Swimming pools, playgrounds and lakes feature in the enchanting park in the heart of this district, which also has a large mall and a university campus.

Picturesque woodland encloses Stuttgart’s green suburb of Vaihingen, where science and technology industries flourish. The vast district contains part of the Stuttgart University and a family-friendly park. Get a sense of the local culture from the quaint pubs, bistros and taverns dotted across the area.

Beside the main station is the Stadtpark, where a zigzagging path runs between grassy mounds that resemble a golf course. Sit next to one of the two scenic lakes and admire the landscaped gardens, while your kids frolic in the playground. Make a splash in the Hallenbad Vaihingen indoor swimming pool.

On a summer afternoon, rush down the twirling slides into the Freibad Rosental outdoor pool. West of the two swimming pools lie tree-lined fields, one of which is open to nudists.

Near the Stadtpark is the Corso Cinema International, an artistic theatre that shows movies in their original languages. Sit on one of the large and colourful seats and watch a film. Another place that would be good for a rainy day is the SchwabenGalerie, a vast shopping centre full of stores and restaurants. Browse the works on display at the adjacent Kultur am Kelterberg art museum.

Make your way to the north of the zone for the Vaihingen Campus of Stuttgart University. It is bordered by the immense woodland area of Rotwildpark bei Stuttgart, where you’ll find Neuer Lake.

Note that much of the Vaihingen district was destroyed in World War II, before being quickly reconstructed. The neighbourhood occupies the southwestern corner of Stuttgart. Drive southwest from the city centre for 5 miles (9 kilometres) to arrive here in roughly 15 minutes. Alternatively, take a bus or the S-Bahn train to the Vaihingen Bf station. Visit other nearby districts such as Stuttgart-West and Möhringen.

Parks and gardens make Vaihingen a summer delight, while the movie theatre, art gallery and mall provide indoor options.