Go wild under the sun: 8 tips for adventure in nature

In the busyness of life, you may unknowingly lose touch with yourself. Your playful nature gives way to a mind filled with to-do lists. To reconnect with yourself, spending time in nature is a great idea. It serves as a form of “rewilding” for yourself—letting go of control gives your body and mind the space to recover, just as nature does. Whether you are looking for physical challenges, fun or new discoveries in nature, there are several activities that will energize you. Think about:

• A sportive bike ride or a groundbreaking climbing course

• Experiencing water adventures in Aqua Mundo

• Do something for others and give something back to nature

• Explore the surroundings of the parks and discover hidden natural gems

Be inspired by these and more tips for adventure in nature and get the playful child in yourself back!

Challenge yourself in nature

To rediscover the wild and playful in yourself, it's important to get off autopilot. It's time to get out of your comfort zone and push your limits with fun spring activities! The good news? You don't have to look far - adventure is often just around the corner. With these 3 tips, you can challenge yourself with adventures in nature this spring and summer:

1. Conquer a physical challenge

You only really feel alive when you challenge yourself and push your limits. Want to work on your stamina? Choose a goal that suits you and build it up step by step. You'll quickly notice how far you can already go with some challenges!

For example, try:

• Training for a (half) marathon with a schedule/app that helps you gradually build up your distance.

• Walking an hour daily to reach 10,000 steps.

• Taking a bike ride every week, choosing a longer or new route each time.

• Taking an ice bath every morning and slowly building up the number of minutes.

Choose something that suits you and makes you happy. It gets you out of the daily grind and gives you a moment to yourself. Remember in the process: you are doing this for yourself. It won't always be easy, but that very effort makes the feeling of victory all the more valuable. Because that moment when you achieve something you thought impossible just a few months ago is worth its weight in gold.

2. Discover nature around you

Another way to find yourself all over again is to connect with nature. You can do this by slowing down. For example, take a walk on your familiar walking route, but a few paces slower and take off your earphones or headphones. You'll be amazed at the things you discover, even in places you have walked by so many times before.

Or find a new hiking trail near your home, one you wouldn't normally take the time to explore. Pause for a moment to watch wildlife, marvel at the beautiful spring colors and be surprised by the little things. Adventure is often closer to home than you think!

3. Do something kind for one another

Doing something kind for one another, such as volunteering is also a great way to regain balance. By taking the focus off yourself and getting involved in your community, you bring yourself back into the moment. For example, commit to a local animal center, contribute to biodiversity restoration or participate in World Cleanup Day. By doing so, you challenge yourself and reconnect with what really matters.

Rediscover your playful self at Center Parcs

Whether you notice it yourself or not: everyone has a playful child within them. A child that feels free and has fun without a care in the world. For some, this child may be more hidden than for others, but at Center Parcs, it comes back to life. Discover the adventurous spring and summer activities our parks have to offer and rediscover your playful self! 

4. Immerse yourself in exciting water adventures

The Aqua Mundo is a true paradise for water lovers, with water activities for every age. Conquer the thrilling Monkey Splash, get ready for a ride in the wild water rapids, live it up in the outdoor water park, race against each other in the Duo Racer and get carried away on the waves in the wave pool.

Or... raise your heart rate by discovering a new water sport, if you dare! Our parks are located in beautiful natural locations, and at parks such as De Eemhof, De Vossemeren, Park Bostalsee and Le Bois aux Daims you can really let off steam with various water sports. Stand-up paddling, kayaking, sailing, water skiing and wakeboarding: it's all possible.

5. Brave the High-Ropes Challenge

Ready for a high-level adventure? Challenge yourself with the High-Ropes Challenge, where you will conquer the thrilling climbing course of the High Adventure Experience! This experience will sharpen your senses as you test your balance and overcome various obstacles. From swooping cable cars to wobbly bridges. And all of this, high up among the trees in nature!

The High Adventure Experience is suitable for adventurers aged 8 and up. You can find this adrenaline rush at 15 parks, including Het Heijderbos, Erperheide, Bispinger Heide and Les Trois Forêts. Accept the challenge and rediscover the child within you.

6. Go ziplining through the trees

Ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush? Challenge yourself with the Zip Wire and skim through nature at lightning speed on a zipline. Fly through the air, enjoy breathtaking views and feel freedom. And don't forget: screaming is allowed! You can zipline in 7 of our parks, such as De Huttenheugte, Het Meerdal and Les Hauts de Bruyères.

At De Kempervennen you get an extra kick, because there you can zipline over the large lake. An activity you'll never forget. Of course, the fun becomes even greater if you can share it. In Park Allgäu, something very special awaits you: the Duo Zip Wire, where you experience the adventure together with someone. Who will reach the other side fastest?

Look for adventure in the region of our parks

Plenty of fun awaits you in our parks, that's for sure. But even outside the park, adventure is calling your name! Alternate a day at the park with an outing in nature and experience the beautiful surroundings with all your senses. Because by exploring new places in nature, you will also encounter new sides of yourself. How about the following “wild adventures”?

7. Explore the extremes of nature

Nature is wild and knows no boundaries. Be inspired by this and find your own limits by exploring nature's extremes. For example, kayak on a river near Les Ardennes and feel the power of the stream. Choose a cool mountain bike route over challenging terrain, or go rock climbing for a day full of adventure. Experience the ruggedness of nature and have a blast!

8. Discover the gems of nature

Adventure can also be experienced in a quiet way. Above all, it is about the happiness of discovering new places. Whether it is a phenomenal view from the top of a mountain or a hidden spot in nature. Venture into nature with a scenic bike or hiking trail or explore National Parks and nature reserves. Tip: also discover the hidden caves and ravines near Les Landes de Gascogne.

The Center Parcs app gives you more information about the surroundings of our parks.

Ready to unwind? Head out into nature for a good dose of rewilding. Challenge yourself, discover your playful self and connect with nature - and with yourself. Want to enjoy the rhythm of nature for longer? Book your vacation at Center Parcs and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. 'Go wild'!