The Veluwe works well with kids: forest, space, and enough to do near Hoenderloo. Below are seven places we tried ourselves, outside and inside, also when the weather turns.
1. Wildlife spotting in National Park De Hoge Veluwe
We found it exciting to search together for red deer, wild boar or mouflons. In National Park De Hoge Veluwe, just 4 kilometres from Holiday Park De Woeste Hoogte, there are several wildlife observation points where we have seen animals in the wild with a bit of luck. We recommend going early in the morning or at sunset, then the chance is greatest!
Besides wildlife, the park itself is a huge playground. Visit the Museonder, the first underground museum in the world. Children go under the soil and see what lives there: roots, bones, soil life.
Tip: We noticed that binoculars are handy and that being quiet increases your chances of spotting animals.
2. Apenheul - monkeys roaming freely among visitors
We visited Apenheul in Apeldoorn: monkeys walk loose among visitors—not something you see every day. Children can get close to several species. The squirrel monkeys in particular are nosy and come near your bags.
The park is beautifully green and wooded, which makes it a nice place even on hot days. In addition to monkey watching, there are educational presentations throughout the park where caretakers tell about the animals. Children can release their energy in the many playgrounds, and there is a special scavenger hunt that leads them through the park. An educational and fun day out.
3. Burgers' Zoo - covered worlds and animals
We visited Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem and found it one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe. The park offers a world trip in one day and is known for its "Eco-displays", where natural habitats have been recreated on a large scale.
Dive into the humid warmth of the Bush, a complete tropical rainforest where birds and lizards roam freely. Explore the Desert, a rocky desert inspired by Arizona, and admire the colorful fish in the Ocean, the huge coral reef aquarium. For children there is also the Avonturenland playground and the indoor Kids Jungle. Because a large part is covered, this is the perfect outing in changeable weather.
4. Climbing Forest Veluwe - adventurous climbing among the trees
We recommend Climbing Forest Veluwe in Apeldoorn for active children. Here they can fully let go high in the trees. We found it lovely that there are different routes with increasing difficulty levels, so there is a suitable challenge for everyone.
For the little ones (from 6 years and 1.20m) there is the Junior Climbing Forest, where they can get used to climbing at a safe height. For the older daredevils there are routes that go up to 18 meters high! Zip lines, wobbly bridges and nets ensure plenty of adrenaline. Safety comes first with a continuous belay system, so parents can watch with peace of mind (or climb along!).
5. Julianatoren - theme park for the whole family
We visited Julianatoren in Apeldoorn and found it the theme park for families with children up to about 10 years old. We found it lovely that the park is compact and well-arranged, so you can easily keep an eye on the children and don't have to walk for miles.
With more than 60 rides there is plenty to do: quiet rounds for toddlers, roller coaster "Jul's Rollerskates" when they are a bit bigger. Mascots Jul and Julia do short shows and photos. Easy day out.
6. Children's outing in bad weather: dry shoes on
Raining? These indoor spots near Hoenderloo worked for us:
Spelerij en Uitvinderij in Dieren - Not a standard playground. In the "Uitvinderij" children (and adults) work machines for plexiglass or metal projects, styrofoam cuts, even bread rolls. Outside, the "Spelerij" is full of homemade play gear you fiddle with together.
Children's Farm Binky in Hoenderloo - Easy win for small kids. Cuddle goats, rabbits and pigs, plus several playgrounds, traffic square with go-karts, pedal boats shaped like swans. Covered corner when it drizzles.
Kröller-Müller Museum in National Park De Hoge Veluwe - Perhaps not the first thing you think of with children, but this museum is surprisingly fun! There is a special "dice game" scavenger hunt that lets children look at art in an interactive way. Outside in the huge sculpture garden they can run around and some artworks are even meant to be climbed on or entered, like the "Jardin d'émail".
So there is always something fun to do, even when the weather is not cooperating.
7. Walking and playing from Holiday Park De Woeste Hoogte
Staying at Woeste Hoogte nr 15? From the door you walk into the forest: short loops suit small legs. Binoculars, leaf piles, branch huts. Simple and it sticks.
The holiday park itself also has animation activities during holidays and in high season for children aged 4-12. In addition, there is a covered swimming pool and play equipment in the park.
Finally: the Veluwe never gets boring
Whether it's sunny or raining, we have always found fun activities for children near Hoenderloo. From exploring in the forest to indoor play or animal spotting, nature and surroundings provide something new every season.
We hope you'll have as much fun as we did. View our holiday home Woeste Hoogte nr 15 - the ideal starting point for your family holiday full of adventure and nature on the Veluwe.