Let’s be honest, the weather in the Netherlands hardly ever reaches tropical temperatures (ok, ok, apart from the freak summer of 2018). So, how can you still enjoy tropical waters when the temperature outside is nowhere near warm? Easy, venture to one of the many tropical swimming pools in the Netherlands. What are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!

1. Tropiqua – Veendam

Get ready to relax in the exotic paradise that is Tropiqua in Veendam! The 32C water beckons whilst the decorative palm trees scream tropics. Plus, there is something for everyone, as Tropiqua is home to two slides (one of which is 60 metres long) a white-water creek, Jacuzzis and much more.

Visiting won’t cost an arm or a leg either, with entrance tickets in the week costing just 5,40 euros and 5,95 at the weekend. The tropical pool is open during the week from 10am until 9.30pm and on Saturday from 10am until 5pm. On Sunday, the pool opens slightly earlier, from 9am until 5pm.

The pool even has disco swimming events! Check out their calendar (in Dutch) to see what’s coming up, as Tropiqua offers a range of special events throughout the year!

2. Sportiom – Den Bosch   

Head on down to Sportiom in Den Bosch for a day full of fun. At the tropical pool paradise that is AquaFun, you’ll be whooshing down the slides in no time. AquaFun has two mega slides, one of which has lighting effects, making it seem as though you are going even faster! You know where you can find us….

This is, of course, not all AquaFun has to offer, as you’ll also find a wave pool at the foot of a “fire-spewing” volcano and, at the summit, a white water river ride. Climb atop a rubber dingy and let the turbulent waters carry you through the caves of the tropical paradise. Need a moment to relax after all that running around? Take a bit of time for yourself and visit the herbal bath, Jacuzzi or steam room.

AquaFun has so much more to offer, so you most definitely won’t get bored. The pool opens during the weekend from 10am until 5.30pm. Opening times during the week vary, so it’s best to check the website (in Dutch) before you plan your visit. Tickets will cost you less online, so it’s a good idea to book beforehand.

3. ‘t Kikkerfort – Breukelen   

If rapids, a whirlpool and a waterfall are your thing, you won’t be disappointed by a trip to ‘t Kikkerfort in Breukelen! The recreational pool also features a bubble bath, Jacuzzi, plunge pool and a 52-metre long slide with special effects. Sounds good to us!

But that’s not all, if you happen to go on a Friday, your trip may be extra special, as the pool offers disco swimming once a month on Fridays. To see when you can go disco swimming, take a look at the pool’s list of dates. The other Fridays in the month are no less special, as pool toys will then be placed in the competition pool.

You’ll be surprised at how little tickets cost too. At only 5,40 per entry ticket, you won’t break the bank with this day out. The recreational pool is open from 9am until 4pm during the weekend and times during the week vary. Take a look at the opening times on their website (in Dutch) to decide when you would like to go.

4. Tiki Pool – Duinrell – Wassenaar    

Slides, slides and more slides are exactly what you’ll find at Tiki Pool in the holiday park Duinrell. Tiki Pool has 21 slides to be exact, making it the largest indoor waterslide paradise in the Benelux area! Each slide is unique, ensuring you’ll have hours of fun discovering them all.

This summer, Tiki Pool will also undergo an expansion, creating a heated outdoor pool with two new slides and a water playground. At Duinrell, the Tiki Pool is open all year round, though times may change, so check the website.

Tickets start from 17,95 and prices vary per day. If you book online, you can save a few pennies, as discounts are offered (up to 15 percent!).

5. Center Parcs – Heijderbos

Journey to Center Parcs in Heijderbos for a truly magical experience. One of the main attractions of this particular Center Parcs is the Coral pool in the Aqua Mundo. Here you can go snorkelling and spot all kinds of tropical fish. You’ll be swimming with the fishes in no time, but in a good way.

Of course, that’s not all. The Aqua Mundo also features white water rapids, the quickest in all of the Center Parcs parks, a wave pool, slide and Jacuzzi. Thus, there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy the water.

The Aqua Mundo is open from 10.30am until 9pm all week. In January, opening hours may be shorter, so check the website (in Dutch) for times before you set off on your tropical swimming adventure. Entry prices can vary, but the cheapest option for adults is an evening entry pass from 4.30pm until 9pm during the week; this comes in at 13,50 euros. Take a look at the other prices and reserve your ticket online before your visit.

Ready to dive into paradise?

The Netherlands has plenty of awesome tropical swimming pools, who would've thought it? What's more, they are simply perfect for warming up during these cold winter days. So, which one will you be trying?