{"id":8830,"date":"2025-12-08T12:29:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T11:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/tips\/activities-in-drenthe\/"},"modified":"2026-10-26T14:32:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T13:32:48","slug":"activities-in-drenthe","status":"publish","type":"tips","link":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/tips-en\/activities-in-drenthe\/","title":{"rendered":"Activities in Drenthe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Discover the Best Things to Do in Drenthe<\/span><\/h1>\n

Want to get away for a bit and looking for fun activities in Drenthe? Whether you love nature, action, or a day out with the family, there\u2019s plenty to do in this province\u2014from canoeing and hiking to zoos and markets. In this overview, you\u2019ll discover what there is to do in Emmen and the rest of Drenthe.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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\"\" Fresh Air and Adventure in Drenthe<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Then Drenthe is the place for you. The province is known for its vast forests, heathlands, and nature reserves where you can go for endless <\/span>hike <\/span><\/a>and <\/span>bike ride<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most beautiful areas is the Drents-Friese Wold National Park. Here, you can bike along wide forest trails, past sand drifts and ponds. Dwingelderveld National Park is also highly recommended. It is the largest wet heathland area in Western Europe and a beautiful place for a <\/span>hike<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>bike ride<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prefer a varied landscape? Then visit Drentsche Aa National Park, where winding streams, historic esdorp villages, and green meadows alternate. Birdwatchers can head to the <\/span>Bargerveen<\/span><\/a>, a unique raised bog area home to rare birds and plants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are you looking for more action? Then go climbing among the trees at Klimpark Grolloo or Wild Forest Outdoor in Borger. Prefer to be on the water? Go canoeing on the Hunze or the Drentsche Aa, or opt for a relaxing afternoon of stand-up paddleboarding on the Grote Rietplas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mountain bikers will also find plenty to enjoy in Drenthe. Around Gieten, Exloo, and the Hondsrug, there are challenging trails through forests and along sandy paths. Do you prefer riding a horse? Then you\u2019ll find dozens of horseback riding trails scattered throughout the province, winding through forests and across heathlands.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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\n © Chantal Eelen<\/span> \"Sfeerbeeld <\/figure>\n <\/section>\n\n
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\"\" Fun Outings for the Whole Family<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Drenthe is ideal for a day trip with kids. There\u2019s plenty to do, from zoos to gnome trails and interactive museums. You\u2019ll find fun outings in Emmen, but there\u2019s also plenty to do beyond the city limits.<\/span><\/p>\n

WILDLANDS Emmen<\/span><\/h3>\n

Located in Emmen is <\/span>WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo<\/span><\/a>, where you can take a trip around the world in a single day. Stroll through the jungle, spot elephants on the savanna, and explore the Arctic. Along the way, you\u2019ll encounter attractions, educational exhibits, and playgrounds, making the park fun for young and old alike.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gnome Trails and Play Forests<\/span><\/h3>\n

Drenthe is one big playground for kids. Put on a pointed hat and follow a gnome trail through the woods. In Emmen, you can walk through the <\/span>Emmerdennen<\/span><\/a>, where wooden gnomes and tiny houses are hidden among the trees. A little further on in Exloo, you can visit Kabouterland, a fairy-tale park full of gnomes, trolls, and small animals. Odoorn and Drouwen also have gnome trails featuring challenges, little bridges, and gnome stories.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prefer climbing and scrambling? Then head to one of the adventure forests, such as the Boomkroonpad in Drouwen or Speelbos Lorken. Here, you can build huts out of branches, balance on tree trunks, or explore the forest via boardwalks and ropes. In Norg, you\u2019ll find an adventure trail full of playground equipment, and in Paterswolde, you can get lost in a real maze.<\/span><\/p>\n

Playing at Rensenpark in Emmen<\/span><\/h3>\n

You used to hear lions roar here; now you hear children laughing. The <\/span>Rensenpark Emmen<\/span><\/a> has transformed from a zoo into a creative space. Amid the art, studios, and playground equipment, you\u2019ll stroll through a unique blend of history and modernity. Kids can play to their hearts\u2019 content while you enjoy a cup of coffee at the kiosk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Borger Hunebed Center<\/h3>\n

A visit to Drenthe isn’t complete without seeing a hunebed. At the <\/span>Hunebed Center in Borger<\/span><\/a> , you\u2019ll discover how people lived thousands of years ago. You\u2019ll learn all about prehistory and can see the largest hunebed in the Netherlands right there.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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\"\" Experience Active Outings in Drenthe<\/span><\/h2>\n

In the mood for some action? In and around Emmen, there are plenty of activities for those who love excitement, speed, and fun. Perfect for families with teens or a day out with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n