I am a huge advocate for toddler holidays to Center Parcs and find the Europe Center Parcs much better value than UK Parcs.
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 accomdoation 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.
Le Lac d’Ailette was our first experience of Center Parcs Europe and was pleasantly surprised by the value.
We visited with my 2-year-old daughter and when I was heavily pregnant.
We also combined this with a day trip to Disneyland Paris. I definitely wouldn’t use it as a base as it is nearly a 2 hour drive away and would instead stay at Villages Nature Paris.
Though further away from Disneyland, it is only 2 and half hours from Calais making it one of the closest Center Parcs to the crossing.
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 Center Parcs we have visited have a free petting farm, some sort of incredible indoor play area, free kid’s crafts, and plenty of playgrounds and a 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.
Le Lac d’Ailette is quite a small park compared to other Center Parcs but can be hilly in places. My toddler actually stacked it here and busted here face whilst running down a hill.
We usually take our bikes to Center Parcs but with my pregnancy bump gravity would not allow this. You can rent golf carts here which we did at De Kempervennen Center Parcs. Though pricey, they are extremely fun!
Despite being, like all other Center Parcs, a car-free park, when we returned late at night from Disneyland Paris, the guard let my husband drive his asleep toddler and heavily pregnant wife to the accommodation and move the car the next morning.
Accomodation at Le Lac d’Ailette
We stayed in a cheaper comfort cottage which is over two-storeys with some nice colourful touches.
The accommodation types are all mixed up in brightly coloured terrace houses which makes the park more attractive.
I think where they really saved money when building the comfort cottages was the sofas. I don’t think I have ever experienced anything so uncomfortable – and I gave birth in stirrups!
Do also note that the ovens are just microwave combis so I would put Sunday’s roast chicken in on Tuesday.
I am not sure if we were particularly lucky, but the outside area of our cottage was fantastic backing on to a small field where my daughter played football with some other children and enjoyed feeding the ducks.
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.
I just wish things like bedding were in the overall holiday cost and just pay a little more for the holiday overall. Whenever I see an optional extra I see an opportunity to save some money but sometimes it is more hassle than it is worth.
Swimming at Le Lac d’Ailette
The highlight of any Center Parcs trip for us is always the Aqua Mundo and Le Lac d’Ailette has plenty to keep toddlers occupied.
Though smaller than other Aqua Mundos, there is a shallower splash park with slides for toddlers.
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 Le Lac d’Ailette
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. Perfect for some free play.
There is also a sandy beach for children to play on and we spent hours here so be sure to bring some sand toys.
For more advice on what toys to pack for your toddler check out my tips here.
The soft play area: BALUBA Indoor Play World has plenty for toddlers to enjoy with payable Mini Cars to hire.
We really enjoyed the free Children’s Farm at Le Lac d’Ailette.
There are bookable and chargeable workshops for children available but we have always found plenty to keep our toddlers occupied without these.
As I previously said we also spent one day at Disneyland Paris whilst staying here.
Entertainment for toddlers at Le Lac d’Ailette
The restaurants, shops and entertainment venue are all centred around the scenic lake with a cute little lighthouse structure.
This makes for a nice evening stroll or water side drink but as there are no barriers to the lake there can be some twitchy bum moments with active toddlers.
Most of the European Center Parcs have 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.
My daughter didn’t really enjoy the evening entertainment and where it actually takes place is smaller than your toddler’s daily vegetable intake, with minimal seating for adults.
They do advertise some daytime entertainment and parades but we have never caught these.
These guides are from 2023, but give you a rough idea of what is provided.
Eating at Le Lac d’Ailette with toddlers
The beauty of Center Parcs is the self-catering accommodation so we rarely eat out at Center Parcs.
One good thing about Le Lac d’Ailette is that it actually has a McDonalds! So if you do find yourself needing to eat out there is this cheap toddler pleasing option.
We also drove out to the nearby town Laon one day for a change of scenery but the only family friendly restaurant we found was Buffalo Grill.
If you need help, advice or want me to plan your next European family holiday check out my travel services and I would be more than happy to help.