A weekend getaway at Beerze Bulten: our family adventure.
Scrolling through Instagram one evening, I stumbled upon a post showcasing a huge outdoor playground that instantly caught my eye. Naturally, I added it to our bucket list for the first opportunity. This playground was part of Beerze Bulten, a 5-star holiday park nestled in the scenic Vechtdal region of Overijssel, Netherlands. The park also includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an indoor play center, and a variety of organized children's activities, assuring us that unpredictable weather wouldn't dampen our plans. With spring break approaching and our daughter eager for new adventures, the decision was made: we were going to explore Beerze Bulten!
Accommodation: Wikkelhouse Experience
For our family of three, we chose the Wikkelhouse—a modern, sustainably designed cabin that combines contemporary design with cozy comfort. The compact yet efficient layout included a well-equipped kitchen and a comfy living area, providing a unique and intimate lodging experience amidst nature.
On-Site Facilities: Playgrounds and More
Giga Konijnenveld: The Great Outdoor Playground
One of the highlights of Beerze Bulten is the Giga Konijnenveld, an expansive outdoor playground spanning over 10,000 square meters. This vast area is a child's paradise, featuring a large swimming pond surrounded by sandy shores and various play structures. The playground is thoughtfully designed around the core elements of water, fire, air, and earth, offering children diverse environments to explore and enjoy.
Upon our arrival, our daughter immediately ran to explore all the labyrinths of the playground, climbing up and sliding down as if there was no limit to her energy. The vastness of the area meant she had ample space to roam freely, and the variety of equipment kept her engaged for hours. The playground's design encourages imaginative play, with areas designated for building sandcastles, balancing on logs, and even a beach volleyball court for older kids and adults.
Giga Konijnenhol: The Indoor Play Center
The Giga Konijnenhol, an indoor play center, features extensive play structures and a theater hosting regular shows, ensuring children have entertainment regardless of the weather. This indoor haven is designed to provide hours of fun, with climbing frames, slides, and interactive play zones that cater to various age groups.
Swimming Facilities
The indoor swimming pool offers aquatic fun with slides and fountains. It also features a separate area for the youngest visitors, ensuring both groups can safely play and swim without causing trouble to others. The outdoor pool area, which will definitely become a hub of activity during warmer months, adds another layer of enjoyment for water enthusiasts.
Dining, Wellness & More
Beyond the playgrounds and pools, Beerze Bulten offers a variety of facilities that cater to the whole family. When it’s time to take a break from all the action, visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the park’s dining options. Brasserie de Hagehorst serves a mix of seasonal dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for a relaxed dinner, while Bultje’s Diner offers a more casual experience with kid-friendly favorites like burgers and fries.
For those looking to unwind, the wellness center provides a peaceful retreat with spa treatments, saunas, and a fitness area. Parents can take a moment for themselves while the kids are busy at one of the many play areas. The park also features bowling lanes, adding another fun activity to the list.
Exploring the Surroundings: Family-Friendly Activities
Nationaal Park Sallandse Heuvelrug
A short drive from Beerze Bulten leads to Nationaal Park Sallandse Heuvelrug, a natural haven offering diverse landscapes and activities. The visitors' center provides insights into the park's ecology and houses a planetarium, although events may vary by season. Right from there starts a Kabouterpad, a gnome trail, probably the most interesting trail we have visited so far—with many interactive elements on the way, small houses, styled to the little details.
Speelbos (Play Forest)
Within a short walk in the forest lies another kids' favorite: the Speelbos, a play forest equipped with treehouses, obstacle courses, and ziplines. This area offers children a chance to engage in imaginative play while parents enjoy the serene forest setting. The Speelbos is a popular spot, especially on sunny days, making it an ideal destination for family outings year-round.
- View more details in the app: Kabouterpad, Speelbos
- Adress: Grotestraat 281, 7441 GS Nijverdal
- Free parking at the entrance
- Cafe: Buitengewoon Lekker
Sahara, the Dutch version
Another notable nearby attraction is the Sahara recreational area in the Vechtdal, characterized by its unique sand drifts and open spaces. This distinctive landscape provides ample opportunities for children to run freely, build sandcastles, and explore, making it a delightful spot for family picnics and nature walks.
- Adress: Eerderveldweg, Ommen
- Free parking at the location
- Picnic: picknic tables are available
A Memorable Family Escape
Our weekend at Beerze Bulten was totally worth the try! The combination of comfortable accommodation, diverse on-site facilities, and the beautiful nature around created an ideal setting for relaxation and adventure. Our daughter was equally excited to play at both indoor and outdoor playgrounds, often reluctant to leave even for meals. We hadn't even left for home yet, and our daughter was already asking, "When can we come back?" Beerze Bulten has definitely took a special place in our family's list of favorite getaway spots, and we look forward to our next visit.
And now, all the highlights of this trip—along with hundreds of other family-friendly locations shared by parents — are available in the WipWap app! So, if you're planning a family getaway or just a fun day out, check out the app and start exploring!