Riplay – Børnenes Ribe
A 12,500 m² free outdoor play park in Ribe, where towers, slides and obstacle courses turn Denmark’s oldest town into a giant adventure for children.
A giant play universe in Denmark’s oldest town
Riplay – Børnenes Ribe is an expansive 12,500 m² outdoor playground on the edge of historic Ribe, created entirely with children and families in mind. Open every day of the year with free entry, it feels more like a small theme park than a traditional playground, yet remains relaxed and informal. Wide paths loop between colourful structures, grassy mounds and sand pits, so children can roam from one play zone to the next while adults keep an easy overview. The park is designed to keep kids moving, climbing and exploring, whether they are toddlers taking first steps on gentle equipment or teenagers racing each other on more daring challenges. Around you, the low skyline of Ribe and the big West Jutland sky give the whole place an open, airy atmosphere.Slides, towers and record‑breaking obstacles
One of the park’s hallmarks is its extraordinary number and variety of slides – about 20 in total – from broad family slides to enclosed tubes twisting down from high towers. Children can scramble up rope nets, cross wobbling bridges and then choose a different slide route each time, turning even simple up‑and‑down play into a mini adventure. At the heart of Riplay is one of Northern Europe’s longest single play structures: a 107‑metre obstacle course where kids balance, swing, crawl and climb their way along an unbroken series of elements. Time trials and friendly races tend to arise naturally here, while younger children can tackle shorter sections at their own pace.Themed corners inspired by Ribe and the Wadden Sea
Several areas of the park draw inspiration from local history and landscapes. Children can clamber through a stylised version of Riberhus Castle, scale a flood‑height pillar to grasp how storm surges have shaped the region, or glide along cable rides that echo the feeling of birds over the Wadden Sea wetlands. Elsewhere, Viking‑style houses provide atmospheric shelters for picnic breaks, and small hills invite kids to run, roll or conquer their own “gallows hill”. These playful references gently introduce stories from Ribe’s past without feeling like a formal museum exhibit.Spaces for picnics, pauses and practicalities
Riplay is set up for long, unhurried visits. Scattered around the grounds you’ll find a mix of open tables, covered picnic spots and simple seating where adults can relax while keeping children in sight. Many families bring their own food, while a kiosk within the park offers snacks, hot dogs, sandwiches, ice treats and hot drinks during opening periods. Restrooms are located just across the road in the nearby leisure centre, and there are good parking facilities close by. Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a lead, and there is no smoking or grilling in the park, which helps keep the air clean and the focus firmly on play.Built for safety, movement and sustainability
Beneath the brightly coloured towers and climbing frames, safety surfaces cushion falls and encourage children to test their limits with confidence. Around the outer edge, a 400‑metre running track invites both kids and adults to jog or sprint, while footpaths make it easy to push strollers or wheelchairs between the different zones. The park incorporates recycled materials, including surfaces made from thousands of repurposed sports shoes, so each leap and landing is also a small nod to sustainability. Between the robust construction, open layout and thoughtful details, Riplay feels purpose‑built for full‑body play, fresh air and shared family time in one of Denmark’s most historic settings.Local tips
- Plan at least two to three hours: with around 20 slides, a 107‑metre obstacle course and many themed areas, children rarely run out of things to do quickly.
- Bring a well‑stocked picnic and water bottles; the kiosk is handy for treats and simple meals, but outdoor tables and shelters make home‑packed lunches very convenient.
- Dress children for outdoor play with sturdy shoes and layers; surfaces can be damp after rain, and kids often move between sand, rubber, grass and climbing structures.
- Keep some coins or a payment card handy for kiosk purchases, and check seasonal opening times if you are visiting outside school holidays or peak summer.
- If you bring a dog, remember that it must stay on a lead at all times, and respect the no‑smoking, no‑grilling rules that help keep the park safe and family‑oriented.
A brief summary to Riplay - Børnenes Ribe
- Sportsvej, Ribe, 6760, DK
- +4575422562
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-10 pm
- Thursday 8 am-10 pm
- Friday 8 am-10 pm
- Saturday 8 am-10 pm
- Sunday 8 am-10 pm
Getting There
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Local bus from central Ribe
From central Ribe, use the local city bus that serves the sports and leisure area around Sportsvej; the ride typically takes around 5–10 minutes, with services running roughly every 30–60 minutes during the day on weekdays and less frequently on weekends. A single adult ticket within the local zone usually costs about 20–30 DKK, with discounts for children. Check current timetables and note that evening and Sunday services can be limited.
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Walking from Ribe centre
If you are staying in Ribe’s historic centre, you can walk to Riplay in roughly 20–30 minutes depending on your starting point and pace. The route is largely flat and follows pavements through residential streets towards the sports facilities district, making it manageable for families with strollers, though children may tire on the return leg after energetic play.
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Car or rental car within the Ribe area
Driving from most addresses in Ribe to Sportsvej generally takes about 5–10 minutes, as the playground is located near the town’s sports and leisure complex. Parking in this area is typically free or low‑cost in unsigned public spaces, but it can become busy on weekends and school holidays when sports events coincide with peak playground use.
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Taxi from Ribe railway station
From Ribe railway station, a taxi ride to Riplay usually takes around 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Daytime fares for such a short urban trip are commonly in the range of 80–140 DKK, varying with the specific taxi company, time of day and any waiting time. Taxis provide the most convenient option if you arrive by train with young children or bulky luggage.
