Familyland Recreation Park

Familyland Recreation Park in Hoogerheide, a name associated with holidays on the Brabantse Wal for decades, is currently undergoing a complete transformation. It's essential for potential visitors to know that the park as it was, with its unique mix of strengths and weaknesses, is no longer operational. The location is currently being converted into "Family Resort & Adventure Park De Tovertuin," based on the popular children's characters Woezel & Pip. The reopening is scheduled for spring 2026. This transformation represents a complete break with the past and promises a completely new concept.

A look back at the old Familyland

To understand the change, it's helpful to look at Familyland's reputation. The park offered a diverse range of accommodations, ranging from a campsite to simple Finnish bungalows and more luxurious villas . It wasn't a luxury resort , but rather a functional base with an informal atmosphere. Guest experiences varied widely, which paints a picture of a park with two faces.

On the positive side, many visitors praised the friendly staff and the rustic, green setting. The restaurant was a pleasant place for a cup of coffee and a Liège waffle, a drink on the terrace in good weather, or a meal for a larger group, such as a hiking club. These guests experienced a friendly atmosphere and excellent service.

On the other hand, there were serious criticisms that affected the park's image. A common complaint was the state of maintenance. Some guests described the park as "dilapidated," with facilities such as a miniature golf course that had become unusable. This lack of modernization was a clear drawback. The amenities also sometimes left much to be desired. The swimming pool was reportedly only open for an hour and a half per day, and the snack bar was closed, which is a significant shortcoming for a park called "Familyland." Campers reported problems with cold or lukewarm showers and a limited number of toilets, which led to long queues.

The identity of the hospedaje

Another complex aspect was the role of the hospedaje . While the name suggested a focus on families, many of the habitations and cabañas were occupied by migrant workers. While this was a legitimate business choice, it didn't always align with the expectations of tourists seeking a typical holiday atmosphere. This created a vague profile, somewhere between a holiday park and a residential facility, unlike a traditional posada or hostería . The news that rentals to migrant workers will cease in June 2025 confirms that the new owners are making a clear choice for a tourism focus.

The future: Family Resort & Adventure Park The Magic Garden

The acquisition by Van Hoorne Studios, known for successful concepts like Avonturenboerderij Molenwaard, marks a new era. The transformation isn't just a renovation; it's a complete repositioning focused on a specific target group: families with children up to about 10 years old.

The future resort promises to be a complete experience. The plans include:

• Beautifully themed accommodations in the style of Woezel & Pip, a significant upgrade from the previous, simpler accommodations. These can range from themed apartments to fully equipped vacation homes .
• A full-fledged adventure park with various attractions.
• Both indoor and outdoor playgrounds, parades and shows.
• Renovated central facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, bowling alleys, a supermarket and three different restaurants.

This approach directly addresses the weaknesses of the old Familyland. The focus on a specific theme and target audience resolves the previous identity crisis. The large-scale investment in new attractions and the renovation or replacement of existing hostel- like structures should address complaints about deferred maintenance. It represents the transition from a simple hostel -like park to a modern themed family resort that can compete with other large hotels and parks in the sector.

What to expect

For those looking for alojamiento in Hoogerheide, it's crucial to realize that reviews from before 2024 are about a different establishment. Familyland Recreation Park is history. The future belongs to Family Resort & Adventure Park De Tovertuin, a project that promises to become a destination in itself. Facilities like the restaurant and bowling alley will remain accessible to day visitors, just as before, but the core of the experience will lie in the themed accommodation and park. Potential guests are advised to keep an eye on the official announcements for the 2026 opening for the most up-to-date information.