Extraordinary short trips with children: Great microadventures with the family
High up in the tree. In the tower right by the water. In a cave like a hobbit. On the organic farm surrounded by chickens. In the middle of the jungle. Extraordinary overnight stays make every short trip an absolute highlight.
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What we particularly like about it is that such microadventures are the more sustainable vacation for the whole family. They last no longer than three days, take place virtually right on the doorstep - and can thus be reached CO2-saving by train - and create experiences for young and old that are about nature, culture and, of course, fun.
We have been searching for unique accommodations in Germany and present you ten options for extraordinary short trips with kids.
Extraordinary short trips with children: Spend the night in the tree hotel
What child doesn't dream of their own tree house? Or rather, does one ever stop dreaming about it? We certainly don't. That's why we're particularly keen on extraordinary sleepovers high up in the trees. Here come our three favorites of truly unique tree hotels.
#1 Tree house "Landeier" in Allgäu
Not all tree houses are the same. In the "Treehouse Hotel Allgäu" by the Bechteler family in the Allgäu region, you'll spend the night in very special specimens. Here, six "country eggs" hover above the ground.
A safe wooden staircase will take you and your children to the egg-shaped tree house, which has space for four people on three floors and is fully equipped. In the dining area you can start your morning with breakfast while looking over the surrounding fields. On the stove (which is powered by its own solar energy) you can fry the first fried egg of the day - which may even come from the farm next door;
The country eggs, which stand on the edge of the Kemptner forest, belong to a real Allgäu farm with ponies, cows, goats, rabbits and cats. Here, especially the children are busy. They can move around quite freely, groom horses, feed goats, explore the playground, build dams in the stream and learn along the way to appreciate nature for its diversity.
You can spend the evening before your extraordinary overnight stay as a family in the barbecue hut at the edge of a forest clearing and enjoy regional delicacies.
#2 Tree house Mützingenta
The story of the second tree house we want to introduce to you actually starts as a cultural festival. The "Mützingenta" has stood for art, culture and crafts for several decades and is organized by the Schoppe family, who in 2015 decided to build their own vacation homes for the visitors:inside.
Today, the Mützingenta is an entire event farm where families can find plenty of space to vacation and, among other things, spend the night in a tree house. Why we have chosen it for our "Extraordinary overnight stays" tips? Because it is absolutely sustainably built.
The wood for the walls, sauna and hot tub comes entirely from regional forests. All furniture was built by the Schoppe family themselves - from wood scraps or upcycled items from flea markets or scrap metal shops. So the sink is an old barrel, the clock is actually a guitar and the carousel for kitchen utensils an old wagon wheel..
On the farm there is much to discover for young adventurers. On demand there are also small crash courses in axe throwing, archery and geo-caching. So the farm is perfect for unusual short trips with children.
#3 Tree tents in the Black Forest
Jere comes a tip for true adventurers. We stay high up in the trees, but move into a tent. Unusual short trips with children require a bit of courage, but above all the desire to try something completely new. We spend the night in the Black Forest Camp Tree Tent.
A tree tent allows you to float between the trees and enjoy the nights at a height of up to three meters. The sleeping experience is something between a waterbed and a hammock. You look for luxury here in vain. It's more about adventure and maximum freedom;
The Black Forest Camp is located near the Schluchsee - in a quiet forest. Around invite many excursion destinations for even more action. Our highlight is the "House of nature", which interactively explains how humans and nature can live together in harmony. Children can make their Junior Ranger badge here. Or you can take part as a family in guided tours through the nature reserve;
If you want to book a tree tent for you and your kids, keep in mind that there is only room for two people. This means that you better book two tents and split up. Or you can book a family tipi in the Black Forest Camp. Even dogs are allowed there;
Extraordinary short trips with children: Vacation in a teepee
Speaking of teepees. Such a cone-shaped tent is of course also ideal for unusual short trips with children.
In Nature Camp "Old Meadow there are four teepees in which you have plenty of space. You just bring your own sleeping bags and mats and you have the very special camping feeling - including barbecue with self-brought soy sausages;
What excites us most about the camp is that it has direct access to the largest natural swimming pool in the Westerwald - the Forest swimming pool Thalhausermühle - has. In the untreated, natural water you can dive, frolic and float in an area of 16,000m². There is a giant slide, diving towers and even the option to do water climbing.
If you've had enough of the water and want to get even more involved with nature, you can book exciting courses for the whole family at the camp. Your kids will learn in a playful way what it means to appreciate nature and respect its resources.
You can also find more teepees for unusual short trips with children here:
Extraordinary short trips with children: Off to the organic farm
Feeding cows, petting calves, looking for freshly laid eggs. And understand how multifaceted and important our nature is. All this is possible during the short trip to an organic farm.
In the midst of breathtaking natural scenery, the Hörl family welcomes you to their Organic farm "Ebergut" welcome. Up to seven people can sleep here in the nature suites and enjoy a magnificent view over the Hochkönig region.
Since the hosts put family first as much as a sustainable lifestyle, a children's program in nature is provided. The little ones get to know animals, discover meadows and forests and learn where the milk comes from. This is generally the "meal motto" on the farm. At Ebengut, care is taken to ensure that all products are organic as well as regional. Or preferably even come from their own farm.
Even more organic farms for family vacations can be found here:
Unusual short trips with children: The somewhat different theme parks
There is a lot to experience in amusement parks. And all in one place, everything close together, without having to plan further. However, these parks are often commercial and less sustainable. That's why we went on the search and looked for areas for you that offer just as much action, but at the same time IMPACT. These are our favorites when it comes to exceptional overnight stays:
#1 The "Living Forest" in Saarland
Did you know that a primeval forest exists in the Saarland? In the mid-1990s, the "Living Forest" project was launched here. The goal: nature was given over 1,000 hectares to "reconquer". In all its splendor, with the most diverse plant and animal species and above all protected and safe.
Meanwhile, there is a great annual program with over 200 events, the NABU wilderness camp under the open sky and many guided tours that will take you on a Jungle Tour into the wilderness with you. So this is not just a theme park, but a whole leisure jungle for you and your children.
You can stay overnight for example in the Center Parcs at Lake Bostalwhere you have even more amusement park action. Or in the Saar Loop Lodges, which is certified as a "Sustainable Destination" and is absolutely family friendly.
#2 The Kunterbunthof
Sounds like the "Villa Kunterbunt", but is even cooler: The Kunterbunthof is an artists' farm where you can book unusual overnight stays. For example, you can here in a yurt stay overnight. Or pitch your own tent near the farmhouse. No matter which option you choose, your stay here will be an adventure in any case;
The owners - Andre and Jenni - spent 20 years traveling the world with backpacks and bicycles. Now they design their farm as sustainably as possible and combine many cultures with each other here. Often there are exciting events, there are always retreats, and sometimes you can help implement creative building projects.
Extraordinary short trips with children: Castles, boats, book scenery
Whether as a prince or princess, pirate or sailor, or as a hobbit - extraordinary short trips with children also always invite you to dive into a completely different world and feel like in a (fairy tale) book.
We tell you where this is sustainably possible:
#1 Spend the night in a castle
On the Ehrenburg in Brodenbach you can sleep like in the Middle Ages. Behind the mighty walls, pilgrims, trade travelers and now yourselves have been staying for 850 years.
In the rooms with historical flair you can stay for exceptional overnight stays for three and enjoy a rich knight's breakfast in the morning.
You want to travel as a foursome? Then you can book an even more unforgettable experience and sleep in one of the travel cars, which stand at the foot of the imposing castle scenery.
Children love the Ehrenburg especially for the many hands-on events. You can participate in pottery and archery; together you can take part in the castle explorations.
Here you will find 14 more castle overnights with children.
#2 Extraordinary overnight stays on a boat
Sailing into the sunset while being lulled to sleep - you can do that on one of the "Houseboats Lahn" experience. All houseboats of the rental act like a small holiday home on the water. They are comfortably furnished, offer two bedrooms with double beds, and - we are particularly pleased - were constructed as sustainably as possible.
The electricity for refrigerator and co. comes from the solar system on the roof. In addition, the materials used in the boats and the products used inside are largely biodegradable or recyclable. In the future, the combustion engines will even be replaced by electric motors.
With your floating accommodation you can comfortably sail down the Lahn. In the middle of a lot of nature, which you can also experience, you should moor once. Or you stay on the water and rent a canoe for an exciting tour;
#3 Extraordinary short trips with children to the Hobbit village
Even though "The Little Hobbit" was filmed in New Zealand, you can dive into the Shire with your family without leaving Germany. In the Thuringian Forest there is the "Vacation Village Shire" - with vacation apartments that look as if they have sprung from a movie set.
The extraordinary short trip with children becomes perfect as soon as you go to the summer toboggan run or the adventure playground. Both are part of the facility and can be used easily;
In addition, you have the Thuringian Forest right on your doorstep and can enjoy one of 38 great trip ideas implement.
Extraordinary short trips with children: With these tips it's cheaper
JEach trip is associated with certain costs. However, we want to help you keep them as low as possible. Our 5 tips will save your wallet (and incidentally also something the environment):
1. Take your own provisions: Take healthy snacks and your own meals in reusable cans for your unusual overnight stays. So you do not only rely on Zero-Wastebut also avoid eating out at restaurants - which as a family often results in a slightly longer bill.
2. book in time: Especially when there are vacations, unusual overnight stays are in demand. So find out in advance when your children do not have to go to school and book your accommodation in time. Often this is cheaper.
3. travel at off-peak times: Your children are not yet in school? Then you can also travel outside the vacation periods. The advantage: In the off-season, the prices are usually lower. By the way, this also applies to "during the week". The more flexible you are, the better you can search for the cheapest travel periods;
4. look for family deals: A few accommodations offer "Family Deals" on their websites. Sometimes children under two travel for free. And parks or attractions may offer discounts if you show your student ID. Find out beforehand what is possible;
5. travel by train: You save on your journey if you use your 49-euro ticket. Especially if you have it anyway and travel with children under 5 years. The drive namely free of charge. Already once we have you the most beautiful train routes with the Deutschlandticket reveal.
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