Halloween, een supercool familiefeest

De duisternis valt vroeg in… Hé, hoorde jij dat ook? En wat was dat? Lekker samen griezelen doe je ook bij Center Parcs.

Halloween vieren is het leukste als iedereen meedoet. En dat gaat zeker lukken!

• Verkleed je met Wannabe een Heks of Tovenaar en doe eng tijdens de Halloween Disco in de Market Dome.
• Monsters en spoken tijdens de Halloween Griezelparade in het donkere park. Durf je? Spannend voor het hele gezin!
• Spookachtig licht, spannend geluid: welkom op de Halloween Pool Party in de Aqua Mundo, op deze donkere avond.

Bron: Center Parcx

Halloween activities for a spook-tacular time at Center Parcs

If you’re joining us this Halloween be sure to check out all the activities we have in store for your little ones. You can even join them in some activities so you don’t miss out on all the fun. You’re sure to have a fang-tastic time during your break.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Workshop

Age: 3 years +

Where: All UK villages

What’s it all about: It’s that time of year where the traditional pumpkin twinkles in the spooky night. Come along and create your own spooky character – pumpkins provided. Halloween wouldn’t be the same without pumpkin carving, so make sure all you ghosts and ghouls check out this activity with your family.

Halloween Broomstick Making

Age: 2 years +

Where: All UK villages

What’s it all about: Halloween Broomstick Making is perfect for getting into the seasonal spooky spirit and crafting your very own broomstick… the ideal finishing fancy-dress touch for little witches and warlocks. We’ll show them a few tips and techniques for building a stylish flying machine, and provide all the materials they’ll need to make their very own.

Halloween Pumpkin Hunt

Age: 2-5 years

Where: All UK villages

What’s it all about: Search for pumpkin clues in this fun family adventure. Make sure you don’t stray too far from the path…who knows what may be lurking among the trees? Your little ones will have a ghoulishly delighting time wandering for the clues – be sure to head to the Activity Den first though.

Halloween Cupcake Decorating Workshop

Age: 8-11 years or 3-7 years for Halloween Cupcakes for little ones

Where: All UK villages

What’s it all about: What could get you into the Halloween spirit more than a Halloween Cupcake Decorating Workshop? Let your children put their creative skills to the test as they master the art of cake decorating. If you’re lucky they’ll even let you try one of their cupcakes! If your little ones are younger, why not let them try the Halloween Cupcakes for Little ones activity?

Huck’s Haunted Halloween

Age: All ages

Where: All villages

What’s it about: In the deepest, darkest night, the Halloween fun continues with a themed evening and our friendly staff dressing in spooky costumes. The whole family’s welcome to come to Huck’s Haunted Halloween and make the most of all the ghostly goings-on. Children can dress in their own scary costumes or masks to take part in the fun. Tuck into our celebrated Huck’s American Bar and Grill menu, and a terrifyingly terrific night is guaranteed for all. Please note: A £5.00 booking deposit per person is required and is redeemable from your final bill.

Book now for Halloween and keep a look out for these spooky happenings.

The post Halloween activities for a spook-tacular time at Center Parcs appeared first on Village Life.

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Maarten van der Weijden opent nieuwe wildwaterbaan in Zandvoort

Roetsjen door bochten, zoeven over hobbels en dan vooral een heel harde plons maken na de zoveelste spannende afdaling. De nieuwe wildwaterbaan van Center Parcs in Zandvoort is niet voor watjes. Zwemmer Maarten van der Weijden had dinsdagmiddag de eer om tijdens de feestelijke officiële opening het eerste ritje te maken.

Een handjevol jongens en meisjes staat - zelfs in de stromende regen - al te trappelen om met hun grote idool het water in te springen. De baan begint en eindigt weliswaar in het overdekte zwembad, maar ...

Bron en hele artikel: IJmuider Courant

Wildwaterbaan Zandvoort geopend door Maarten van der Weijden

Voor het eerst in 15 jaar een nieuwe wildwaterbaan in Center Parcs

Wie al jaren in Center Parcs komt, ziet ook al jaren hetzelfde tropische zwemparadijs. Het was dus wel eens tijd voor iets nieuws, moeten ze ook bij het park hebben gedacht. Na vijftien jaar is er vanmiddag een nieuwe wildwaterbaan geopend in de vestiging in Zandvoort.

De nieuwe baan is 116 meter lang en ieder uur wordt er ruim 2,4 miljoen liter water doorheen gepompt. Onderweg kunnen gasten waterkanonnen, waterbubbels, watervallen en warme en koude luchtstromen tegenkomen.

Ook worden er door de afwisseling van smalle en brede stukken stroomversnellingen gecreëerd en kan er bij een splitsing gekozen worden voor een langzamere of snellere rit.

Bekijk de beelden
Olympisch zwemkampioen Maarten van der Weijden is samen met basisschoolleerlingen als allereerste door de nieuwe wildwaterbaan gegleden.

Bron en hele artikel: RTL Nieuws

Help! De Rietplas dreigt droog te vallen: gemeente Emmen zoekt naar oplossingen

Boten die vastlopen op zandbanken. Steigers die aangetast worden omdat de houten fundering niet meer onder water staat. Het steeds verder zakkende waterpeil in de Kleine en Grote Rietplas veroorzaakt steeds meer problemen.

Na twee droge zomers is het peil nu zo'n tachtig centimeter gedaald. In de Kleine Rietplas geeft een pop in het water de huidige stand aan: 60 centimeter diep.
,,Normaal gesproken staat het water tot aan zijn schouders, op zeg 1,40 meter'', zegt Rolanda Dijkhuizen van Horecacentrum Rietplas. Ze kan geen kano's meer vastbinden aan de steiger, want daar is geen water meer. Er ligt enkel nog een boot op het droge.

Houten beschoeiingen onder druk
Aan de betonnen randen van huizen die in de buurt aan het water liggen is het verschil ook goed te zien. De bovenkant is wit, daarna een donker vlak van zo'n tachtig centimeter breed (waar ooit water tegenaan klotste) en pas dan water.
...

Steigers opklauteren, in plaats van opstappen
Bij Center Parcs Parc Sandur moeten huurders van bootjes de steigers opklauteren, in plaats van opstappen. Volgens het vakantiepark is het verschil bijna een meter geworden.

Bron en hele artikel: DVHN

Share your festive memories at Center Parcs for a chance to win a break!

Hot chocolates by the fire, a crisp winter walk, festive family dinners and a partridge in a pear tree! What does Christmas or New Year at Center Parcs mean to you?

We would love to see your lovely pictures from Christmas and New Year breaks at Center Parcs. From decorating the Christmas tree in your lodge to watching the New Year fireworks, we love seeing what you get up to on your festive break! We will use these images to show other guests why festive breaks at Center Parcs are so magical.

For a chance to win, simply email brand.team@centerparcs.co.uk with:

• Your full name
• A quote on why you enjoyed your Christmas or New Year break
• Attach any images you’re happy for us to share on all print and digital channels.

Terms and conditions

1. The “Share your festive memories for a chance to win a stay at Center Parcs” (the Promotion) is open to residents in the UK and the Republic of Ireland only, aged 18 and over, except employees of Center Parcs (the Promoters), their families, agents or anyone professionally connected with the Promotion.

2. To take part in the Promotion simply email brand.team@centerparcs.co.uk with your full name, a quote and image(s) of what you’ve enjoyed about a festive break. Only entries that have been completed correctly and in full will be entered into the Promotion. The Promoter does not accept any responsibility for late, lost, delayed or damaged entries and cannot be held responsible for any inability to submit entries as a result of computer service, systems and/or server failure, error, interruption, defect or delay or any other technical malfunction.

3. By sending an email with a quote and an image, you agree to Center Parcs choosing and publishing submitted photos on UK and Ireland digital channels and within print at its absolute discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, Center Parcs is under no obligation to use any of the photos submitted.

You retain the legal ownership of any photo that you upload. However, in order for us to use your image, you grant to Center Parcs a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, assignable, sub-licensable licence to use the photo.

We can use the photo on Center Parcs’s webpages and for any use in our advertising, marketing and promotional materials without compensation or prior notice using any media or distribution methods. Center Parcs may use, edit, alter, reproduce, translate, publish, or create derivative works at our sole discretion.

You also grant Center Parcs the right to use your username, real name, image, likeness, caption or other identifying information in connection with the use of any of your photos displayed on Center Parcs webpages.

4. There is no entry fee and no purchase is necessary to enter the Promotion.

5. The Promotion opens at 1pm on Monday 23rd September 2019. The promotion will close at 10am on Wednesday 31^st October. In this instance, the period from 23rd September 2019 – 31^st October 2019 will be known as the “Promotion Period”. Any entries outside the Promotion Period will not be counted.

6. Only one entry per person. If more than one entry per person is received, or if you attempt to submit more than one entry by using the same, multiple or different names, all such entries may be deemed void and you may be disqualified from the Promotion.

The Prize

7. There will be one winner of the prize and the winner will be selected randomly from all participants. The prize is either a mid-week or weekend break in a Woodland Lodge at Center Parcs. The prize excludes school holidays, Winter Wonderland and Christmas and New Year breaks. The prize can be used at any UK or Ireland village.

• If the winners are under the age of 21 they will require the lead booker of any breaks won or booked with vouchers that have been won, to be 21 or over.
• The winners will be able to select break dates of their choice at Center Parcs, subject to availability.
• The prize does not include travel expenses, insurance, food or drink
• The break must be taken before 20th December 2020 and is subject to availability. The standard Center Parcs’ terms and conditions of booking will apply.

8. The winners will be contacted via email by 5pm on Friday 15th November The winner must respond to notification of their prize by 5pm on Friday 29^th Failure to respond in that time will result in the prize being forfeited and the Promoters reserves the right to select a new winner, in these circumstances.

9. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name, social media handles and image in any publicity material free of charge.

10. The decision of the Promoters in relation to the Promotion is final. No correspondence will be entered into. No information regarding entries or judging will be disclosed to any third party.

11. The surname of the winner is available on request.

12. Automated, bulk or third-party entries will be disqualified. Any incomplete, corrupted or entries not in accordance with the entry instructions, will be rejected. Any entries from participants, who we reasonably believe have acted unfairly, will be disqualified.

13. The Promoters reserves the right to disqualify any entries that it deems to be suspicious or achieved through manipulation of the promotion or any of the platforms that it is made available through.

14. The prize is not transferable, re-saleable or exchangeable. There is no cash alternative.

15. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Promoters reserves the right to offer alternative prizes of equal or greater value.

16. By entering, participants will be deemed to have accepted and be bound by these Terms and Conditions. All entry instructions form part of these Terms and Conditions.

17. The Promoters reserves the right to amend, alter or terminate this Promotion at any time due to circumstances beyond its control.

18. Your details will be used only in relation to the administration of this Promotion and the delivery of the Prize unless you opt-in to receive future marketing communications from Center Parcs. Any personal information provided will be used in conjunction with the Center Parcs Privacy Policy which you can see online at http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/information/privacy/index.jsp

19. No social media website (such as Facebook, Twitter or any other such website) are sponsors of the Promotion and have no responsibility or liability regarding the conduct or administration of the Promotion.

20. Center Parcs, including their officers, directors, employees, shareholders or agents, excludes all liability for any losses and/or damages of whatever nature and howsoever arising to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws.

21. These rules are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

22. The Promoters are: Center Parcs (Operating Company) Limited, a company registered in England and Wales at Companies House.  Our registered office is Head Office, One Edison Rise, New Ollerton, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 9DPand our registered number is 04379585.

The post Share your festive memories at Center Parcs for a chance to win a break! appeared first on Village Life.

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Van bacteriën die plastic ‘opeten’ tot geen troep in de wc: kinderen werken in America aan beter klimaat

Een dag na de klimaatstaking en vlak voor de VN Klimaattop doen dit weekeinde zo'n 150 Vlaamse en Nederlandse kinderen in America mee aan de Kids Climate Conference. Ze hopen dat politiek en bedrijven aan de slag gaan met hun ideeën voor een beter klimaat.
Hoe voorkomen we dat er plastic in de waterzuivering terechtkomt en hoe zorgen we ervoor dat microplastics niet meer in het milieu belanden? Circa 150 kinderen, tussen de 9 en 14 jaar oud, krijgen die vraag deze zaterdag in de stand van Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg en WML op de Kids Climate Conference in America. Zorgen dat de winkels geen plastic meer verkopen, luidt het antwoord uit de groep. Eén jongen heeft een idee om plastic weer úit de oceaan te halen: bacteriën bedenken die het plastic 'opeten ...

Bron en hele artikel: Limburger

Activities you have to try this October half term

Before you pack your bags, load the car and head to Center Parcs, check out our guide to activities you must try on your short break this October half term. Whether you are with family or friends, there are many activities which all ages can get involved in on a Center Parcs break and we’re here to give you a glimpse of just a few.

Aerial Adventure

For who: minimum height: 1.22 metres

Where: all villages

What it’s all about: Prepare for a thrilling adventure as you climb up into the treetop canopy to complete our aerial course. With guidance from our instructors, make your way over a series of obstacles before finally making an exhilarating descent by zip-wire that will have you flying through the trees.

Who’ll love it: daredevils with a head for heights

Adventure Golf

For who: all ages – person over 18 must be present

Where: all villages

What it’s all about: Your putting skills will be tested in this family activity that will have you practicing your eye for precision as you keep your cool and battle it out to be the winner of your group. Watch everyone’s competitive side come out as you take to our themed golf course in this fun and family-friendly activity. Will you be the first one in your family to get a hole-in-one?

Who’ll love it: perfect for all ages and abilities if you have a spare afternoon

Indoor Climbing Adventure

For who: minimum height 1.10 metres

Where: all villages

What it’s all about: Have you got a head for heights? Tackle our Indoor Climbing Adventure and climb your way to the top of our colourful indoor climbing walls. Depending on the Village you will find yourself conquering a snakes and ladders inspired wall, climbing up a chess board or making your way through space. With various paths you can take to climb up these walls, remember once at the top, there’s only one way down.

Who’ll love it: families who want to try something new together

Pottery Painting Studio

For who: all ages – person over 18 must be present

Where: all villages

What it’s all about: All the family can get involved in this creative session that will have you choosing and painting your very own piece of pottery. Pick from a range of pots and then get to work painting, splodging and crafting your masterpiece. Our staff will glaze your pot overnight so remember to collect your creation the very next day.

Who’ll love it: those who are feeling creative or looking for a relaxing afternoon

Aqua Jetting

For who: 8 years +

Where: all villages

What it’s all about: Take to the water and make a splash in this unique activity that will have you embarking on an underwater adventure. Dive to the depths of our pool with the use of a Seadoo and zip through the water in this exciting aquatic adventure. This fun activity is like no other and is one that little ones and big ones alike will love.

Who’ll love it: for families who love spending time in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise

Interactive Squash

For who: 12 years +

Where: Whinfell Forest, Elveden Forest

What’s it all about: Get your adrenaline pumping with a game of squash but with an exciting twist. With the help of state-of-the-art technology and your mobile phone, challenge yourself or a competitor to a game of block squash to fun tic tac and see who will come out on top.

Who’ll love it: competitive friends or family

Family Nature Journal

For who: 3 – 7 Years

Where: all villages

What’s it all about: Take your family on a journey through our forests. Head out with our Rangers who will let you discover the nature you’re surrounded by. You can fill in your nature journal and take it home with you.

Who’ll love it: budding explorer’s and nature enthusiasts

For more activities available on your Center Parcs break, check out our guide to activities at the Outdoor Activity Centre or check out our activities website here.

The post Activities you have to try this October half term appeared first on Village Life.

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NIEUW: wildwaterbaan in Park Zandvoort

Maanden lang is er in Park Zandvoort gewerkt aan een nieuw spektakel: de wildwaterbaan. En het is bijna zover… Op 24 september wordt de wildwaterbaan geopend na een bouwperiode van ruim 9 maanden en kun jij met volle vaart door de wildwaterbaan razen! Sta je al te trappelen?

Snelle rit
De wildwaterbaan van Park Zandvoort is maar liefst 116 meter lang en er wordt per uur ruim 2.400.000 liter water doorheen gepompt. De baan begint in de Aqua Mundo en vervolgt zijn weg naar buiten. Lig je er eenmaal in, dan wordt je snelheid binnen mum van tijd opgevoerd. Ook sta je bij de splitsing voor de keuze of je nog sneller wilt. Duh! Hop, door de snelle baan naar beneden. De snelle rit eindigt in het eindbad die weer uitkomt in de Aqua Mundo.

Het ontwerp
De bouwtekening geeft je al een kleine sneak peak van wat je kunt verwachten. Verschillende elementen zoals gekleurde luchtbubbels en waterstralen, waterkanonnen, watervallen en afwisselende temperaturen zorgen voor een compleet nieuwe ervaring. De werking van de wildwaterbaan hebben we in de videoserie Uitvogelen al verklapt! En natuurlijk kun je rekenen op een tropisch decor waar onze huisbioloog Jean Henkens zijn uiterste best voor heeft gedaan. Hoe zo'n tropische omgeving levend wordt gehouden, dat zie je hier.

Bron: Center Parcs

How to teach a child to cycle

There are hundreds of reasons for a little one to learn to cycle, not to mention fun and freedom. Cycling builds confidence, keeps them fit and widens social horizons. With Center Parcs’ vehicle-light roads, top-notch Cycle Centres and clean air, it’s the ideal spot to get them started.

Julie Rand, Volunteer Communications Officer at Cycling UK, and a National Standard Cycle Instructor shares her top tips…

1. All you need is basic prep

Dress kids in comfy clothing that are not going to get caught in the chain or cogs. Gloves or mitts are a good idea as their hands can get sore. Find a hard surface to start on, ideally on a gentle downward slope.

2. Swerve stabilisers

Start with a balance cycle, or simply take the pedals off a regular cycle. Stabilisers might get them pedalling, but pedalling is relatively easy; balancing the cycle using their body weight is the main skill.

3. Explain the brakes

Start off by teaching them to use the brake levers properly. Make sure they’re using them both at the same time so they’re not likely to go over the bars.

4. It’s OK to give them a bit of a hand

Get them walking the cycle along with their feet on the ground, then, once they get momentum, get them to pick their feet off the ground. They might need a little push sometimes if they’re not very good at pushing along.

5. Don’t be nervous

That’s you, not them! Children can take on your fear. If you are nervous or your child is reluctant to take instructions from you, you might want to bring in a professional cycling instructor – you don’t want it to become a fraught process.

6. Avoid going OTT on the cycle

They might want a fashionable mini mountain bike, but these types can be too heavy. Buy the right size – it’s safer. If they are riding a cycle that’s too big for them they’re going to find it harder to control.

7. Use short sessions

How long it takes to learn to cycle depends on the child, but the main thing is to go at their pace. Sessions of 15-20 minutes at a time, half an hour even, are probably enough. Small amounts of progress will lead to long-term success!

8. Give pointers

Get them to look ahead instead of at the ground, and keep reminding them to keep their back straight. The further back on the saddle and the more upright they are, the more balanced they’re going to be.

9. Jump back on

If you follow the above methods learners shouldn’t crash or fall that often. If they do have a tumble, wait, give them the time to recover, then persist with it.

10. Make it fun

Introduce little games to improve control skills: to improve steering, have a go at cycling around obstacles like sticks or cones; to help with balancing, see how slowly they can pedal.

Get little ones off to a flying start with our Teach Me Balance Bike activity.

Visit your village’s Cycle Centre and our knowledgeable staff will make sure you get exactly the right cycle. You can hire cycles for the duration of your stay or just a day. We also stock a range of accessories, such as helmets, to buy or hire, as well as route maps.

Book your next Center Parcs break here.

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