The best nature playgrounds

Is your child not averse to a little mud? Then a visit to a nature playground is a great outing! Romping around outside, climbing, exploring and enjoying nature. The Netherlands has a wide range of nature playgrounds where children can enjoy themselves for hours. We have listed some of the nicest nature playgrounds for you.

Monkeybos in Meijendel – Wassenaar

Meijendel is the largest connected dune area of South Holland, located between Scheveningen, The Hague and Wassenaar. Here you will find the Monkeybos: an adventurous playground where children can playfully discover nature. They can build huts, climb trees, enjoy the cable car, run around through large water pipes and climb up to the watchtower. While the kids play, you can relax on the terrace of Boerderij Meijendel with a cup of coffee and a piece of apple pie. A perfect outing for the whole family!

Nature playground De Kleine Biesbosch – Lage Zwaluwe

In Lage Zwaluwe, on the edge of the Biesbosch, lies nature playground De Kleine Biesbosch. This vast play area of no less than 26,000 m² offers plenty of fun with a rowing pond, creeks, a willow tunnel and more. The playground is adjacent to Recreation Paradise De Belhamel, where you can also go bowling, survive or enjoy the indoor playground. Ideal for a day of variety and fun.

Maximapark playground – Utrecht

On the outskirts of Utrecht, in the beautiful Maximapark, lies the Bosspeeltuin. Here children can have fun climbing, clambering and sliding. The playground is adjacent to the Anafora Park restaurant, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious lunch. For extra adventure, you can rent a paddleboat or boat at Anafora to explore the park from the water. Maximapark is not only a play paradise, but also a beautiful place to walk and enjoy nature.

Nature playground Mergelhoof – Maastricht

At the foot of the St. Pietersberg mountain in Maastricht lies nature playground Mergelhoof. Here children make use of the natural slopes of the landscape, build huts and hide in the bushes. On hot days, the shallow pool (maximum 50 cm deep) opens, allowing even the littlest ones to cool down safely. A hidden gem in the south of the country!

Nature playground Kethelpoort – Schiedam

In the middle of the polder near Schiedam you will find nature playground Kethelpoort. This playground offers endless fun with dam building, clambering in trees and sliding down the slope slide. Children can cross the water via logs, stepping stones and swinging ropes or pump up ditch water with an Archimedes spiral. The southern waterfront is safely fenced off, allowing even young children to play freely.

OERRR Speelnatuur on Tiengemeten

Have you ever heard of nature island Tiengemeten? This island near Rotterdam can only be reached by ferry. Besides beautiful nature, the island offers OERRR Speelnatuur by Natuurmonumenten. Children can have fun here with water, mud and branches. Don’t forget to bring dry clothes and a towel, because getting wet is part of the fun!

Water playground Buytendelft – Delft

In recreation area Delftse Hout is the water playground Buytendelft, a unique playground where children can have fun both in and around the water. The shallow water (ankle to knee height) is equipped with fun play equipment. You can also enjoy a snack and drink here at the adjacent catering facility. A small admission fee guarantees hours of fun.

The Garden of Floddertje – Berkel en Rodenrijs

In the Garden of Floddertje, inspired by the work of Annie M.G. Schmidt, children can get really dirty. With mud, water and natural materials, they can play to their heart’s content. The Garden of Floddertje is orderly and safe, although supervision of small children is recommended due to the presence of water.

The Drenthe Cow – Drenthe

In Drenthe is De Drentse Koe, a farm transformed into a playground. Here children can play in a corn maze, a glow-in-the-dark basement and a play barn. There are also farm animals to pet and delicious homemade ice cream. A great day out for young and old alike!

Have fun!

Credits photos: OpstapmetLisa