Playground of the Parc des Rives in Yverdon-les-Bains: large playground by the lake

A huge playground by Lake Neuchâtel

An old racetrack converted into a leisure area, the Parc des Rives unfolds its green spaces right by Lake Neuchâtel, about a ten-minute walk from the center of Yverdon-les-Bains. People come for the playground, but also for everything around it: sports fields, a skatepark, picnic tables, and large lawns to lay down a blanket. The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, with a view of the water as a backdrop. It's one of those places where you plan to stay for an hour and end up spending the afternoon.

What your children will discover

The playground focuses on movement and balance. It features bouncing platforms, a zip line, a Viking swing, a nest swing (basket), classic swings, balance games, and a seesaw. The surfaces change according to the areas (wood chips, sand, grass), varying the sensations underfoot. Right next to it, the concrete skatepark, one of the largest in the canton of Vaud, welcomes skaters of all levels, from first attempts on scooters to more advanced tricks.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Here, everyone finds their rhythm. The younger ones hop between swings and structures while the older ones head to the skatepark or kick a ball on the mini-soccer, basketball, and volleyball fields. There are also ping-pong tables and an outdoor strength training area for parents who want to move. In between, you can settle at a picnic table or on the grass, facing the lake. The park exudes freedom: you can walk, bike, or scooter, and the space is large enough to never feel cramped.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2 years for the simplest structures, up to 12-14 years with the skatepark and sports fields.
• Duration: 1 to 3 hours, easily half a day if you combine play, picnicking, and a walk by the lake.
• Price: free, open access to the public.
• Reservation: none, you come when you want.
• Accessibility for strollers / disabled persons: paved access path, parking and toilets partially accessible by wheelchair.
• Transport: 10 minutes on foot from Yverdon-les-Bains train station; bus 605 to the stop "Yverdon, collège des rives". Car and bike parking available on site.
• What to bring: helmet for the skatepark, sunscreen and hat (little shade in the height of summer), water bottle, and picnic supplies.
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn; pleasant from the first sunny days, perfect for combining play and swimming nearby.

Parents' tips

• Plan the picnic: the tables and grass by the lake are perfect for it, and you tend to stay longer than you think.
• For beginners at the skatepark, a helmet (and protective gear) makes a difference: the area is shared with experienced riders.
• A drinking fountain is available on site, but still bring water for hot days.
• Shade is limited: aim for the morning or late afternoon in the height of summer, and slip a hat into your bag.
• Combine with a walk along the quay and the nearby landing stage to extend your outing by the lake.

Useful information

• Address: Avenue de l'Hippodrome 3, 1400 Yverdon-les-Bains (Vaud).
• Official website: yverdonlesbainsregion.ch.
• Hours: public park with open access; specific hours to be confirmed on the official website.
• Access: 10 minutes on foot from Yverdon-les-Bains train station; bus 605, stop "Yverdon, collège des rives"; car and bike parking available on site.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Yverdon-les-Bains.

Why we recommend it

Because it's rare to find, in the same place and for free, a varied playground, a large skatepark, sports fields, and a lakeside setting. The Parc des Rives checks all the boxes for a successful family outing: easy to access, adaptable according to the children's ages, and spacious enough for everyone to enjoy without stepping on each other's toes.

In a nutshell

A large free playground by Lake Neuchâtel, with a zip line, swings, skatepark, and picnic area: enough to keep the whole family entertained for a good half-day in Yverdon-les-Bains.