Kidsproof has made a wonderful selection for those who (rather) read in English, divided by category. Most of the links in the text take you back to the corresponding Kidsproof webpage, where you can find the original link and the address on the right-hand side of the screen. Enjoy!

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

When the sun is out, what can possibly be more fun than playing outside and venturing through forests and parks? Exactly. So here are some ideas:

At Paradijsvogels Boerengolf you play CLOG GOLF in Cottessen with the whole family or with a group of friends. Hit the ball with a wooden shoe on a stick. Can you go more Dutch? This is extra challenging due to the hilly golf course set in stunning surroundings.

Visit Speeltuin Heer – Playground ‘Sir’ or ‘Lord’ – in Maastricht to enjoy 5000 square metres of fun in the fresh air: a low-key outing. The trees cater for plenty of shade, and there is a terrace where you can purchase drinks and nibbles. The 40 play elements offer challenges to children between aged 1 to 6. The playground is closed on the weekends.

Fancy a few nights in a cosy tent, while the kids play on the farm in the day? Go camping in the hilly landscape of Limburg. Campsite De Limburgerhof offers you the chance to break away from your four walls, and experience the true meaning of freedom and fresh air.

Real adventurists can either canoe or raft down the Maas (river) and paddle leisurely for 10, 14 or 21 kilometres. But beware of the exciting rapids, there will be a few here and there. The journey takes you past picturesque villages and cute little dike paths. Will you cycle, walk or taxi back to base? Contact Kano Maastricht for more information. Life vests and instructions are provided, of course.

Interact with nature. Challenge yourself. Strengthen those muscles and perfect your climbing skills. Dare to cross wobbly bridges. In Fun Forest Venlo you can zipline and swing your way through the high trees of this enchanting province close to the German border.

SPLISHY SPLASHY WATER FUN

Come swim and play at Steinerbos in Stein, which offers a play forest for climbing and romping around and a pool for swimming, rowing and challenging aquatic obstacle courses. There is also a brasserie; you will be peckish after so many fun activities.

Subtropical indoor- and outdoor pools, family slides, wild water slides, finding Captain Kid’s Treasure, and a game of beach volleyball? Discover all that Mosaqua in Gulpen has to offer, because there is much more to see and do.

FANTASTIC FUN PARKS

Make your way to Landgraaf for Family Park Mondo Verde and explore its breath-taking gardens, colourful animals, cool rollercoasters and fun play elements. This park really does cater for the whole family.

Explore Sprookjesbos Valkenburg in Valkenburg aan de Geul to relive the timeless fairytales from your childhood and enjoy seeing your children live through them now. This magical fairytale forest combines the greenery of the forest with fun play elements of a playground, sprinkled with many enchanting stories about brave knights, Little Thumbling and many fairy princes and princesses. It also has a merry-go-round, a dangerous quarry full of dragons, a water playground, a silent disco, and, for the older kids, thrilling escape rooms. What more could you want?

INDOOR PLAY TIME

Alas… Holland wouldn’t be Holland if the sun didn’t duck behind a thick blanket of clouds from time to time. On days when playing outside isn’t the brightest ideas, here are some things to do indoors.

Go to Saraland in Houthalen-Helchteren, where your child is safe to play (they cannot escape) while you enjoy free wi-fi and sink your teeth in a delicious snack at Tom’s Herberg (Tom’s Inn). The Kids Valley inside Saraland comprises 7500 square metres of fun, original and encouraging play elements for your children to play, frolic, slide and climb to their hearts’ content.

Have you always wanted to take a stab at professional climbing? Come and try it out at Boulderhal Maastricht. Clambering over boulders (with ropes and climbing gear) improves one’s endurance, strength, agility and flexibility. Above all, it’s great fun.

Finally, what would a visit to Limburg be without a visit to the underground caves. Maastricht Underground offers spectacular tours a few metres below. Are you brave enough to face the caves and crawl through?

By Susanne Verdonk