Landal Park Eksel with kids: small scale, freedom and outdoor play

Landal Park Eksel sits just across the Belgian border, tucked away in a quiet, green setting. It is one of those parks that doesn't try to impress with size or spectacle, but instead quietly proves its value through simplicity and scale.

For families coming from the Netherlands, it feels like a gentle transition into holiday mode. You are away, but not far. That closeness makes it an easy place to start a longer journey, or simply to slow down without committing to a big destination.
 

A park where children move freely

What stood out immediately was how manageable the park is. Landal Park Eksel is small, and that turns out to be its biggest strength.

Children can move around independently without the park feeling overwhelming. With scooters and skates, they quickly find their rhythm, looping around paths, stopping at the playground, and making friends along the way. Because everything is close together, it feels natural rather than controlled.

For younger children, this kind of environment works very well. For slightly older ones, the freedom to do small things independently, like going to the playground or visiting the shop on their own, adds a sense of confidence that larger parks often dilute.

 

Autofree in theory, less so in practice

Technically, Landal Park Eksel is a car-free park. In reality, that concept feels less strict. There is no barrier or active supervision, which means cars regularly drive onto the park to unload groceries or drop people off.

While understandable, it does take away from the sense of safety, especially with younger children moving around freely. It's something to be aware of, and it requires a bit more alertness than you might expect from an officially car-free park.
 

Simple accommodation, easy living

The accommodation fits the park's character. Practical, comfortable and uncomplicated. Not luxurious, but absolutely sufficient for a relaxed stay.

After unpacking, life settled into a familiar rhythm almost immediately. Meals together, children disappearing outside to play, adults staying close without constantly supervising. It felt less like a holiday park and more like a temporary neighbourhood.

One thing we noticed is that dogs are welcome in a large number of accommodations. We don't have a dog ourselves, but it was clear that many guests did. For our children, that was an unexpected bonus. There was a lot of excitement about spotting dogs around the park, which added to the friendly, lived-in atmosphere.

The brasserie deserves a mention. The food surprised us in a positive way, and the staff were genuinely welcoming. It added to the feeling that this is a place run with care rather than efficiency.

Mostly outdoors, and that matters

Landal Park Eksel is very much an outdoor park. Playgrounds, water play and open space define the experience. As long as the weather cooperates, there is plenty for children to do without relying on organised activities.

That also means the park works best in good weather. Indoor options are limited, and during long stretches of rain, you would likely need to look beyond the park itself for entertainment. Knowing that upfront helps set the right expectations.

One small thing worth mentioning is the nearby military base. During the day, you occasionally hear fighter jets flying overhead. We did not experience any disruption or disturbance, but it is noticeable at times and something to be aware of if you are sensitive to noise.

Adding variety nearby

One of the advantages of Park Eksel is its location. It sits close enough to other family-friendly destinations to add variety without long drives.

A nearby example is Center Parcs De Vossemeren, which offers a very different experience. Larger, busier and more facility-focused. Visiting for a day added excitement, while returning to the calm of Park Eksel afterwards felt grounding.

We also stayed at Landal Mooi Zutendaal, another Belgian Landal park in the same region, offering more space and a slightly different character but the same emphasis on outdoor living and calm.

Does Landal Park Eksel work for families?

Yes, as long as you know what you are choosing.

Landal Park Eksel suits families who value freedom, outdoor play and a calm setting over extensive facilities. It works well for children who enjoy moving around independently and parents who appreciate a slower, everyday holiday rhythm.

It is not a park for constant entertainment, but for space, simplicity and letting children just be children. For us, that made it a surprisingly strong and comfortable place to begin a longer journey.
 

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