Speelpark Oud Valkeveen is a family-friendly amusement park located in a lush, forested area between Naarden and Huizen in the Netherlands. Established over 90 years ago, it offers a blend of outdoor and indoor attractions suitable for children aged 2 to 12 years. The park is designed to provide a safe, accessible, and enjoyable environment for families.
Speelpark Oud Valkeveen is a well-established family amusement park located in a scenic, forested area between the towns of Naarden and Huizen in the Netherlands. Founded more than 90 years ago, the park has evolved from a simple playground into a vibrant outdoor and indoor recreational destination designed specifically for young children and their families. The park’s unique location offers a refreshing natural setting, blending woodland, open green spaces, and a private beach on the Gooimeer lake, making it an attractive getaway for local and regional visitors seeking safe and varied entertainment for children aged approximately 2 to 12 years.
One of the defining features of Oud Valkeveen is its extensive range of attractions and activities catering to younger children, although older kids and adults will also find plenty to enjoy. Outdoors, the park offers over 30 attractions including the family-friendly roller coaster named Drakenbaan, flying bee rides, a giant glider, trampolines, and expansive sandpits that foster creative play and physical activity. Water lovers appreciate the beach area adjacent to Gooimeer, where during summer months kids can explore a floating water obstacle course under supervision, adding an adventurous twist to the classic beach day. This outdoor setup encourages kids to engage with nature and develop motor skills through play in a secure environment.
Indoor facilities complement the outdoor fun, ensuring visitors have options even on rainy days. The large 1,500 m² indoor play area, known as (W)Onderwaterwereld, features themed play zones, a small cinema playing cartoons, and a Playmobil toy room that captivates children with imaginative play. This indoor space is well designed to keep children entertained in a climate-controlled environment, providing a welcoming retreat during inclement weather. Additionally, the Stronkeltjes Theater, named after the park’s mascots Stronkeltje and Fonkeltje, offers interactive performances that involve singing, dancing, and storytelling, contributing to an engaging cultural experience for children.
The park prides itself on creating a family-friendly atmosphere with facilities and services aimed at making the visit comfortable for parents as well as fun for children. Throughout the park, seating areas and picnic spots allow parents to relax while keeping an eye on their kids. There are multiple food outlets providing diverse snack and meal options, with a flexible policy encouraging families to bring their own picnic if they prefer.
Accessibility is a key consideration at Oud Valkeveen. The park is largely wheelchair and stroller friendly, with paved paths and accessible restrooms to accommodate visitors with different needs. Although some areas may have minor limitations due to the natural terrain, the park staff are available to assist with specific requests. Pets are not allowed on the premises, helping maintain a clean and allergy-conscious environment.
In summary, Speelpark Oud Valkeveen offers a well-rounded experience combining outdoor adventure, indoor play, and live entertainment in a beautiful natural setting. It has a rich history and remains a popular choice for families with young children in the Netherlands, striking a balance between excitement, safety, and relaxation.
Speelpark Oud Valkeveen is conveniently located in the Netherlands, between the towns of Naarden and Huizen, at Oud Huizerweg 2, 1411 GZ Naarden. Due to its proximity to major urban centers, it is easily accessible by car, public transport, and bike, making it an ideal day trip destination for families living in or visiting the region.
By Car:
For visitors traveling by car, the park is straightforward to reach via major highways and regional roads. From Amsterdam, it takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The park is located just off the N524 road, making it well connected to the A1 and A6 motorways. Directions are clearly marked, and GPS navigation systems will typically guide you to the address Oud Huizerweg 2, 1411 GZ Naarden.
One major advantage for drivers is the availability of free parking on-site. The parking lot is spacious enough to accommodate families during peak season weekends and holidays. It is recommended to arrive early during busy periods to secure a parking spot close to the entrance. For visitors coming from other parts of the Netherlands or neighboring countries, the park is accessible via the national highway network, and major airports such as Schiphol Airport are roughly 45 minutes away by car.
By Public Transport:
Public transportation options to Oud Valkeveen involve a combination of train and bus travel. The nearest train stations are Naarden-Bussum and Naarden-Bussum Voorzijde. Both stations are approximately a 50-minute walk from the park, so visitors may need to prepare for a moderate walk or take a local taxi from the station to the park entrance.
Several bus lines serve the area near Oud Valkeveen. Bus routes 100, 221, and 320 have stops within walking distance of the park, providing an alternative for families without access to a car. These buses connect with major train stations in the region, including Amsterdam and Hilversum. When using public transport, it is advisable to check current timetables as schedules may vary by season and day of the week.
For visitors unfamiliar with the region, using the Dutch public transport app or the Moovit app can help plan the best route, combining trains, buses, and walking directions to reach the park efficiently.
By Bicycle:
For local visitors or those seeking a more eco-friendly option, cycling to the park is also possible. The park is situated near several well-maintained bike paths that run through the surrounding nature reserves and along the Gooimeer lake. The area around Naarden and Huizen is known for its scenic cycling routes, making a bike trip to the park a pleasant experience. Bicycle racks are available on site for secure parking.
Accessibility Considerations:
While the park is largely wheelchair accessible internally, visitors with mobility issues should consider transportation options carefully. The walking distance from train stations is considerable, so a taxi or ride-share might be more practical than walking. The park’s management can also provide specific advice on the best transport options for visitors with disabilities.
