Holland with kids – Vecht Valley
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful, green, family‑friendly getaway close to nature, Vechtdal Overijssel in the Netherlands is a fantastic choice. This region charms you instantly: the river Vecht winds through meadows and forests, small villages look like postcards, and the cycling infrastructure is simply outstanding.
There’s something about the Netherlands that makes you feel relaxed the moment you arrive. This was our second visit in the Netherlands, and once again we returned completely recharged.
Where to stay in Vecht Valley Overijssel with kids
Ferienpark De Zandstuve – perfect for families
We stayed at Ferienpark De Zandstuve and it turned out to be an excellent base for exploring Vecht Valley with kids. The check-in process was smooth and easy, and within minutes we were already settling into our cosy cabin surrounded by greenery.
Our accommodation was comfortable, spacious, and fully equipped for a family stay. One of the things we loved most was that a playground was located just outside our door, which meant the children could start playing immediately while we relaxed on the terrace.
The holiday park itself offers plenty to do for families:
- multiple smaller playgrounds throughout the park
- one large central playground
- a sports field
- an indoor play hall
- indoor and outdoor swimming pools with slides – an absolute favourite with our children
- an entertainment programme for children
Another thing worth mentioning is the on-site supermarket, which made it easy to pick up fresh bread for breakfast or anything you need during your stay without leaving the park.
To be honest, there is so much to do here that children could easily spend several days without getting bored. At the same time, the location is perfect for exploring the surrounding region, with beautiful walking and cycling routes starting right from the park and many family-friendly attractions nearby.
For kids, it feels like a little holiday paradise. For parents, it offers the perfect combination of relaxation, nature, and family-friendly facilities.
Holland with kids – Vecht Valley – family‑friendly attractions
De Rheezerbelten – pancake heaven
We started our trip with a delicious lunch at De Rheezerbelten, a restaurant known for its pancakes. They were truly amazing – fluffy, flavorful, and available in many variations. There’s also a kids’ menu and great desserts, so everyone leaves happy.
Knof de Pad – nature trail with tasks
One of the absolute highlights of our trip, and it starts right at De Rheezerbelten. At the beginning you pick up a small bag filled with tools and materials needed for the challenges, and the kids receive backpacks with booklets with tasks. Along the trail you stop at different stations where you solve tasks, move, think, explore, and observe nature in a completely hands‑on way. A fantastic, engaging family activity – I really wish more places offered trails like this.
9 km Scooter‑Bike route with GPS
This adventure also starts at De Rheezerbelten, and it turned out to be just as fun as the nature trail. You set off on special scooter‑bikes and you are equipped with a GPS device – but there’s a twist: you only unlock the next coordinates after completing a task or solving a clue. It becomes a mix of exploring, thinking and teamwork. We laughed a lot, learned a lot, and the kids were incredibly proud every time they “unlocked” the next point. A brilliant outdoor activity that combines movement, navigation, and pure fun.
Slagharen Amusement Park with kids
Slagharen Amusement Park is a classic Dutch theme park themed around the Wild West. Think cowboys, adventure, colorful rides, and over 30 attractions for all ages. It’s the perfect mix of roller coasters, water rides, shows, and family‑friendly fun.
What you’ll find there:
- Roller coasters
- Free‑fall rides for adrenaline lovers
- Aqua Mexicana water park with pools and slides
- Western circus show
- Dozens of kids’ attractions including Mine Train, Rosie’s Tea Cups, and the Apollo Carousel
My girls were over the moon – especially my 8‑year‑old, who could go on almost every ride. The park is truly designed with younger children in mind, so they never feel left out. There was plenty of adrenaline, plenty of laughter, and absolutely no boredom.
We also spent some time at Aqua Mexicana, the indoor water park inside Slagharen. Slides, warm pools, tropical vibes – a perfect break between rides.
We easily spent the entire day there, and honestly, we could have stayed even longer.
Dinner at Brasserie De Stoov – delicious & family-friendly
After a full day of fun, we returned to our camping and had dinner at Brasserie De Stoov, the on‑site restaurant at Ferienpark De Zandstuve.
Everything was delicious. There’s a kids’ menu and a play corner, which is a lifesaver when children are hungry and tired after a long day.
We ordered meat served on hot stones, which continued cooking right at our table. We could choose the level of doneness ourselves, and the flavor was incredible. And the desserts… absolutely wonderful.
It was the perfect cozy ending to a very active day.
A peaceful forest walk along the Vecht
On our last morning, before heading home, we wanted to enjoy a bit more of Vecht Valley’s nature. We stopped at a parking area along Beerzerweg and took a short walk through the forest, across fields, and along the river Vecht.
It was calm, green, and beautiful – the kind of simple moment that makes you fall in love with this region even more.
De Fleckie Hoeve – the sweetest goodbye
Before leaving, we made one last stop: de Fleckie Hoeve, a small family‑run dairy farm with a self‑service shop and the most delicious ice cream. Their ice cream was incredibly creamy and rich, full of real flavor – truly irresistible. We loved it so much we went back for seconds. And their milk? One of the best I’ve tasted in years: fresh, cold, and tasted amazing!
Summary: is Vecht Valley Overijssel worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely yes. Holland with kids – Vecht Valley is calm, green, beautifully organized, and full of family‑friendly activities. If you’re looking for a place where you can truly unwind while keeping the kids entertained – this region will win your heart.
This article was created in cooperation with the Das andere Holland Tourist Board. You can find many more travel tips for Vecht Valley at https://www.das-andere-holland.de/