Playtown Perfection: Creating the Ultimate Kid-Friendly Camping Zone
Family camping should feel effortless: happy kids, relaxed parents, and everything close at hand. That’s exactly what you get with Playtown at Camping de Lakens—pitches designed for young families with on-field sandboxes, trampolines, and a car‑light (autoluw) set‑up, just one dune from the beach. Stay a week or longer and your children receive a free soft‑ice at Restaurant Gestrand, plus a fun surprise.
In this guide, you’ll discover what makes Playtown so family‑proof, what’s included on each pitch, and smart planning tips to get the most from your seaside break.
What is Playtown?
Playtown is a dedicated family camping zone at Camping de Lakens where the playtime happens right in the heart of the field. Kids can dig, jump, and make new friends in shared sandboxes and trampolines, while parents unwind nearby. The layout is autoluw (car‑light) to keep lanes quiet and family‑friendly, and the entire campsite sits just one dune from the beach.
Why Playtown Works for Young Families
Safe, car‑light design
Playtown’s autoluw set‑up reduces traffic near pitches, helping children roam and play more freely. You can keep an eye on the action from your camping chair while little ones move between the sand and trampoline with ease. One car may be parked on your pitch for convenience.
Built‑in play zones kids love
- Sandboxes: Open‑ended, sensory play that keeps toddlers and primary‑schoolers busy for hours.
- Trampolines: A natural energy outlet that turns waiting time into bounce time.
- Central play area: The equipment sits in the middle of the field, encouraging social play and making it easy for parents to supervise.
One dune to the beach
When the field’s fun pauses, the beach takes over. The shoreline lies just behind the dunes, so you can pivot from sandbox castles to sandcastles by the sea in minutes.
Family bonuses baked in
- Free soft‑ice for week stays: Book 7 nights or more and the kids get a soft‑ice at Restaurant Gestrand—plus a little surprise.
- Gestrand playground: Dine on the terrace while watching children enjoy the large playground next to the restaurant.
- Wellness & fitness included: Guests enjoy free access to the on‑site sauna and Fit & Zen gym throughout their stay.
- No pets: Pets are not permitted on Playtown pitches (and not on the campsite or adjacent beach), keeping the environment focused on families.
What’s Included on a Playtown Pitch
Here’s exactly what you can count on when you book Playtown at Camping de Lakens:
- Pitch type: Suitable for a caravan, tent, camper, or trailer tent
- Electricity: 16‑amp hook‑up
- On‑field play equipment: Sandboxes and trampolines in the centre of the field
- Wellness & fitness: Free use of the campsite’s sauna and fitness facilities
- Parking: One car may be parked on the pitch
- Occupancy: Up to 6 guests; maximum 2 adults plus 4 children
- Pets: Not permitted
- Beach access: Just one dune to the sand and sea
Playtown at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Designed for | Young families |
| Play equipment | Sandboxes, trampolines (on-field) |
| Traffic | Autoluw (car‑light) |
| Camping modes | Caravan, tent, camper, trailer tent |
| Power | 16‑amp electricity hook‑up |
| Wellness & fitness | Sauna and gym access included |
| Parking | 1 car on the pitch |
| Occupancy | Max 6 persons (2 adults + 4 children) |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Distance to beach | One dune |
Practical Tips for a Seamless Playtown Stay
1) Plan your set‑up for easy supervision
- Pitch your tent or awning to face the central play area so you can relax while keeping a natural line of sight to the sandbox and trampolines.
- Create a small “gear zone” near your entrance: beach bag, sunhats, swimwear, and towels within grab‑and‑go reach.
2) Pack for sand and surf
- Bring quick‑dry layers, a compact beach shade, and footwear that handles dunes and boardwalks.
- Add a soft‑bristle brush for a speedy tent sweep—handy after long sandbox sessions.
3) Make mornings effortless
- Pick up freshly baked croissants, pistolets, and kaiser rolls each morning from the on‑site SPAR Supermarket.
- Keep snacks simple for spontaneous playground or beach runs.
4) Mix playtime with organized fun
- Join the campsite’s recreation program—children can take part in the Zep de Zeemeeuw activities and other kid‑friendly events.
- Try Dunegolf for a playful challenge in the dunes. It’s available daily from 10:45 to 21:45; reserve via your ‘Mijn de Lakens’ account or at Restaurant Gestrand during opening hours.
5) Add movement for adults (and downtime for kids)
- Rotate turns in the Fit & Zen gym or sauna while the other adult supervises the field play.
- Book a massage or beauty treatment in the on‑site Wellness Dome to fully unwind.
6) Stay sustainable and curious
- Borrow a cleanup kit for the Plastic Soup Walk and explore the shoreline with purpose.
- Charge your e‑bike at the campsite and explore the coastal dunes on two wheels—hire bikes at Behind the Beach near Restaurant Gestrand.
7) Book the right pitch for your vehicle
- If your camper is longer than 6.5 meters, use the ‘Kies je plaats’ option when booking to select a pitch with suitable dimensions.
8) Know the essentials
- Check‑in/out for pitches: From 14:00; check‑out before 11:00.
- Season: Open annually from the end of March until the end of October.
- Cooking: Campfires and open flames are not allowed; use gas or electric only.
- Pool: There is no on‑site swimming pool.
FAQs about Playtown (Quick Answers)
How close is Playtown to the beach?
Just one dune—walk from your pitch to the sand in minutes.
What’s included on a Playtown pitch?
A 16‑amp electricity hook‑up, on‑field play equipment (sandboxes and trampolines), free sauna and gym access, and parking for one car on your pitch.
How many people can stay on a Playtown pitch?
Up to 6 guests, with a maximum of 2 adults plus 4 children.
Are pets allowed on Playtown?
No. Pets are not permitted on Playtown pitches, elsewhere on the campsite, or on the adjacent beach.
Can I park my car on my Playtown pitch?
Yes. One car may be parked directly on the pitch.
What types of camping units are allowed?
Caravans, tents, campers, and trailer tents are all welcome on Playtown.
What are the check‑in and check‑out times for camping pitches?
Check in from 14:00 and check out before 11:00.
Is there a minimum stay?
Bookings are generally from a minimum of 2 nights. For single‑night stays, contact reception to check availability.
Can we barbecue?
Yes—use gas or electric. Open fires (including coal or wood) are not permitted.
Is there a swimming pool on site?
No, there is no on‑site swimming pool.
Beyond Playtown: More Family‑Friendly Options
If you love the idea of a dune‑side family base, consider these alternatives for different styles of camping:
- Beachspot Schelpengat – tent (no power): Tent‑only pitches at the northern tip of the campsite, extra close to the beach—perfect for a pure beach vibe.
- Helmspot – tent: Centrally located tent pitches with your own little dune pan.
- Helmspot Deluxe – tent: A more sheltered area with a private picnic table, suitable for up to 6 people, one dune from the beach.
Want a fully catered family vibe right behind the last dune? Take a look at Surfana Family Camp, where families enjoy a relaxed beach lifestyle with surfing and summer activities in a top coastal setting.
The Playtown Advantage, Summed Up
- Kid‑centric by design: Sandboxes and trampolines in the middle of the field keep children entertained for hours.
- Safer feel, easier days: Autoluw layout, one car on your pitch, and a short stroll to the sea.
- Family perks that matter: Free soft‑ice for the kids on week‑long stays, free sauna and gym, daily fresh bread, and a restaurant with a big playground.
- Everything in one place: Hire bikes, join the recreation program, try Dunegolf, or recharge in the Wellness Dome—without leaving the dunes.
Ready to book Playtown?
Secure your Playtown pitch for the dates you want. Check availability, view the campsite site map to pick your preferred area, and use the Camping app for easy planning before and during your stay. Book your family’s dune‑side base now and let the kids lead the way—from sandbox to shoreline.