Here you go: the best (last minute) autumn holiday tips (for the kids)
Hello Autumn! Hello rain and days that are getting shorter, wet feet and red cheeks. Sounds blegh, but if we are completely honest, we love it: nose in the wind, boots on, walking slightly bent forward as standard and then braving the weather. So that you really deserve that hot chocolate afterwards. We are on the cusp of autumn, and as soon as the days get shorter (as always) we immediately think about it the beach or cozy guest houses hidden deep in the forest. Light candles and play games. You understand: it is our favorite season. So we selected some favorite spots that are perfect for getting some fresh air and looking for red leaves during the autumn. Kicking some puddles, soaking up some culture... Let's also add some dressing tips. Don't mention it.
ARTIS is really buzzing this fall break. During the fall, the new residents are showing off their best side: the young vicuña, for example, is hopping around her enclosure. And that's so much fun (especially with kids). In the creative Dream Animal Shelter workshop Children (and adults!) learn what their favorite animal needs and can design their own dream habitat. Inside ARTIS-Micropia, you can then Micro Mission A scavenger hunt where you discover why microbes are essential for life on Earth. Oh, and there's an exhibition at ARTIS-Groote Museum! In 2009, hippopotamus Tanja, a true ARTIS icon, passed away. From October 17th, Tanja will be on display in a stuffed form at the exhibition Close to Tanja at the interactive nature museum at ARTIS. An exhibition that examines human-animal relationships, with Tanja, Amsterdam's most famous hippopotamus, taking center stage.
Good to know: For just €6 extra on your ARTIS Park ticket, you can visit the new exhibition Dichtij Tanja. Children up to 12 years old even have free admission.
Perfect timing in the (Southern Netherlands) or just before the (Northern Netherlands) autumn holidays: Move Lab, part of MOVE Amsterdam, is (re)open. Say what? Move Lab is part of MOVE Amsterdam, the place where "all your senses are set in motion." Essentially, this means that MOVE Amsterdam is a unique location at Stadionplein, where mobility, art, education, and gastronomy (hello Joris Bijdendijk!) come together.
For kids and families there is Move Lab: A unique exhibition for children. While children enjoy interactive activities, adults can be amazed by the inspiring art collection and unique vehicles on display. You can also visit the restaurants with a guide. Joris Bijdendijk or be inspired in ride ... – the ultimate bike shop. Truly amazing and surprisingly fun. For tickets and more info: MOVE Amsterdam
Never change a winning team… We previously wrote a very (very) good list of things to do with the kids on a rainy day. Suit up (or save it for a rainy day): the best children's entertainment for rainy days. Spoiler alert: our list of the best museums for children (also nice for yourself by the way) is one of the highlights from that list. Or read about it here our favorite addresses for with the kids throughout the country
In the heart of de Veluwe, half hidden between de trees and surrounded by one of demost beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands, state De Weaver LodgeA wonderful hotel: small, cozy, and with its own bistro. De The Veluwe itself is actually special enough, but De Weaver Lodge goes one step further. Everything revolves around this de love for de nature, craftsmanship and relaxation.
Agenda tip: Taste de tastiest dishes from De Weaver Lodge during de Forest Table on October 10, 11 and 12.
We are fans of it DutchenA wonderfully wide selection, clearly presented on a single, easy-to-scroll website, with parks spread throughout the country. By the way, no massive parks with hysterical entertainment teams or roller coasters in your backyard, but stylish, small-scale holiday parks with luxurious cottages (read: saunas and whirlpools) in beautiful, accessible natural locations. For all ages. Exactly what we at Barts Boekje are looking for, and you probably are too.
The accommodations are just as well-designed on the outside as they are on the inside. After a day in the dunes, the forest, or on the beach, there's no need to disappear inside. Many of the living spaces are open-plan, so you can comfortably sit half inside, half outside. You can also cook outside, from a BBQ to a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, and you can end the day by the campfire. And the ultimate bonus: many areas also offer private wellness facilities, from a sauna to a hot tub and an outdoor shower. Let's be honest: this is what you want, right? We do.
For this spot we travel to the far north. To Makkum in Friesland to be precise. Get a breath of fresh air on the beach, play endless games indoors or go on a discovery tour in Makkum with the family (yes, the kids can come along!). We can see it happening. De Botter is located in a dune-like environment at De Holle Poarte recreation park. Right on the IJsselmeer and the beach. The house is white - both outside and inside - and can be recognized by the thatched roof. The decor is a mix of modern Scandinavian style with retro furniture a lot of white (told you so) with wood and greenery. Downstairs you'll find the living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and two bedrooms. One has a bunk bed – fun for the kids! A third bedroom is located on the mezzanine. Up to six people can stay here. We're not the only ones with this property on our list. The reviews on Airbnb (where you can book this property) are almost five stars. So what are you waiting for?
When you think of rain, you think of England. We do. That's okay: that's why we prefer to go to the English countryside during the European rainy season; then it cannot be disappointing. In any case, the Cotswolds are picturesque all year round and not a year goes by that we do not expand our address book with tips (see below). Why do we like coming there so much? Because we love the English and their convivial drinking (every pub is recommended!) and because the country folk here have elevated fancy outdoor living to an art: everyone looks like a country gentleman or lady.
Speaking of farmers and country folk… Hotel Le Barn is the ideal autumn stay for those who want to go into the country, but also want to enjoy the city (Paris!). We call that a win-win. In the middle of nature, surrounded by cute French villages and meadows, you will find the hotel with sauna, a large fireplace and very (really very) lots of cheese and wine. Hotel Le Barn is located 90 kilometers south of Paris where you drive into nature past cute French villages and meadows, after which you arrive at the hotel. Huge amounts of land, a sauna, a large fireplace and a lot (really a lot) of cheese and wine. Either: recharge yourselfThe whole place looks more like a Western ranch, or a place stolen from the Cotswolds. So rich in greenery. The food, on the other hand, is a French affair through and through. All dishes in restaurant La Serre are a masterclass in Gallic country cuisine, served in a sun-drenched greenhouse (provided it's shining, you understand).
Nowadays it is almost a must: you have to go out with your family and you have to contribute to nature. But… How?! Flying is not done and close to home is also so… close to home. We want to chill and relax, but also experience something. We want affordable, but also attractive. And we just want to have a good time together. Sounds impossible, doesn't it? Hands on each other Cocoon Houses, in our opinion the best tip for those who want to explore the Netherlands with their offspring. There are not one, not two but three Cocoon Houses that fully live up to their name: one in Drenthe, one in Zeeland and one in Limburg.
The houses are beautiful, check. The locations are rural but always close to a city, check. And the facilities are more than well taken care of, check check double check! Anyone who arrives at, for example, the Cocoon House in Zeeland, will discover that there is no drawer without toys. Played out? Relaxation entertainment has also been taken into account: Netflix and Pathé have been installed and there is even a PlayStation with games. So you really don't have to leave the house, thanks to the equally well-equipped kitchen.
Buitenhuys family you know of the three lovely houses in Venhuizen, near Hoorn, on the Markermeer. There is nothing but praise for that place, so expectations were high when we heard that another spot was being added in the pleasant south. Just a little bit different and leave you curious our middle name are… The house is located at the Heidebloem holiday park: ideal if you come with kids because there is plenty to do and plenty of entertainment at the park. There is a swimming pool, large playground and a lot of facilities that will make you happy if you are traveling with small children (rental bicycles, entertainment, activities, the whole shebang). From the entrance you can walk within three minutes temporary hideaway and there you will find everything, absolutely everything, that you would not expect at a standard holiday park: a cozy, authentic and originally furnished house. We first wanted to say house, but that doesn't do this beautiful place justice, because there is really plenty of space.
Yes, of course you want to go to the beach with the small stuff. They can let off steam while you watch from a distance. But where do they have a place these days? Well! At the hotels where they have a lot of rooms, of course! Favorite in that category? Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk. In any case, because Noordwijk is the most favorite of all (South and North Holland) coastal towns, because it is nice and quiet and beautiful, and because Noordwijk (not on the sea) is the home of Suus & Suus, one of the nicest children's stores in the entire country (but really). And a favorite because of those rooms of course, that beach right in front of the door, but also because of the old-fashioned good service provided by young people. Heart for that. Also a heart for three of the five (or six?) restaurants at Huis ter Duin: the breakfast restaurant (EVERYTHING sealed to offer a Corona-proof buffet and where possible without plastic but using pans and cardboard - kudos) where the kids receive a gift box on day 1 and where there is everything they like. In front of the door Breakers Beach House where the high chair and the coloring page are ready and the apple juice comes with a straw and glitter and - the very best - Salt, a door further on the beach. Next door to Salt is really a nice (and. good looking) playground with climbing ship and toys for the taking!
Do you want moremoremore? We understand, there are so many addresses that you really have no idea about, we're sure. Here's a collection of even more fun addresses for the kids.
