Updated this post just now – baby turned 2 in January, and as I still might not be an expert in parenting here – I feel like I know more cool spots I would like to share here with you. Enjoy!

I wanted to write about it already for awhile. After my blogpost about pregnancy and giving birth (that you can find HERE) became the most popular post on the blog, I knew that this part might be interesting for some of you too, allthough I am not a “pro” when it comes to all the children-friendly places. My baby recently turned one, so she is actually entering the age where these activities are becoming intresting to her and needless to say, 2020 with its covid restrictions wasn’t the easiest year to explore local spots and discover new places. So this blogpost is kind of a community-work: based on my own experiences, with a help of some local mom friends and your feedback to my instagram post – I am sharing a list of the children-friendly places in the city and around.

PARKS:

1. Wenkenpark – in Riehen, nice place to run through the park and have ice cream (or Sunday brunch) at Bistro Reithalle afterwards.
2. Merian Gardens – beautiful location with a botanical garden, historic park and restaurant on the outskirts of Basel. PS. Their cakes are delicious!
3. Schutzenmattpark – there is a playgrond, some sand boxes, water fountain (nice for a hot summer day!) and a pavilion for a drink or ice cream.
4. ZOO – our local Zolli doesn’t need an introduction, but of course worth mentioning here.
5. Tierpark Lange Erlen – I share this one often 🙂 it’s a lovely place on the edges of the city – the entry is free and there is a lot of animals to watch – bisons, ponies, monkeys and so on. Outdoor mini-zoo
6. Schwarzpark – park with deers – super fun activity on a sunny day in the city.
7. Solitude park – with the playground and the whole area around the Tinguely Museum is nice.
8. Sculpturenweg Reinach – haven’t done it yet, but some of you recommended. Sounds like a fun thing to do, especially with older children.

FARMS

1. Mathis Hof – they have a playground and Maislabyrinth in the summer, pumpkin fields in the autumn and a christmas tree market in the winter (pick and cut your own tree, fun!).
2. Bruderholzhof – animals, hofladen and homemade icecream.
3. Predigerhof – farm in Bruderholz with restaurants and lots of activities.
4. Beeriland in Binningen – self-picking strawberry farm.
5. Self-picking flower fields – the one we go to is on Allmendstrasse (corner of Allmendstrasse and Baumlihofstrasse), it’s such a fun and joyful activity and you come back home with a beautiful bouquet. (Sharing a website with all the fields across Switzerland – for flowers and also fruit and veggies – https://www.selberpfluecken.ch/).

ACTIVITIES

1. JUKIBU – Library in St. Johnan (a part of its GGG Stadtbibliothek) with books for children in over 50 languages. They support many intercultural projects as well, so it’s worth to check their website.
2. GGG Libraries overall – you can read to your kids and some even have play areas. There are also Story Times in English.
3. Knechtli Swimming School – swimming courses for children starting at 4 months. We tried and loved it!
4. Topolino – the largest indoor playground in the region – located in Pratteln. Perfect for children aged 1-11 years.
5. Acquabasilea – also in Pratteln – Water World that is amazing for children (tested many times and loved it!) with wellness and spa area for adults.
6. Tanzstudio Formbar – dance classes for the little ones – ballett and modern dance.
7. Basel’s Children Trust – non-profit organization that provides help, support, and information to families + a lot of activities
8. Robi Spiele – especially attractive for working parents during the holidays.

MUSEUMS

1. Kunstmuseum – classic!
2. Spielzeug Welten Museum -toy museum, spread across four floors of toy history and beautifully detailed exhibitions.
3. Papiermuehle – very cool presentation of the development of paper, books and printing and lots of interactive elements. You can make your own paper with a watersign.
4. Tinguely Museum – also lovely – they have “family Sundays” – perfect for rainy days in the city.
5. Fondation Beyeler – their programme always offers unforgettable experiences of art to families, who are invited to explore the current exhibitions together. Check their website to learn about their Family Day, Summer Festival and Museum Night.

SHOPPING

1. Dreikaesehoch – strollers, furniture, baby clothes and more. This is where we got our Joolz stroller. Very friendly service.
2. Mahsooni – beautiful clothes for babies and kids.
3. Molemin – another store with clothes and accessories for children.
4. Jacadi Paris – this is my personal favourite for shopping clothes for my little one.
5. Jobfactory – family-friendly store in Dreispitz with a children boutique on the second floor.
6. So Last Seasons – cool sustainable way to shop – new Scandinavian fashion up to 70% off.

OTHER USEFUL LINKS

1. Lisanne Vreeke Photography – great family photographer in Basel – she is wonderful with children and I love her work.
2. Empower Basel – functional fitness and community during every stage of motherhood.
3. Ludothek – toys for rent.
4. Magical Cafe – family-friendly cafe with tasty cupcakes and indoor playground.

I hope you guys find the list useful – if you have any other places worth recommending – please let me know, I will keep updating this post every now and then.