Pierre-à-Bot playground: the wooden area with a view of Lake Neuchâtel

A large wooden playground on the heights of Neuchâtel

Situated on the heights of Neuchâtel, just below the terrace of the restaurant, the Pierre-à-Bot playground is a true breath of fresh air. You can climb by road or take the bus to reach this large green space, where children play freely while you enjoy the view of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. The playground combines wooden structures, sand, and large grassy areas, in a natural setting just a stone's throw from the city. It's the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon with family, between a slide and a picnic in the shade.

What your children will discover

The playground is generous and designed for movement. It features a large climbing structure with ropes and a slide, swings, a seesaw, spring animals, a rope pyramid, and, the highlight for many children, a zip line. Right next to it, a very large sandbox equipped with a digger and a manual water pump promises hours of construction and sandcastles. The more athletic can continue with the multi-sport field and the family golf courses set up around (swing golf, foot golf, disc golf).

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Here, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Families settle on the lawns, alternating between sunny spots and shady corners, while children move from the sandbox to the zip line. While the little ones dig and climb, the older ones kick a ball, throw a disc, or try their hand at the nearby swing golf. It's easy to come for half a day: spread out the blanket, take out the picnic, and enjoy the panorama. The restaurant La Pinte de Pierre-à-Bot, just above the playground, is handy for a drink or a meal if the mood strikes you.

Before you go

• Recommended age: ideal for ages 2 to 12, with areas suitable for toddlers (sandbox, swings) and older kids (climbing, zip line)
• Duration: easily half a day, especially when combining play, sand, and picnic
• Price: free playground. The golf courses (swing golf, foot golf, disc golf) and the restaurant are paid
• Reservation: none for the playground, free access
• Stroller accessibility: the playground and surrounding areas are accessible by stroller; only the final path to the Pierre-à-Bot block is not
• Transport: bus from Neuchâtel (stop Pierre-à-Bot); two parking lots on site, one near the road, the other near the restaurant
• What to bring: picnic, sunscreen, sand toys, and something to cover up, as it is often cooler than in the city
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn, in good weather

Parent tips

• Bring a bucket and spade: with the digger and water pump, the sandbox keeps children occupied for a good while
• Bring a change of clothes for the little ones, as sand and water often end up winning
• Settle near a picnic table in the shade for breaks on hot summer days
• Think about a light sweater: on the heights, the wind and coolness can surprise even in summer
• Combine the outing with a game of swing golf or disc golf to keep the older ones occupied too

Useful information

• Address: Pierre-à-Bot, 2000 Neuchâtel
• Official website: playgrounds of the City of Neuchâtel
• Hours: free access all year round (the playground is outdoors and public)
• Access: by bus from Neuchâtel (stop Pierre-à-Bot) or by car, with two parking lots on site; restrooms available

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

Why we recommend it

We love Pierre-à-Bot for its complete and natural aspect: a large varied playground, a huge sandbox with a digger, a zip line, and, on top of that, an unobstructed view of the lake and the Alps. Free and easy to access, it's a safe bet for a family outing on the heights of Neuchâtel, with something to keep both the little ones and the older ones entertained.

In a nutshell

A large wooden playground, free and outdoors, on the heights of Neuchâtel: zip line, huge sandbox, and lake view for a nature break with family.