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By Amie LaSalvia
Contributing writer
Summer is such a beautiful time in Germany. The trees and flowers all around us are blooming. The kids are off school, and the smell of summer-time vacation is in the air. Living in Europe around this time of the year is such a wonderful place to be, and there are so many great fun and energetic activities the entire family will enjoy!
Theme Parks
Theme parks are a great form of entertainment for families all around the world. This summer, why not have a family day at your nearest theme park for some of the best fun whilst being outdoors in the sun and fresh air. Here are some of the best theme parks near you!
Holiday Park
Holiday Park is located in Hassloch, which is about an hour’s drive from Kaiserslautern. This theme park is one of the very best and has a variety of rides such as the “Balloon Race” ride, where you feel like Auguste Piccard attempting to fly around the world and participate in the balloon race, and the “Roaring River,” where you undertake an adventurous trip in an unsinkable boat. No matter your age, you are guaranteed to have a great time. And the best part is, it’s so close to home, so there is no need to travel hours to have a fabulous day out with your family.
During the summer season, the park opens at 10 a.m. daily and generally closes at 6 p.m., however some days the park stays open later.
Daily ticket prices range from free for small children to €29.95 for adults. Express tickets that allow you to skip the line for up to nine rides are offered for €35. Season tickets are also available for purchase.
For more detailed information about Holiday Park rides, opening hours and ticket prices, visit www.holidaypark.de/en.
Europa-Park
If you haven’t already been to Europa-Park, what are you waiting for? Located in Rust about two hours from Kaiserslautern by car, Europa-Park is the largest theme park in Germany and the second most popular theme park resort in Europe. This out-of-this-world theme park has over 12 roller coasters, and the newest coaster, “Arthur,” is a suspended indoor-outdoor powered roller coaster. Not only does this park offer roller coaster rides, but it also has a selection of 10 water slides for you to choose from. If you go to Europa-Park looking for fun, excitement and adventure, you won’t be disappointed!
Through Nov. 6, the park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with some days having extended hours.
Daily ticket prices cost €44.50 for adults 12 years and older, €38.50 for children ages 4 to 11 years old and free for children under 4 years old. Multiday, group and season passes are also available.
For additional information on Euro-Park rides, hours and prices, visit www.europapark.de/en.
Campgrounds
Maybe you and your family prefer to spend some more time in the outdoors where you can hike, walk, swim, and sit back and relax around a campfire while you enjoy spending some quality time with the family. Here we have some of the best camping sites that are family friendly and a lot of fun!
Camping am Koenigsberg
Set in the beautiful area of Lautertal is the town of Wolfstein where you will find Camping am Koenigsberg, about a 30-minute drive from Kaiserslautern. This campground is warm and comfortable with a great family atmosphere and good facilities, providing the ideal place for rest, relaxation and fun for the whole family. There are 70 campsites that all have electricity, water and sewage connections. There are also two separate tent meadows that you are able to choose from.
The front tent area has a grill and a large tent, which you can use for free. The children’s leisure programs are held in this area during the summer months, making it very suitable for families with small children. The second tent area is located right next to the sports ground and can be found on the rear of the campground. This area is particularly quiet and offers a beautiful view of Wolfstein.
Camping rates vary depending on number of people and their ages, pets, cars, etc.
For more information on Camping am Koenigsberg and for camping rates, visit www.campingwolfstein.de.
Camping Muenstertal
Located in the southern Black Forest, Muenstertal is about a three-hour drive from Kaiserslautern. The campground offers great comfort and a panoramic view of breathtaking surroundings. On each campsite, fresh water and waste disposal are available as well as electricity.
The campground features a heated indoor swimming pool open year-round as well as an outdoor pool for the warmer months. The outdoor pool is complete with a partitioned-off children’s swimming pool for the younger generation. Many sports and wellness activities are also offered for both children and adults, including horseback riding, fishing, golf and more. Camping Muenstertal truly offers fun and relaxation for the whole family!
Prices vary based on site type, number of people, additional accommodations, etc.
For more information about all Camping Muenstertal has to offer as well as pricing details, visit www.camping-muenstertal.de.