Playground of the Évole Bay: the sand boat by the lake in Neuchâtel

A large boat stranded in the sand, just steps from Lake Neuchâtel

There are playgrounds that have a soul, and the one at the Baie de l'Évole is one of them. Located by the lake, close to the old tram depot and the city center of Neuchâtel, it welcomes families in a green setting, between the lawn, trees, and the view of the water. Its highlight is this large boat placed in the middle of a huge oval sandbox, ready for all pirate adventures. Enclosed by a small fence, the area reassures parents while allowing children the freedom to romp around. People come here for an hour or for an entire afternoon, often extending their outing with an ice cream or a stroll along the quays.

What your children will discover

The heart of the playground is this very large oval sandbox with a boat in its center that invites children to embark on endless imaginary games. All around, younger children find spring games, swings, and ropes to work on their balance, while older kids climb towards a tall tower equipped with two large slide tubes. The combined play structures and well-thought-out space allow children of different ages to play side by side. A picnic table completes the setup for snacks.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed. The playground is divided into a section for toddlers and another for older kids, allowing everyone to play at their own pace. It’s nice to be able to sit on the grass or at the picnic table while the children dig, slide, and swing. The immediate proximity to the lake adds a real breath of fresh air: it’s easy to follow up with a walk along the quays. It’s a very popular spot among Neuchâtel residents on sunny days, without being so crowded that it spoils the enjoyment.

Before you go

• Recommended age: ideal for ages 2 to 10, with separate areas for little ones and older kids.
• Duration: expect to spend 1 to 2 hours, more if you extend with a walk by the lake.
• Price: free, public space of the City of Neuchâtel.
• Reservation: none, open access.
• Stroller accessibility: good, the flat paths around the site are easily navigable with a stroller.
• Transport: just a few minutes from the city center by TransN bus/tram; parking nearby.
• What to bring: beach toys for the sand, a cap and water in summer, a snack for the picnic table.
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn, but the playground can also be enjoyed on nice winter days.

Parents' tips

• Bring a bucket, shovel, and small molds: the sandbox is huge and keeps children happy for hours.
• The gates of the fence are a bit heavy: keep an eye on little ones when entering and exiting.
• In summer, prefer the morning or late afternoon, as the sand and tower can get hot in the full sun.
• Enjoy the setting: an ice cream or a walk along the quays is the perfect way to extend the outing.
• Consider a change of clothes, as clothes have their best life between the sand and the grass.

Useful information

• Address: Baie de l'Évole, 2000 Neuchâtel.
• Official site: Playgrounds of the City of Neuchâtel.
• Hours: open access outdoors; check the City’s interactive map for details.
• Access: TransN bus and tram from the city center of Neuchâtel, parking nearby.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Neuchâtel.

Why we recommend it

Because it brings together everything we love in an easy outing: it’s free, central, by the lake, and the large boat in the sand makes children's eyes sparkle. The enclosed area and the division between little ones and older kids make it a safe and comfortable choice for parents, without sacrificing a beautiful natural setting.

In two words

A lovely free and enclosed playground by Lake Neuchâtel, where a large sand boat and a slide tower keep children occupied while parents relax by the water.