You’ve had a full day in the park: rides, shows, snacks, and a lot of walking. And then… evening arrives. If you’re staying at Efteling (or nearby), your day doesn’t have to end when the park gates do. Below are our favorite evening ideas—ranging from “do something special” to “do absolutely nothing and love it.”

1 Book CARO (extra ticketed theatre show)

If you want one evening activity that feels like a full experience, make it CARO.

CARO is Efteling’s ticketed theatre show: a big, polished production that’s perfect for a “this is our special night” moment especially if you’re doing a longer stay. It’s also a great option when you want something magical without more walking through the park.

Tip: If you can, book tickets early—especially around weekends and school holidays.

2 Go for a calm evening swim (Bosrijk or the Grand Hotel)

Nothing resets your feet faster than water.

• Staying at Bosrijk? Swimming is an easy, low-effort evening plan.

• Staying at the Grand Hotel? Same story: unwind, float, and let your park day melt off.

It’s relaxing, it’s family-friendly, and it helps you feel “ready again” for the next park day. If you stay at the Wonder Hotel you can use the pool at Bosrijk but be mindful it is a 40 min walk back to the hotel when the Efteling park is closed.

3 Watch an evening show where you’re staying

One of the best things about staying on property: evening entertainment is often close by (and doesn’t require an epic trek).

Look out for:

• The Sandman show at Bosrijk

• Juke Verreweg at the Wonder Hotel

• The Princes show at the Wonder Hotel

These are ideal if you want that Efteling atmosphere… but in a more relaxed “end of the day” vibe.

4 Visit a nearby town for a totally different vibe (hello, Tilburg)

Sometimes the best evening plan is leaving the bubble for a bit—especially if you’ve been in “theme park mode” all day.

Tilburg is a great nearby option for:

• A movie night

• A cozy bar or casual drinks

• A simple dinner where nobody is rushing to the next attraction

Think of it as: unwind like a local, then come back ready for another Efteling day.

Traveling to Efteling from abroad?

Efteling hotels and holiday parks can sell out fast, especially weekends and school holidays. If you want the best options, start here:

• Check Efteling stays & packages

• Compare nearby hotels

• Get tickets (if you’re not staying on-site)

Some links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, thank you for supporting Dutch Theme Park Network.

5 Do the ultimate “we walked 20,000 steps” evening: pizza + TV

This one is underrated but it should not be because it is good.

If you’re staying at Loonsche Land or Bosrijk:

• Order a pizza

• Put your feet up

• Watch television and just… recover

And here’s a surprisingly helpful detail: Dutch TV often has Dutch subtitles, which makes it easier to follow along if you speak English. It’s a cozy, low-energy way to end a big day.

6 Take a slow evening stroll and relive the day

Not every evening needs a plan. Sometimes a gentle walk, a warm drink, and a little recap (“what was your favorite moment today?”) is all you need.

It’s also a great way to shift from adrenaline to calm especially if you’re visiting for multiple days.

7 Make tomorrow easier (your future self will thank you)

This isn’t the most exciting option, but it’s one of the smartest:

• Lay out clothes for tomorrow

• Charge your phone/powerbank/camera

• Check park hours for the next day

• Decide your “first ride” plan

It takes 10 minutes and can make your next morning feel so much smoother.

Your turn 👇

What’s your favorite thing to do in the evening when you stay at Efteling?

Do you go for shows, a swim, a town visit, or a full-on “pizza and recovery” night? Leave your ideas in the comments—let’s inspire each other with the best Efteling evening routines.