Why more and more families are choosing small-scale vacation parks

Ask any parent what they long for most during a holiday, and the answer is rarely “a crowded subtropical water park” or “a line at the buffet.” In a world that’s always “on,” there’s a growing need for a place where the noise of everyday life finally fades into the background. We’re seeing a striking shift: families are increasingly trading in massive vacation resorts for small-scale properties surrounded by nature. Not because they want to do less, but because they want to feel more. The luxury of true silence, the freedom of a private garden with no prying eyes, and the time to truly listen to each other’s stories by a crackling fire—that’s where the memories are made that last longer than an afternoon at an arcade.

In our daily lives, we’re constantly surrounded by noise: notifications on our phones, heavy traffic, and packed schedules. At a small-scale park, that noise is replaced by the sounds of nature. The rustling of leaves, the wind through the trees, and, in the evening, a darkness where the stars are still clearly visible. For families, this silence means not only peace of mind for parents but also a place where children can truly unwind.

At large parks, nature is often framed by paved roads and rows of holiday homes, which means that as a parent, you have to be more alert to traffic or the hustle and bustle around you. Simple locations, on the other hand, offer a natural sense of security. Since there’s no through traffic and the cottage is often right next to the forest or heath, children regain their freedom of movement. They can safely explore the area around the cottage, collect branches, or build forts, while you watch with peace of mind from the patio. That unfiltered freedom is the best gift a child can receive.

In addition to stylish lodges, you’re seeing luxury safaritenten and glamping tents more and more often at small-scale locations. The big advantage of these tents at a small-scale site is their layout; whereas at large campgrounds you’re often packed “like sardines” on a crowded field, here these tents are scattered throughout the landscape. You have your own spot surrounded by nature with plenty of privacy, yet still enjoy the charm of camping. This is the ideal solution for families who want the experience of sleeping outdoors (the rustling of the tent fabric, the fresh morning air) but don’t want the hassle of setting up a tent and bringing all the necessary gear. With comfortable beds, your own kitchen, and often even a bathroom or private restroom, you can combine the ultimate outdoor experience with the convenience of a holiday home. It’s an adventure for the kids and wonderfully relaxing for the parents.

Another trend we’re seeing a lot at small-scale locations is the rise of the tiny house. For families, this is a unique experience: it forces you to get back to basics without sacrificing comfort. Because these homes are often cleverly designed with lots of glass, it feels as though nature is constantly stepping inside. It’s the ultimate way to teach children that you don’t need a lot of stuff to have a great time. Playing outside, cooking together in a compact kitchen, and sleeping snugly together—in a tiny house, it’s all about the essence of holidaying.

Without the distractions of massive arcades or entertainment teams, there’s room for what really matters: spending time with each other. A small-scale holiday almost forces us to slow down. Enjoying a leisurely breakfast together with a view of the forest, spending an afternoon hiking in a nearby nature reserve, or playing games by the fireplace for hours on end. You’ll return not only feeling refreshed but also more connected to your family.

Curious about what small-scale luxury looks like in practice? Through Vipio, you can discover and book a variety of special accommodations. Below, we’ve selected five favorites for you:

This detached holiday home is situated in a secluded spot surrounded by the natural beauty of Drenthe and offers plenty of peace and space. Because the lodge blends seamlessly into its surroundings, children have plenty of freedom to play outside and explore nature, while you enjoy privacy and comfort. Inside, the house is comfortably and practically furnished for families. There’s a spacious living room, an open kitchen with modern appliances, and plenty of room to eat and relax together. With four sleeping areas, including two box beds with bunk beds, this holiday home is ideal for children. The combination of a peaceful, intimate setting and extra luxuries like a private sauna and hot tub makes this a wonderful place for the whole family. Once the children are in bed after an active day outdoors, you as a parent can relax in peace and enjoy comfort and privacy.

This spacious safaritent is located on a welcoming farm in the Twente countryside and is ideal for families who want to combine luxury with the great outdoors. Here, children can play safely among the meadows and animals and actively participate in farm life, such as helping to feed the cows, caring for calves, and collecting eggs for breakfast. This makes the stay not only fun but also educational. The safaritent offers all the comforts of home, with a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom, and multiple sleeping areas that are practical for families. Outside, there’s a patio with seating and space to eat together or build a fire. While the kids are busy playing on the farmyard during the day, parents can enjoy the peace and quiet, the views, and the intimate, small-scale setting. A wonderful combination of simplicity, comfort, and space for the whole family.

This luxurious treehouse is located on a quiet estate in Drenthe and combines the adventure of sleeping high up in the trees with the comfort of a fully equipped holiday home. For children, sleeping in a treehouse is an experience in itself, while the surrounding area offers plenty of space to play and explore. There are play areas on the adjacent grounds, and everything is laid out in a clear and organized manner. The treehouse accommodates up to six people and is practically furnished for families. There are two bedrooms, an extra sleeper sofa, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower and toilet. Thanks to its location on the edge of the estate, you’ll enjoy plenty of privacy and unobstructed views of meadows and nature. The combination of a cozy atmosphere, comfort, and adventure makes this treehouse a special getaway for families looking to share a unique experience together.

This compact and original accommodation is located on a farmyard and offers a special combination of simplicity, comfort, and experience. Thanks to the transparent dome in the roof, you can gaze directly at the starry sky from your bed—a truly unique experience, especially for children. With the provided telescope and informational materials, stargazing becomes a shared activity. The tiny house is cleverly designed and offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a private bathroom and kitchen. For families with two children, there’s a sleeper sofa, making this stay ideal for a short family vacation. Its location on an organic farm makes the stay especially interesting for children. They’ll get to meet farm animals and have plenty of space to play outside.

This comfortable vacation home is located on a farm campground near Callantsoog, surrounded by tulip fields. For children, it’s a great place to play freely outdoors in the yard or on the bouncy castle, while you enjoy the open space, greenery, and unobstructed views. The beach is just two kilometers away, making it easy to combine nature and the sea. The home is spacious and practically furnished for families, with multiple bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy living room. Outside, you’ll find a private garden with seating areas and a barbecue. You’ll find extra relaxation in the hot tub, which is perfect at the end of the day once the kids are in bed. The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for outings, such as biking along historical routes, days at the beach, and hikes through nature reserves. This accommodation combines the outdoor lifestyle of a farm campground with the comfort of a modern holiday home, making it a wonderful base for a relaxing family vacation.

Ready to seek out some peace and quiet? Choosing a small-scale stay means choosing personal attention, space, and comfort for the whole family. On our website, you’ll find many more unique accommodations where nature, relaxation, and quality take center stage—carefully selected and easy to book through Vipio.

Do you value peace, space, and a personal touch? As the owner of a unique, small-scale property, you can list your accommodation on Vipio for families and travelers who actively seek quality and character. This way, you’ll reach an audience that values unique locations free from mass tourism, and you’ll give your accommodation the visibility it deserves. Contact our team at [email protected] to learn more about the benefits of renting through Vipio. You can also visit our information page for a comprehensive overview of everything involved in offering unique accommodations to owners.