Is this delicious organic ice cream really made from the milk of these cows? You bet it is! Every day, farmer Barend is busy tending to the cows and his son Stefan makes fresh ice cream in the ice cream parlour. Together with the kids, farmer Tineke makes delicious custard from fresh milk and eggs. Enjoying the organic milk produced by their beautiful cows.
There is always a healthy and happy buzz around FarmCamps Hoeve Sonneclaer. Besides the cows, you’ll discover the pigs, 3 ponies, a lot of chickens, rabbits, sheep and goats. Every day you can join Farmer Barend or Stefan to bring the cows home to milk and don’t be surprised if you see a young calf out to pasture because that’s how it’s done on organic farms!
If you fancy something more than just the array of animals here, then you can also go karting and play in the Hay barn.
What a great choice!
Collecting the cows together with farmer Barend every day...
This is what makes this farm so much fun!
There is so much open space here in Drenthe and while the cows are happily grazing in their pasture with a backdrop of the beautiful forest of Ruinen, you will enjoy all this space and the beautiful views that go with it!
On this farm you can choose from one of our 25 luxury tents. The 15 Safari Tents includes a private toilet (showers are in the nearby heated bathing facilities). Or you can treat yourself to a little extra luxury with one of our 6 fully equipped Lodge Tents including private bathrooms. If you fancy a bathtub then you should chose one of the 4 Ranch Tents complete with the unique Hay! Hay! Bathroom Trailer (including bathtub and shower) next to your tent. There’s so much luxury – all you have to do is pick which type you prefer!
This FarmCamps farm is located on a quiet road and is surrounded by pastures and fields. Within walking distance you will find a lovely forest with many water pools including some where you can fish.
The 25 luxury tents are situated on two large fields behind the farmhouse. In the furthest field, adjacent to the meadow and overlooking the forest, are 5 Safari Tents, 4 Ranch Tents and 6 Lodge Tents. In the middle field are another 10 Safari Tents, all with views onto the campfire and a number of playgrounds.
There is also a field with a small orchard and 15 spots for any guests who wish to bring their own camping equipment.
Luxury Safari Tent with toilet in the tent. Spaciously furnished with, among other things, a cosy living space.
Luxury Ranch Tent with Hay Hay Bath trailer next to the tent. Spaciously furnished with, among other things, a cosy living space.
Luxury Lodge Tent with private bathroom. Spaciously furnished with, among other things, a cosy living space.
At FarmCamps Hoeve Sonneclaer there are also 15 camping spots for guests with their own camping equipment. More information can be found on the website of the farm itself.
No farm adventure would be complete without learning a thing or two from the professionals. Farmer Barend and his wife Tineke, take this very personally! So you can expect to join Farmer Barend every day when he gets to work milking the cows and you can feed the other animals. It is also possible to collect eggs everyday. Ever wondered how to make ice-cream from fresh milk? Well Stefan will show you how; of course you will also be able to taste it!
If you are more in the mood to play then you won’t be disappointed! Here you’ll find go-karting, trampolines and a super tractor tyre tower for climbing. Or why not join your new farm friends to build a hut in the Hay barn? Everything is possible and allowed.
At check-in, children will receive FarmCamps’ Farmers Passport. This contains fun and educational assignments. Your mini-farmers can discover and experience real life on a farm. For each completed task they will receive a stamp in their Farmer’s Passport.
During your stay Farmer Barend will show you the ropes with a guided tour of the farm. He will share with you the pleasure they get from working the land and raising their livestock. Experience this unique chance to go where only farmers dare to go and soak up the special stories they´ll share with you about the farm they love and care for.
Together with Tineke you will learn how to make delicious custard from fresh farm milk and eggs – and of course you will get to taste it too!
Farmer Barend or farmer Stefan will show you how to milk cows by hand twice a week. Would you like to try that too? Check the activity board to see what time milking takes place.
On the farm are 3 old, sweet ponies that love to be brushed and cuddled. Together with mum, dad, grandpa or grandma, you can go into the meadow. And of course you can also take a walk with them or go for a ride around the yard.
You can hire bikes from the farm and take a delightful ride through the Drente countryside. You can also opt for the infamous Dutch invention called a ‘Bakfiets’ – a bicycle with a wooden box where little children can safely sit and enjoy the ride!
A fan of golf? Then why not head out to the open fields and play a unique round of farmer’s golf – mind the cows though! Or you can take a shot at ‘klootschieten’; a traditional Dutch ball game where participants try to throw a ball (the kloot) as far as they can.
Looking for ultimate relaxation? Well look no further because Farmer’s wife Tineke is up and about at the crack of dawn and happy to deliver breakfast to your tent! And of course there is always the small on-site farm shop where you can pick up your basics and a few treats and products from their own farm such as meat from their own cows, lamb and pigs and of course fresh milk daily. And every day Tineke bakes fresh bread to order – now that’s handy! Handy right?
No one likes going home with a bag of dirty washing, Then order the Towel Pack and rent the one and only FarmCamps farmer’s overall for the kids. Your mini-farmers will not only look great but their clothes will not get so dirty either!
You can order all your extras at the point of booking, but if you are not sure yet don’t worry, you can also order them on the spot.
A deliciously fresh farmers breakfast delivered to your tent including fresh bread, milk, juice, yoghurt, eggs (you cook these to your own liking) and of course a variety of condiments.
The pizza oven is turned on a few times a week and you can order delicious pizzas from us to eat in your tent. Saves another evening of cooking yourself!
No need to lug around your own baby gear! This package includes a baby bed, high chair and a changing mat. Don’t forget to bring your baby’s own bed linen though.
Not only will your mini-farmers look very cool in these red overalls but you’ll be sure their clothes don’t get ruined!
Includes 1 x large and 1 x small, thick white towel. Perfect for leaving washing behind at the end of your holiday!
Watching other families enjoy themselves here shows us how few leave the farm since there is so much to see and do. Here the kids are in their element and don’t have time to get bored! That´s why the parents are having a great time too.
But if you do want to discover the local environment that Drenthe offers then you’ll find quaint little villages, natural beauty spots and plenty to keep the kids entertained too.
Water
Within the municipality of Hoogeveen is the beautiful recreation area of Schoonhoven. Hidden in the woods you will find two natural swimming pools with large sandy beaches for sunbathing and playing. The small swimming pool is perfect for small children because it is only half a meter deep. Here you will also find play equipment and a water playground.
Water
Whether you want to put in a few lengths or just have a splash around you´ll find something for everyone at Hesselingen indoor swimming pool in Meppel. Just 20km from the farm it boasts a leisure pool, a lap pool, an outdoor pool and an interactive slide.
Water
Nijstad beach is located just west of Hoogeveen. Here you will find a beautiful sandy beach with a separate sunbathing lawn. There is also a separate swimming area for the kids and many other facilities such as a beach volleyball field and bouncy castle. There is also a pavilion with a lovely terrace where you can sit.
Playing
The cheapest theme park in The Netherlands with well over 30 attractions is located around 55 km from the farm!
Playing
For the fans of all the “Studio 100” characters (famous TV characters in Holland and Belgium) this Plopsa Indoor theme park has over 20 lovely rides.
Playing
Attractiepark Slagharen is a large theme park with over 30 rides and shows. A perfect destination with younger children and only 30km away from the farm.
Nature
The Dwingelderveld National Park covers nearly 4000 hectares of heath and woodland in the southwest of Drenthe. Many birds and animals choose to make their home here and if you are lucky you might see a herd of sheep or two.
Nature
The most beautiful zoo in The Netherlands can be found in Emmen, only 25km from the farm. Here the animals are arranged according to the continents of the earth. Every ‘continent’ in the zoo, from Asia to Europe, represents the plants and animal species of that area. A walk through the park is a fun and educational trip around the world.
Nature
Home to a unique population of Dutch meadow-and waders all in their natural habit this bird park is specialized in European species and their tropical relatives. The park is truly a ‘park’ with hiking trails, a playground for children and a terrace for light refreshments.
Nature
In Echten there is a play forest where you will find the Roekpad. During this walk of about 1 km, all 5 senses are used (hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling and seeing).
Culture
Orvelte is one of the most beautiful villages in Drenthe and presents itself as an outdoor museum. In this lively village you will experience history firsthand including beautiful Saxon farms and live demonstrations of ancient crafts.
Culture
Dwingeloo is one of the greenest and most beautiful villages in Drenthe. ´De Brink´ is the old town center where surrounding farms would drive their cattle through in the olden days. From this delightful little village you can access the Dwingelderveld National Park, a large park with lots of forest and heathland.
Culture
In the middle of Drenthe lies the Westerbork memorial center depicting Dutch war time under occupation, where between 1942 and 1945 more than 100,000 Jews, Sinti and Roma were deported to camps in Eastern Europe. The history of Westerbork is represented by means of photographs, documents, drawings, paintings, images, maps, and objects.
The kids will never be bored at FarmCamps Hoeve Sonneclaer!