Plaine de Plainpalais - Play Park, Skate Park and Leash-free zone

It was quite unexpected to see on the City of Geneva map for leash-free zones for dogs that the Plaine de Plainpalais is an off-leash zone!

We live very close to here, so it is somewhere I normally pass through as part of one of my regular walks, but it could be a fun place to hang out with your furry and fur-less babies when the fayre comes to town!

There is also a large food market that sets up on the Plaine every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. It’s definitely worth checking out, if you haven’t already.

Total walking time: Approx 20 minutes to walk around the Plaine

Be warned, however that this is not a fenced-in area, and is surrounded by multi-lane roads, so if your dog likes to chase pigeons or other dogs, then it would not be recommended to take your dog off the leash here. Luka did once have a brush with death when he (uncharacteristically) decided to cross the road to go and say hi to another dog on the other side. It was a miracle no cars were coming at the time because they drive very fast on these roads!

Apart from that, it’s actually a fairly big open space when there are no circuses or fayres on the Plaine and so a nice place for a round or two of fetch.

We came here as a family the other weekend because we thought Kai could play at the Play Park which is situated next to the Plainpalais tram stop on line 15. There so happened to be a circus setting up at the time and a merry-go-round was on, so he had a good time riding a horse which is by far his favourite animal.

The Skate Park is just next to the Play park, nearer the Cirque tram stop.

The Play park has a big sandpit with some big concrete structures poking out that the children can climb onto. Next to it are some climbing structures, some of which are appropriate for younger toddlers.

As per usual, dogs are not allowed in the Play Park area itself, so we sat on a bench outside of the perimeter and hung out with Luka as Kai played with Dad.

Conveniently, during the summer there is a buvette which is right next to the sandpit so on a sunny afternoon, the adults can enjoy a beverage while the kids play.

Fun factor for child: 4/5 - practice on the scooter or bike, have a ride on the merry-go-round when it’s there or have a good time at the Play Park/Skate Park!

Fun factor for dog: 3/5 - Play fetch in the open area and play with other dogs who are off the leash!

Pram-friendly: Yes

Water Access for dogs: No

Potable water: Yes, there are a number of water fountains dotted along the Plaine

Baby changing facilities: No

Other notes: When the fayre is on, keep your dog on the leash as there are many families coming to enjoy themselves and they don’t always appreciate dogs running around. Plus, it seems that every year, dogs go missing from being scared by the noise and lights of the fayre, so for the safety of your own dog, it would be a good idea to keep them on a leash.

Please review the Disclaimer before attempting any walk or activity mentioned on this website.