Apenkooien — or “monkey cage game” — is a wildly fun and active play session offered at Sportcentrum De Waterkanten in Lisse. Kids navigate a large gym space filled with ropes, mats, climbing equipment, and tunnels, all set up like a jungle gym. The goal? Don't touch the ground! Led by experienced instructors, this organized chaos promotes agility, teamwork, and non-stop laughter.
Apenkooien — loosely translated as “monkey cage tag” — is a wildly popular Dutch indoor gym game, and Sportcentrum De Waterkanten in Lisse offers one of the best setups for it. The concept is simple but exhilarating: kids navigate a large obstacle course made of ropes, climbing frames, mats, benches, tunnels, and other gym equipment — all designed to simulate a jungle gym adventure. The goal? Move around without touching the floor!
Sessions are led by professional and enthusiastic instructors who guide the children through various team games, challenges, and playful competitions. The activities are not only entertaining but also great for physical coordination, confidence, and teamwork. It’s especially popular for birthday parties, with special packages available that include playtime, snacks, and a decorated party space.
The gym space is indoors, which makes it suitable year-round — regardless of the weather. The setup and games can be adjusted for different age groups, making it accessible and safe for younger children while still being fun and challenging for older kids. The facility is part of the larger Sportcentrum De Waterkanten complex, which also includes a swimming pool, sports hall, and café.
Parents are welcome to relax in the cafeteria with a coffee while the kids are busy playing, and there is even the possibility to watch from a designated viewing area. The center is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transport and offers free underground parking.
To reach Sportcentrum De Waterkant, where the exciting Apenkooien experience awaits, start your journey by getting to Lisse, Netherlands. If you're driving, take the A44 highway from Amsterdam or The Hague, exiting at the N208 towards Lisse. Follow the signs for the center of Lisse, which will guide you to Sportlaan. The sport center is conveniently located at Sportlaan 21, 2161 VA Lisse. ️
If you prefer public transport, hop on a train to the nearby station in Hillegom or Lisse. From either station, you can take a local bus or a short taxi ride to Sportcentrum De Waterkant. Buses in the area are frequent and a great way to soak in the beautiful Dutch scenery.
For those biking or walking, Lisse has lovely paths that lead directly to the sport center. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and maybe even spot some local wildlife along the way. ♂️
Once you arrive, you'll see the vibrant environment and hear the laughter of children enjoying the monkey cages. Don’t forget to check in with the instructors who will guide you through the game and explain the rules. Get ready for a fun-filled adventure where you can run, jump, and climb without hitting the ground.
Make sure to bring your energy and enthusiasm for a day of unforgettable fun at Apenkooien!
