Europe With Kids- The Easy Way

A trip to Europe is many parents' dream; but some feel overwhelmed by the logistics. So try the easy way, and stay at a Center Parcs family resort: reasonably-priced; huge properties, with outdoor fun; and a big domed area with tropical pool (wave pool, waterslides, etc.), restaurants, groceries, spa... Where is all this fun happening? At the 14 Center Parcs family resorts in northern Europe.

There are Center Parcs resorts in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, and the UK.

The range of activities is impressive indeed. The Sherwood Forest Center Parc, for ex., has a climbing tower with high ropes, and even a swing, suitable for ages eight and up. De Eemhof, in the Netherlands, features Discovery Bay, a 17th-century shipwreck where kids can play on rope bridge and a tropical island.

De Eemhof also has the indoor BALUBA playworld, where "cannons shoot flying balls of foam that are intercepted by gigantic vacuum cleaners in the Foam Factory"-- while you watch from the BALUBA Café. Not to mention "the Flow Rider" in the tropical pool, that "surfs at an enormous speed over the flowing water into the new, spectacular Aqua Mundo with Balinese influences." Don't forget that English is widely spoken as a second language, in the Netherlands.

On a visit to the Center Parcs Les Bois Francs in France with three kids, we loved every aspect of the place: the tropical pool with waterpark features and kiddie pool; the wonderful food at the very kid-friendly restaurant; the beautifull-stocked grocery store; the giant three-bedroom "cottages".

You can read a review of Center Parcs Les Bois Francs at TWKids. For info on different resorts, plus prices and availability, see the Center Parcs website. You can find 360 degree views of many resort features at the Center Parcs site.