For families on vacation, a playground provides a welcome break from sightseeing. It can also provide a glimpse into the local culture, from the setup of the park to the ways families interact. Here are the designs that live up to that challenge.

Fruit and Scent Park, Stockholm

Is there a picky eater on a steady diet of chicken fingers and cheese? Perhaps a trip to Sweden’s Fruit and Scent Park will change his or her culinary (烹饪的) tune. This playground features a banana slide, an orange seesaw, pear huts, a watermelon jungle gym and a pair of cherry swings, all designed by public artist Johan Ferner Strom. Now, who can say you can’t play with your food?

Nishi Rokugo Park, Tokyo

Located between central Tokyo and the city of Kawasaki, Nishi Rokugo combines recycled rubber tires (橡胶轮胎) with traditional playground equipment. In total, more than 3,000 tires of different sizes are used to create tunnels, bridges, tall sculptures for climbing and, of course, tire swings. There’s little shade, so you can visit here in the early morning or late afternoon for the most comfortable weather, and be sure to wear your play clothes.

Bicentennial Children’s Park, Santiago, Chile

Set a top San Cristóbal Hill, the Bicentennial Children’s playground in Metropolitan Park was built to celebrate 200 years of Chilean independence and improve the lives of Santiago citizens. Dozens of slides are built into the slope, creating a design completely complementary (补充的) of the surrounding landscape. Fountains offer some relief from the sun, and ample seating gives parents a place to relax.

The Kids’ Farm

While kids visit vegetable plots and animal contact areas, they will learn that most of the food we eat every day comes from farms, and that taking care of animals takes time, commitment and knowledge.

Kids can see our cows, donkeys, goats, alpacas, pigs, etc. and learn all about looking after farm animals. At the Caring Corral, they will have a chance to touch cows and donkeys, under staff members’ supervision.

Please Note:

● Any time you touch an animal, there is a risk of spreading germs (细菌). Visitors to the Kids’ Farm should wash their hands after touching the animals.

● The Caring Corral is open only when the staff are available; hours are limited.

● The Kids’ Farm uses pizza to teach kids how many kinds of food grow. Hands-on exhibits show how pizza ingredients go from the farm to the pizza. The Pizza Garden has slice-shaped plots of growing ingredients, including tomatoes, wheat and herbs.

● The 22-foot-wide Giant Pizza gives kids a place to play with oversized toppings and each other.

● During the busier season (beginning in June) , a free shuttle picks up visitors in need of a lift at the Kids’ Farm and drops them off at the Panda Plaza/the Bus Lot from 11 a. m. to 6 p.m.

Four ideas for the best Easter holidays

When the kids breakup from school it can be difficult to choose what to do. With the Easter holidays just around the comer, here are four different ideas to inspire you to make the most of the break, whatever your age.

York

Bursting with museums, attractions, and events for everyone, York is the perfect Easter holiday destination. Going with grandparents? They’ll love walking the cobbled streets for sweet treats or stopping for an afternoon tea at one of the many historic hotels. Or learn about the diverse history of this amazing city at one of the museums. There really is something for everyone in this attractive city.

Botany Bay

Botany Bay is a great spot to spend a day relaxing and playing on the sands. Located in Kent and with lifeguards on duty, it’s a great spot for surfing, exploring the rockpools, and hunting for fossils. For a longer stay, why not hire a car for the Easter holiday and take a road trip along the Kentish coast British seaside break?

Bristol

Travel to the southwest to explore bustling (熙熙攘攘的) Bristol. Bristol is full of amazing restaurants housed in warehouses that remind you of the city’s maritime history. There are also wonderful museums, amazing parks for picnics and games, and even a surf centre nearby. Shop. eat, play — whatever you fancy doing, Bristol has it all.

Snowdonla

Head to North Wales if you’re after some wild adventures. There are plenty of hills, lakes, rivers, and benches to explore, but if your kids have a lot of energy to burn, then Mount Snowdon should be your choice. Standing 1,085 metres tall, it’s sure to provide an exciting adventure for the whole family. Local guides are available to lead you to the top, if you wish.