If you are visiting Europe with kids, there is definitely one theme park that should be high on your to do list: “De Efteling” in the Netherlands. It’s one of the most beautiful theme parks in Europe, catering to toddlers as well as adults and everything in between. Your whole visit feels like a magical fairy tale. I am sure you will love this place as much as your kids will.
Best part of your stay is you don’t have to leave as “De Efteling” offers overnight stays as well. We spent the whole weekend in “De Efteling Village Bosrijk”, an amazing holiday park located in the middle of the woods. There are little Mr Sandman hats waiting for us upon arrival, which come in very handy as Mr Sandman himself lives in this holiday village as well. We see his sandcastle in the middle of the lake. At night he comes out to tell a bedtime story to our little ones, how amazing is that!
We enjoy “De Efteling” for two whole days, the second day we pay a little visit to the swimming pool at Bosrijk Village as well. It’s perfectly suitable for kids of all ages. Our kids, Lotte (2) and Floris (4) love building all kinds of structures with the foam bricks laying around in the ‘baby pool. After an amazing day we decide to have dinner in the holiday park’s restaurant. After dinner Floris is allowed to “decorate” his own ice cream, wearing a huge toque. His smile couldn’t be bigger.
As “De Efteling” is packed with all kinds of attractions, I have written down a TOP 5 of the best attractions when visiting with young kids, to make sure you have the best time with your little ones!
1.Fairytale Forest
When you are visiting with little kids, this is absolutely the best attraction for you! Our kids are happily hopping from one fairytale to the other. They especially love the “golden oldies” like, Gardener and Fakier, The six Servants and the Kobolt Village. They find “newer’ fairytales like Pinocchio very impressive as well. I love watching them while they walk through this world of wonders.
2.Carnaval Festival
Two of “:De Efteling’s” characters Jokie and Jet take you on an adventure, showing you the world! This ride takes us from Africa to the North Pole. As our kids are big fans of Jokie and Jets TV show, they love to see their friends up close and personal. The happy tunes make this a jolly ride.
3.De Oude Tuffer
Takes you on a historic car ride. Correction, not you, your kids! As they can drive these beautiful old T-Fords themselves. We have two cars, so both kids can ”drive”. As we sit in the back the kids drive us through hills, dales and over bridges. Floris couldn’t be more proud. He suggest to drive our car back home tomorrow as well. Uhhhhm no, we will wait another 15 years for that ;).
4.Avonturendoolhof
This in an adventurous labyrinth for children. They walk through a keyhole into a labyrinth full of wonders. Our kids run off, over bridges, through little alleys looking for their way out. This isn’t as simple as it looks. After screaming “Mum, Dad where are you? We need help!” and a little help from us, they come running out proudly after 5 minutes. Mission accomplished.
Kids Love Travel: Top 5 Efteling attractions with little kids
5.Droomvlucht
This darkride shows you the world of elves and trolls. Both the kids are a little scared when the little cart takes us into the dark… Until they see a huge floating castle….wow!! After the castle, we see elves playing with flowers, trolls relaxing in the water and fairies flying around. This really is a magical ride!
These 5 attractions are the all time favourites of our kids! But.. there is so much more to do in “De Efteling” for your little ones; meet “Het volk van Laaf”, enjoy a ride in the steam train, ride a horse in the steam carousel, or explore the lake in Gondoletta. Our kids loved “fishing ducks” and “throwing balls” at the game gallery as well.
We will definitely visit “De Efteling” & Bosrijk again, it’s a perfect weekend away for the whole family.
Welcome to Bosrijk
Only a 10 min walk from our holiday village to the Efteling
The porch of our holiday villa, with a sauna!
