Fun outings with children

There is, among other things, a large competition pool with 2 diving boards, a family slide, a pool for small children, and a toddler pool. The grounds also feature a football field, volleyball court, air trampoline, sunbathing area, a playground for the little ones, toilets, and showers (for a fee). There is a kiosk for coffee/tea, snacks, and ice cream. De Dobbe is open from around early May to early September.

Only 300 metres away! Visit De Spokeplas for a fun “day at the beach.” There’s plenty to enjoy: a water pump, swings, climbing bars, and a small playhouse with a slide are spread across the area. You’ll also find several small beaches and sunny meadows — perfect for relaxing. Is the weather not so great? Take a lovely walk around the lake and through the surrounding forest instead.

Once again the number-one most fun outing in Overijssel: the zoo Dierenpark Taman Indonesia in Kallenkote, where animal and culture come together from beautiful Indonesia. In this unique park you meet all kinds of special Indonesian animals such as the small-clawed otters or the civet (known for producing the most expensive coffee in the world). Besides the many animals, there is also plenty of Indonesian culture to see, from batik to wayang, beautiful wood carving and masks — or enjoy Javanese dances. The park will be open on 1 April.

Discover the newly renovated swimming centre De Welle in Drachten. Swim laps in the brand-new 50-metre pool, break records on the 100-metre funnel slide or challenge your family to a race on the family water slide. Let yourself be carried away by the rapids and float on the waves in the wave pool. Or climb the 6-metre-high climbing wall. For the littlest ones, there is the new spray park - a playful water world full of fountains, sprayers and fun water games.

Would you like to enjoy a tropical atmosphere all year round? Then head to the beautiful Pantropica (formerly the Orchideeën Hoeve) in Luttelgeest. Stroll through the fully covered tropical park filled with stunning flowers and animals, including the always photogenic toucan who may suddenly join you. Let butterflies land on you and feed the lorikeets yourself. New: visit the first flower festival ‘River of Dreams’ from March 20 to May 24. A dreamy river of flowers between orchids, tropical plants, charming houses, and elegant vintage boats.

For complete relaxation, a visit to De Bonte Wever in Assen is a must. This extensive subtropical swimming and sauna paradise features a wave pool, a wildwater creek (rapids), and two spectacular slides. In summer, you can enjoy swimming laps in the heated 25-meter outdoor pool with a sunbathing lawn. Sauna enthusiasts can indulge themselves in the various saunas, steam room, shower boulevard, and heated benches.

Visit the beautiful Estate Nienoord in Leek, where history, nature and recreation come together. The high season has come to an end, but don’t worry… In winter you can enjoy the Adventure Barn, a brand-new indoor play hall, or visit the children’s farm. Swim all year round in the covered subtropical pool and in summer the heated outdoor pool is open as well. Do you love trains? Discover the railways of the past century with Nienoord Railways. The miniature worlds are also a delight for both eyes and ears. Entertainment for everyone!

Go on an adventure in the zoo of the North! Meet more than 70 animal species at AquaZoo Leeuwarden. Do you dare to come face to face with the tiger, polar bear and crocodile? From a safe distance, of course. Or would you rather walk among the ring-tailed lemurs? Through various educational presentations, you’ll get to know the animals up close. Continue exploring AquaZoo via the adventure trails, a rowing lake, and two large playgrounds with climbing and play equipment. And for true daredevils, there’s a chance to jump on the biggest air trampoline in Friesland!