It’s a shame: back in the days when I was a child, I did not know Spielplatz am Schützenweg. Probably that is because this public adventure playground is hidden between two residential areas. Still, it can be easily found by taking the bus/tram to Lorraine or Breitenrain and just following the children laughing and shouting.

Now, I’m not a dad (yet). Still, I love the place for its vitality, its creative vibe and – yes – the treehouse, the rocket, the airplane and the pirate ship, the slides and DIY-toys, the mini railway and the rusty old car wreck. Also: the playground is a community center as well, with neighbors meeting up, children celebrating birthday parties, youngsters having drinks in the evening and everybody having a great time. Does it get any more local?

Pro-tip for non-parents: take a seat on the “deck” of the pirate ship, watch the scenery from above, from time to time loudly shout a random children’s name so that everybody hears – and you will not draw any attention at all.