Évologia in Cernier: the great nature park where children play and explore

A breath of fresh air in the heart of Val-de-Ruz

Just a few minutes from Neuchâtel, Évologia Park stretches over twenty hectares in Cernier, nestled in the Val-de-Ruz. Here, you can stroll between the gardens, follow a barefoot path, observe rabbits, and let the children run wild in the playground. It's one of those places where you can breathe, where time slows down, and where a simple walk quickly turns into an adventure. Managed by the canton with numerous partners, the site blends nature, agricultural heritage, and artistic creations. Access is free and open all year round: perfect for an impromptu outing or a full day.

What your children will discover

Évologia is primarily a playground located beside the central building, ideal for a break to let off steam. But the true treasure of the park is its Extraordinary Gardens: ephemeral and imaginary gardens that change every summer, filled with sculptures and playful setups. Children love the barefoot path, Gulliver's garden, and the treasure hunt games that turn the walk into a scavenger hunt. On the animal side, the P'tit Parc des paillotes (an educational farmyard), the rabbit hill, and the bee area always make a little impact.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is peaceful and family-friendly, far from the hustle and bustle of large amusement parks. You walk, stop, observe, and climb. In summer, the mini swing golf and its courses delight young and old, and the free scavenger hunts invite exploration of the park from a playful angle. The themed gardens (permaculture, lunar garden, street art) provide plenty to observe and question. It's the kind of place where you can spread out a blanket, have a picnic, and let the children roam freely.

Before you go

• Recommended age: ideal for ages 3 to 12, but the park appeals to the whole family.
• Duration: plan for 2 to 3 hours, more if you picnic or explore the gardens.
• Price: free access for self-guided visits. Some guided tours and activities are paid (to be confirmed on the official site).
• Reservation: not necessary for self-guided visits.
• Stroller/Accessibility: outdoor spaces and main paths are easily navigable; some nature trails are more rugged (to be confirmed).
• Transport: train line Neuchâtel–La Chaux-de-Fonds, stop Les Hauts-Geneveys, then bus towards Cernier. By car, take the Les Hauts-Geneveys highway exit then head towards Cernier. Parking on site (to be confirmed).
• What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, a picnic, and sun protection.
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn, when the Extraordinary Gardens and summer activities are in full swing.

Parent tips

• Come in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours in summer.
• Bring a change of clothes or spare shoes: the barefoot path and grass can quickly wet your feet.
• Slip in a small map or notebook: the scavenger hunts lend themselves to a family challenge.
• The self-service restaurant La Terrassiette, with its panoramic terrace overlooking Val-de-Ruz, is handy if you don't have a picnic.
• Check the summer program before you go: the gardens and activities change from year to year.

Useful information

• Address: Route de l'Aurore 6, 2053 Cernier
• Official site: https://www.parc-evologia.ch
• Hours: park open all year; reception and restaurant hours during the week (weekend hours vary, to be confirmed on the official site)
• Access: train to Hauts-Geneveys then bus to Cernier, or by car (Les Hauts-Geneveys exit)

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Val-de-Ruz.

Why we recommend it

Because Évologia ticks all the boxes for a great nature outing with family: it's free, it's spacious, it's varied, and it's open all year round. You can find both a playground, animals, surprising gardens, and plenty of walking without ever getting bored. An ideal playground to reconnect children with nature, without pressure and without budget.

In two words

A vast free landscaped park in Cernier, combining a playground, extraordinary gardens, and animals: the perfect nature getaway for families in Val-de-Ruz.