Efteling – the fairytale theme park in the south of Holland – will open the new play forest Nest! for its youngest visitors on May 31.

Located in the Ruigrijk area of the park close to the other family rides and attractions and in a small forested area, Nest! will be an inclusive area for young children of all abilities to play together.

The construction of the new play forest is still in progress, but it will open just in time for the 69th birthday of the theme park.

Nest!

Created as an area for Efteling’s youngest visitors to prepare themselves for the bigger attractions, Nest! offers a safe place where children can play and challenge themselves. The path that runs through and around the play forest will be accessible for guests in wheelchairs and there will be various play possibilities for children with visible and invisible disabilities. As an example, Nest! will have a wheelchair slide, raised sandboxes, as well as places where children can find a little more peace and quiet.

The dragon tower, comprising two slides, and a large ship are the real eye-catchers. At the centre of Nest!, there will be a waterbed in the shape of a compass on which children can play. This will be completely level and without any barriers, so that it is accessible for everyone, including guests in wheelchairs. There will also be several play panels at different heights and in different materials, which children can grip and feel. To enhance accessibility for everyone, the floor around the play equipment is made of smooth EPDM, a soft rubber material. This material is commonly used as a floor in playgrounds, but Nest! will have a uniquely designed version that matches the various elements in the play forest.

A total investment of €2 million has been made in the new play forest.