Family Fun All Year: Highlights of the School Holiday Recreation Programme at Camping de Wildhoeve
Looking for a school holiday recreation programme that turns time off into unforgettable family time? At Camping de Wildhoeve on the Veluwe, children enjoy an extensive programme during every official school holiday—rich with nature adventures, hands-on discovery, and plenty of play. Parents find it easy to plan, thanks to on-site pools, play zones, and direct access to forest trails and cycling routes. This guide shows you what to expect, how to prepare, and the simple steps to make the most of every school break.
What is the School Holiday Recreation Programme?
The school holiday recreation programme at Camping de Wildhoeve is a varied, family-friendly activity calendar offered during every official school holiday. It blends guided nature exploration with creative play and outdoor fun, designed to help kids engage with the Veluwe’s forests and wildlife while staying active and curious.
In addition to the holiday-specific programme, children can explore the year-round discovery trail, Ontdek de kleine wonderen (Discover the little wonders), which encourages them to look closely at nature throughout their stay.
Quick answer for planners
- The school holiday recreation programme runs during every official school holiday.
- Expect guided nature activities, wildlife discovery, and playful challenges.
- Year-round, kids can follow the "Ontdek de kleine wonderen" discovery trail.
- On-site facilities—pools, a waters playground, sports courts, and more—round out the fun.
Signature Activities Kids Love
Nature-led adventures
Children don’t just hear about nature on the Veluwe—they step into it.
- Wild boar treasure hunt: A playful pursuit that introduces kids to local habitats and animal signs.
- Wildlife detection: Learn how to spot and track animals respectfully in their environment.
- Guided discovery tour on the Veluwe: A nature guide leads an expedition through nearby forests for hands-on learning.
These activities cultivate curiosity and confidence outdoors, all under friendly guidance and with a focus on responsible exploration.
Everyday fun on the campsite
Between scheduled activities, families can spread out and play:
- Swimming pools, including a heated swim paradise for comfortable water time.
- A lively waters playground for splash-filled adventures.
- Indoor playground ‘De Dassenburcht’ — new in 2026, with expected opening in summer 2026.
- Sports & games: a tennis court, Jeu de Boules lane, and a BMX/fietscross track.
These facilities help you create a balanced day: high-energy play, a cooling swim, and a calm moment in nature whenever you need it.
Plan Your School Holiday Stay
Planning is simple when you know what’s available and how everything fits together.
Key dates and location
- Season opening: Camping de Wildhoeve opens on 27 March 2026.
- Where you’ll be: Hanendorperweg 102, 8166 JJ, Emst, right on the Veluwe with immediate access to forest trails and cycling networks.
Where to stay: Comfort pitches and rentals
All camping spots at De Wildhoeve are comfort pitches, each with:
- A private water tap with drain
- CAI connection
- 8-amp electricity
The campsite is car-free. After setting up, please park at the central lot; trolleys are available for shopping and extra baggage. One small side tent (max 5 m²) is allowed per pitch. WiFi is available (choose Wildhoeve 1, 2, or 3 depending on your location; ideal for general use). Please note: no pets are permitted on the campsite.
Prefer to travel light? Choose one of the rental accommodations for a ready-to-enjoy stay:
- Astro Mobile Home (4 persons)
- Safaritent (6 persons)
- Artcamp (5 persons)
You can also look into the Boshuis, Boshut, and Bostent options, each offering its own atmosphere amidst the trees.
Getting around: Walks and cycles from your door
- Step into the nearby Koninklijke Houtvesterij Het Loo to walk amid classic Veluwe landscapes and spot wildlife.
- Start a family bike ride right from the campsite on the Veluwe cycling network—you can follow De Wildhoeve’s own curated routes for kid-friendly mileage and pace.
Useful on-site amenities
- Electric vehicle charging: 4 Shell Recharge stations are available. Please move your vehicle when charging is complete.
- Reception & shop: Stop by for tips on the day’s activities, local highlights, and essentials.
- Sanitary & hygiene: Clean, well-maintained facilities help keep family routines smooth.
Highlights at a Glance
| Theme | Experiences |
|---|---|
| Holiday programme | Guided discovery tours, wildlife detection, wild boar treasure hunt |
| Year-round discovery | "Ontdek de kleine wonderen" kid’s nature trail |
| Water fun | Multiple pools, including a heated swim paradise; waters playground |
| Play & sports | Indoor playground ‘De Dassenburcht’ (expected summer 2026), tennis, Jeu de Boules, BMX/fietscross |
| Nature access | Walks in Koninklijke Houtvesterij Het Loo; direct link to cycling routes |
| Nearby days out | Elburg, Apeldoorn, Hanzesteden, and theme parks Julianatoren and Walibi (less than 30 minutes by car) |
How to Organize Your Holiday Days
You can build each day around one anchor activity, then layer in free play and downtime:
- Start with a guided nature activity or a lap of the ‘Ontdek de kleine wonderen’ trail to spark curiosity.
- Follow up with water fun—choose the heated swim paradise or the waters playground depending on the weather.
- Add variety with a BMX ride, a quick game on the tennis court, or Jeu de Boules.
- Close the day with a forest walk to wind down and reflect on the wildlife you’ve seen.
This rhythm keeps kids excited and rested, while giving parents flexibility to adapt to weather and energy levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (Quick, direct answers)
When does the school holiday recreation programme run?
During every official school holiday.
What kinds of activities are included?
Guided discovery tours on the Veluwe, wildlife detection, and a playful wild boar treasure hunt—plus year-round "Ontdek de kleine wonderen" for independent exploration.
Is there indoor play for rainy days?
Yes. The indoor playground ‘De Dassenburcht’ is new in 2026 with expected opening in summer 2026. You can also enjoy the heated swim paradise.
Are all camping spots comfort pitches?
Yes. Every pitch includes a water tap with drain, CAI connection, and 8-amp electricity.
Is the campsite car-free?
Yes. After setup, park at the central lot; trolleys are available for baggage and shopping.
Can we bring a side tent?
Yes. One side tent up to 5 m² is allowed per pitch.
Are dogs allowed on the campsite?
No. Pets are not permitted at De Wildhoeve.
Is there WiFi?
Yes. Connect to Wildhoeve 1, 2, or 3, depending on your location (intended for general use).
Can I charge my electric vehicle?
Yes. There are 4 Shell Recharge stations on site. Please move your car once charged.
What about nearby family attractions?
You’re close to Julianatoren and Walibi (both less than half an hour’s drive), and charming towns like Elburg and Apeldoorn—perfect for rest days between nature adventures.
Practical Takeaways for Parents
- Anchor your days around one scheduled holiday activity and one self-paced exploration.
- Pack for the outdoors: comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and simple nature tools (like a notepad to sketch tracks).
- Bring swim gear for the pools and waters playground.
- Cycle together: tap into the Veluwe routes straight from the campsite; ask reception about De Wildhoeve’s curated options.
- Think wildlife-friendly: teach kids to observe quietly and keep respectful distances.
- Leverage year-round discovery: if a guided activity is later in the day, start with the “Ontdek de kleine wonderen” trail.
- Use rainy-day backups: enjoy the heated swim paradise and (from summer 2026) the indoor playground ‘De Dassenburcht’.
- Plan logistics: remember the campsite is car-free; use trolleys for baggage and shopping.
- Know the policies: no pets; one small side tent allowed; general-use WiFi is available across the grounds.
- Charge smart: use the Shell Recharge stations and move the car when done.
Conclusion: Make Every School Holiday Count
With a dedicated school holiday recreation programme, hands-on nature experiences, and all the on-site fun families love, Camping de Wildhoeve makes it easy to turn school breaks into meaningful memories. From guided wildlife adventures to splash time and play, every detail supports a relaxed, nature-rich family holiday.
Ready to plan your stay? Use Zoek & Boek to reserve your pitch or accommodation, or contact us for guidance:
- Camping de Wildhoeve — Hanendorperweg 102, 8166 JJ Emst
- Phone: 0578 - 66 13 24
- Email: info@wildhoeve.nl
Explore more under Activities (Recreatie, Excursies, Natuur), Facilities (Zwembaden, Waterspeeltuin, BMX baan), and In the Area (Attractieparken, Dorpen en steden) to fine-tune your family itinerary. See you on the Veluwe!