Does anyone have personal experience with taking a small child there recently?
Many thanks,
D
I'm thinking of taking my wee one to Europa Park for a day out (week-day and not during the school holidays). It seems as though there would be stuff to do (as judged by the website). Is that fair or is the vast majority for much older kids and adults as I'm concerned she'll just get frustrated that most of it is too big for her?
Personally, I really don't think a 2 year-old would benefit much from a visit to Europapark. We first took our 2 there when they were about 6 and 8 I think. Even at that age, there weren't many rides they were allowed on, or wanted to go on.
I think that's an "it depends" answer. If you're thinking of going with >1 adult then it would be worth it if you yourself wanted to go on rides (and take turns with the little one). There is stuff to entertain younger kids while others do stuff but it's not worth an adult paying full price to not go on anything - you'd be better off going somewhere like the pool or the park or oki doki or something.
Having said all that a friend of mine regularly goes there around Christmas time with his three kids (who are ages 2, 6 and 8) and they have a good time because there's lots of special stuff going on and most of the big rides are closed anyway so it's really much more for little kids (ice skating, meeting Santa, enjoying the fake snow etc.)
And by the way, it is already school holidays now (school ended today in Basel) so expect it to be packed for the next 6 weeks weekdays or weekends.
Thanks for the opinion and I know about the school holidays - I'm planning ahead.
I think Paddy is correct. Europapark is geared towards a much older kid crowd. Not even sure they have any rides for that age (can't remember, I'm sorry).
I don't agree.
It depends - how old is your 2 year old? Closer to 1 or 3?
We took ours 2 years ago: 4, 2 and 1 yr old.
It was great. They have lots of sedate rides, which are just a exciting for little children, and no queues! All the older children aren't interested. Our oldest 2 loved it.
Added to which there were plenty of changing facilities. Take your own food though. I find the selection limited.
Have you looked at Ravensburger Park - It is not as big as Europa but having visited both I think it is much better for younger kids.
The rides are really all tailored to small kids, so there is more they can do and as there are no big rides there aren't hoardes of teenagers to fight through.
Plus the shop there is excellent and you can buy puzzles and games MUCH cheaper than you can here.
I highly recommend Ravensburger!
We just came back from a 2 day Europapark trip. One day would have been too much of a stress for us. We found a bed and breakfast 2 minute drive and 10 minute walk from the park. We paid 120 Euro for 2 nights with big breakfast included. Our kids are 2.5 and 5. Our 5 year old girl is already 1.25cm. Most of the interesting rides were from 6 years on or from 1.20meter tall. I was glad she was tall enough to do all the cool rides. She did most of the rides with my husband. I would say they both had a blast. They were loads to do for younger kids. Check the site, show all the rides there with age group. We did these easy boat, car, and train ones as a family. Our 2 girls also did some together..again again and again It was great with the Halloween theme at the moment. We just might go again for the Christmas theme...we seem to be addicted, ohh dear!!!
I went two weeks ago with my 3 year old. We had been twice in the summer but with the older son and Dad too, and kept getting the feeling that the little one was being dragged about a bit to accommodate the others, so took him all on his own.
It was FAB! We rode the train, the mono rail, the new flying ride ad nauseum. We went in the water park (too cold now perhaps?) for 2 hours .. never got round to the amazing adventure playground and the indoor soft play ...
And when he was tired, I found a reclining chair by the lake, and he curled up on my lap and had an hour's sleep.
I am generally really rather anti commercial things, more thinking let the kids wander off into the woods etc. but I can happily report that my 3 year old and I had a wonderful day that has given us both many happy memories.
Yes, I have been "Europaparked" ..
PS forgot to say that on the little car rides etc where an adult cannot fit in the ride, you are allowed to walk along side them if you are concerned. Did it once on one ride then realised that big boy was quite capable of doing it all by himself!
We went a couple of years ago with 3 small children - I would say we probably had more fun and less stress than those with older children:
1) no queues - everyone is trying to get on bigger rides
2) small children have small needs
3) lots of simple rides/play area for little ones
3) the park is generally well catered for small children (changing rooms etc), although I would say that the food isn't exactly gourmet - easily cured by taking a picnic
I know that this is an old thread, but I'll give it a try anyway. Could you share the contact information for the bed and breakfast place near Europa park ?
thanks
The one we went to was really great, very clean, and the lady of the house was really friendly. We would for sure stay there again. Here is the info;
Ferienwohnung Springer
Luzia Springer
Sändleweg 9
77977 Rust
Her number is; +49 7822 7158
Hope this helps you