Playground of the Beach in Hauterive: a ship-castle boarding at the edge of the lake

A castle-boat at the attack, feet almost in the lake

In Hauterive, just a few minutes from Neuchâtel, the playground at the Plage occupies a beautiful stretch of greenery by the lake. At the center stands a large castle-boat that is the pride of the place: you climb up through nets like a pirate boarding, then slide down the slide for a proper escape. Around it, swings, spring games, and merry-go-rounds complete the picture on a chip-covered ground. It's an outdoor playground, public and completely free, that naturally extends towards the pebble beach and the large lawns. The place breathes vacation vibes, just steps from the lake and the Laténium.

What your children will discover

The highlight of the show is this oversized play boat: a floating castle to conquer, with its climbing nets and slide to come down at full speed. The little ones find their happiness on the swings, spring games, and merry-go-rounds, while the older ones tackle the boat's ascents. In total, about fifteen games are spread across the space, all set on wide lawns where you can lay your blanket. And since the beach is right next door, it's easy to transition from play to swimming or skipping stones.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Here, people come for the day rather than for half an hour. Families settle on the lawn, alternating games, picnics, and swimming, and enjoy the lakeside facilities: beach volleyball, picnic tables, and direct access to the pebble beach. The atmosphere is relaxed, local, and summery, with that typical mix of Neuchâtel beaches where children, teens, and parents each find their own corner. The area is not fenced and opens onto large green expanses, allowing space to run, but it requires keeping an eye on the little ones near the water.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years old up to about ten for the games; the castle-boat also appeals to older kids.
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours for just the playground, easily half a day if you continue to the beach.
• Price: free, public playground with open access.
• Reservation: none, open access all year round.
• Stroller/Accessibility: flat terrain by the lake, easy access with a stroller; chip-covered ground under the games.
• Transport: by public transport, stop Hauterive-Plage (TRN line); by car, A5 highway exit Neuchâtel-Monruz then direction Hauterive following the signs for "lake" and "beach" (parking nearby, to be confirmed in high season).
• What to bring: hats and sunscreen, the place is not very shaded; swimsuits and towels if you continue with swimming.
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn, in good weather; the place remains accessible all year round.

Parent tips

• Plan for shade (parasol, beach tent): the area lacks vegetation and gets sunny in the afternoon.
• Combine the outing with the beach right next door: swimsuit, armbands, and towel turn the morning into a full day.
• Arrive early on summer weekends to find a parking spot and a quiet patch of lawn.
• Since the castle-boat is open, keep an eye on the little ones in the nets and near the slide.
• Take advantage of the proximity of the Laténium for an indoor visit if the weather turns.

Useful information

• Address: Plage d'Hauterive, 2068 Hauterive (Neuchâtel).
• Official site: commune de Hauterive (Latena).
• Hours: public playground with open access, no schedule; access conditions for the beach site to be confirmed on the official site.
• Access: stop Hauterive-Plage (TRN); by car, A5 exit Neuchâtel-Monruz, direction lake and beach.

Want more outings? Find all our activities in Hauterive.

Why we recommend it

Because it has all the essentials for a good family outing in one place: a large castle-boat that makes children dream, varied games for all ages, beach volleyball for the older ones, and the beach within reach, all for free and by the lake. It's the kind of place where you can improvise a day without breaking the bank, barefoot in the grass.

In two words

A large free playground dominated by a castle-boat with slides and nets, by the lake of Neuchâtel in Hauterive: perfect for a summer day with family.