Europe with Kids: the Center Parcs solution
Dreamed of taking the kids to Europe, but find the logistics daunting?
Here's a strategy: stay at a family-friendly resort with a large recreational property and many activities for kids. Very popular in Europe, the Center Parcs chain has "villages" in France, England, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Center Parcs: overview
Center Parc's signature feature is a large domed building that houses a beautifully landscaped tropical pool, plus play zones, restaurants, shops, and spa. Some of the indoor play zones are terrific; and the tropical pools are more like waterparks, with waterslides, wave pools, kiddie pools, and other novelty features.
A second priority is outdoor recreational activities, which range from archery to zip wires, rafting, raft-building, pony riding, inline skating and ice-skating.
Center Parcs for Families
Of course, all the above activities and facilities are designed for family fun.In addition:
- in peak season, children's entertainment and kids' programs are organized. Children's Activity Pools, Kids Clubs, and children's farms are some of the features you might find at Center Parcs.
- "cottages" are typically large and often meant to accommodate three-generational families.
Worried about a language barrier? English is widely spoken and understood especially in the BeNeLux countries and Germany; but you can also opt for several choices in England too, including one near Sherwood Forest.
Center Parcs: Bottom Line
- Center Parcs resorts are reasonably-priced getaways for families, very popular in Europe, with a great signature concept: a huge domed area with tropical pool.
- Center Parcs resorts can provide a "easy entry" for North American families wanting to visit Europe: explore the surrounding countryside, cathedrals, villages, etc., from a comfortable home base that offers plenty of fun and recreation for kids.
Read a detailed review of Center Parcs Bois-Francs (near Paris) at TWKids.
To Book a Center Parcs holiday
- you can book online at the Center Parcs or Center Parkcs UK site
- North Americans can get advice about different villages and book with Let's Take the Kids Travel
