Maarssenbroek combines nature with insights into the history of the polder. Wijkpark Maarssenbroek offers a setting for exercise and observing nature; the “Maarssenbroek Vroeger en Nu” route explores the polder’s past and present through old photographs and maps. For orientation, it is worth paying close attention to the park names: Kinderboerderij Otterspoor is located in Wijkpark Reigerskamp in Maarssenbroek.

Exercise and wildlife in Wijkpark

The Ontdek- en beweegroute in Wijkpark Maarssenbroek combines an educational family scavenger hunt with exercise. Along the route, there are 13 wooden animal figures and four other points of interest. The figures represent animals that actually live in the park. At each information board, you can do exercises at three difficulty levels: easy, moderate or hard. This route therefore focuses on both the animal figures and the exercises; the different levels refer to the exercises at the boards.

The park’s landscape is also a distinctive part of the local scenery. Wijkpark Maarssenbroek is a three-kilometre-wide landscape park, created as a buffer between the residential neighbourhoods of Maarssenbroek and the A2 motorway. More than 50 nesting boxes for birds, insects, pine martens and bats have been installed in the park. Nature lovers can therefore find both an exercise-oriented route and a landscape where the nesting boxes cater to different groups of animals.

Habitats and learning activities in the MEC-Tuin

The MEC-Tuin has a different focus: it is a 0.1-hectare educational garden where individual visitors can also learn and explore. Its habitats and landscape features include a vegetable and herb garden, a stinzen plant garden, deciduous woodland, a bird woodland, a butterfly garden and a pond. The mix ranges from garden areas and woodland themes to water and butterflies. The garden also has a play meadow and a Struintuin.

For planning, you can use these different themes as a guide: the route in Wijkpark Maarssenbroek combines animal figures and exercises, while the MEC-Tuin brings together a variety of habitats and landscape features in an educational garden.

Explore the polder’s history on a dedicated route

The “Maarssenbroek Vroeger en Nu” route uses eleven information boards featuring old photographs or maps to explain the polder’s past and present. Its theme differs from that of the exercise route: this route focuses on historical depictions, while the other features animal figures and exercises. The route was last checked on 24 September 2024. If you are planning to follow it, it is advisable to check the latest route information beforehand.

Activities on a regular weekday

MEC Maarssen offers adventurous children’s birthday parties and an open activity every Wednesday afternoon. As the schedule may change, check the current date if you are planning to take part. This makes Wednesday afternoon a useful point of reference without assuming a specific date.

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