I’m finding out that playdates are a big deal here in the Netherlands. You could probably book your kids for a playdate every day of the week if you wanted to. The very first day of school Oldest came rushing out of school with her new friend wanting to setting up a playdate for that afternoon. She ended up going to her new friend’s house for a few hours after school on the very first day and had a fabulous time!
Littlest was invited on a playdate with a couple of girls from her class yesterday after school. It was more of a group playdate, and Oldest was welcome to come as well. We ended up going to playground/animal farm place not far from our house. The girls had a blast, it was a gorgeous day, and best of all…it was FREE!!
This is a picture and story of the woman who once owned the farmland. It is called the Garden House of Charlotte.
History (Translated via Google)
The Garden House owes its name to Charlotte Storm-Cuypers, the widow of Mr. L.D. Storm, Mayor of Breda and a member of the House of representatives. They gave in 1862 commissioned construction of the estate with outbuildings we still know. They moved into the mansion in 1869 and remained living on the estate Wolfslaar until they died on 21 February 1888 at the age of 86. For 1862 the estate was in use as a farm. Already in 1525 in the archives we find a mention of a ‘ farmhouse Wolfslaar, complete with meadows, fields, a vegetable garden and a large orchard. Over time, the farmhouse at least five times destroyed and rebuilt.
When you first enter the farm through the gates, there are several buildings. We didn’t get a chance to go into these due to the kids being so excited to go play and run around, but the next time we go back, we will definitely explore them!
Across from these buildings are a little café and shop. Very cute, and the café has wonderful sweets and ice cream.
They have sand area where kids can dig and play, and beside that are pedal tractors that kids can take all over the paths if they choose.
A sign post so you know which direction to go.
Then a little way down the path, you enter into the farm and playground area.
In the grove of trees in the middle is a climbing structure and slide. And there are little goats all over the place!
A little further down is another playground structure, and a water structure the kids can play with and manipulate the water.
And of course fun posters kids can stick their heads in!
Cross over the bridge and you get to the other animals that are on the farm. Honestly, this farm reminded me a lot of Charlotte’s Web! There were pigs, cows, geese, peacocks, goats, horses, and sheep. And I’m sure there was a rat or two lurking about as well.
The girls had a lovely time and we spent a couple hours here before it closed for the day. We will definitely be going back and visiting often! A perfect place for a playdate!
From Here to There - A Move Across an Ocean 