Excursions

Toy Museum Kinderwereld in Roden is a nostalgic museum where visitors can discover an extensive collection of old and new toys. From tin toys and dollhouses to trains and board games, the museum showcases how children have played over the years. In addition, visitors can play with various games and enjoy a nostalgic playground outside with go-karts and a merry-go-round, among other things. It is a fun and educational outing for young and old!

• https://speelgoedmuseumroden.nl/

Drouwenerzand is an amusement park in Drouwen, known for its all-inclusive concept. Visitors pay one fixed price, which gives them unlimited access to attractions and food and drinks, such as fries, snacks, soup, fruit and lemonade. The park offers various attractions for young and old, including roller coasters, a carousel and a wild water ride. Thanks to its affordable formula and friendly atmosphere, Drouwenerzand is popular with families with children.

• https://www.drouwenerzand.nl/attractiepark

The Hunebedcentrum in Borger, Drenthe, brings prehistory to life and tells the story of the mysterious builders of the dolmens. Located near the largest dolmen in the Netherlands, the museum offers interactive exhibitions, a prehistoric park and walking routes along historical reconstructions. The dolmens are part of the UNESCO Geopark De Hondsrug, a unique landscape that is recognized as a World Heritage Site because of its special geological and cultural value.

• https://www.hunebedcentrum.eu/

Website van het UNESCO Global Geopark

• https://www.dehondsrug.nl/

When you walk through Orvelte you see and feel history. Orvelte is the primeval village of Drenthe. Nowadays Orvelte is a monument village and has the status of protected village view. It is a lively and hospitable village, where people normally live and work in an authentic environment that still really exudes the atmosphere of a 19th-century Drenthe esdorp.

• https://orvelte.net/

In the Drents Museum you will experience a new adventure every time. Explore the changing exhibitions and permanent collection of archaeology, art and history. Choose one of the activities or follow a special family route. The museum combines a historic building with a modern extension and offers a fascinating look at the past and present of Drenthe and beyond.

• https://drentsmuseum.nl/

Dwingelderveld National Park is the largest wet heathland in Western Europe. Here you will find vast heaths, quiet fens and forests full of birds and wildlife. Perfect for walking, cycling or unwinding. Visit the Nature Information Point Spier (35 km, north side) or the Visitor Center Ruinen (48 km, south side) for routes, tips and activities. Along the way you can encounter flocks of sheep, discover bird huts or enjoy endless views.

• https://www.nationaalpark-dwingelderveld.nl/

The GeoTour Kop van Drenthe is a geocaching adventure in the north of Drenthe. The GeoTour is designed to allow both hikers and cyclists to experience the rich history and diverse landscapes of the Kop van Drenthe. The storylines are: Diversity of the Landscape, Colonies of Benevolence, Vrouw Lebbe, Meisje van Yde, Berend Botje, Origin of Assen and TT (stories from the past). Per storyline, 7 to 10 different caches are hidden locally.

• https://geotourkopvandrenthe.nl/

Drentsche Aa National Park is a unique landscape where nature and culture go hand in hand. The stream valley landscape winds like a ribbon through esdorpen, heaths, fields and forests – almost unchanged since the Middle Ages. You can walk or cycle endlessly along winding streams and picturesque villages. Along the way you will encounter rare plants and birds and enjoy peace, space and ancient views.

https://www.drentscheaa.nl/

Family park Landgoed Nienoord is the adventurous outing for the whole family! With a large playground, an exciting play and maze park, a petting zoo and a water playground, the park offers endless fun. Take a ride on the historic miniature train or discover the beautiful estate with its castle and museums. A perfect mix of adventure, nature and relaxation!

• https://www.landgoednienoord.nl/

In Veenhuizen, discover the impressive story of crime and punishment in the Prison Museum and the history of the Colonies of Benevolence. Once a re-education colony for the poor and orphans, Veenhuizen grew into the prison village of the Netherlands. Walk past the historic buildings, experience a ride in the crooks' bus and experience how Veenhuizen was a place of discipline and re-education for centuries. A fascinating day out full of history and special stories! Step into an original cell, take a ride in a crooks' bus and walk through the Colonies, which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A fascinating and educational experience for young and old!

• https://gevangenismuseum.nl/
• https://gevangenismuseum.nl/omgeving/kolonien-van-weldadigheid/

Colonies of Benevolence Frederiksoord

• https://www.kolonienvanweldadigheid.eu/

Starting point for walks and treasure hunts for children. The Noordsche Veld is a beautiful nature reserve in Drenthe, where you can enjoy the peace and beauty of the landscape. With extensive heaths, forests and fens, the area offers plenty of opportunities for walks and bike rides.

There is a visitor center where you can go for a snack and drink and where you can get more information about the area and its stories. A scavenger hunt is available for children.

• https://www.denatuurplaats.nl/

Hiking route Noordsche Veld

• https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/uit-in-de-natuur/wandelroute-noordsche-veld

Step back in time and discover the special story of the first experimental colony of the Society of Benevolence in Frederiksoord, part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In this interactive museum, you will experience how poor families built a new life in the Colonies of Benevolence in 1818. Compelling stories, impressive projections and historical objects bring this unique history to life.

• https://proefkolonie.nl/

Experience an unforgettable day at Bowling Centre De Waterburcht in Eelde, where sporting fun and culinary indulgence come together. With eight modern, NBF-approved lanes, equipped with computer counting and air conditioning, it is the ideal place for both novice and experienced bowlers. Bumpers are available for the youngest players, so that they can also participate with pleasure.

• https://www.waterburcht.nl/

The Outdoor Experience and Climbing Park in Grolloo offers an exciting and challenging climbing adventure in the middle of Drenthe's nature. With different courses at various heights, ziplines and obstacles, it is the place for action and adrenaline. Suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike, it is ideal for families, friends and groups looking for a sporting challenge.

• https://joytime.nl/

Experience a magical day out in the heart of Drenthe at Sprookjeshof Zuidlaren! Wander through the enchanting fairytale forest with more than 25 classic stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Children can enjoy themselves in the large outdoor playground or the covered Gnome Clamber Castle of 3,000 m². In addition, there is a cozy petting zoo and a challenging miniature golf course. End the day with a delicious pancake in the atmospheric pancake house. Sprookjeshof is the place to be for families with young children who are looking for a day full of fun and adventure.

• https://sprookjeshof.nl/

The Boomkroonpad Outdoor Centre is the ideal starting point for a day out on the Hondsrug, with various walking routes and activities.

• https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/uit-in-de-natuur/locaties/buitencentrum-boomkroonpad

Visit the Schaapskooi in Ruinen and experience the Drenthe landscape as it once was. Every day, a herd of Drenthe heath sheep travels with the shepherd over the heath of Dwingelderveld National Park. From the cage you can walk straight into the nature reserve. In the visitor center you will learn everything about the sheep, the heath and the work of the shepherd. Child-friendly, educational and pure nature.

• https://www.schaapskudderuinen.nl/

The Molenduinbad Norg is the nicest swimming pool in Drenthe. It is a cozy, child-friendly, subtropical swimming pool and offers water fun for young and old. You can slide down the 30 m long slide, let yourself float in the rapids or relax in the Turkish steam bath.

• http://www.molenduinbad.nl/

Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen is an exciting zoo where adventure and nature come together. Discover three unique worlds – the jungle-like "Serenga," the impressive "Nortica" with polar animals, and the adventurous "Mondi," where you explore the mysterious rainforest. With spectacular rides, safari drives, and the chance to see wildlife up close, Wildlands is a top destination for the whole family!

• https://www.wildlands.nl/

Turquoise water, snow-white sand and a wooded area: at 't Nije Hemelriek and the adjacent Gasselterveld you imagine yourself abroad for a while. This unique swimming lake in the Drenthe woods is perfect for a day of sun, swimming and relaxing. The clear blue lake is surrounded by walking and cycling paths, play areas and a beach pavilion. Whether you want to swim, picnic or just enjoy nature – it's all possible here.

• https://www.drenthe.nl/locaties/4049266695/recreatieplas-t-nije-hemelriek

Discover how people lived in Drenthe centuries ago. In this open-air museum you walk past turf huts, an old school, farms and craft workshops. You will experience the daily life of the past and see how crafts and traditions come to life. For children there are play opportunities and exciting stories about the giants Ellert and Brammert. The museum offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and fun for young and old.

• https://www.ellertenbrammert.nl/

Experience a day full of fun and action in Duinen Zathe! This cozy amusement park offers unlimited enjoyment with exciting attractions, play areas and surprising entertainment for young and old. From roller coasters to bumper cars and from scrambling to splashing: there is always something going on.

• https://www.duinenzathe.nl/

Step into the world of borgen, carriages and Groningen history. Museum Nienoord (the former Carriage Museum) takes you along impressive carriages, atmospheric historic buildings, a special shell cave and changing exhibitions. A fun and varied outing for young and old, on a beautiful estate where culture and nature come together.

• https://museumnienoord.nl

Just half an hour's drive from the Oosterduinen you will find the Groninger Museum: one of the most striking museums in the Netherlands. Not only the colorful architecture is an attraction, but also inside surprising exhibitions of art, design, photography and history alternate. An inspiring trip for lovers of culture and special buildings.

• https://www.groningermuseum.nl

Stap binnen in een van de mooiste koren- en pelmolens van Drenthe en ontdek hoe vroeger graan werd gemalen en olie werd geslagen. Tijdens een bezoek zie je de indrukwekkende techniek van dichtbij en vertellen de enthousiaste vrijwilligers graag over de geschiedenis en de werking van de molen. Een leuk en leerzaam uitstapje voor jong en oud.

• https://www.woldzigt-roderwolde.nl/