Parque de la Juventud

What it is. A public park in Colonia Tolteca, in Álvaro Obregón, built around youth facilities rather than lawns: a multi-purpose hall, a theatre, open-air forums, a sports centre, a day centre for older residents, green areas —and one of the largest skateparks in Latin America, which is what brings people from across the city.

The skatepark. Concrete bowls, ramps and street sections on a scale that attracts skaters, BMX riders and scooters all day. It is free, it is busy from mid-afternoon, and it is self-policed by the regulars: ask before dropping in, and be ready to wait your turn on the bowls.

What else happens there. The park runs a programme aimed at integrating young people into neighbourhood life: mural-painting competitions in June, summer workshops in July, and it is where local families hold their Mother's Day and Teachers' Day celebrations. Open daily 08:00–18:00, free entry. There is no metro at the door —come by taxi or local bus from Mixcoac or Barranca del Muerto.