Ferry arrives at Calais at 10:50am; allow at least 30–60 minutes to disembark, collect your luggage and pick up your hire car. This sets you up for the drive east to Antwerp.
A straight drive of roughly 1.5–2 hours (traffic dependent) along the A16/A17 then E40/E17; easy motorway route into the city centre where your Crowne Plaza is located.
A tasty and quick Belgian lunch: premium fries, snacks and kid-friendly options. Good for a fast, flavourful stop after your drive. Check opening times (most open midday).
Visit Antwerp’s towering Gothic cathedral to see famous Rubens altarpieces and striking architecture — a short, impressive stop for the whole family. Typical opening 10:00–17:00; check seasonal times.
Stroll the cobbled market square, enjoy the historic guild houses and soak up the compact, pedestrian-friendly center — great for photos and an easy wander with children.
Try Belgian classics (mussels, stoofvlees) with kids' options available. Upbeat, central restaurants serve until around 9pm — book ahead on a Saturday or holiday weekend.
Take a gentle walk along the Scheldt or, if still open, visit the MAS museum rooftop for a panoramic sunset view of Antwerp. Check MAS opening hours (often until early evening).
Drop bags in your lodge or bungalow and get wristbands/tickets if staying on-site — this base is perfect for easy access to the park and Tikibad waterpark.
Spend the afternoon on family rides and the Tikibad water park — Duinrell combines traditional fairground rides for kids with a popular indoor water complex. Standard park opening is usually 10:00–17:00 but seasonal times vary; Tikibad may have extended hours for guests — check current schedules and pre-book tickets.
Many holiday-park options include small evening events or play areas; otherwise enjoy board games and an early night after a long travel day. Check Duinrell’s event board for seasonal activities.
Head to The Hague (20–30 minutes); families can choose Museon (interactive science & culture displays) or Madurodam (miniature Netherlands) — both are very family friendly. Check each attraction's opening hours (often 10:00–17:00).
Hands-on science exhibits that enthral both younger and older children; open typically from 10:00 but confirm seasonal hours — buy timed tickets if available.
A 60–75 minute canal cruise gives a perfect overview of Amsterdam’s highlights without tiring little legs; many companies operate cruises daily (check times).
If you pre-book tickets, Anne Frank House offers a powerful historical visit (suitable for teens; decide based on your 9-year-old’s readiness) or choose Van Gogh for art that’s surprising and colourful. Both require timed-entry bookings.
A family-friendly car and technology museum showing classic vehicles and interactive exhibits suitable for kids and car-loving teens. Opening typically 10:00–17:00; check in advance.
Drive 25–40 minutes to Delft, famous for blue pottery and charming canals — a calm, picturesque stop that kids often enjoy for pottery shops and small museums.
Visit the Royal Delft factory or browse the pottery shops; short guided tours are available — good for a cultural, hands-on experience but check opening times (often 10:00–17:00).
Hortus Botanicus is peaceful and often fascinating for children; an alternative is a short canal trip to see the city from the water. Check seasonal opening times.
Enjoy rides and the playgrounds; October park opening hours can be shorter — check Duinrell’s official timetable for exact opening times and any special Halloween daytime activities.
Some parks and local restaurants host Halloween-themed dinners; if Duinrell runs a menu or special event, book ahead. Otherwise, choose a family restaurant and consider costume fun at the table.
Many family holiday parks offer safe trick-or-treat routes or small evening events on 31 October; check Duinrell’s official schedule for 2025 and book any special ticketed events if needed.
Climb the Belfry (if the family is fit for 366 steps) for panoramic views, or admire it from the Markt; lively square with street performers on many days. Belfry usually open 9:30–17:00 (check seasonal times).
A 30–40 minute boat tour gives a different perspective on Bruges, followed by a chocolate shop visit or workshop — an indulgent treat for kids and adults alike.
Drive time is about 1h10–1h30 depending on traffic; to catch a 12:00 ferry it's wise to arrive at the port by 10:00–10:30 for vehicle check-in and boarding procedures.
Arrive at the port and complete vehicle/fare check-in; ferry companies typically request arrival 60–120 minutes before departure so plan for luggage checks and boarding.
Board your ferry at midday for the crossing; enjoy a relaxed break on board after a busy family trip. Check-in close times with your ferry operator and allow extra time for peak-season waits.