What is there to do in the area?

Fancy a day out? As a EuroParcs guest, it is possible to order tickets for various museums, amusement parks or zoos at a discount.

Welcome to Dwingelderveld National Park, the largest wet moorland area in Europe! Be surprised by the panoramic views, beautiful forests and deafening silence. What makes this area so special is that the heathland is maintained by two flocks of sheep with a shepherd. You can admire these heath sheep at the Ruinen and Lhee sheepfolds. Start your cycling or walking route at Bezoekerscentrum Dwingelderveld and enjoy all the flora and fauna you will encounter.

De Drentse Koe play and ice farm means endless fun and games in a very nice place: the farm! This farm in Ruinerwold has grown into a huge petting zoo, where children can climb, clamber, jump and pet animals all day long. For a day, you really get that farmer's feeling. You can also enjoy sandwiches and a 'Drents Koe Ice Cream', made from fresh milk.

Experience the Whitsun weekend during the cosy Sluisdagen (lock days) in Dieverbrug. On these days, impressive historic ships moor in the harbour of Dieverbrug which are certainly worth a look! In the village you can enjoy live music, markets with regional products, old crafts and of course good food.

At Museum De Proefkolonie, let yourself be transported back in time to 1818, when the Netherlands was 'on fire'. Napoleon had left the Netherlands in poverty and General Johannes van den Bosch decided to fight it: he founded agricultural colonies. Take a multimedia time travel and learn all about the story of Johannes van den Bosch and the beginning of the Maatschappij van Weldadigheid! The museum is also a starting point for beautiful walking and cycling routes.

For 75 years now, the Shakespeare Theatre in Diever has been telling the world-famous stories of William Shakespeare every season. Let yourself be carried away by the ancient plays in the open-air theatre, where the stories really come to life thanks to the stage that runs lengthways and breadthways through the audience. The indoor Globetheater takes you back in time with its traditional construction dating back to Shakespeare's time.

Photo credit: credit Koen Timmerman

With 1,100 kilometres of cycle paths, Drenthe is the perfect province to explore by bike. But not only that, the province also lends itself well to mountain biking, hiking, Nordic walking and horse riding. Cycle and walk through the vast forests and moorland landscapes to the dolmens.

At Wildlands it is possible, making a world expedition in one day. In Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen you will travel together through the jungle, the polar region and the savannah.

Become a real cowboy or cowgirl in the Wild West for a day. In amusement park Slagharen you will have an unforgettable day full of excitement and adrenaline. Swing in the Tomahawk, launch into the Gold Rush, or splash about in Ripsaw Falls. There are also plenty of fun attractions for the little ones. During the winter months, the park is transformed into Winter Slagharen with countless lights, atmospheric decorations and a magical wishing tree.

The Westerbork Memorial Center in Hooghalen tells you the impressive story about life in the internment camp during the Second World War through various exhibitions. Tens of thousands of Jewish people were deported from Camp Westerbork to concentration camps such as Auschwitz and Sobibor. On the camp site you will also find reconstructions to restore the original state of the camp as much as possible.

Bird lovers can admire many Dutch, but also European bird species to their heart's content in the small, but fine Vogelpark Ruinen. From oystercatcher to the snowy owl, in no time you will make a complete journey through the European bird kingdom. The park is open from April to October.

At Atelier Femke Anne you can attend various workshops, fun for both young and old. The building also has a unique shop. You can also buy cycling and walking maps here. The workshops you can take include fat lady painting, abstract painting, clog painting, mixed media and much more. A fun (indoor) activity!

Check out all the possibilities on Femke Anne's website.

Next to EuroParcs Ruinen is Zwembad Ruinen. During the hot summer days, you can cool off here! The water has a pleasant temperature of 26 degrees. Slide down the slide, splash around in the water or take a relaxing swim in the pool's wellness pool.

Climb and clamber through the tall trees, brave the obstacles and hurtle down the zip lines. Klimbos Appelscha offers a sporty and exciting day in the open air for the whole family!

Attention gardeners and garden lovers! This spring, you can be inspired by no fewer than 25 different flowering gardens on one site at De Luie Tuinman. Stroll through the gardens and then settle down for a cup of coffee with a delicious pastry. In the shop you can buy special stuff from all over the world. Opened from April.

In De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, you can search for traces of the ice ages: the ridges and valleys of the area were formed during these periods. And not only that, you will also find dolmens, burial mounds and the remains of cart tracks! Apart from the archaeological treasures, the area is known for its beautiful nature with forests, heaths and streams.

The National Park Drents-Friese Wold covers an area of 6000 hectares where green forests, vast heathland, shifting sands and creek valley grasslands alternate. As a Natura 2000 area, this special area is one of the most important and beautiful nature reserves in Europe. The best way to discover the area is on foot.

The nature lover will be happy in National Park Weerribben-Wieden. It is a low moorland swamp area, where you will encounter many special plant and animal species. In addition, you can enjoy beautiful sailing, cycling and walking here.

During the warmer days you can lay your towel down on the sand of Nijstad beach, near Hoogeveen. Take a cooling dip in the beautiful natural swimming water and relax in the sun. Active people can go paddle boarding or diving. At the swimming lake you can enjoy a snack and drink in Paviljoen Nijstad. In the recreational area, everyone can enjoy themselves throughout the day with activities such as raft building, archery and pedal boating.

Of course, a visit to Giethoorn also means a trip on the water. Stand at the helm yourself in a whisper boat or sloop, take a guided tour or get active yourself in a canoe or traditional Giethoorn punter.

For friendliness and hospitality, Meppel is the place to be. The bustling center of Meppel is not large, making it very easy to explore. The town is characterized by impressive historic buildings, canals and bridges. Stroll through the charming streets, shop in the best stores and admire the charming squares.