As interesting as excursions are, sometimes you just need to relax and go for a walk in the fresh air. It's also a good idea to end an eventful day with a walk to help your child relax and get a good night's sleep. If you're on holiday with children in Düsseldorf, be sure to visit the historic Hofgarten, just a few hundred metres from the Rathausplatz.
The park dates back to the 16th century, but has been redesigned many times since. Today it is a vast green space where picturesque landscapes are complemented by sculptures. One of the fountains is particularly attractive to children, three of whom are watching the frogs.
But that's not the only attraction of the Hofgarten. It's a peaceful place full of ducks, swans, squirrels and rabbits. All these creatures are accustomed to human companionship and welcome a piece of bread, a seed or a nut. What's more, green parrots have taken up residence in Düsseldorf's mild climate — it's worth visiting the park just to see what they're up to. As well as maintaining the park, the city also looks after its history. For example, one of the oldest trees, although no longer growing, is kept in a glass case: you can try to work out how old it is.
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The Hofgarten also has a wonderful playground. It is large enough to accommodate more than a dozen children. Most of the equipment is made of wood, but there are also rope climbing ladders and spider webs. There are low swings for the little ones, a sandpit, tennis tables for the sports kids and shady benches for the parents.
If you have a toddler who is asleep during the walk, you can simply stroll through the park's lanes, admire the flower gardens and sit on the grass with a book. Every corner is different, and it is very pleasant to relax on a bench under a flowering bush or by a small lake. The tour also includes the Goethe Museum, housed in the pink and grey building of Jägerhof Palace. It's easy to stroll around the park until dark: in addition to the lanterns, the benches illuminate the park — a clever idea by the artist Stefan Souss.
