a lovely day with the children.
The city also benefits from a rich cultural offering accessible to families. Several museums, such as the Natural History Museum or the Laténium, a nearby archaeology park and museum, offer pathways designed to spark children's curiosity and make discovery fun.
The natural environment is another strong point. Just a few minutes from the center, families can reach the heights of Chaumont by funicular, go for a walk in the Jura forests, or discover spectacular natural sites like the Areuse gorges or the Creux du Van. This proximity between city, lake, and mountains allows for easy alternation between outdoor activities, discoveries, and moments of relaxation.
Finally, its central position in the Three Lakes region makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surroundings. Families can easily combine a trip to Neuchâtel with discovering neighboring municipalities, the shores of Lake Murten and Lake Biel, or the wine-growing villages along the Neuchâtel shoreline.
Whether you live in the region or are just passing through, Neuchâtel offers a particularly favorable environment for family outings. With its historical heritage, lake, preserved nature, and activities for children, the city brings together many advantages for sharing quality moments with family throughout the year.