Drenthe for children (young and older)
Recently we were on vacation in Drenthe, and although our son is already 11, we came across some really fun things to do with kids.
When my son was younger, we often visited Drenthe as a family too, so we have plenty of fun things to share with you! So should you be planning to visit Drenthe with (young) kids this summer? Then be sure to read this blog!
Drenthe with young children
Visiting Drenthe with small children is perfectly doable. You can get out and about, because there are many short hiking trails that are interesting enough for the mini-men. But there are also fun, adventurous playgrounds in Drenthe as well as great amusement parks! We would like to take you through our favorites.
Gnome Tree path
On the Hondsrug you’ll find a special trail. Traces of gnomes have been found! Even footsteps and real gnome droppings have been found! Maybe your little one can discover the gnomes on the Gnome Tree Path. That’s quite a task, because the gnomes are good at hiding. For €3.50 you can walk this fun route and also receive a real gnome hat, an assignment sheet and a pin!
Barefoot path in the Drents-Friese Wold
Children like to walk barefoot, but actually that’s not possible outside. Or can they? In the Drents-Friese Wold you will find a real barefoot path! You really can’t get any closer to nature. So take off those shoes and go! The starting point of this tour is the Drents-Friese Wold Outdoor Center in Appelscha. The trail may not be accessible because of Corona. So be sure to check the website before you go. Costs are € 3,00 per person.
Fun (nature) playgrounds
Small children love to clamber and climb and that is also possible in Drenthe! There are many nature playgrounds and play forests to be found. For example, go to the Natuurplaats Noordse Veld in Norg, For example, children can take home a free book of assignments from the Donderpad full of fun assignments. But there is much more to play at the Natuurplaats. Check it out here. In the Beleefpark Dwingeloo, children can also go wild. There is even a swimming pool there. A personal favorite of ours is the Drentse Koe. We went there when our son was little and it was a great success! You can really spend the whole day here. The Drentse Koe is a working farm with animals, a corn maze and lots of play opportunities. There is even a blacklight cellar where you can do all kinds of things! And they have great ice cream. Homemade, of course.
The best amusement parks of Drente
Yes, the amusement parks and zoos are open again! So also in Drenthe! Duine Zathe amusement park near Appelscha is highly recommended for children. It is an all-inclusive amusement park which means that food and drinks are also included. Previously this park was the Verkeerspark Assen, but it has grown bigger and bigger over the years. Fun for young and old alike! Amusement park Drouwenerszand is also a nice place to visit. Again, food and drinks are included in the price. You can find this park in Drouwen. Attractiepark Slagharen is also open again and also so much fun! Our guest blogger Marianne went there in corona time with her boys and wrote a nice blog about it.
Still closed for now but hopefully open in the summer is Plopsa Indoor Coevoorden. The indoor amusement park in Drenthe for when the weather is a bit disappointing or too hot. Children up to 10 years can have a great time here. Kabouterland in Exloo is also great fun for young children. There are several playgrounds and the children can admire real animals! And for those who love animals and playing, Wildlands in Emmen is a must. In this park you make a trip around the world in one day. Definitely fun to visit with older children. Note that the animal enclosures at Wildlands are very large. This is perfect for the animals, but sometimes it is difficult to spot animals. If you know that in advance, you are sure to have a great day there.
Drenthe with older children
Drenthe also has a lot in store for older children. From exciting hiking trails to active outings at high altitudes. Perfect for older children and adolescents!
Climbing park Appelscha
Secretly, Appelscha is in Friesland, but so close to the border of Drenthe that this location should not be missing from the list. Klimpark Appelscha is fairly new and heart-stoppingly spectacular! Good for a few hours of fun and entertainment. The course is easy to do, even for children 8 years and older. Is your teen looking for a little more challenge? Then climbing in the evening is a must! The course is then only illuminated by some lights making it extra exciting!
Molecaten Outdoor Drenthe
Molecaten Outdoor Drenthe has everything for an active day out. There is a climbing park with three different courses and a zipline and you can do archery, canoeing and raft building. But did you know you could also ski there? You can ski free and get lessons. Super fun day out, even for older kids!
The Nature Game Drenthe
In National Park Dwingelderveld (Boslounge, Oude Postweg in Spier) you can play The Nature Game. This interactive game lets you discover things you would normally overlook. You learn all about nature but in a fun way namely with movies, riddles and games. The story is unique and can only be experienced in this National Park. And the parents? They can walk and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Outdoor center Boomkroonpad
Ordinary hiking is of course not cool at all when you are a teenager, but hiking at high altitude might be appealing. Then head to the Boomkroonpad Outdoor Center on the Hondsrug. It is located in Drouwen and the hike takes about 30 minutes, so it is not too long either.
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