10x the best summer vacations with kids in Ommen

Honestly: if you ask kids what they want to eat, there’s a good chance that “pancakes!” will be the answer at least once during the holidays. At ’t Laarbos, they understand that better than anyone. With a lovely terrace out front, a menu full of sweet and savory pancakes (and yes, you can have one with both bacon and apple), this is the kind of place where you’ll easily end up spending an entire afternoon.

It’s not summer without ice cream, period. And in Ommen, you don’t have to look far to find an ice cream shop with homemade ice cream or a gigantic swirl of soft serve. Perfect after a bike ride, a day of swimming, or just because it’s Wednesday. Team whipped cream? Always.

A classic for a reason: the outdoor pool in Ommen is a lovely, easy-to-navigate spot where you can splash, play, and relax on the grass. Parents on a towel, kids in the water — everyone’s happy.

Hop on the ferry at Varsen and cross the Vecht — that alone is an adventure. But even better: you get off at the Koesafari, where you can have lunch among the cows, play, and enjoy a taste of farm life at Simone’s homestead.

Sometimes you just need to run. Play tag. Jump. Climb. In the Ommer Forest, you’ll find a cool fitness trail where you can do all that, right in the middle of nature. Free, adventurous, and perfect for active kids (and parents who want to burn off some energy).

Hidden in the forest on the Lemelerberg is a place where kids can let loose as explorers. Swing around, conquer the climbing equipment, and find the best hiding spots: this play forest is pure adventure. Tip: finish off with an ice cream or a large glass of lemonade at the nearby restaurant.

Yes, it’s just as fun as it sounds! Glide along the Regge River in a whisper boat, passing cows, birds, marshes, and meadows. Along the way, a guide shares all kinds of stories about the nature and landscape. For curious kids (and parents!), this is a wonderfully relaxed adventure.

Climbing, scrambling, laser tag, and survival games: at Outdoor Ommen, you can get wild and have fun. Perfect for kids with lots of energy and parents who don’t mind getting a little dirty. If you’re brave enough, don’t miss the tree course!

Ommen has beautiful windmills that are also super interesting for little visitors! On a sunny day, take a bike ride from windmill to windmill. It’s extra fun on Saturday, August 2nd during Ommen Windmill Day: then they’re all open, and the millers passionately talk about their craft. What question have you always wanted to ask a real miller?

Mysterious figures have been spotted in Ommen... you’ll encounter them all on the cool Pirate Trail in the Laarbos. Roam through nature, search for clues, and for extra fun, bring a pirate bag (available at the petting zoo or Camping de Koeksebelt). Ahoy, mates!