“The Summer Meadow is a wonderful program for children and families right in the heart of our city. Here, children can play, run around, be creative, try new things, and share wonderful summer moments together. Precisely because the Summer Meadow is free and open to everyone without registration, many families can participate with ease. With the ice cream vouchers, we wanted to give the children a little extra treat to wrap things up,” says Dr. Becher.

The Summer Meadow is the big play week as part of the “wi&you Schöne Ferien” vacation program organized by the Office of Social Work. In the Reisinger Anlagen across from Wiesbaden’s main train station, a diverse program of outdoor games, physical activities, and creative workshops awaited children and families. These included, among other things, a giant water slide, a ninja obstacle course, water games, small carousels, a mobile play unit, creative activities, theater and music workshops, as well as quiet retreat areas for reading and relaxing. All stations were supervised by qualified staff. The daily stage program was also a key part of the Sommerwiese. Among other events, it featured the talent show and the Children’s Olympics with Herbert and Jimmy. The stage program was accompanied by a sign language interpreter. A quiet tent was also available as a place to retreat.

“My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who organized, supported, and made the Sommerwiese possible on site—the team at ‘wi&you Schöne Ferien,’ the participating professionals, our cooperation partners, and all the volunteers. Without this tremendous dedication, such a free vacation program for children and families would not be possible,” added Dr. Becher. 

The following applied to all activities: Admission was free, and advance registration was not required. The summer program continues even after “Sommerwiese”: During the second through sixth weeks of summer break, “Schöne Ferien vor Ort” will take place in several Wiesbaden neighborhoods—Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Children ages six to twelve can participate in arts and crafts, games, and sports activities there on a drop-in basis, free of charge, and without registration. Further information is available at www.wiesbaden-ferienprogramm.de (opens in a new tab).