Out and About with Kids in Emmen

Want to go exploring in Emmen with the kids? Great! WILDLANDS Zoo, downtown, the forests, and the playgrounds are all within walking or biking distance of each other.

So whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with the family or a day trip, Emmen is the perfect destination. Nature, culture, or adventure? Plan your family day in Emmen and create wonderful memories together.

Discover animals and playgrounds

Anyone visiting Emmen with children will quickly find themselves immersed in a world of animals and playgrounds. From spotting elephants at WILDLANDS to interactive museums, Emmen is perfect for families who love to explore and be amazed.

WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen

In WILDLANDS , you can take a trip around the world in just one day. You’ll hike through the jungle, see elephants on the savanna, and take a boat ride among the hippos. Along the way, you’ll find attractions, shows, and playgrounds. This unique zoo is highly recommended for families who love animals and adventure.

Rensenpark

Rensenpark is a special place in the heart of Emmen. Where the zoo used to be, there is now a green urban oasis featuring art, playgrounds, and small studios. Children can run, ride their bikes, or cool off with an ice cream here.

Erica Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum

For young train enthusiasts, the Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum in Erica is definitely worth a visit. Here, you can earn your own train operator’s license and ride along on a real train. The interactive exhibits make it extra fun for curious kids.

Playing Outside in the Woods of Emmen

The countryside around Emmen is one big playground. With hikes, water, and restaurants, your day will fly by. For example, follow the Kabouterpad, go sheep-spotting, or relax at the Grote Rietplas!

Emmerden Pines & Gnome Trail

The Emmerdennen is one of the most beautiful and oldest forested areas in Drenthe. You’ll walk over sand dunes, climb tree trunks, and discover the Gnome Trail here. Along the way, you’ll find cheerful gnomes with tasks to complete—perfect for young hikers.

Bargerveen & Weiteveen Sheep Herd

A trip to the Bargerveen is always worth it. In the peat bog, you can meet the shepherd and his flock. Afterward, enjoy a tasty treat at Restaurant Wollegras! The combination of nature, animals, and tranquility makes this place a great spot for families.

Erica Griendtsveen Park

In Griendtsveenpark , you’ll find a petting zoo and a large playground! What a great combination, right? Pack your picnic basket and make a day of it.

Playing at the Grote Rietplas

At the Grote Rietplas, you can swim, build sandcastles, or go stand-up paddleboarding on the water. There’s a small playground near the beach and a restaurant with a patio.

Adventures at Joytime Grolloo

For active people, Joytime Grolloo highly recommended! It’s an outdoor park with a climbing forest, zip lines, and mountain bike trails, where the whole family can have fun all day long.

Active Learning in Emmen

Children are often both creative and eager to learn. At these fun locations, they can discover more about art and history through play.

At the Rensenlab they experiment with technology and science. Workshops for children are held regularly.

At DIEP Children’s Art Studio , young artists create their own works of art using paint or clay.

Facet Emmen organizes storytime sessions and creative afternoons at the library.

At the Van Gogh House, you can paint like Van Gogh, while the Brands Collection Museum brings history to life with children’s tours. Discover the museums in Emmen.

Step back in time at the Hunebedcentrum Borger! A place steeped in the history of Drenthe.

Indoor fun on chilly days

Is it cold or rainy outside? No problem. Emmen has plenty of indoor activities for kids. With these indoor activities, every day becomes a fun-filled adventure.

Cowboys & Indians Playground

At Cowboy & Indians Play Reserve in Coevorden, children can play for hours in a colorful indoor paradise.

Urban GRND

Urban GRND is perfect for older kids: trampolines, laser tag, and bouldering—all under one roof.

Ballorig Emmen

Ballorig Emmen is perfect for the youngest kids, with slides, trampolines, and a separate toddler area.

Escape Room Emmen

At Escape Room Emmen teamwork and fun for families with older children.

A cozy family meal

After an eventful day in Emmen, it’s time for a delicious dinner with the whole family. Check out all the places to eat and drink in Emmen and choose your favorite spot.

• At Barista Café in the city center, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or homemade cake.
• Restaurant Wollegras serves regional dishes with a view of the natural surroundings.
• At Railroad Steakhouse (Nieuw-Amsterdam), the menu features grilled dishes and children’s meals.
• Puur World Cuisine is a favorite among families who love having plenty of choices.
• At ’t Hoes van Hol-An in Aalden, you can enjoy delicious, old-fashioned pancakes.

Things to Do for the Whole Family

Many events are organized in Emmen for people of all ages. During “October Children’s Month,” there are free activities in the arts, theater, and technology every weekend. The ATLAS Theater hosts family shows and musicals. WILDLANDS regularly offers scavenger hunts and shows especially for children.

View the events calendar for “Ontdek Emmen” to find the latest family activities and plan your day out.

Practical Tips for Visiting Emmen with Children

Most children’s activities take place in and around downtown Emmen. You can easily get there on foot or by bike. If you’re coming by car, park at Willinkplein or Westerstraat—both are close to shops and restaurants.

A car comes in handy for trips to Erica, Weiteveen, or Borger.