At Plikta, “just five more minutes” rarely means five. Gothenburg’s first destination playground is right next to Slottsskogen, with plenty of room for climbing, water play, ball games and picnics. Younger children, older siblings and adults can all find something to do – including a game of table tennis while the rest of the family carries on playing.

Whales, water and seriously long slides

The 15-metre-long blue wooden whale is Plikta’s best-known resident – and made for climbing both on and inside. Around it, children will find lookout towers, a rope bridge, slides, trampolines, roundabouts, swings and areas for sand and construction play.

The playground’s water theme runs through everything from fish and penguins to a stream, a play boat and water features for warmer days. Budding palaeontologists can even dig for a dinosaur skeleton in the sand.

For anyone who still has energy to spare, there are basketball and football courts, table-tennis tables, boules, chess and an outdoor gym. Barbecues, picnic areas and plenty of seating make it easy to stay a little longer – which often seems like a good idea after the first trip down the tube slide.

Activities and accessible play

Plikta activity park is staffed for much of the week. Children and young people can borrow bicycles, games and play equipment, and regular leisure activities are organised for ages 9–14. Check the current staffed hours and programme before your visit.

The playground is set on sloping ground, but its paths make it possible to get around by wheelchair. Several pieces of play equipment have been specially designed for children with physical disabilities, including a roundabout, rocking seat, play table and group swing.

Getting to Plikta playground

Plikta is in the eastern part of Slottsskogen, closest to Linnéplatsen. A visit is easy to combine with the park’s animals and walking paths.