{"id":9159,"date":"2025-12-08T12:23:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T11:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/tips\/things-to-do-in-emmen-2\/"},"modified":"2026-11-12T11:24:20","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T10:24:20","slug":"things-to-do-in-emmen-2","status":"publish","type":"tips","link":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/tips-en\/things-to-do-in-emmen-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Emmen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"pane pane--white\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row g-4 g-lg-8 g-xl-15 justify-content-center\">\n                                                <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h1><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">25 Things to Do in Emmen<\/span><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Are you looking for inspiration for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or perhaps a longer vacation? Then Emmen is a surprising destination. You\u2019ll find a combination of nature and vibrancy there, all year round. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">From WILDLANDS and Rensenpark to shops, walking trails, and events: there\u2019s always something to do in Emmen.<\/span><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s How to Experience Emmen<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">There\u2019s plenty to discover in Emmen, but you can also relax here. From the bustling city center, you can walk right into the woods, or you can spend a full day visiting museums, attending events, or strolling through charming streets lined with shops and outdoor cafes. Whatever your interests\u2014culture, nature, or adventure\u2014you\u2019ll find it all here.  <\/span><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is there to do in Emmen if you&#8217;re looking for a day full of variety?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">What is there to do in Emmen if you want to see a lot in one day? In Emmen, it\u2019s easy to combine an active morning with a relaxing afternoon. Start your day among the animals, then take a stroll through the park or hit the shops. There\u2019s also no shortage of culture, theater, and dining options. Everything is within walking distance, so you don\u2019t have to travel far.    <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Day of World Travel at WILDLANDS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">At WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen, you\u2019ll walk from the savanna to the jungle. You\u2019ll come face to face with giraffes, lions, monkeys, and even polar bears. There are boat tours, shows, and adventure zones for kids. A trip around the world in a single day. The zoo is spacious and fun for young and old alike. It\u2019s ideal for families, but also perfect if you just want to spend a day out together.     <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strolling Through Rensenpark<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Rensenpark now stands on the site of the old zoo. Here you\u2019ll find art, workshops, creative studios, and plenty of green space. It\u2019s a place for peace and inspiration, right in the heart of Emmen. You can take a leisurely stroll or pop into a studio. In the summer, there are often small events.    <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performances at the ATLAS Theater<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In the evening, you can catch a show at the ATLAS Theater. It\u2019s located on Raadhuisplein and has a packed schedule every season\u2014from cabaret and music to dance and children\u2019s shows. Combine a show with dinner at one of the nearby restaurants to make it a complete night out.    <\/span><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"pane py-0 overflow-hidden\">\n    <div class=\"container px-0 px-lg-2\">\n                    <div class=\"swiper swiper--images\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1432\" height=\"955\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Rensenpark-3-scaled.jpg\" class=\"image\" alt=\"Sfeerafbeelding Rensenpark\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"711\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Atlas-Theater-3-Richard-Broekhuijzen-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"image\" alt=\"Sfeerafbeelding Atlas Theater Emmen\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1421\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Wildlands-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"image\" alt=\"Sfeerafbeelding Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\">\n                    <svg class=\"icon icon--20 icon--arrow\">\n                        <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/build\/img\/symbols.63376f1c939fe8229a47.svg#arrow-right\"><\/use>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-next\">\n                    <svg class=\"icon icon--20 icon--arrow\">\n                        <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/build\/img\/symbols.63376f1c939fe8229a47.svg#arrow-right\"><\/use>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"pane pane--white\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row g-4 g-lg-8 g-xl-15 justify-content-center\">\n                                                <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Emmen for Nature Lovers<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">What is there to do in Emmen if you love nature? Emmen is located in one of the greenest regions in the Netherlands. In and around the city, you\u2019ll find forests, heathland, ponds, and nature reserves. It\u2019s ideal for anyone who enjoys hiking and biking.   <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/activiteiten\/emmerdennen\/\">Hiking in the Emmerdennen<\/a><br \/>\n<\/span>A peaceful forest just outside downtown Emmen. With sand drifts, play areas, and small hills. Perfect for a short or long walk, but also a great spot for a picnic.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/activiteiten\/bargerveen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Out and About in the Bargerveen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span>A unique nature reserve with boardwalks, heathland, and water. There are various biking and hiking trails and lookout points. Bring your camera, go birdwatching, and enjoy the view.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cycling past dolmens and villages<br \/>\n<\/span>The area around Emmen is home to ancient <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">dolmens<\/span>and small <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">villages<\/span>. You can follow a scenic bike route and stop along the way for a delicious lunch or coffee. Want to discover more bike routes? <a href=\"https:\/\/kaart.ontdekemmen.nl\/?c=b75289b&#038;c=7b8a56b#14.14\/52.78998\/6.89783\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Check out all the cycling routes here<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">.<\/span><\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is there to do in Emmen for art and history lovers?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Emmen offers some surprising cultural attractions, ranging from the Van Gogh House to local art and historic villages. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/van-gogh-drenthe\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Van Gogh House in Nieuw-Amsterdam\/Veenoord<\/span><\/a><br \/>\nVisit the Van Gogh House, where the famous artist stayed for a short time. You\u2019ll learn more about his life and work in this region. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/activiteiten\/musea-emmen\/\">Industrial Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum in Erica<\/a><br \/>\nStep back in time and discover how peat was transported in the past. Take a ride on the old train and admire the historic locomotives and cars\u2014a unique experience for young and old alike! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/activiteiten\/diep-emmen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DIEP Art Center in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">h<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rensenpark<\/span><\/a><br \/>\nArtists from the region and beyond exhibit here. There are regular exhibitions. You can also take a look inside the studios or get creative yourself.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Events: Emmen Comes Alive<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Emmen is a lively place. Events are held here all year round. Major festivals, markets, and sporting events take place one after another. There\u2019s always something to do in Emmen, no matter the season.   <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spring<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Spring is packed with events such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/4mijlvanemmen.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The 4 Mijl of Emmen<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/koningsdagemmen.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">King&#8217;s Day and Night<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bevrijdingsdagemmen.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The Liberation Festival<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/barrelfoodtruckfest.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barrel Food Truck Fest<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vitalismarkten.nl\/markten\/emmen-centrum-pinkstermarkt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The Pentecost Market in the city center<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Summer<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">A busy summer full of activities in Emmen, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alleskidsindrenthe.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">All Kids in Drenthe<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellofestival.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Hello Festival at the Grote Rietplas<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vitalismarkten.nl\/markten\/vlindermarkten-emmen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Butterfly Markets on Tuesdays in July through August<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cestlavie-emmen.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">C\u2019est la Vie Festival: street theater, market, and live music<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goudenpijl.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Golden Arrow: Cycling and a Festival Atmosphere<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fall and Winter<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">There&#8217;s plenty to do even during the colder months:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uitfestivalemmen.nl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The &#8220;Uitfestival&#8221; as the kickoff to the cultural season<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Small performances, markets, and theater productions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A day off in Emmen<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Do you have a free afternoon or a few hours to spare? Even then, there are fun things to do in Emmen. Whether you\u2019re in the mood for something creative, good food, a breath of fresh air, or just a leisurely stroll, there\u2019s always something to do in Emmen\u2014even if you only have a few hours.  <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Take creative workshops at Rensenpark<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Lunch at Raadhuisplein<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Dining out at cozy restaurants in and around downtown Emmen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Cycling or hiking past dolmens, villages, and landscapes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Shopping at De Weiert Mall or in small boutiques<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"pane pane--tertiary\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row g-4 g-lg-8 g-xl-15 justify-content-center\">\n                                                <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Emmen<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are some things to do in Emmen with kids?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Emmen is perfect for a family day out. There are plenty of activities that are both fun and educational for children.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/activities\/wildlands-adventure-zoo-emmen\/\">WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> Here, children can explore different worlds and get up close to animals such as elephants, polar bears, and monkeys.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>The Industrial Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum: Here, children can step into the shoes of a real train engineer, earn their own engineer\u2019s certificate, and take a train ride through the Drenthe countryside.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/rensenpark\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rensenpark<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">For those who want to get creative, there are art activities and workshops. The park also offers plenty of space to play.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In short, there&#8217;s always something to do in Emmen with kids.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Emmen a good place to shop?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Absolutely, Emmen is a great city for shopping. At the De Weiert shopping center, you\u2019ll find all the well-known stores under one roof, from fashion to electronics. Emmen\u2019s downtown area is easy to navigate; you can stroll from store to store. The side streets also feature smaller boutiques and local specialty shops.    <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">On Fridays, the city is especially lively thanks to the market. Emmen\u2019s Friday market is the largest in the northern Netherlands. It features stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, fish, clothing, and much more.   <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are some things to do in Emmen if you like to relax?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Even if you\u2019re looking for peace and nature, Emmen is a great destination. Emmen has many peaceful spots both in and outside the city. Take a walk through the Emmerdennen, explore the tranquil Bargerveen, or enjoy art and tranquility in the Rensenpark or the Van Gogh House.  <\/span><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2365,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"class_list":["post-9159","tips","type-tips","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tips\/9159","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tips"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/tips"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9159"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}