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Efteling Theme Park Review – Theme Parks with Kids
When I was a child one of the most exciting things you could look forward to was visiting a theme park. It was usually a treat during the summer holidays and I would most look forward to trying out the rides. Now, they are easily done over a long weekend and travel is so accessible.
Theme parks are great for kids (and adults) they provide a bit of escapism from the norm and a day of pure adventure. You can truly let yourselves go for the day and you’ll also be adding some core memories to the old memory bank. There are plenty of choices throughout the UK and also in Europe. We recently (May 2023) headed to Efteling Theme Park which is in the Netherlands and it was indeed epic!
Efteling Theme Park
I think I can honestly say that Efteling is one of my favourite theme parks. We have visited twice now and I would defiantly return. Efteling Theme Park is the most beautiful fairytale theme park, located in southern Netherlands and it is ranked within the top 25 theme parks in the world. The amusement park is fantasy-themed and its attractions have elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.
The park has actually been around since 1952 and has evolved from a nature park with a playground and a Fairytale Forest into a full-sized theme park. It offers the most incredible rides for children and adults of all ages – toddlers, teens and adults. Everybody will have fun!
One thing I love about Efteling, that it never feels as busy as most theme parks. Despite it being a busy weekend when we visited, most ride wait times were 15-20 mins, with a few of the popular ones at 35 mins. But this was totally doable. On the Efteling website, when you select the date you want to visit, it will tell you how busy it is which is a great idea when planning a trip.
Where is Efteling?
Efteling is in Kaatsheuvel in the Netherlands. The town of Tilburg is about a 20 minute drive away from Efteling.
Who is Efteling Suitable For?
There’s a good range of rides and attractions suitable both for little ones and the whole family. This theme park has been loved by Dutch families for generations and it is such a magical place to visit. We have been twice now, once when the girls were three, and then again at seven and we have enjoyed both emensly.
Our favourite rides with a 4 year old and 7 year old twins included: Droomvlucht, Symbolica, Max & Moritz and the Fairytale Forest. We weren’t quite ready for the big roller coasters just yet – we will save those for next time! But there’s defiantly enough for big kids.
For older kids there are rides such as The Flying Dutchman which is perfect for those thrill-seekers among us – it’s a combination of a water coaster and a dark ride.
Our Top Efteling Tips
Stay at the Loonsche Land Hotel – we highly recommend it and it caters for families up to 6. The rooms are amazing
If you stay in one of the hotels, you don’t only get your park tickets included but you also get early access. The rope drops at 9.30 but arrive by 9 as it’s a 10 min walk to get to the rope!
You must have at least one meal in the Pancake Restaurant which is by the ride Symbolica. The setting is amazing – totally wonderful!
Our favourite 3 rides (with a 4 and 7 year olds) included Symbolica, Droomvlucht and Max & Moritz.
Rides at Efteling for Toddlers and Children Under 1.20
There are plenty of rides that are suitable for toddlers and of course the Fairytale Forest and other attractions. Even the youngest ones will have fun in Efteling.
Symbolica – Palace of Fantasy
An enchanting palace in which nothing is what it seems. Enjoy an audience with the King together. Magic Jester Pardoes will ensure that every visit is surprising and enchanting. Let yourself be led along the secret corridors into magical rooms and be amazed time after time.
Stoomtrein Marerijk -Steam Train
Get on at one of the stations in exciting Ruigrijk or imaginative Marerijk and relax during a beautiful tour.
Stoomcarrousel – Stream Carousel
Take a seat in this 100 year old steam carousel that turns to the traditional tunes from one of the world’s five remaining organs built by Gavioli.
Pirana – River rapids
Try to brave this 350 metre long wild water river and stay dry!
Pagode – Pagoda floating temple
Catch your breath as the Thai temple revolves at 45 metres high.
Sirocco – Rotating Merchant Boats
Experience a dizzying adventure as you travel through a storm until it subsides.
Monorail
Step on board in one of the 25 snails and meet these facetious Efteling inhabitants from a different perspective.
Kleuterhof – Playground
Take a seat on the train carousel, cuddle with the yellow bear or wiggle on one of the many seesaw chickens.
Kindervreugd – Playground
In the playground, built in Anton Pieck style, every child can enjoy the many hand push mills, seesaw chickens, roller barrels and swing boats.
Kinderspoor – Stair Trains
Through meadows and past barns and mills. You decide how fast you go in these pedal trains.
Gondoletta – Boat Ride
A boat trip through beautiful nature
Fairytale Forest
In the largest living picture book … Walk between giants and trolls. Watch the fakir flying and red shoes dancing.
Droomvlucht – indoor ride
In this enchanted world with elves and trolls, unicorns and forest animals come to life. And when night falls, the cities float weightlessly through the darkness.
Diorama – Miniature world
Watch the trains pass by in this enchanting world where day and night change rapidly.
De Oude Tufferbaan – old cars
Over hills and along valleys you pass bridges, ponds and farm animals in a unique vehicle.
Carnaval Festival – dark ride
Take a trip around the world in this indoor dark ride ‘Carnaval Festival’ in Efteling. Jokie and Jet are travelling with you!
Anton Pieck Plein
The whirligigs fly around you on an Old Dutch village square. Enjoy all the attractions and delicacies available at the various restaurants and vending machines in the old-fashioned way.
Max & Moritz
On the Max & Moritz double roller coaster, you and the whole family experience an exciting and crazy ride full of tricks. Escape from the cuckoo clock workshop with Max and Moritz in one of their soapboxes. But be careful, you may encounter a little mischief from the boys along the way!
Rides at Efteling for children over 1.20m
Vogel Rok – indoor roller coaster
In its claws you will experience a hair-raising flight in the dark. Snakes through the darkness until the huge bird of prey with the strength of a hundred lions has reached its nest. Experience the adventure just like Sinbad the Sailor.
Symbolica – Palace of Fantasy
An enchanting palace in which nothing is what it seems. Enjoy an audience with the King together. Magic Jester Pardoes will ensure that every visit is surprising and enchanting. Let yourself be led along the secret corridors into magical rooms and be amazed time after time.
Stoomtrein Marerijk -Steam Train
Get on at one of the stations in exciting Ruigrijk or imaginative Marerijk and relax during a beautiful tour.
Max & Moritz
On the Max & Moritz double roller coaster, you and the whole family experience an exciting and crazy ride full of tricks. Escape from the cuckoo clock workshop with Max and Moritz in one of their soapboxes. But be careful, you may encounter a little mischief from the boys along the way!
Stoomcarrousel – Stream Carousel
Take a seat in this 100 year old steam carousel that turns to the traditional tunes from one of the world’s five remaining organs built by Gavioli.
Python – roller coaster
Survive the twists and turns at great heights on this steel roller coaster with its double loop and corkscrew.
Pirana – River rapids
Try to brave this 350 metre long wild water river and stay dry!
Pagode – Pagoda floating temple
Catch your breath as the Thai temple revolves at 45 metres high.
Sirocco – Rotating Merchant Boats
Experience a dizzying adventure as you travel through a storm until it subsides.
Monorail
Step on board in one of the 25 snails and meet these facetious Efteling inhabitants from a different perspective
Kleuterhof – Playground
Take a seat on the train carousel, cuddle with the yellow bear or wiggle on one of the many seesaw chickens.
Kindervreugd – Playground
In the playground, built in Anton Pieck style, every child can enjoy the many hand push mills, seesaw chickens, roller barrels and swing boats.
Kinderspoor – Stair Trains
Through meadows and past barns and mills. You decide how fast you go in these pedal trains.
Joris en de Draak – Joris and the Dragon wooden roller coaster
Whoever succeeds in this the fastest will receive all the credit after a ride on this wooden racing roller coaster.
Halve Maen – swing boat
This rocking ship takes you weightlessly to great heights before returning to her safe haven.
Gondoletta – Boat Ride
A boat trip through beautiful nature.
Fata Morgana – dark ride
Hundreds of treasures are glittering in the dark. And while the Sultan surrounds himself with women and precious gems, the dark cellars are filled with criminals and rats. Spend some time on the water and discover scenes from the Far East. The boat takes you through neighbourhoods of poverty and wealth where a giant protects the Sultan’s most precious possessions: gems, jewellery and gold coins.
Fairytale Forest
In the largest living picture book … Walk between giants and trolls. Watch the fakir flying and red shoes dancing.
Droomvlucht – Indoor ride
In this enchanted world with elves and trolls, unicorns and forest animals come to life. And when night falls, the cities float weightlessly through the darkness. Until daylight returns and everyone in the enchanted forest wakes up happily in this indoor attraction Droomvlucht.
Diorama – Miniature world
Watch the trains pass by in this enchanting world where day and night change rapidly.
De Vliegede Hollander – Flying Dutchman water coaster
A spectacular water roller coaster.
Is Efteling suitable for teenagers? Rides for Teenagers and Adults
Yes! Efteling has heaps for teenagers. There are some fast roller coasters such as the Battle against The Dragon and The Baron. There is also a big swinging ship and a madhouse that is very disorientating. They will also love the Bobsleigh ride and the Flying Dutchman which is a water roller coaster.
Vogel Rok – indoor roller coaster
Vogel Rok takes you along! In its claws you will experience a hair-raising flight in the dark.
Villa Volta – Mad House
The entire house is spinning around in this attraction. Do you dare to enter the haunted house ‘Villa Volta’ in Efteling?
Python – roller coaster
Survive the twists and turns at great heights on this steel roller coaster with its double loop and corkscrew.
Max & Moritz
On the Max & Moritz double roller coaster, you and the whole family experience an exciting and crazy ride full of tricks. Escape from the cuckoo clock workshop with Max and Moritz in one of their soapboxes. But be careful, you may encounter a little mischief from the boys along the way!
Pirana – River rapids
Try to brave this 350 metre long wild water river and stay dry!
Pagode – Pagoda floating temple
Catch your breath as the Thai temple revolves at 45 metres high.
Sirocco – Rotating Merchant Boats
Experience a dizzying adventure as you travel through a storm until it subsides.
De Vliegede Hollander – Flying Dutchman water coaster
A spectacular water roller coaster.
Joris en de Draak – Joris and the Dragon wooden roller coaster
Whoever succeeds in this the fastest will receive all the credit after a ride on this wooden racing roller coaster.
Halve Maen – swing boat
This rocking ship takes you weightlessly to great heights before returning to her safe haven
Baron 1898 – dive coaster
To enter the mine, Baron 1898 plunges you down a 37.5 m free fall into the mineshaft at a speed of 90 km/h.
Shows at Efteling
Our favourite shows were Ravelejin – set in a medieval city with knights, horses, a fire breathing dragon and a city that needs saving. The set just blew us away. It was incredible. Â We also loved CARO – this fantastic show is full of humour, music and acrobatics which will amaze the whole family. (there is an extra charge for CARO)
Raveleijn
Narrated in Dutch, but it doesn’t stop you following the story. The five knights on horseback are called to the magical city of Raveleijn by Halina. Here they are trained to protect the city in the future. When the wicked Count Olaf appears with his five-headed Draconicon, the riders will have to join forces. Will they succeed in saving Raveleijn? Honestly this will blow you away.
Efteling CARO Show
This is one not to miss. This show has it’s own theatre close to the entrance and it’s one for the whole family. There’s hardly any speaking so it’s all created through music and mime – totally magical. Let yourself be carried away by the carousel evoking the beautiful moments of life. It lasts for 1 hour and 15 mins and you do need to book in advance. It is discounted if you are staying in one of the Efteling hotels.
If you are looking for a meal before hand, we recommend Pinokkio’s Pizza & Pasta restaurant which is right next door
Virginie and Otto Charlatan
Virginie and Otto Charlatan have sat themselves down with their barrel organ Esmeralda near Danse Macabre. They are still wondering why they ended up here exactly and why it seems that Esmeralda won’t let them leave. (Dutch spoken)
Listen to puppeteer August and his monkey Aagje
In the smallest theatre at Efteling, puppeteer August and his monkey Aagje will tell you about the adventures they experience at Anton Pieck Plein. Have a seat and come hear all about the Balloon Lady! (Dutch spoken)
Meet the Efteling Inhabitants
Your favourite Efteling inhabitants can be seen every day.
Accommodation at Efteling
There is a number of different accommodation options at Efteling Theme Park, all of which are suitable for families. And many of which have rooms for larger families. When you stay in one of the Efteling Hotels, you get your Efteling park tickets included and the main car park is free. However, if you are coming here for the day, then you can just buy Efteling day passes.
Efteling Loonsche Land
On the edge of the nature district Loonsche Land and within walking distance from Efteling, is the Holiday Village Efteling Loonsche Land. Here, you look out over the treetops and the houses that are covered with sand dunes and heather. Here there are cosy holiday houses and hotel rooms made from natural materials. All including unlimited access to the Efteling theme park.
Efteling Bosrijk
This spacious holiday park is located within walking distance of Efteling and it is in the middle of the woods. You can relax in peace by the water, in the cosy village square or in a detached house between the trees. In Holiday Park Efteling Bosrijk there are luxurious and attractive holiday homes, family rooms and group accommodation available.
GuestHouse Hotel Kaatsheuvel
This hotel is very homely and within walking distance of forests, dunes and the Efteling is only 500 metres away. The GuestHouse hotel has a number of different types of rooms. Spacious, with special beds for the whole family; they’re fun and practical, too. The perfect place to relax after a long day of activities!
FarmCamps Smulhoeve
In the outskirts of Kaatsheuvel you will find this nice and cosy horse farm owhich belongs to the Smulders family. A few minutes’ walk takes you to the Loonse en Drunense Duinen, a unique nature area. You will stay in one of the 6 luxury ranch tents, 4 luxury lodge tents or in the 9 luxury barn tents. The tents are fully equipped and all have a private bathroom.
Landal Kaatsheuvel
Landal Kaatsheuvel, is surrounded by nature and located near to Efteling. The holiday villas have modern interiors and offer an atmospheric place to stay. They are wonderful to return home to after a day out at Efteling. Tilburg and ‘s-Hertogenbosch are nearby cities which are very fun to visit. After a relaxing day, you can take a refreshing dip in the indoor swimming pool.
Our Accommodation at Efteling Theme Park –Â Efteling Loonsche Land Hotel
We stayed in the Loonsche Land Hotel in a room for five (they also do hotel rooms for 6) and we would highly recommend it. We loved the atmosphere, the food and the location. It is a 15 minute walk away from the theme park, or a 5 minute shuttle ride away. Our room was two bedrooms and it was cosy and beautifully furnished, with a shower room and a separate toilet. Included in the stay is breakfast in De Proeftuyn, the hotel restaurant and you also have unlimited access to the theme park.
Booking Efteling
Booking Efteling is simple. Everything is on their website and it tells you all the different options. You can either buy day tickets, or a hotel stay. If you decide to stay in one of the Efteling hotels then your park tickets are included in the price.
How to get to Efteling from the UK
Driving
We love taking a road trip. We find it really easy with the girls and it means we can pack the car full! We took the Eurotunnel and it was an easy drive from Calais that took us 3.5 hours.
From Calais
Maintain in the direction of Baarledorpstraat/N466 towards Gent (A16/E40). Maintain in the direction of Antwerpen(E17). Once in Antwerpen, Maintain in the direction of Breda (A16/E19). Once arrived in the Netherland, take the direction to Breda-Oost/Utrecht/Tilburg (A58), Breda/Utrecht (A27). Take exit (A59), Waalwijk/Kaatsheuvel (N261). Follow the signs ‘Efteling’. Follow the signs ‘Efteling’.
Flying
The closest airport to Efteling is Eindhoven Airport. Another close by airport is Rotterdam, and Amsterdam Schiphol. Amsterdam Schiphol is about 100 kilometres from Efteling, Rotterdam about 80 km and Eindhoven about 50 km.
Train
You could take the Eurostar from London to Brussels. Then make your way on another train to Tilburg. There is a bus from Tilburg to Efteling. You could also take the Eurostar from London to Rotterdam. Then take a Flixbus directly to the Efteling.
