If you’re searching for a getaway that keeps kids entertained and grandparents at ease, look no further than a Center Parcs Europe vacation. With over two dozen resort-style parks nestled in scenic woodlands, lakesides, and countryside settings across the Netherlands, Germany, France, and beyond, Center Parcs offers a stress-free, car-free, family-friendly escape designed for all ages.
Each park features the Aqua Mundo, a tropical indoor waterpark with slides, wave pools, and whirlpools that are open every day, regardless of weather. As Hans puts it, “It gave me a break while the kids had the time of their lives.” While the younger generation splashes and plays, grandparents can enjoy a cappuccino by the pool, wander tree-lined paths, or book a relaxing massage at the on-site spa.
“There’s really nothing like it,” says Hans Breuer, who has lived in the Netherlands for nearly 40 years and spent many holidays at Center Parcs with his children. “It’s a happy place with so much for kids to do, you never get bored.
Destinations to Explore, Year After Year
No two Center Parcs locations are exactly alike, which is part of the charm. From De Eemhof, just outside Amsterdam and perfect for watersports, to Le Bois aux Daims in France, where you can spot deer from your cottage, each destination offers something slightly different—while maintaining the same family-friendly core.
Hans notes, “We tried a different park almost every year. It became a tradition. There was always something new, but it still felt familiar.” That sense of consistency is a huge draw for many multigenerational families.
Slow Travel, the European Way
For the 55+ traveler, Center Parcs is a chance to embrace slow travel. Morning bike rides, walks through the forest, or a good book by the fire replace the hectic sightseeing agendas of traditional vacations. You can cook meals in your cottage with groceries from the on-site market, or choose to eat out at casual bistros and brasseries that cater to all tastes.
And while the parks are filled with things to do, from canoeing and pony rides to archery and craft workshops, there’s no pressure to participate in everything. It’s the flexibility and ease that keeps families coming back.
Comfort Meets Nature
The cottages range from cozy to luxurious, with many offering fireplaces, private saunas, and lake views. Designed for comfort and privacy, they’re ideal for grandparents traveling with children and grandkids. Plus, accessible cottages are available for those who need mobility-friendly features.
“It felt like home, but better,” Hans shares. “We could all be together, but everyone had their own space. That’s rare in a family holiday.”
Easy to Get To and Hard to Leave
Many Center Parcs are located just one to two hours from major European cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Cologne, making them easy to reach by train or car. Once you’re there, there’s no need to leave. Everything you need from meals to entertainment to nature is within walking distance.
According to the Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group, the brand hosted over 4.3 million guests in 2023, with a high return rate among families and multigenerational travelers.
About the Contributor
Hans Breuer has lived in the Netherlands for nearly four decades and spent countless weekends and holidays at Center Parcs with his children. Today, he recommends it to any grandparent looking to make new memories with the next generation.
