Which Center Parcs in Europe is best for a family winter break?

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The winter can feel REALLY long – so I’ve picked out 5 of the best Center Parcs resorts in Europe for a fun family break over the colder months. These resorts have fabulous swimming pools (with things like waterslides, lazy rivers and wave pools!) and loads of indoor kids’ activities so you can keep them busy in the warm. If you’re visiting over the festive season lots of the parks will offer all sorts of Christmassy magic too, and there are some great days out nearby. So, if you fancy getting away with the kids over the winter, here are my top 5 picks for the best Center Parcs resorts in Europe for a winter break.

1. Center Parcs De Kempervennen, the Netherlands

Friends of ours had a brilliant time at Center Parcs De Kempervennen in the Netherlands – it’s just a 3 hour drive from Calais so it’s perfect for a short road trip. One of the best Center Parcs resorts for a family-friendly winter break in Europe, the brilliant pool complex has waterslides, rapids, a baby pool, a wave pool, hot tubs and more. The site also boasts plenty of indoor activities including: an indoor ski slope, a climbing wall, indoor archery, VR, bowling, soft play, gaming and all sorts! (Some activities are chargeable.) There’s so much to do whatever the weather and it’s in a great spot for days out too. Efteling theme park, Beekse Bergen Safari Park, and Toverland are all a 40-45 minute drive away. The nearest airport is Eindhoven Airport – a 20 minute drive. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out De Kempervennen on the Center Parcs website.

2. Center Parcs Les Trois Forêts, France

If you’d like to head to France for your family break, then Center Parcs Les Trois Forêts is an excellent choice for a getaway in Europe over the winter months as it’s one of the best parks for indoor activities. The brilliant swimming pool complex has huge waterslides, a children’s pool, a lazy river and a wave pool – perfect for fun whatever the weather. The site also boasts activities like: a climbing paradise, VR, an indoor play world, bumper cars, a laser challenge, gaming, bowling and indoor sports. For days out, it’s just over an hour from Strasbourg (perfect for a Christmas Market visit) and it’s around 30 minutes from Parc Animalier de la Sainte Croix. The nearest airport is Strasbourg – an hour and 15 minutes drive from the resort – or road trip from Calais in just under 6 hours. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Les Trois Forêts on the Center Parcs website.

3. Center Parcs De Vossemeren, Belgium

Center Parcs De Vossemeren is a brilliant pick for a cosy winter family break – the Christmas markets in Europe are fantastic so you can enjoy what Belgium has to offer over the festive season. This resort boasts plenty to do, even when the weather turns chilly, from the tropical Aqua Mundo pool complex (with waterslides, rapids, waves and all sorts!) to the huge Discovery Bay indoor play world. The site also offers indoor activities like sports, a climbing wall, gaming, bowling, crafts and mini-cars, making it a great option for the colder months. The incredible Beekse Bergen Safari Park is around a 50 minute drive from the resort and just over an hour away you’ll find Efteling Theme Park. The closest airport, Eindhoven, is about 40 minutes away or drive from Calais in less than 4 hours. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out De Vossemeren on the Center Parcs website.

4. Center Parcs Het Meerdal, the Netherlands

Center Parcs Het Meerdal is one of the most popular parks in the Netherlands – it’s just a 4 hour drive from Calais and has lots to offer a family winter break in Europe. This resort is well known for its big Aqua Mundo waterpark complete with slides, rapids, a wave pool and a toddler splash area – perfect for fun even on a cold day. There are plenty of indoor activities on offer including: a play area, bowling, a sports centre, indoor tennis and mini-golf, making it a great option for the colder months. This site is just a 10 minute drive from Toverland theme park and 50 minutes from Efteling. Efteling has all sorts on offer over the festive season so it’s a great place for some Christmas magic. If you’d prefer to fly the closest airport, Eindhoven, is just 25 minutes away. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Het Meerdal on the Center Parcs website.

5. Center Parcs: Villages Nature Paris

The Center Parcs Villages Nature Paris resort is a fantastic choice for a family winter break near Disneyland Paris – there’s so much fun to be had at Disney over the Christmas season. The park has spacious self-catering accommodation, which is great for keeping costs down, plus access to an enormous indoor waterpark with waterslides and play zones. The resort also boasts indoor play spaces, a games room, laser tag and craft workshops to keep the kids busy indoors. This one is about a ten minute drive from Disneyland Paris and works especially well for longer trips where you want a mix of Disney days and downtime. The nearest airport is Charles de Gaulle, around 40 minutes away, or drive from Calais in 3 hours. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Villages Nature Paris on the Center Parcs website.

Is Center Parcs Europe cheaper in winter?

Yes, the Center Parcs resorts in Europe are usually cheaper in winter, especially if you avoid Christmas week and February half-term. The prices tend to drop quite a bit in November, early December and January, which makes it a good time for families who want the Center Parcs experience without the peak season cost. Lodges are often much more affordable outside of school holidays and the parks are quieter too, so you get better value and a more relaxed break. It’s worth checking a few different parks across France, Belgium and the Netherlands because prices can vary, but in general a winter stay offers some of the best deals of the year.

Are the lodges warm enough in winter?

The lodges at the European Center Parcs resorts are designed for year round stays so they should be warm, well-insulated and comfortable even in winter. Many of the parks also offer upgraded accommodation with fireplaces, which is lovely if you want that winter cabin feel. The lodges are a great choice for families travelling with children who need a warm and comfortable base.

Do the European Center Parcs have Christmas decorations and festive activities?

Most of the European Center Parcs resorts will decorate for Christmas so it’s a lovely time to visit. You might find twinkling lights, Christmas trees, seasonal displays and a really warm festive atmosphere throughout the villages. Many parks also offer extra activities such as crafts, winter themed workshops, story sessions and sometimes Santa visits, depending on the resort. If you’re hoping for a festive stay, it’s worth checking the activities list for your chosen park as each resort does things slightly differently.

What indoor activities are available at Center Parcs in winter?

You should have plenty to do – the Center Parcs resorts in Europe have loads of activities so they’re a good option for a family-friendly break even over the winter months. (Just be aware that many do come with an extra cost.) Some sites offer more indoor activities than others, so check what’s on offer, and the indoor pools are fantastic. The Aqua Mundo waterpark is open all year and heated, so you can enjoy slides, lazy rivers and family pools no matter how cold it is outside. Most resorts also have things like: indoor play areas, bowling, arcades, climbing walls, sports sessions, craft workshops and a range of bookable activities for children of all ages.

I hope that this article has helped you to pick the best Center Parcs resort in Europe for your family winter break – there are some fabulous parks here with lots of indoor activities and great days out nearby. Let me know if there are any other places you’d recommend in the comments and, scroll down for even more winter getaway articles. Or, click here to head to the Center Parcs website for even more fabulous winter break options in Europe. Have fun! 😊