Berlin's Best Playgrounds

Anyone who has traveled with small children abroad knows that despite the best intentions to inspire the little ones to cultural experiences, where do the kids really want to go: the playgrounds.

Fortunately it was in Berlin, Germany that we decided to spend an extended stay with our two young boys. The German capitol offers some of the best playground we have ever seen. Not only are they beautifully constructed, they offer physical challenges and excellent developmental opportunities for the children. Of course the most important aspect of Berlin playgrounds is that the kids love playing on them!

We would like to share a few of our favorite Berlin playgrounds. Our 5 and 7 year old boys have chosen these as their all time favorites. See Map

1. Jungle Playground - "Dschungel Spielplatz" in Baeck Park.

The Jungle Spielplatz is overflowing with fun challenges and wonderful artwork. The playground structure is made entirely of natural wood by the Sik Holz company which uses debarked limbs and trunks from the Robinia or Black Locust tree. Their playful designs with these wooden structures create a fun environment as well natural feeling to the playgrounds. A "Palm" tree jungle is adorned with swinging nets, catwalks, and a fort house from which the kids can exit via a thrillingly fast slide back to the forest floor.

Throughout the playground one encounters a complete cast of carved wood jungle animals; lions, tigers, apes, snakes, and even a heard of giraffes! The kids can spend hours here and still not want to leave.

Directions:
S+U Rathaus Steglitz then take 186 or 283 bus until Dalandweg (the street runs alongside the playground.)

2. Rubber Playground - Winterfelderplatz

This playground is a three dimensional labyrinth of thick rubber sheets which make up its fantastic climbing structure. The rubber sheets are hanging from ropes, bent into arches, and even made into a huge slide where a bunch of kids can zip down simultaneously. Around the main climbing structure are creatively playful mosaic sculptures that decorate the grounds. Additionally, there is a sand and stone climbing area with a hand water pump that offers water play for those willing to pump up their fun. Unfortunately, many graffiti "artists" have decided to add their own decoration but this in no way diminishes the fun your kids will have exploring the "Gummi Spielplatz."

Directions:
U3 Nollendorf Platz then walk south on Maassen Str. to Winterfeld platz and the playground is on your left halfway down the platz.

Culinary Side Note PIZZA!
In addition to this great playground the best Pizza we found in Berlin is "Dolce Pizza" which you walk past on your way from the U-Bahn to the playground. It is strictly take out and eat it on the benches in front on the sidewalk or of course at the playground. Located on the right (west) side of the street at Maassen Str. 6.

3. Britzergarten Playgrounds

The Britzergarten is a very large expanse (90 acres) of gardens that were constructed in 1985 for the National Garden Show. The property is very impressive with both formal and informal garden areas. Of course, to keep the kids happy there are also multiple playgrounds that are simply world class. A clay village playground called "Makunaima" features massive interactive sculptures made of cob (clay and sand.) After the kids are finished climbing, sliding, and running around the village there is a hands on workshop where they can make their own cob sculptures.

On the other side of the park there is a water playground that is best enjoyed in the warmer months. Rolling small hills made of cobblestones come together to form a creek leading to a play pond and is fed by very refreshing cold water. Our kids enjoyed experimenting with the dams and water scoops built into the creek all while getting wonderfully soaked to the bone. There are many other kids play features scattered throughout the Britzergarten. A small fee is charged for entry but it is worth every penny to be in such a beautiful and stimulating park located right in the city.


Directions. There are four entrances to the gartens listed below along with S or U Bahn stops and connecting bus lines.
1. Sangerhauser Weg entrance / U6 Alt-Mariendorf / Bus 179 see map >>
2. Tauernallee entrance / U6 Alt-Mariendorf / Bus 179 see map >>
3. Mohriner Allee entrance / U6 Alt-Mariendorf / Bus 181 see map >>
4. Buckower Damm entrance / S+U train station Hermannstr. / Bus M44 see map >>