As you may know, Holland has got twelve provinces (think of them as British counties, or tiny American miniature states), and each has got their own characteristics.

Flevoland, for example, lies at the heart of the country. It’s Holland’s youngest province. It used to be the choppy South Sea before man drained it and magicked the area into the land as we know it today. Flevoland is known for this man-made land, as well as for being 7 metres below sea-level, its young planted forests, and, increasingly, the outlet shopping centre Batavia Stad. Apart from that, there are plenty of wonderful things to do with the young ones.

As all of Flevoland’s fun for kids will not fit in the space of one blog, here follows an overview:

(Most links inside the text are linked back to its corresponding Dutch pages within Kidsproof.nl. Although they may be difficult to read, you will be able to identify the physical and web addresses.)

First of all, in Flevoland’s capital, Lelystad, it is great fun to take the kids on a shopping expedition at Batavia Stad. Apart from various shops, restaurants, cafés and a MacDonald’s, there is a playground, a water-squirting whale to climb on, and fountains kids love to entertain themselves with on a hot day. Perfect excuse to try on their new outfits after they’re done daring the playful water fountains. Please also check out the Batavia Land website to discover the next-door museum and shipyard (replica of Batavia ship can be visited) and learn all about how one reclaimed the land, how dikes work, archaeology (ship wrecks), and how the Batavia sailed in the times of the Dutch East India Company. Such fun! After a fantastic day out, wander over to restaurant Next to relax. They offer in- and outdoor dining, and an indoor soft play area for kids to goof around in while the cook prepares a well-deserved meal.



If you are set on the outdoors, you must visit the Adventure Forest in Lelystad. This is where kids can be kids; they can run, climb, balance, play with sand and water, swim, observe nature, experience, and learn. There are walking tracks, an obstacle-course, and a horse valley. Bring a picnic, or purchase snacks from the food truck (high season). The entrance, the parking, and the toilets are free of charge. However, the forest is run by volunteers, so a charitable donation is appreciated (upon departure). Lelystad also has an indoor soft play area Ballorig and a (next-door) public swimming pool, De Koploper, which has now opened its doors to an incredibly fun water playground. Also make sure to visit Lelystad’s Natuurpark, which is a large park ideal for walks, picnics, playing, and learning about animals, flora and fauna. Here you can spot countless animals in their natural habitat, such as otters, storks, wild hogs, Przewalski horses, elk and deer. The park has a nice restaurant and a visitor centre, where there is lots to see, do, and learn.





Moving on to Flevoland’s most populour city, Almere has many a splendid activity for you and your little ones. How about the PIT Safety Museum? Step inside the world of the police, the ambulance, and the fire brigade. Climb inside fire trucks, complete exciting quests, or dress up as a real policeman. The museum offers many (interactive) activities and thus ensures a fun and educational day out. Or, give your kids (ages 5 and up) a day they’ll never forget: active adventure at Outdoor Park SEC Almere. This is where you can sign your child up for full-day activities, such as archery, survival skills, sailing in canoes, and Summer Games (competitions). Learn how to crack codes, make fire, fashion rafts, and slither down muddy slides. It’s fun, fun, fun, and more outdoor fun (with guides to help the kids, of course).



Don’t forget that Flevoland has beach spots for you and your children to enjoy. For the best places to swim, build sandcastles and cool down with drinks and ice creams, try Strandbad Duin, or Schokkerstrand / Pier 16. 



Sometimes Holland chooses to keep her curtains closed; many clouds then prevent us from feeling the yummy summer sun. No worries. Simply imagine yourself in the hot and sticky jungle at the Orchid Farm in Luttelgeest. A multitude of beauty awaits you there, from tropical orchids and palm leaves to Loriini parrots, flamingos and majestic butterflies that dreamily flutter around your head. Dronten also has a mega-fun indoor soft play area, Avontura that is worth checking out. Let the kids run around and have fun while you read your summer novel on an overcast Dutch summer day.