Play area at the Port of Saint-Blaise: play with your feet by the edge of the lake

A playground with its feet in the water, at the port of Saint-Blaise

There are outings that check all the boxes without costing anything, and this one is among them. By the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, right next to the docks and sailboats, the playground at the Port of Saint-Blaise offers children a varied play area with boats, the lake, and the mountains as a backdrop. It's one of those places where you come for an hour and end up staying all afternoon. The little ones trot towards their structure, the older ones rush to the zip line, and you settle on a bench with a view that feels good. The whole area is fenced and free, just a stone's throw from the train station.

What your children will discover

The playground is designed for several ages at once. The little ones have their own structure, suitable for their first climbs, while the older ones tackle a more challenging climbing module. Between the two, a beautiful sandbox occupies those who love making castles and tunnels, and the zip line is always a hit. Swings and spring games complete the picture. And since the playground overlooks the port, watching the boats come and go is part of the show.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a family lakeside: relaxed, sunny, lively on nice days. People come to climb, slide, dig in the sand, and then relax on a bench in the shade of the shelter. Many families follow up with a walk along the port or a snack on the terrace at the nearby café. In summer, the place is popular, so it gets busy: you’ll often meet other children, which is often appreciated by the more sociable ones. One point of caution: the port itself is not fenced off on the water side, so keep a close eye on the little ones.

Before you go

• Recommended age: ideal for 2 to 10 years (structures for toddlers and for older climbers).
• Duration: plan for 1 to 2 hours, more if you extend with a walk along the lake.
• Price: free.
• Reservation: none, free access.
• Stroller accessibility: accessible with a stroller.
• Transport: train with a nearby stop; large paid parking at the port for those coming by car.
• What to bring: hat and sunscreen (little shade in the height of summer), sand toys, water bottle, and snacks.
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn, in good weather.

Parents' tips

• Aim for the morning or late afternoon in summer: it's cooler and the playground is less crowded.
• Keep an eye on the younger ones near the port: access to the water is not fenced.
• The shelter offers some shade and a few benches, but bring hats and sunscreen for the hot hours.
• The nearby café is handy for a drink, ice cream, or a restroom break (check the hours on site).
• Take the opportunity to follow up with a walk along the docks: boats always fascinate children.

Useful information

• Address: Port de Saint-Blaise, Saint-Blaise (Neuchâtel).
• Official website: saint-blaise.ch
• Hours: free access all year round (public outdoor playground).
• Access: train with a nearby stop; large paid parking at the port.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Saint-Blaise.

Why we recommend it

Because it brings together everything we love in an easy outing: it's free, it's by the lake, it's varied for several ages, and it's accessible by train. The view of the port gives a little vacation vibe, and the café right next door simplifies the logistics of snacks and bathroom breaks. For a quiet morning or an end of the day in the sun, it's hard to make it simpler.

In a nutshell

A free and well-equipped playground by Lake Neuchâtel, perfect for a family outing from spring to autumn, featuring a zip line, swings, sandbox, and a view of the port.