Those looking for the perfect holiday destination for the whole family have come to the right place in the hospitable province of North Brabant:the mix of historic cities with a trendy atmosphere and fantastic natural areas offers something for everyone. The region has a lot to offer, because in addition to the largest game safari park in the Benelux, Safari Park Beekse Bergen, Tilbug also houses the largest art labyrinth in the world, Doloris' Meta Maze. The largest climbing forest in the Benelux was opened in Vught at the end of last year and the largest spray park in Europe, the Splesj water park, is located near Breda. The 8 most beautiful activities for this summer follow from the rich offer:From "animal fun" to the newest attraction in the Efteling to deep into the Brabant nature.
“Animal enjoyment” in ZooPark Overloon and in De Oliemeulen in Tilburg
Animal lovers will get their money's worth in Brabant:For example, you can go on a discovery tour among the animals in the spacious ZooParc Overloon – a great adventure for children, because here they can see cheetahs up close. De Oliemeulen Zoo in Tilburg inspires with even more animals:the former reptile house now houses 150 animal species, including skunks and flying foxes.
Largest wildlife safari park in the Benelux – Hilvarenbeek
Safari Park Beekse Bergen is the largest game safari park in the Benelux. Why spend hours on a plane when you can explore vast savannas and forests and observe animals after a short drive? If the children have any energy left, they can go swimming or pedal boating in Lake Victoria near Spielland Beekse Bergen or let off steam in the playground. You can also spend the night in this special environment, for example at the brand new Back2Basic campsite. Just pick a spot for the tent and wake up the next morning with a view of the lake – who wouldn't want that?
Around and through the most beautiful Dutch fortified city – Heusden
Picturesque streets, harbors and wonderful restaurants and boutiques – Heusden is just the right travel destination for lovers of culture, history and culinary delights. During a cruise with Rondvaart Wiljo you can admire the historic fortified town with artfully restored houses, mills and old cannons from the water. Heusden is also a contender for the title of 'Most Beautiful Fortress City' in the Netherlands and is only 16 km from the provincial capital of Brabant 's-Hertogenbosch.
National Park De Biesbosch (c) VisitBrabant
Boat trip on the Binnendieze under houses – 's-Hertogenbosch
The provincial capital can be explored on foot or from the water. If you want to enjoy the city to the fullest, grab a so-called “Bossche Bol”, a delicious chocolate cream puff, and stroll through the beautiful streets of the historic center, culminating in St. John's Cathedral. During a cruise on the “Binnendieze” – the collective name for an ancient system of waterways within the city walls – partly under the city, you will learn interesting facts about the birthplace of the world-famous painter Jheronimus Bosch.
The largest art labyrinth in the world (with rooftop bar!) – Tilburg
A unique adventure for slightly older children, where you completely forget about time:This is Doloris' Meta Maze in Tilburg. After a walk through this surreal labyrinth, literally through the artworks, you can enjoy the beautiful view over the city from the rooftop bar.
Then visit the so-called Spoorzone – a former railway workshop area that has become a trendy hotspot with creative restaurants, street art and theatre. For the children there is a lot of fun in the Spoorpark, for example when climbing the watchtower Kempertoren, at the skate park or playing basketball.
Numerous walking routes in the Brabant countryside – also for children
The vast Brabant landscape invites you to take varied walks. The so-called “Wadpad” has recently been inaugurated in Park De Kienehof. This is an adventurous walking route that goes around and along the water and even through it. So rubber boots are a must!
Those who are more into fortresses and cannons should take the Zuidwaterlinie walking route. This unique route connects 11 fortified towns with each other and with their surroundings. In Brabant you can even walk through the water with dry feet:on the Mozesbrug in Halsteren, near Bergen op Zoom.
With a whisper boat through the National Park De Biesbosch – Werkendam
A trip to Brabant without a visit to De Biesbosch National Park is not complete, because – what could be more beautiful than moving slowly on a ship between willows, islands and streams? It is worth planning a shore excursion on the Museum Island Biesbosch Museum Island:On the enormous water playground with a life-size Biesbosch model, children can play to their heart's content on and with polders, dikes and dams. For that real Biesbosch feeling, switch to a whisper boat or canoe and you might spot a beaver or sea eagle along the way! Those who dare more can explore the area on a sup.
The brand new attraction “Play Bosnest” in the Efteling – Kaatsheuvel
The well-known amusement park De Efteling is also located in Brabant. Young and old alike will enjoy themselves as the park has something for everyone with roller coasters, magical attractions and spectacular shows. This summer there is even another attraction:the Nest play forest. There, really all children, including the disabled, can enjoy themselves to their heart's content in a 1,200 m² play forest made of natural organic materials.
Image:VisitBrabant
