Exploring Poznan's Green Spaces: Urban Parks and Outdoor Adventures

The transformation of Poznan's Citadel Park exemplifies everything I love about thoughtful urban design. Once the site of Fort Winiary, a 19th-century Prussian fortification, this sprawling 89-hectare space has been reimagined as the city's green heart while honoring its complex history.

When I arrived early on Saturday morning, local families were already claiming their favorite spots, spreading colorful blankets beneath the shade of mature lindens and oaks. What struck me immediately was the park's brilliant balance of open meadows and intimate woodland paths—creating natural 'rooms' that offer both community and privacy.

'This used to be a place of division,' explained Marek, a local architect I met while photographing the Military Museum's brutalist concrete structure. 'Now it connects neighborhoods.'

The park's most powerful feature is how it preserves military artifacts—bunkers, earthworks, and artillery pieces—as both playground and memorial. I watched children clamber over decommissioned tanks while their parents read the informational plaques nearby, history lessons unfolding organically through play.

The Museum of Armaments offers welcome shade during peak afternoon heat, though I found myself equally drawn to the contemporary sculptures dotting the landscape—over 100 pieces created during various international art symposiums. For families with restless little ones, the two excellent playgrounds provide creative climbing structures that far surpass the plastic monstrosities I typically encounter in American parks.

While exploring the park's extensive trails, my collapsible water bottle proved invaluable—Poznan's summer temperatures can be surprisingly intense, and the park's water fountains are somewhat limited.

If Citadel Park represents Poznan's contemplative side, Malta Lake embodies its playful spirit. This man-made reservoir, created in 1952 by damming the Cybina River, has evolved into the city's premier outdoor recreation destination—and it's where I spent most of my Sunday with local friends and their children.

What makes Malta Lake exceptional isn't just the pristine water (though it's remarkably clean for an urban lake) but the thoughtful infrastructure surrounding it. The 2km walking and cycling path encircling the lake provides a perfect circuit for families with young children. I borrowed a bike from my homestay host and joined the parade of local families enjoying the flat, well-maintained trail.

'We come here every weekend in summer,' explained Agnieszka, pushing her toddler in a stroller while her older child raced ahead on a balance bike. 'It's affordable entertainment that keeps everyone happy.'

The true genius of Malta Lake lies in its diverse activity zones. The eastern shore hosts the Malta Ski complex with its artificial ski slope (bizarre but delightful to see in summer), while the western edge features an expansive water park. Budget-conscious families should note that simply enjoying the public beaches and playgrounds costs nothing, while the Maltanka miniature railway (5 złoty per ride) provides an affordable thrill for train-obsessed little ones.

For families seeking more structured adventure, the Malta Thermal Baths offer 18 swimming pools and numerous water slides. At 69 złoty for adults and 49 złoty for children (approximately $17/$12 USD), it's reasonably priced for a full day of entertainment. I spent several hours here and was impressed by the cleanliness and variety of attractions suitable for different age groups.

Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss the adjacent Maltański Forest, where shaded trails provide welcome relief on hot days. My quick-dry towel proved perfect for impromptu lake swims followed by forest walks.

As someone who's spent a career studying how design shapes human experience, Poznan's Adam Mickiewicz University Botanical Garden was perhaps my most cherished discovery. Tucked away in the Ogrody district, this 22-hectare living museum receives far fewer visitors than it deserves—making it perfect for families seeking tranquility.

Unlike many botanical gardens that prioritize manicured formality, Poznan's approach feels refreshingly democratic. Formal rose gardens transition seamlessly into wilder meadow plantings, creating a space that invites both structured observation and free exploration. Children were encouraged to follow meandering paths and discover hidden nooks throughout the garden's twelve distinct sections.

'We designed the children's area to engage all senses,' explained Dorota, a garden educator I met while sketching a particularly elegant Japanese maple. 'Touch, smell, taste—these connections create lasting appreciation for plants.'

The alpinarium (rock garden) proved particularly magical, with its miniature landscape of tiny waterfalls and rare mountain plants. My friend's six-year-old daughter spent nearly an hour creating elaborate stories about 'fairy houses' among the rock crevices, completely immersed in imaginative play.

For families with plant-curious children, the collection of carnivorous plants in the greenhouse complex was an absolute hit. The tropical greenhouses themselves offer welcome respite on both hot and rainy days—I experienced both during my visit, as Poznan's summer weather can change rapidly. My pocket field guide helped identify unfamiliar species, though the garden's excellent labeling system makes identification accessible even without prior knowledge.

The garden's modest café serves simple Polish snacks and excellent ice cream at prices far below what you'd pay in Old Town. At just 15 złoty for adult admission (children under 7 enter free), it's one of the city's best values for a full day of exploration.

When I asked my homestay host where his family escapes the summer heat, he didn't hesitate: 'Rusałka—it's where Poznanians go when we want to feel like we've left the city without actually leaving.' After visiting, I understood exactly what he meant.

Just a 15-minute bike ride from the city center, Rusałka Lake feels worlds away from urban life. Unlike the more developed Malta Lake, Rusałka maintains a wilder, more natural character that immediately transported me back to childhood summers spent at my grandmother's lakeside cabin in northern Michigan.

The lake is ringed by dense forest that provides crucial shade during hot summer days. Several small beaches dot the shoreline, with the western beach being particularly suitable for families with young children thanks to its gradual entry into the water. I visited on a Friday afternoon and found mostly local families spread across blankets, the atmosphere decidedly more relaxed than at Malta Lake's more touristed shores.

'We bring the children here after school,' shared Magda, a teacher picnicking with her two daughters. 'It's free, it's beautiful, and they sleep so well after swimming.'

What makes Rusałka special is precisely what it lacks—there are no water slides, no rental kiosks, no loudspeakers. Instead, families create their own entertainment: children constructed elaborate sand castles, teenagers played impromptu volleyball, and parents alternated between reading books and cooling off in the clear water.

The 4.5km trail circling the lake provides a perfect pre-swim walk through forest habitat. Bird-watching opportunities abound—I spotted several woodpeckers and even a kingfisher during my morning circuit. For families with older children, the network of marked hiking trails extending into Golęcin Forest offers more adventurous exploration.

My lightweight backpack cooler proved perfect for transporting cold drinks and snacks, as the lake area has minimal facilities beyond basic restrooms and the occasional ice cream vendor.

In most cities, I avoid zoos entirely—but Poznan's Old Zoo (Stare Zoo) offers something entirely different. Decommissioned as a traditional animal exhibition in 2009, this 19th-century zoological garden has been thoughtfully repurposed as a public park while preserving its historic architecture.

The result is a whimsical landscape where Victorian-era animal pavilions now serve as art galleries, educational spaces, and even a puppet theater. For design enthusiasts like myself, the preservation of these structures represents adaptive reuse at its finest—honoring architectural heritage while creating new functionality.

'We wanted to keep the magic of the space without the ethical problems of the old zoo,' explained Tomasz, a city parks employee who noticed me photographing the ornate 1908 elephant house. 'Children still love running through the tunnels and imagining what animals lived here.'

Indeed, the park has become a playground for the imagination. I watched as children created elaborate games involving the empty enclosures and historic buildings. The former monkey house now hosts weekend workshops where families learn about wildlife conservation and local ecology.

The park's mature tree canopy provides exceptional shade, making this a perfect retreat during midday heat. Winding paths reveal unexpected sculptures, including whimsical animal figures that pay homage to the park's past while creating contemporary delight.

For families with very young children, the modern playground near the main entrance offers age-appropriate structures, while the central lawn hosts impromptu soccer games and picnics. The on-site café occupies the charming former administration building and serves reasonably priced Polish comfort food in a garden setting.

Best of all? Admission is completely free, making this an ideal budget-friendly option for families exploring Poznan. My pocket sketchbook was perfect for capturing the unique architectural details that make this space so special—I filled several pages with quick sketches of the ornate ironwork and distinctive brick patterns.