Tiny Campers Week: End‑of‑School‑Holiday Fun in a De Waard Tent
Looking for a gentle, joy‑filled way to wrap up the summer with your little one(s)? Tiny Campers Week is made for young families who want maximum together‑time with minimum hassle. At Camping de Lakens, you’ll stay in a comfortable De Waard tent just one dune from the beach while enjoying a relaxed, creative programme designed especially for parents with small children. In this guide, you’ll learn what Tiny Campers Week is, what staying in a De Waard tent is like, how a family day might flow, and smart tips to book your spot with confidence.
What is Tiny Campers Week?
Tiny Campers Week is a family‑oriented arrangement at Camping de Lakens that focuses on connection and play at the very end of the school holidays. Parents with young children can unwind in the dunes and join an easygoing, creative activity programme tailored to little campers—right as summer makes its final bow.
- Designed for: parents with small children
- Where you stay: a comfortable De Waard tent in the dunes
- When: end of summer / end of the school holidays
- Vibe: relaxed, creative, and family‑first
Featured snippet‑ready answer:
- What is Tiny Campers Week? A late‑summer family arrangement with a relaxed, creative programme for parents and young children, staying in a comfy De Waard tent near the beach.
Your home base: the De Waard tent (glamping in the dunes)
Glamping means arriving to comfort—no pitching required. De Waard tents at Camping de Lakens place you inside the dunes of Nationaal Park Zuid‑Kennemerland, just one dune from the beach, so sandcastles and shell hunts are always close by.
De Waard tent options
De Waard tent (4p)
- 24.2 m² plus veranda
- Suitable for 2 adults + 2 children
- One dune from the beach
De Waard tent (6p)
- 24.2 m² plus veranda
- Sleeps up to 6 persons
- One dune from the beach
Both tents offer the hallmark De Waard build quality and a ready‑to‑enjoy setup—perfect for first‑time campers and seasoned families who prefer to travel light.
| Feature | De Waard tent (4p) | De Waard tent (6p) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 24.2 m² + veranda | 24.2 m² + veranda |
| Capacity | 2 adults + 2 children | Up to 6 persons |
| Location | One dune from the beach | One dune from the beach |
| Style | Glamping (ready‑to‑use) | Glamping (ready‑to‑use) |
Pro tip: If your party changes later, you can also explore family‑friendly accommodations such as Seacocoon (6p), Beachdome, or Dunedome—all set in the dunes near the sea.
Family‑friendly facilities for a smooth stay
Camping de Lakens combines active beach life with soothing wellness and child‑friendly conveniences—ideal for Tiny Campers Week.
- Restaurant Gestrand with a large playground and a dune‑side terrace where adults can relax while keeping an eye on little ones.
- SPAR Supermarket on site for groceries, with freshly baked bread each morning (croissants, pistolets, kaiser rolls, and more).
- Sanitary & laundry: toilets, showers, washing machines, and dryers are available on site and included in your stay.
- Wi‑Fi across the campsite so you can stay connected.
- Wellness & movement on site, including sauna and yoga‑friendly facilities for balance after beach time.
- Behind the Beach bicycle‑rental shop next to Restaurant Gestrand—handy for quick rides to viewpoints or Haarlem.
- Surfana Surfschool operates directly from its camp on site and offers surf lessons for all levels.
- Dunegolf brings playful mini‑golf‑style challenges to the dunes and is available daily from 10:45 to 21:45 (reserve in your Mijn de Lakens account or at Restaurant Gestrand).
- Seasonal nature outing: the Wisentenpad (bison trail) is open 1 September to 1 March for self‑guided or ranger‑led walks.
Sustainability note: Camping de Lakens holds the Green Key Gold certificate and collaborates with recognised organisations such as ANWB, PiNCAMP, ACSI, and HISWA‑RECRON.
An example day during Tiny Campers Week
Every family’s rhythm is different, but here’s a simple way to shape a day that keeps little legs happy and parents relaxed.
Morning
- Start slowly in your De Waard tent veranda or head to the breakfast buffet at Restaurant Gestrand (08:30–11:00) if you’ve added it to your booking.
- Enjoy the beach just a dune away for shell collecting and paddling.
- Join the campsite’s children’s activities (such as the Zep de Zeemeeuw programme) from the broader recreation schedule available throughout the season.
Afternoon
- Nap or quiet time in your tent, then grab fresh fruit or a treat from the SPAR Supermarket.
- Book a family surf lesson with Surfana Surfschool or play a round of Dunegolf (10:45–21:45).
- Explore the dunes by bike via Behind the Beach rental.
Evening
- Early dinner at Restaurant Gestrand while little ones roam the playground in view of the terrace.
- Sunset stroll over the dunes; back to your tent for story time and a snug night one dune from the sea.
Note: The Tiny Campers Week arrangement includes a relaxed, creative programme tailored to young families. The example above simply shows a family‑friendly flow you can build around what the day brings.
How to book Tiny Campers Week (and what to know)
Booking is straightforward and can be done in English, Dutch, or German.
- Search availability via the online booking widget: select dates, number of guests, then choose Accommodations and pick your De Waard tent (4p or 6p).
- Add extras if desired—e.g., the breakfast buffet (bookable online, in the Camping de Lakens App, or at reception).
- Preferences: you can request a specific pitch or accommodation for a €25 preference fee (subject to availability).
- Check‑in/out for accommodations: check‑in from 15:00, check‑out by 10:30 (note: special arrangements can have different times).
Costs to keep in mind
- Tourist tax: €4.23 p.p. per night for guests aged 4+.
- Preference fee: €25 (if you choose a specific pitch or accommodation).
- 5th/6th guest surcharge: €17.20 per night for each 5th or 6th guest in a booking.
Practical policies and access
- No pets on the campsite or adjacent beach.
- Minimum age to camp independently is 21; as a family campsite, groups of young people can be refused even if aged 21+.
- Open season: end of March to end of October.
- Parking: available near pitches/accommodations and included in your stay.
- EV charging: dedicated charging stations are available in central parking areas.
- Public transport: train to Haarlem or Zandvoort, then Bus 81 to stop “de Lakens.” In hot weather (above 25 °C), additional line 84 may serve the campsite.
Quick answers (for featured snippets)
- What is Tiny Campers Week? A late‑summer family arrangement with a relaxed, creative activity programme for young children and their parents in a De Waard tent.
- Where do families stay? In a De Waard tent in the dunes, just one dune from the beach.
- Who is it for? Parents with small children seeking an easygoing, creative end‑of‑holiday escape.
- Are pets allowed? No, pets are not permitted on the campsite or adjacent beach.
- Is there a pool? No, there is no swimming pool on site.
- Are children’s activities available outside the arrangement? Yes, the campsite runs a broader recreation programme for all ages.
- Is breakfast available? Yes, you can book a daily breakfast buffet (08:30–11:00) at Restaurant Gestrand.
- How do we get there by public transport? Train to Haarlem/Zandvoort, then Bus 81 to “de Lakens.”
- What are accommodation check‑in/out times? Check‑in 15:00, check‑out 10:30 (different times may apply during special arrangements).
- Can we book surf lessons? Yes, via Surfana Surfschool on site.
- When is Dunegolf open? Daily from 10:45 to 21:45 (reserve in Mijn de Lakens or at Restaurant Gestrand).
Practical tips for tiny campers (and their grown‑ups)
- Book early: arrangements are popular at the tail end of summer.
- Pick the right tent: choose De Waard 4p for two adults + two children, or De Waard 6p for up to six persons.
- Pack light: glamping means you won’t be pitching a tent—save space for beach toys and layers for breezy evenings.
- Beach‑smart essentials: sunhats, reef‑safe sunscreen, quick‑dry towels, and a light windbreaker.
- Plan simple meals: the SPAR Supermarket covers daily groceries, and fresh bread is baked every morning.
- Dine with playtime: choose Restaurant Gestrand so kids can enjoy the playground while you relax on the terrace.
- Try something new: book a family session with Surfana Surfschool or play Dunegolf in the late afternoon.
- Cook safely: only electric appliances and gas barbecues are allowed; no campfires or charcoal anywhere on site.
- Go green: consider EV charging in the central lot and explore the dunes by bike via Behind the Beach rental.
- Stay informed: keep an eye on the Nieuws & blog and sign up for the newsletter for updates on activities and events.
Conclusion: Make the last week of summer the best one
Tiny Campers Week brings together everything young families love about Camping de Lakens: a comfortable De Waard tent in the dunes, a relaxed, creative programme for little adventurers, and beach‑side living that’s effortless from sunrise to sunset. If you’re ready for an easy, memory‑making finale to the school holidays, now’s the time to plan.
Ready to go? Book your De Waard tent (4p or 6p) for Tiny Campers Week, add the breakfast buffet if you like, and start counting down to a carefree, sandy‑toed send‑off to summer.