I am a huge advocate for toddler holidays to Center Parcs and find the Europe Center Parcs much better value than UK parks.
One thing to bear in mind, when booking a Europe Center Parcs, is that, unlike the UK, Center Parcs in Europe really range in quality of accommodation and facilities. They are often previously owned holiday camps that Center Parcs have bought and re branded.
Having said that, we have always had a pleasant stay at all the sites we have visited.
We have visited De Kempervennen a few times with different groups of friends, with various aged children, and also used it as a base to visit Efteling Theme Park.
It is about a 3 hour drive from Calais and even closer if you take the ferry to Dunkirk.
What I like about the Center Parcs abroad (apart from the price) is how many free activities, suitable for toddlers, there are.
All of the Europe Center Parcs have offered either free or very small fee crafts for toddlers throughout the day.
Most also have a free petting farm, some sort of indoor play area, kid’s club, and plenty of playgrounds and lake or beach area.
They also have nightly children’s entertainment, though our children have never been that engaged as it is usually in another language.
De Kempervennen is quite a large park and, like other Center Parcs, car free. We often take our bikes to Center Parcs but this can be tricky if you are taking the tunnel rather than the ferry.
One time we rented a golf cart which was completely unnecessary but so much fun.
Accommodation at De Kempervennen
Accommodation at Europe Center Parcs can be a bit hit and miss but all the rooms on our stays at De Kempervennen have been to a high standard and feel newly refurbished.
We usually stay in comfort cottages. They have a similar, yet simpler, feel to English lodges.
Do note that the ovens are just microwave combis so I would put Sunday’s roast chicken in on Tuesday.
One really annoying feature of Center Parcs accommodation is that bedding is not included.
If you are frugal like me and think of packing your own – think again. The beds are a different size so fitted sheets do not fit!
Your only options are to pay for the bed sheet extras or take your own duvets with covers and valance style flat sheets and constantly spend your holiday tucking them back under.
De Kempervennen have just added ‘Adventure Cottages’ which are colourfully themed and have small, roped areas in the kid’s bedrooms which I am sure my two would love.
They also have ‘Boathouses’ which are two-bedroom nautical themed houses on the water. They look really cool with cracking views but you compromise on living space.
There are plenty of accommodation types to choose from at De Kempervennen, depending on your budget and party size.
Swimming with toddlers at De Kempervennen
The highlight of any Center Parcs trip for us is always the Aqua Mundo and De Kempervennen did not disappoint.
There are a few shallower splash pools with slides and fountains. My 3-year-old daughter could also go on some of the bigger slides with my husband until she built the courage to ride solo.
In addition to the toddler pool, slides and rapids. There was an incredible area that I have not seen anywhere before.
In an outside pool there are small fish aquariums that you can view underwater. Unfortunately, my two still don’t like going under water so they couldn’t really view them, but I really rated this area. I always like discovering something different, especially at a Center Parcs which can sometimes feel samey. They have complimentary goggles on entry to the area; let’s hope the kids before them didn’t have conjunctivitis!
My toddlers enjoyed the hot tubs but had to wait until they were empty in fear of upsetting the Dutch.
Buoyancy aid jackets are provided free of charge with different sizes for children ages 1-12 years old. You are also allowed to bring your own rubber ring or arm bands.
Activities for toddlers at De Kempervennen
We usually don’t book any paid activities for our toddlers because there is plenty else to keep them entertained including various play areas.
There are lots of playgrounds dotted around the large park, most with accessible equipment for toddlers.
Some also have sand so be sure to bring some sand toys with you; you will also need sand toys for the beach!
For inspiration on what toys to pack for your toddler check out my tips here.
Kids Programme is perfect for toddlers aimed at 2-4 year olds. It is open at random times throughout the day for free colouring or paid crafts.
The indoor Action Factory play area at De Kempervennen is absolutely fantastic but unfortunately not very accessible for toddlers.
It is a Ninja Warrior style course where you can get timed to complete the various obstacles courses.
It is ideal for older children (and competitive adults) but it is not an area you can let your toddler loose.
We did let ours on one of the simpler courses but had to be occupy them at all times.
The highlight for our toddlers at De Kempervennen was the Children’s Farm and Otter Pool.
Each day they feed the animals and teach children about the different farmyard animals.
There are other activities that we would have liked to do with our toddlers, but did not get time to, such as: Nature walk, Geocaching, Kids Safari and Kid’s pedaloes.
Another thing to mention about De Kempervennen is that it actually has a ski center. Although we didn’t take our toddlers here, our friends enjoyed it and they do offer ski lessons from 3-years-old.
Entertainment for toddlers at De Kempervennen
The evening entertainment is… strange.
Most of the Europe Center Parcs has the Orry & Friends characters providing daily evening entertainment.
Orry & Friends dance, play games and read bedtime stories.
The shows that we have seen have all been in the home language which is absolutely correct to do so but doesn’t mean I won’t moan about it.
Having said that, I don’t think the language barrier was what was stopping my children enjoying it. The space was quite small around the stage and it all felt quite chaotic.
We did get a bit of enjoyment from the mini discos before the main performance, so it is worth checking it out to burn off that silly hour evening energy.
There is a small play area near the entertainment area so if your children do get bored with the entertainment, they can have some free play whilst you enjoy a drink and the weird shows.
The main entertainment was always really bizarre and I either had too many daiquiris or I am sure one night I watched the animation team dressed as washing machines singing and dancing.
They do advertise some daytime entertainment and parades but we have never caught these.
Eating at De Kempervennen
One of the beauties of Center Parcs with toddlers is the self-catering accommodation so we rarely eat out at Center Parcs.
Unlike Center Parcs UK, the range of options is limited and the quality is not as good as the chain restaurants found in England Center Parcs.
We did eat at the EverGreenz buffet and have to say was disappointed.
This appealed to me as for a fixed price it is all you can eat and drink. We all know limitless shiraz makes a toddler trip much more bearable.
Unfortunately, the wine tasted of vinegar and our non-drinking friends had to pay the same price even though they only had soft drinks.
Children 2 and under eat for free but we had to pay quite a lot for our 3-year-old daughter to eat a cucumber stick.
There was a range of food but just not great quality unfortunately.
Still, my children did love the ice cream station!
One other good thing about this restaurant was the small play area suitable for toddlers.
If you want help, advice or need me to plan your next Center Parcs holiday, check out my travel services here.