Are you planning your first trip to Center Parcs? Whether you’re a Center Parcs newbie, or it’s been a while since your last trip, here are my top tips for Center Parcs first timers (including some things WE didn’t think of first time round!)
Before you go
- Download the Center Parcs app (link to download on Center Parcs website) for quick access to handy info (use it to find your lodge, book activities, etc.)
- Think about any “must-do” activities or restaurants for your family, and if there’s anything you’d be genuinely disappointed to miss, make sure you book before they sell out!
- Don’t overbook yourself – stick to a few key things you’re desperate to do, but realistically you’ll want to spend more time chilling, or in the pool – without the pressure to be somewhere and watching the clock.
- If you’re going with other people, have a quick chat about what their “must-dos” are, AND what they want to do about meals… will you take turns cooking, or will you eat out together every day?
Read More: Our top ten meal-planning strategies for Center Parcs
Packing
- Try not to stress about packing TOO much! At the end of the day, there are shops on-site, there’s guest services to help out, and you can always leave the site if you need anything else.
- Take at least one spare pair of shoes – in case you get blisters, in case you get wet, etc… no-one wants to be stuck with wet, cold, sore feet!
- Take snacks. Even if you’re planning on buying everything there, or eating out, you’ll always be glad of a snack or two!
- Label your kids’ pool toys and floats before you go! It’s impossible to keep an eye on your things all the time, and kids will often have similar life jackets or pool noodles so labelling makes it easier to keep track.
- If you don’t know where to start, take a look through our Ultimate Center Parcs Packing List and Bare Essentials Packing List for some great ideas of what you might need.
Read more: 6 Surprising items I’d pack again for Center Parcs
Read more: Do you need to take toilet roll to Center Parcs?
When you arrive
- Keep your booking reference number ready when you’re about to check in (you can write it down, but it should also be on the home screen of your Center Parcs app)
- There might be long queues to get into the site, if you arrive at a peak time – so be prepped with snacks and patience! The line usually moves quickly though and the check-in staff are lovely, so you’ll soon be on your way.
- Make a note of where you’ve parked! Take a photo, screenshot your map, write it down… it might sound silly but you probably won’t remember in 4 days’ time when you come to leave!
Read more: 5 Tips for a stress-free arrival day at Center Parcs
Want more help planning?
Take a look at our Center Parcs Planner, now available on Amazon! I designed it for our own family to use, but it’s been getting loads of love from other families too, who have loved it for planning their own trips and documenting their memories to remember once they’re home. Sometimes planning a trip is almost the most exciting part!
Amazon link*: Center Parcs Planner & Memory Journal
Read more: Our Center Parcs Planner – now available on Amazon!