Off on an adventure: scavenger hunts and themed routes
Hiking is only really fun when there’s something to discover. And that’s exactly what makes these routes so great for kids: along the way, there are challenges, landmarks, or playful elements to look forward to.
With the Mouse and Elephant Trails, kids literally step into a story, while the Proverbs Trails put a playful spin on things they may already know. The “De Keien Lopen” scavenger hunt and “Expedition Langstraat” offer just that little bit of extra challenge, turning a simple walk into an adventure.
Geertruidenberg Proverbs Trail ( for slightly older children)
Keien Lopen Scavenger Hunt in Heusden ( Almost free—booklet available for a small fee at TIP Heusden)
Let the kids play (while you relax on the patio)
Sometimes it’s that simple: a good playground works wonders. And luckily, there are plenty of them in De Langstraat.
Great playgrounds
Het Lido (Waalwijk, with a deer park nearby)
Speeltuin Vrijhoeve (Sprang-Capelle)
Natuurspeeltuin Het Klauterwoud (Waspik)
Playground near the fortress (Heusden Vesting)
Playground with a terrace for parents (for when you don’t mind spending a little money)
Grand Café Sands (Kaatsheuvel)
De Zwammenberg (De Moer)
De Financiën (Loon op Zand)
De Hoge Heide (Vlijmen)
Water Fun & Summer Spots
As soon as the weather is nice, there’s really only one thing you want to do: head to the water. And this is the perfect place for that, too.
At the city beach in Waalwijk or De Afgraving in Drunen, kids can play, build sandcastles, or splash around. There are also plenty of beautiful spots along the Maas River to stop for a while, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the view.
The Blauwe Meer in Loon op Zand is also a well-known spot in the region. Please note: some parts of this area require an admission fee, so be sure to check in advance which areas are currently free to access.
Out in nature (space, freedom, no lines)
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle? In and around De Langstraat, you’ll find plenty of nature where kids can run around and have fun.
In the Loonse and Drunense Dunes, it almost feels like you’re on vacation: sand, hills, and endless space to run and play. But areas like the Vlijmens Ven, Huis ter Heide , and the Westelijke Langstraat are also perfect for a leisurely walk, a scavenger hunt, or simply spending an afternoon outdoors.
Animal watching (always a hit)
One outing that’s almost always a hit: seeing animals. And the great thing is that there are several places to do just that in this region.
’t Erf Petting Zoo (Waalwijk)
De Kromme Akker Petting Zoo ( Geertruidenberg)
Vossenberg Animal Park (Kaatsheuvel)
Super-simple outings (but surprisingly fun)
Some outings are all about simplicity. Throughout the region, you’ll find bocce courts and ping-pong tables. Just bring your own gear, and you’ve got yourself a spontaneous activity. And if all you have is a ball? You can always play a game of curbside ball: old-fashioned, but secretly still fun.
Go on an adventure yourself (with ideas from Natuurmonumenten)
You don’t always have to follow a set route to have a fun outing. Sometimes it’s actually more fun to let kids come up with ideas and make discoveries on their own. Think about building a fort, creating a piece of art with twigs and leaves, or painting with things you find in nature. The Natuurmonumenten website has all kinds of ideas to get you started.
Perfect if you want to get outside but don’t have a specific plan yet.
Check out the ideas from Natuurmonumenten
