DX Adventurepark

DX Adventurepark is an open-water activity park on the lake of 't Gasselterveld, near the village of Grolloo in Drenthe. It is built around a floating inflatable obstacle course, a kind of giant playground on the water where visitors climb, jump, slide and fall into the lake. The park is aimed at families, groups of friends, school trips and anyone who wants a day of active fun in the summer, and it operates mainly in the warm months of the year.

The concept is simple. A series of large inflatable elements, such as towers, bridges, slides, trampolines and balance beams, is anchored on the water, and participants make their way across them wearing life jackets. Falling into the lake is part of the fun, and the water is shallow enough and the equipment safe enough that it is suitable for many ages. The challenge varies, and there are usually sections for younger children and more demanding ones for teenagers and adults. Staff supervise the area and give instructions before you start.

What you need to know before you go is practical. Swimming ability is generally required for the open-water course, and there are usually minimum age and height requirements for different activities. Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes, and secure glasses and other valuables, since you will get wet. Lockers and changing rooms are normally available, and a cafe or snack bar provides refreshments. In busy periods, such as school holidays and warm weekends, it is wise to book a time slot in advance through the park's website.

Other things to do nearby fill out a day in Grolloo. The village has a small church, the Jacobuskerk, the C+B Museum offers a cultural stop, and the adventure park Joytime provides climbing courses and zip lines for those who want more adrenaline. The Drenthe countryside offers cycling routes through forest and heath, and the prehistoric tombs called hunebedden are not far away.

The park is best in sunny weather, when the water is pleasant and the atmosphere is cheerful. Check the opening dates and conditions before travelling, as the season is short and the course may close in poor weather. It suits active families and groups looking for something different from museums and churches.