Joytime Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

Joytime Vrijetijdsactiviteiten, to give the park its full name, is an outdoor adventure park in Grolloo, a village in the Drenthe municipality of Aa en Hunze. Its main attractions are climbing courses and zip lines, some of which pass over water, set among trees in the quiet Drenthe countryside. Parks of this type are popular across the Netherlands as an active day out for families, school groups and friends, and they offer a different kind of experience from the museums and historic towns that dominate most itineraries.

A typical high-ropes course consists of platforms in the trees, connected by bridges, nets, swinging logs and wires, and participants move along it wearing a harness that is clipped to a safety line. The courses are graded in difficulty, so beginners can start on low and easy routes and more experienced climbers can try higher and more demanding ones. The zip lines add speed and excitement, and flying across water gives an extra thrill. Staff usually give a safety briefing and check the equipment before climbers set off.

There are usually age and height requirements for each course, and younger children may be limited to the lower routes with an adult nearby, so it is worth checking the rules on the park's website. Closed shoes and comfortable, flexible clothing are advisable, long hair should be tied back, and loose jewellery is best left behind. Drinking water, sun cream and a change of clothes for wet days are sensible additions. Booking ahead is a good idea in holiday periods, because sessions can fill up.

Grolloo is a quiet place, and there are other things to do nearby. The C+B Museum is a local cultural stop, the DX Adventurepark offers further outdoor activities, and the village church, the Jacobuskerk, adds a small historical note. The wider Aa en Hunze landscape includes the Drentsche Aa brook valley and prehistoric tombs called hunebedden, which are a short bike ride away.

The park suits active families, groups of friends and teenagers who want a challenge. It is less suitable for people with a fear of heights or limited mobility, although some routes are low. Check opening arrangements before travelling, since outdoor parks often change their schedule with the season and the weather.