Recreational area of Paccots: the large natural playground at the foot of the Fribourg Pre-Alps

A life-sized playground in the heart of the Paccots resort

Perched above Châtel-Saint-Denis, the recreational area of Paccots is a vast outdoor playground set at the foot of the fir trees, in the backdrop of the Fribourg Prealps. On approximately 2000 m², children move from a slide to a zip line, climb in nets, cross suspension bridges, and encounter large wooden animal sculptures along the way. The area is not fenced and opens directly into nature, giving it that sense of freedom that we love so much in the mountains. It’s the ideal stop to catch your breath with family after a walk or before a picnic. And good news: access is completely free.

What your children will discover

The site combines a real playground with a discovery trail. There are combined structures with slides, suspension bridges, climbing nets, small houses, seesaws, and spring games. Along the path, about ten large wooden sculptures represent local animals (and a marsh plant), each accompanied by an educational panel with questions. The more adventurous will zip down the zip line, climb the observation tower, or try their hand at agility games and the tube slide. There’s plenty to alternate between letting off steam and small nature discoveries without ever getting bored.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

Here, children are allowed to run, climb, and invent their games while parents enjoy the calm and fresh air. The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, typical of mountain resorts in summer. Several picnic areas, including one covered, allow for a snack or meal, with drinking water available on site. Since the area is not fenced and is located in nature, it’s important to keep an eye on the little ones, but the space remains vast and welcoming. It’s the perfect place for a half-day that combines play, nature, and a big breath of fresh air.

Before you go

• Recommended age: ideal for ages 3 to 12; the structures are especially suitable for children around 2 to 10 years old, but older kids will also find fun on the zip line and agility games.
• Duration: plan for 1.5 hours to half a day depending on the desire to play and picnic.
• Price: free, open access.
• Reservation: none, the site is open and freely accessible.
• Stroller accessibility: the terrain is partly natural (grass, wood chips, gravel); access is possible with an all-terrain stroller, to be confirmed depending on the season.
• Transport: via the A1 motorway, exit Châtel-Saint-Denis, direction Les Paccots; by public transport, train to Châtel-Saint-Denis station then bus to Les Paccots. Free parking nearby.
• What to bring: good shoes, sunscreen, water, picnic supplies, and a light jacket (it’s at altitude).
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn, when the snow has melted and the games are accessible.

Parents' tips

• Arrive with your picnic: the tables, including a covered area, and the drinking water on site make breaks easy, even in case of a light shower.
• Since the site is not fenced, keep the little ones in sight, especially near the zip line and the tower.
• Take advantage of the educational panels along the path to turn the walk into a little treasure hunt for answers about local animals.
• Consider an extra layer: at this altitude, the weather can change quickly, even in summer.
• Combine the outing with a walk in the Paccots resort or a gourmet stop for a complete family day.

Useful information

• Address: Recreational area of Paccots, route des Dailles, 1619 Les Paccots (municipality of Châtel-Saint-Denis).
• Official site: https://fribourg.ch/fr/les-paccots/activites-en-plein-air/zone-recreative/
• Hours: open access all year round; games are mainly playable outside of the snowy period (to be confirmed depending on the weather).
• Access: A1 motorway, exit Châtel-Saint-Denis, direction Les Paccots; or train to Châtel-Saint-Denis then bus to Les Paccots. Free parking nearby.

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

Why we recommend it

We love the recreational area of Paccots because it brings together everything we look for in a successful family outing: it’s free, it’s in nature, and there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained for hours with games, a zip line, and sculptures to discover. The pre-Alpine setting and picnic areas make it a perfect stop for a day in the green, just a stone's throw from Châtel-Saint-Denis.

In a nutshell

A large free playground in nature, with a zip line, slides, and animal sculptures, at the foot of the Fribourg Prealps. Ideal for a half-day family outing from spring to autumn.