Finally! Some posts on German playgrounds (Kinderspielplatz)! I know I am more excited about this than you are. But that’s okay. I live here. My kids’ happiness is directly related to the awesomeness of the playgrounds here. Kind of.
After living here for two months and exploring scores of such play places, I am still amazed at the creativity in location. In the US, I felt like a park landed smack dab in the best location for the architect. But here, parks are everywhere. Wanna see what I mean?
Halfway up a mountain : Rest here, eat something oh-so-tasty, and let your kids run wild so they can whine about how tired they are the rest of the climb.
At the top of the mountain : After your child has whined the entire second half of the journey, they will suddenly find the energy to whiz down the slide. Repeatedly.
Along a pedestrian path : Such tempting play places should be strictly avoided when in a hurry. Passing by without indulging is a recipe for a meltdown. A highly public, loud, look-at-that-horrible-mom-can’t-she-control-her-kids screaming fit of a meltdown.
Next to schools, behind apartments buildings, across from tram stops, and anywhere else you might go on your way home : Note to self.. always leave time in the schedule for kinderspielplatz. See previous photo for full warning.
In the forest : Just in case your child (girl) is not content to play with the provided rocks, sticks, mud, and bugs.
In the middle of nowhere : Maybe someday I’ll think it’s commonplace to put a playground at the end of a field. For now, I’ll just enjoy the view. And the two little boys who are now muddy, sandy, wet, and beaming with delight.
What are the parks like in your city? Are they convenient? Well-planned? Can you walk there? Leave a comment to share what playgrounds are like in your corner of the world.
Thrifty Travel Mama 
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