Planning a family day in Zurich? These are the city’s standout play spots, from lakeside sand to shady parks with climbing frames. You’ll also find quick tips on snacks, toilets, and getting around by tram, bus, or train.
Best playgrounds in Zurich include Josefwiese (water play and a kiosk), Blatterwiese/“Chinawiese” by the Chinese Garden (lakeside lawns and a big play area), Strandbad Mythenquai (a seasonal beach “Badi” with sand and a playground), and Rieterpark by the Museum Rietberg (a calm landscape garden with play equipment).
Key takeaways
- For central city play, start at Josefwiese or take a quick hilltop break at Lindenhof.
- For sand and swimming, Strandbad Mythenquai pairs a family-friendly lakeside “Badi” with a playground.
- For lakeside green space and a large playground, head to Blatterwiese beside the Chinese Garden.
Sechseläutenplatz (central square near the Opera House)
Sechseläutenplatz is a wide, pedestrian-first square between Bellevue, the Opera House, and the lake promenade. It’s not a playground, but it’s great for a short break between trams and a lakeside walk. For swings and climbing, the lakeside play area at Blatterwiese/Chinese Garden is a short ride away.
Products Worth Considering
ULTIMATE PROTECTION - Our high-quality stroller rain cover is designed to provide ultimate protection for your baby. Made with safe and resilient materials, including food-grade EVA, it shields your little one from rain, wind, snow, cold, and dust.
Universal Size: Bemece rain cover is suitable for most strollers, pushchairs and baby carriages. Dimensions: 37.5 x 22 x 43 inches
[Maximize Brightness and Clarity] Visually it is made of completely visible And special materials make it not easy to wrinkle, which maximizes brightness and clarity indoors or outdoors
Rieterpark Playground
Next to the Museum Rietberg, Rieterpark is Zurich’s largest landscape garden. The play area sits among lawns and trees, so it feels calm even on busy days. It’s a good place for a picnic and a slower pace.
Products Worth Considering
80*80 Oversized for 4-8 Adults: ZAZE Picnic blankets unfolded size is 80''x 80'', it’s large enough to fit for 6-8 adults for siting or 4 adults of lying, giving your family and pets a large area to play
80” x 80” Extra Large: With 80” long and 80” width, the picnic blanket can allow 6-8 persons to sit on, or 4 persons to lie on. It’s large enough for family use or picnic with several friends. And it’s just a 16 inches long cylinder with a 9-inch diameter when you roll it up.
COMFORTABLE LARGE HANDLE STRAPS - The handle strap with double ring buckle is convenient to carry, and can easily fold and fix the picnic mat,saving a lot of space on the travel
Käferberg / Waid area
The Käferberg–Waid ridge is a simple way to get forest air and big views without leaving the city. One family-friendly route passes the Eichörnliweg (squirrel trail) and continues to Waidbad, where there’s a barbecue area and a playground for a picnic stop.
Products Worth Considering
Ideal for camping, picnics or other outdoor activities
Freehiker brings you the ultimate outdoor utensil set, It is a complete and professional BBQ grill kit that will satisfy all your needs for cooking, perfect for travel, picnics, RVs, camping, hiking, backyard BBQ-ing, parties, concerts, sporting events, boat rides, mountaineering and more. BAG SPECS: 14.5” length, 9” width, 2” thick.
If you love a smoky grilled flavor in meats, vegetables, etc., this simple lightweight BBQ charcoal grill will allow you to savor delicious foods ANYWHERE & ANYTIME!! Get together with friends and/or family for outdoor smoker cooking, BBQs, picnics, tailgating, camping or a night on the patio, parties, park, beach, etc.
Mythenquai (family beach with playground)
Strandbad Mythenquai is a classic warm-weather choice on Lake Zurich. It has a sandy beach and grass for sunbathing, a non-swimmer zone, a paddling pool with water play, and a playground. It’s seasonal, so check current opening times and rules before you go. Strandbad Mythenquai (City of Zurich).
Rietberg Playground
Within the wider Rieterpark/Museum Rietberg grounds, you’ll also find smaller play corners along the paths. It’s easy to mix museum time with a playground break.
Allmend Brunau (large green recreation zone)
Allmend Brunau is best known as a large grass sports complex with many football pitches. If you’re nearby, it can still be a useful open-space stop to stretch legs or burn off energy.
Bäckeranlage Playground
A lively neighborhood park in Kreis 4 with a playground and a paddling pool, plus accessible toilets. It’s a handy stop when exploring Zurich-West or the Langstrasse area. There’s also a park café/restaurant for simple food and drinks.
Josefwiese Playground
Near the Viadukt in Zurich-West, Josefwiese is a spacious park with a popular playground, a paddling pool, and water play. There’s also a snack kiosk in the park. It’s a top pick for mixed ages thanks to easy tram access, shaded seating, and big lawns for picnics and ball games. Josefwiese (City of Zurich).
Blatterwiese / Chinese Garden Playground
At Zürichhorn on the right-bank promenade, Blatterwiese (often called “Chinawiese”) pairs big lakeside lawns with an adjacent children’s playground. It’s perfect after a walk by the water. You’ll also find picnic spots, public grills, and cafés nearby.
FAQs
What are the best playgrounds in Zurich?
Josefwiese, Blatterwiese by the Chinese Garden, Strandbad Mythenquai (family beach with playground), and the Rieterpark/Museum Rietberg area are reliable picks. For a quick stop in the center, Sechseläutenplatz and Lindenhof work well for a short break.
Are these playgrounds suitable for toddlers?
Yes. Blatterwiese and Josefwiese work well for mixed ages, with flat paths and plenty of space for strollers. For a shorter stop in the old town, Lindenhof is a calm place to take a play break.
Are the playgrounds easy to reach by public transport?
Usually, yes. Most are reachable by tram, bus, or S-Bahn from central Zurich. Use current directions in your transit app, since routes and works can change.
Do these areas have restrooms and cafés?
Many do. Josefwiese and Bäckeranlage have public toilets, and Strandbad Mythenquai has typical swimming-facility amenities in season. Around Blatterwiese, you’ll also find cafés along the lakeside.
Where can kids enjoy water play in summer?
Josefwiese has water play features, and Strandbad Mythenquai combines a sandy beach with a paddling pool and play area. Blatterwiese is also popular on hot days thanks to the lakeside setting.
