GZ Buchegg Playground, Zurich

GZ Buchegg is a community centre (Gemeinschaftszentrum) in the north of Zurich, right next to the Bucheggplatz tram and bus hub. Its large green grounds combine one of the most popular playgrounds in the city with a small animal enclosure, and entry is free.

Younger children have several sandpits, swings, slides and water play areas, while older ones can climb a steep hill with rock formations, ride a children’s zipline or try the natural bike trail and a small pump track with little jumps. Donkeys, ponies, llamas and goats live in the animal enclosure, which is open to visitors daily from 9:30 to 17:30.

The cafeteria with outdoor seating is open from Tuesday to Friday. At weekends the playground can get crowded, and in summer much of it lies in full sun, so bring hats and water. There is no parking: the easiest way to get there is by tram or bus to Bucheggplatz.