Regensburg has set the goal that all kids shall have access to attractive and meaningful leisure activities. Hence, the city administration has its own department of municipal youth work, which offers a broad spectrum of leisure activities, education outside of school and support for youth. All activities are either free or offered to such reasonable prices (with special financial support opportunities for low-income families) that all children and youngsters can take part, if they want, regardless of the family income. Some examples for attractive leisure activities in Regensburg’s are:
Public Playgrounds
Regensburg has a large number of public playgrounds (in the beginning of 2021 it was 150 the number constantly growing). The city’s goal is to provide playgrounds in such manner, that children in every neighborhood find at least one attractive public playground within walking distance. For many years the city has involved children and teens in the planning process. As a result all playgrounds are very unique, interesting and attractive. For a couple of years now the city tries to arrange playgrounds as inclusive as much as possible. The new play ground in the Brixen park was specifically planned as handicapped accessible. Children and youth with various disabilities were involved in the planning process. The city website provides information about all playgrounds here: https://www.regensburg.de/leben/sport-u-freizeit/sportstaetten-und-freizeitanlagen/regensburger-spielplaetze
Youth Centers
The city has youth centers for municipal youth work in all districts. All youth centers have professional staff (social workers) that are available for kids and provide many opportunities for various leisure activities for free. The grounds of the centers offer lots of opportunities for outdoor play and sports (skating, BMX, basketball etc.). They are always open to the public and can be used by the kids without adult supervision – even when the centers are closed. Link: https://www.regensburg.de/leben/jugend/jugendzentren The municipal youth work also includes a “builders playground” where kids can build their own play structures with real tools, a youth farm with animals and a play truck that drives to different neighborhoods each weak all summer long and offers additional play opportunities in parks and streets. Link: https://www.regensburg.de/mehrgenerationenhaus/spielbus
The city also provides an extensive leisure program during school vacations. For very reasonable prices (and with financial support when needed) families can book attractive leisure events, summer camps and excursions so the kids can enjoy their vacations while the parents have to work.
Every other year the city offers a three-week long summer program called “Mini-Regensburg”. Mini-Regensburg is a “play city” run by children, in which children playfully learn how adults operate their lives and how a city community functions. The children play to work as citizens in different jobs, earn play-money, study and spend the well-deserved play money on culture or commerce. Politics is also represented. The children chose a mayor and a city council. They rule and supervise the city this minimal interference of the adults. Between 900-1700 children attend daily. https://www.miniregensburg.com/