TreeTop Walkway – Baumwipfelpfad – Neckertal – Switzerland

Hosting Challenge – Finding Things To Do in November

Hosting guests from abroad at the end of November presents challenges when it comes to selecting places to visit. Choosing an outdoor location that both toddlers and adults can enjoy in any weather is not easy. The limited number of days to make it happen adds to the pressure of the decision-making process.

Treetop Walkway Neckertal

I was searching for a new outdoor adventure when I stumbled upon a place in Neckertal with an unpronounceable name. I had heard a lot about forest detox trips and nature tourism, and I would definitely categorize this attraction within that realm. It’s also educational!

Treetop walkway pictured from the ground

Reading up on their website, I got immediately intrigued. It is a truly a unique project. Should you wish to know more about the architecture of the attraction, click on the link here.

Take a look at their map to see all the aspects it has to offer.

Our Visit

We arrived on a rainy day in November. We almost had the whole place to ourselves, with just a handful of other families wandering around the site.

Information Board

We parked the car and followed the signs to the entrance. Along the way, we passed a few houses and a self-service souvenir shop. It is quite common in Switzerland to find a self-service shop near attractions, whether they are natural, like the mountains, or man-made, like our destination for the day. Personally, I am still amazed by this cultural tradition and have a greater admiration and respect for Swiss culture. I don’t think this concept would last long in many other countries.

Souvenir Shop

The receptionist recommended that we visit the treetop walkway track first before exploring the ground trail. The view from the walkway was stunning, even on a gray, rainy autumn day. The upper path was filled with activity stations, balancing games, and even a few marble runs, which kept our little ones entertained while we browsed through the information boards. Along the path, we found snippets of interesting facts tied into the games, making it easy to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed by the end.

The ground trail took us beneath the treetop walkway, following the wooden marble run stations. Between the stations, we spotted several wooden carvings of animals with their babies. Although we haven’t visited it yet, the lower part of the trail features a playground and a relaxation area for visitors.

Both upper and lower trails are filled with large wooden benches.

Once we tested out all the marble run stations, we opted for a warm soup at the cafe.

Why We Loved Baumwipfelpfad

First and foremost, the attraction is fully accessible. We visited with a double stroller and small toddlers and encountered no issues accessing all areas. The treetop walk is wide and spacious, making it easy to navigate. Additionally, the path below has smooth terrain, which is perfect for stroller wheels.

Secondly, the balancing games along the walkway were a fantastic way to draw our attention back from the magnificent view of the treetops. They not only helped us balance our bodies but also engaged our senses. We shifted our focus from the vast expanse above the forest to our own small selves within nature.

Thirdly, it features its own wooden marble run track and playground. Wooden balls can be purchased at the café and souvenir shop. The playground is located in the forest, providing cool shade on hot summer days. For adults, there are plenty of benches available to relax while the children play.

Lastly, I loved that all the activity stations were presented in three languages: German, Italian, and English. As an expat mom, I really appreciate places where information is available in English. Although I speak Italian, I prefer to read in English when it’s an option. Would I visit this place again? Absolutely, no matter the weather!

Wind and Sun kissed cheeks: Ascona in the Winter

Home of Jazz

Choppy waters on Lake Maggiore and an icy February wind welcomed us to Ascona. One might expect this in winter.

Yet, the brightness and warmth of the sun tricked us into believing that spring had arrived. The golden light that embraced Ascona in the early afternoon should have made the chill more bearable. But the wind, sharp and relentless, stripped away all comfort.

Our woolly hats, meant to keep us warm, barely fulfilled their purpose. Still, I can’t imagine how we would have coped without them.

Home of Jazz

Music and Art

This small town is home to the renowned Jazz Ascona Festival, which takes place every year from late June to early July. With over 15 concerts per day, the festival draws visitors from around the world. Uniquely, it is the only festival outside the U.S. officially linked to New Orleans jazz.

Walking through Ascona, you can feel its artistic soul. The streets and colourful houses bear the imprint of the many artists who have performed here over the years.

Blend of Italian charm and Swiss precision

One of my favorite things about Ascona is its car-free lakeside promenade, the LungoLago. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, where cafés and restaurants line the waterfront. Even the icy wind couldn’t keep visitors from admiring Lake Maggiore’s shimmering expanse.

In this video, we take you along Ascona’s cobblestone alleys, down to the lake, where we walk with the colorful facades of cafés and houses on one side and the deep blue waters of Lake Maggiore on the other. Our journey leads to the playground before circling back to explore the port and the town’s charming, narrow streets.

Why We Love Ascona

Ascona is Switzerland’s lowest town, sitting just 196 meters above sea level. Thanks to this unique location, it enjoys a mild climate year-round.

Each visit feels like a new experience—a place of sunshine and tranquility in winter, and of heat and lively crowds in summer. The traffic-free waterfront makes it an ideal destination for families, offering a safe space for little ones to roam freely.

With ice cream on every corner and countless spots to relax, Ascona has something for everyone. Whether you’re indulging in local delicacies or simply soaking up the sun, this lakeside gem offers the perfect escape—any time of the year.

Winter Sunbathing: Exploring Brissago and other family low/highlights

Swimming Lessons, Back to Work, Winter Flu, Exploring Brissago, Family Pool Fun

Brissago

Driving straight into the winter sun, which is sitting low on the horizon. Lake on the left and mountain on the right. The road hosts two way traffic but with the width of two old minis, very narrow. It is full of twists and turns. Just around one corner a garage door amongst the rocks of the mountain. Park the car and take the lift to get to your residence.

There are many such garage doors along the road south from Ascona just like that. Each one has a concrete lift shaft above. I can only imagine how people live / commute from places like this. I wonder what happens when the lift breaks down.

We kicked off the trip at the southern part of the town. Parking near the lido of Brissago, we planned to check out the slide leading to Lake Maggiore. However it is closed in the winter and it is not accessible with a buggy / trailer due to the stairs.

Chiesa di S. Maria di Ponte

A few meters further to the south on foot, we found a church. Large wide stairs leading down to what it looks like to the lake. To the right the cemetery to the left the most well maintained church yard, I have ever seen. The church is open for visitors from April until November. However the surrounding garden is open all year around. The lawn is manicured with precision, the trees are pruned for the next season. It is a great spot to fill up on vitamin D on a nice sunny day.

Looking around we can see the nearby lido and long slide just behind the church. On the lake the island of Brissago is visible. It’s botanical garden offers a couple of hours excursion for the visitors. On the other side of the lake, the mountains go from green bottom to brown middle to white caps.

From here we carried on towards north of the town. Along the way, many of the Mediterranean features can be spotted. The houses have warm colours, the palm trees keep their unique shades all year around. Stone dominates many of the walls, bridges and due to the steep hill Brissago is built on, there are many not-so-hidden stairs along the town.

Lungolago of Brissago

Lungolago is filled with benches to rest on. Unique statues and fountains break up the path. Lemon and orange trees show off their fruit even this time of the year. The winter sun makes long shadows creating a dramatic effect on the photos we took along the journey.

Below the promenade the large stones form theater seats like structure. Great spot to admire the the ‘vista’ in front.

The houses are colourful with large balconies maximising on space to admire the view of the lake and mountains. Tranquility dominates the lake side in January. I imagine that it is the perfect calm before the high season storm begins.

However the winter sun has now disappeared behind the mountains. We pulled up the zips of our winter jackets, to keep the cold out and headed back towards the main road. Behind the fire station, a lively sport field breaks the serene site.

Along the main road, the town is busy with locals chatting in the bars, rushing from one place to another. Busy traffic rushing in front of the hill covered with terraced houses facing the lake.

It was our first time visiting Brissago, however, we would love to visit in the high season, to be able compare the atmosphere between the seasons.

Brissago in summary

It was a great 2-3 hours trip (including playground pit stop, which is unavoidable with little kids). The playground is secured with a fence and has a few different features. There are many parking spots available around the town with various facilities. The trip can be stretched out to a whole day experience by visiting the Botanical Garden on the island of Brissago.

Visiting with a buggy / trailer was easy. The only challenge was to drag the trailer back up the wide stairs from the church to the main road. The stairs are really small and deep, so the passengers did not complain.

Swimming lessons

While waiting for the lesson to kick off, M had a few rounds on the water slide. She is gaining confidence in the pool. During the lesson we walk in big circles with the little ones (1 & 2 year old) across the whole lane. Each round we do a different activity. This is the quietest time in the pool. I can hear the lifeguards’ chatter faintly while focusing on blowing bubbles underwater for M’s entertainment. She is mesmerised with all the toys and busy keeping them in her hands while being pulled around in the water.

I hope next week O can join as well. He is home with flu, he needs a rest.

Back To Work

Holidays are over and M is back to his work routine. It was so nice to be together for a couple of weeks. But as anything, this is now over, which means I need to get my sh!t together again.

Winter Flu

Baby is moaning, temperature soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. Last night I called the hospital for advice. I was reassured that I can safely increase the amount of meds given to keep the fever in check. Next day, we were due for O’s one-year-old routine check up. Our paediatrician prepared me to keep fighting the fever potentially for a whole week. ‘It is flu season!’ Important to keep up the dosage every 4 hours. However, during the night I let him sleep through one 4 hour window. At 3 am I woke up for an inconsolable crying for help. His temperature was nearing 41 degrees Celsius. From that point onward I skipped zero 4 hour windows. The following night was even worst and I had to give him another med, which is like a horse kick. It takes ages to make a difference, but once it works it lasts for 24 hours. Eventually we got out of this madness by the second part of the week.

Family Pool Fun

Sunday FunDay. The pool was the busiest yet plenty of space to splash about. Four grown ups for 3 kids is a great balance in a busy pool. Huge inflatable across two lanes keep the bigger kids busy and the parents anxious. Blue elephant slide keeps M focus sharp. She is growing into a little adrenaline monkey. Sliding down, immersing under water, climbing out of the pool and starting all over again for another twenty rounds. Before she disappears behind the stairs again, but instead of appearing on the top of the slide, she is off to the baby pool. Luckily Granmy with little O are already there splashing on the tiny water fountains.

Family Adventures: Snowy Roads and Swiss Waterfalls

This week we set out to visit two beautiful waterfalls in Ticino. Do you think we made it? … Read on to find out.

Back to Ticino, and Back to Kindergarten, Catching up with Friends, Visiting Maggia, and Valle Verzasca, and a Birthday Celebration.

Back to Ticino

Week two of 2025 started off with a road trip back from Poland to Ticino. As we got to the Alps, we drove through the most beautiful snowfall. Crossing the border from Austria to Switzerland there was no sign of snow. We could see the mountains far away glowing with their white snowcaps. An hour later when we started the ascent to St Bernardino along the crooked road, the snow started to settle on the asphalt. Traffic was light so we had minimal distraction until we got to the other side of the tunnel.

On the southern side of the tunnel snow covered everything. At this point there was no snowplough in sight. Throughout the serpentine, the descent took a long time. Winter tyres did an excellent job for us. However a few cars in front of us an Italian car had to stop to wait for rescue services (summer tyres – I guess).

We don’t have too much experience driving in the snow, especially in the mountains. Luckily everyone was going sensibly throughout our journey. At home we were greeted with hot dinner made by my parents. Little treat to the soul, when you don’t have to think about feeding the fam after two long days of travelling.

The following days were filled with various tasks around the house to get it into shape before our friends arrived. I think one day I did six loads of laundry just to give you an idea of the mess we had post holiday.

Back to Kindergarten

Kindergarten started midweek with half a day session. Easing back into the classroom routine was smoother this time than after autumn break. B can communicate much better now in Italian thanks to the lessons and the friendships he made in the last four months. Our nervous boy turned into a confident cheeky italianish-speaking boy.

Birthday Celebration

O turned one this week. Celebration was planned for the weekend. However, winter flu caught up on our little boy by the end of the week. With a temperature over 40 degrees celsius, he wasn’t enjoying much of his first birthday celebration.

Catching up with Friends

Hosting has become the highlights of my year. Since I am a full time stay at home Mom, I appreciate all the connections I get even more than before. Days fly by so quick with three little ones in tow.

I love the anticipation (cleaning / tidying). I love the meal planning and preparation process. Choosing things to do and places to explore. While adjusting the rhythm to suit 4-6 grownups and 4 kids (1-2-3-6) and the coolest dog and cat. Life is never dull.

Maggia

This time we visited a little village of Maggia. With the goal to visit the Cascata del Salto first then to head down to the river for a stroll. Little we knew that the waterfall is not accessible with buggy. Indeed it is a hiking trail gem. With the help of the locals, our crew quickly changed direction and headed to the river, Maggia. Dads took the cars, and Moms took the kids and the dog. Down in the village behind Migros, the suspension bridge, called Pontine di Maggia, leads across the Maggia river. The shore on the other side is easily accessible even with tiny feet (not with buggy though).

Overall, Maggia is a small village with about 2.5 k residents. It seems to be a good base for the many trials. There are many parking spots, convenience stores and restaurants. Looking at the mountains from the car park, I could see some chapels and waterfalls that I would have loved to explore but they were not accessible with a buggy. I am sure we will be back though.

Our tiny humans, and the doggy had plenty of space to roam. Hence, on the way home, they have all fallen asleep in the car. It’s impossible to plan a second stop when your passengers are snoozing. We called it a day and headed home.

Valle Verzasca

Set off as early as possible to catch the couple of hours of sunshine that reaches Valle Verzasca in January. First stop was Sonogno. The village is at the northern part of the valley. Parking was free of charge this time around. Although, the reminders for paying for parking in the high season were displayed everywhere. There is an option to buy a whole day parking ticket that covers the whole valley.

We were not prepared for the snow but it was very welcomed. We are yet to learn to plan properly, considering the elevation level. There was a crisp line showing the start of the snow on the trees and rocks. The divide was visible from far away.

While walking around in Sonogno we met a local gentleman, who was ever so chatty and helpful. He told us that this time of the year we can grab something to eat by the sport center. We quizzed him a little about the surroundings. He told us that when he was little snow was covering the area for most of the winter, however in the recent decade snow is less and less. We set out to look at the Cascata La Froda, however he told us that it is unlikely that we find any water running, but may be some ice. He also pointed out that the path is free from services during the winter but encouraged to see it for ourselves. So we did.

Turning right at the sport center, the road was clear until the next turn. Then it was clearly marked that no winter clearing services are in operation. First we tried to pull the buggy / trailer through the snow. Then we decided to ditch it and carry the kiddies. Following the map we got to the point where we should have crossed the river. However, there was no clear access to the other side. We decided to return to the car park, feed the empty bellies, and move onto the destination.

Verzasca Dam

Ever so famous dam appeared in the opening part of the James Bond movie ‘GoldenEye’. Mostly known as Verzasca dam is called Contra Dam or Locarno Dam. It is a popular spot amongst the adrenaline seekers. The dam is 220 m tall and has a well-known bungee jumping station. This year the dam has hosted the Red Bull dual ascent climbing event. Where ten teams of twenty climbers tackled 180 m route.

It is really hard to put into words how small one can feel standing on the dam, with huge opening in front of him / her when looking out to the Lake Maggiore. On the other side, Lake Vogolno holds a terrifying power of distraction should the anything happen to the structure of the surroundings. Running out of daylight, we have returned to home and warmed up with some homemade soup.

There are many places we wished we could further explore. However, due to our young crew, we need to limit our stops to two, maximum three. We aim to extend the time spent outdoors and the number places visited as the kids grow.

Two more family friends are visiting in the next few weeks. I am very much looking forward to these. Look out for more updates on our adventures with our tiny humans.

Switzerland – Poland – Switzerland Trip, New Year Celebration, Visiting Friends and Family

To Poland

Three kids, two grown ups, and many stuff squeezed in an estate set off to Poland Monday morning.

We romanticised to leave around 8 am, although we felt it might be too ambitious. By the time we packed up it was almost 10 am.

We had to make some last minute shopping on the way and fuel the car. We left Ticino in 12 degrees Celsius, just to arrive in -4 degrees Celsius at 9 pm. We called it a day around Leipzig and booked a room on the way.

Map showing road trip plan from Golino to Leipzig. It is anticipated that the drive will take 8 hours and 31 minutes with some construction zones on the way.
Day 1 Golino – Leipzig

The kids had better sleep in the clean and fluffy bedding then they have at home. It was hard to wake them up. Second day we set off at 9 am. We had breakfast in the car as we brought plenty of left overs with us.

Day two road plan from Leipzig to Elblag anticipated 7 hours and 31 minutes with few hazards on the way.
Day 2 Leipzig – Elblag

We stopped along the way for lunch in a McDonald. The usual small kids play area was designed into a kids gym. It had two spinning bikes, a basketball loop with many balls and an maze with obstacle course incorporated in it. It felt like we were in an indoor playground.

1650 km in two days. But we made it to Elblag by 4 pm New Year’s Eve.

New Years Eve

After driving most of the day, we couldn’t wait to get our bodies moving. The old town is lit up with various light compositions at this time of the year. We knew as we visited it two years ago when it was just the three of us.

Led sign of Elblag with lit up letters and a heart composition perfect for keepsake photoshoot as a background.
New Year’s Eve at Elblag

After a brief walk the little ones were ready to be tucked in. Our eldest stayed up with us to welcome the new year. 2025 arrived with a spectacular firework display which we could watch from the dinning room. I could barely keep my eyes open but it was worth every second of it.

Baltic Sea

Snowy seaside
Seaside splash and dash

After two years we have finally returned to the seaside in the winter snow. It is such a surreal sight when sea meets ice, ice meets sand, and sand meets snow.

It was a brief visit as the first large wave knocked M off her feet and she got soaked in ice cold water. We picked her up and managed to dry her quickly at our friends nearby apartment. Seemingly it did not shook her up too much. It all happened so quickly, that I am not sure how much she noticed at all. On the way home we visited more family members. Unfortunately, all three kids fell asleep at the danger nap zone time. So when they woke up, the two elder were crying (like babies) while the baby enjoyed all the attention he could get. M and I tried to console the kiddies but waking up from the late nap is hard on their bodies. They were too disorientated to be bothered about any manners they usually have when we are visiting family and friends. By the time they calmed down we had to move on and get back to M’s parents for dinner. Of course all is good when they have food. 🙂

Friends & Family

Four full days were just right to meet all the friendly relatives and friends. There is a lot to catch up when you meet once a year. But honestly with three tiny kids it gets a bit ‘hit and miss’. We can only move with their rhythms and it’s often unpredictable how much catching up we can actually have 🙂

Overall, they make every reunion much sweeter. Their curiosity and niceness is welcomed by everyone.

To Switzerland

We decided to leave half a day early, after lunch on Sunday. The idea was to make the same journey as on the way to Poland. But nature had a different idea.

About 3 hours into our road trip we found ourselves in a snowstorm on the motorway. The traffic slowed from 140 km/h to 80 km/h. The motorway was covered in snow and the temperature was dropping sub zero.

Snowstorm in Poland

We quickly made new plans and booked a room near the German border.

Day one road trip plan from Elblag to German border. It is anticipated that the trip will take 5 hours and 16 minutes.
Day 1 Elblag – Boczów
Day two of the road trip mapped out almost 12 hours drive to Golino.

We had an early start Monday morning with the aim to get ourselves home by bedtime.

There was sun, snow, and rain along the way. The snowstorm after St. Bernardino was beautiful. I cannot remember traveling in such a snowfall before. It was exciting to descend from the mountain. Most of the cars were driving super slow with a few random daredevils flying past us. M drove the whole time and got us home safe.

Mom cooked us dinner and brought a Panettone. It was lovely not to think about feeding the family straight after arrival and to be able to relax after a two days journey.

Boat Ride and Treasure Hunt at Isole di Brissago

If you are looking for a brief attraction that involves a boat ride, a treasure hunt, a place for picnic – look no further! Isole di Brissago has all this on offer.

We took off from Ascona with a boat. The journey took no longer than 15 minutes including boarding. I think we queued for tickets longer than the water passage overall. Make sure to buy the entrance ticket for the botanical garden at the same time with the boat ticket to avoid queuing up twice. The boat has two decks with plenty of seats and standing space. It goes from Locarno to Brissago with a few stops along the way.

Once on the island, it was very clear which way to proceed. There is a hotel with a restaurant for those wish to eat out. Otherwise, there is a huge picnic area with plenty of space for the kids to roam around. We got lucky to be able to soak in the last rays of the November sun. It warmed us to the point, that even in the evening we felt our cheeks radiating. Many families enjoyed the free space, some on the benches, while others simply relaxed on the green grounds. Kids enjoyed rolling down the hills and playing tags. Dogs are allowed on the island but must be kept on their leash at all times.

We visited the day after Halloween. Pumpkin treasure hunt was available for smaller visitors. There were a dozen of pumpkins hidden around the gardens, just waiting to be explored, and ticked off on the poster provided at the entrance. We managed to loose ours half way around the garden, but its not a surprise while the kids / grown ups ratio benefits the minors. We still managed to find all hidden pumpkins while exploring. They were well hidden in at all corners of the island.

This attraction is advertised as buggy friendly. While the major paths are accessible with a buggy, get ready to leave it along the way to have a closer look at the various sections / areas of the island. There is a cool labyrinth in the misty bamboo forest. There is a roman bath that is accessible via a staircase only. There are other smaller paths with stairs or just simply too narrow for the buggy ride. So I suppose as long as you have enough grown ups to pick up the little ones when looking around these areas, then you will be just fine.

Would I go back with the family? Probably not, unless there is a special assignment that would require some visual observation of the plants. It is a pretty nice attraction for a couple of hours including a picnic and the boat ride.

Discover the Thurgau Ball Track Trail: Rugelreise – A Fun Family Adventure

Embark on a magical journey through the idyllic Murgtal Valley, where 12 unique ball tracks promise endless fun for families. Whether you start your adventure at Frauenfeld or Weberei Matzingen, the scenic train ride along the Murg river adds to the excitement.

Toddler Trip – Rugelreise

Toddler-Friendly Adventure: Rugelreise Ball Track Trail

📍Location
Located along the picturesque Frauenfeld – Wil train line, between the charming towns of Frauenfeld and Weberei Matzingen.

🚏Trail
Choose your adventure: The full trail spans 6.3 km, offering over 3 hours of excitement. For shorter outings, opt for routes starting at 2.9 km, ending conveniently at Lüdem train station.

🚼 Buggy friendly
Yes, the trail is generally buggy-friendly. However, one bridge has steps at both ends. We recommend checking the map for an alternate route, or be prepared to carry the buggy briefly.”

🧺 Picnic
Enjoy a delightful picnic at Campingplatz Aumühle or the scenic Feuerstelle Königs-Wuhr, perfect spots to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.

🛝 Playground
Kids will love the Spiel- und Grillplatz Aumühle, equipped with fun play structures and a grill area for family barbecues.”

👣 Terrain
Experience a diverse terrain of forest paths, sturdy bridges, and occasional road crossings, each offering a new perspective of the beautiful landscape.”

🅿️ Parking
Convenient parking options include free spots at Weberei Matzingen Coop and paid car parks at other train stations along the way.”

ℹ️ Information / Source
For more details, visit the official Thurgau-Bodensee website.

Trip rating

5-year-old 👦 10/10 – “best time ever”
2-year-old 👧 5/10 – “frustrated as she couldn’t reach the starting points!”
5-month-old 👶 10/10 – “enjoyed the forest, fresh air and nature sounds!”

Happy New Year

Mainau Island

Christmas Garden at Insel Mainau was a super experience overall. We started off the new year with a morning walk around our village. Then in the evening we booked tickets to see the Christmas Garden at Mainau island. I feel like this could easily become a New Year’s Day tradition for our family.

The show starts at 5 pm and runs between late November until the first week of January. The trail leads you through the park with numerous lit up hedges and statues. Expect ups and downs and if you are with a buggy, there are some alternative routes to avoid stairs. Our eldest is not keen on any activity in the dark, but we know that about him. So a head and hand-held torch is a must in our backpack. Being 38 weeks pregnant has definitely put a stamp on the experience, however there were plenty of benches to take a rest. Half way through, at the castle we found little huts serving mulled wine and kinder punch. The mugs are beautifully designed and for 2 euro, you are more than welcome to take them home with you.

Today is the last day of event. See you next year Christmas Garden at Insel Mainau.

Home

Living in the countryside provides tremendous amount of space to roam around fields and grounds. Having two completely different kiddies, makes play time interesting. One is happy to follow instructions, while the other will have a ‘drop-on-the-ground-meltdown’ when she hears her name. I always wonder if she thinks she is told off by her reaction.

Kreuzlingen Seeburgpark

One of our favourite spot it the Seeburgpark playground at Kreuzlingen. Parking is reasonable, but on the hind side it is busy most of the time. The playground is only a short walk away pass the restaurant and the harbour. There are many different constructions for the kids and grow ups: swings, slides, paddling pool, sandpit, pirate ship and train climbing frame, seesaws and spring animals. Opposite the playground there is a minigolf park with reasonable catering available on site. There is an open field frisbee park between the minigolf and the lookout point.

We like to take the kids bikes and scooters as the terrain is made up of both gravel and concrete.

Great way to extend the hours spent outdoors is to visit the Tierpark, which is right by the side of the playground. In exchange for a small donation (honesty box), animal nibbles can be picked up to feed the zoo animals. Should you wish to go further, the Seeburg castle and the lake trail has plenty to offer.

Week ahead

Next week Kindergarten is back for 3 weeks before it breaks up again for winter sport week. It is also a week when we finally meet the newest member of our family. We couldn’t be more excited about our growing family. I have a planned C section on Tuesday, which will probably knock me off my feet for a couple of weeks. However I am so lucky to have a great supportive family, so I know our kiddies will be in good hands, while their Mummy is being taken care of in the hospital.