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Summer days out with children

The summer holidays have begun again. There’s plenty of time to explore with your children all that the city and province of Groningen have to offer. There’s more than enough to do for little adventurers. Wade through the mud, spot seals and wander through a maize maze. And of course, it’s great fun too for those who still feel a bit like a child.

Seal spotting

From 26 April, experience the Wadden Sea region at the Wadden Sea World Heritage Centre(WEC) in Lauwersoog. Besides being the new home of Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen, there is much more to see and do. See how seals are cared for in the hospital, experience the journey of a fish through the Wadden Sea and discover what it encounters. Do your own research, carry out experiments and learn all about the Wadden Sea. The WEC is truly an interactive experience for young and old.

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Children’s cycle route

Seven different locations across the province of Groningen feature exciting cycle routes designed for children. During trips of up to 15 kilometres, children can help the locals solve various mysteries. Along the way, they have to complete tasks to collect letters, which can be used to crack the code. Can you solve the mystery and crack the code? Let’s go!

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De Wilp Maize Maze

At Maisdoolhof de Wilp, you can experience a new adventure every year, full of surprises, challenges and hands-on activities. As you make your way through the tall maize stalks, you’ll encounter challenging dilemmas, tricky puzzles and craft activities that ultimately lead to a real treasure. Fancy a break from your quest? There are rest areas where you can relax and enjoy refreshments to keep your spirits up. The maze offers various levels of difficulty, with fun for both children and adults. Are you up for this adventure?

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Exploration tour for young people

Stroll through the countryside by the Dollard and in the Breebaart polder on the nature walk for young people. Be surprised by unique excursions where the adventure unfolds as you go. Admire the seals basking in the sun at the zeehondenkijkwand. Or set off on your own voyage of discovery through the channels and mudflats, net in hand. Here, it’s all about unspoilt nature. And here’s a handy tip: put on your wellies or waterproof shoes, because getting a bit dirty is all part of the fun.

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DoeZoo Leens

If you think nature is boring, then you’ve certainly never had a snake around your neck or stroked a skunk. As well as feeling and seeing, at DoeZoo in Leens you’ll hear and smell lots of animals. And what about tasting? Well… fancy a tasty biscuit made of worms? At this surprising zoo, just half an hour’s drive from the city of Groningen, everything revolves around insects and animals that eat insects. Emus, squirrels and frogs, for example. But also lizards, snakes, spiders, monkeys and coatis. An exciting day out for the whole family.

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Pancake Train

All aboard! Stap aboard the old steam and diesel trains and imagine yourself back in time for a moment. The journey begins in Stadskanaal and takes you through the unique Groningen countryside, straight to Nieuw Buinen and back again. As you alight, the scent of fresh pancakes will already be wafting towards you. Take a seat in the cosy museum or the Star’s station restaurant and enjoy a delicious pancake buffet. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, pancakes are always a favourite – a timeless treat for young and old alike!

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Dinopark Tenaxx

To illustrate how trees and animals have evolved together over millions of years, more than twenty life-size dinosaurs have been installed on the grounds of Landgoed Tenaxx . The trees and dinosaurs form a fascinating primeval landscape. For enthusiasts, there is an exhibition of replicas, dinosaur skeletons and skulls. Some of these come from the collection of the former Noorderdierenpark in Emmen. The showpieces are an impressive four-metre-tall skeleton of an Albertosaurus and a life-size model of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skull.

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Activities in the Lauwersmeer area

Boredom? You’ll have to find that somewhere else. In the Lauwersmeer area, at any rate, there’s no time for it. Explore nature and enjoy an adventurous Forest Bingo. Be amazed by the surprises nature has in store and come across fascinating things along the way that might just be on your bingo card. From colourful flowers to curious birds and, who knows, perhaps even playful bunnies. Have you spotted everything on your card? Bingo! A fun way to get to know nature.

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Take to the water

Sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing. Name any water sport and you can do it on Oldambtmeer . Unlike other lakes, Oldambtmeer was specifically created for water sports. It covers over eight square kilometres of water – equivalent to 1,200 football pitches. More than enough space to let off steam, so now all you have to do is choose which sport you’d like to try.

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More for children

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