Imagine waking up with the whole family or friends overlooking a moat, the forest, or the Wadden Sea. Or stay in your own tiny Wikkelhouse with a view of nature and forget everything around you for a while. At Stayokay, it's all possible. These sustainable hostels (established for 96 years!) are anything but standard: from sleeping in a former monastery to an iconic waterfront building, each location has its own story and charm. And don't just think of dormitories. They also offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, perfect for an affordable family weekend getaway!

© Your Little Black Book
I recently stayed in one of the cozy Wikkelhouses at Stayokay Apeldoorn. Basic, but so comfortable. In this new list, I'm sharing this and a few others. special Stayokay locations With you. Have fun planning a night out (with the whole family)!
After a few busy weeks, a weekend getaway to this lovely forest cottage was just what we needed. Are you looking for a unique place surrounded by nature where you can truly disconnect with the family? Wikkelhouses at Stayokay Apeldoorn are perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, sustainable accommodations, and the cozy feeling of sleeping in a tiny house. The Wikkelhouses are made of recycled cardboard and wood and are located in the woods on the grounds of Stayokay Apeldoorn.
The atmosphere is cozy and back to nature, but with all the comforts. If you're like me and love tiny houses, you've probably seen a few inside and know that they're not all cleverly designed. I mean, I've never seen a three-year-old sleep alone in such an awkward loft. But believe me: with sleeping accommodations for four, the Stayokay Wikkelhouses are perfect! They're cleverly designed with a kitchenette, a great shower and separate toilet, comfortable beds with Auping mattresses, and a large glass wall so you literally wake up with a view of the trees. There's room for four people, so perfect for a family with children. In the morning, you can have breakfast at the picnic table with the sound of birdsong in the background. You can order a picnic basket with a delicious breakfast and pick it up in the main building the next morning. Afterward, head into the woods for a walk or a bike ride through the Veluwe. If the kids love amusement parks, the Apenheul Primate Park and Julianatoren are just around the corner. Also fun: the Museonder and Kröller-Müller Museums in the Hoge Veluwe National Park.

© Your Little Black Book
Stayokay Domburg: sleep in a castle in the middle of the forest
Loyal readers of Your Little Black Book have probably heard that I was born in Walcheren. The castle and the site where Stayokay Domburg is now located is the place where I went for a Sunday walk with my parents as a child. Looking for an original place to go on an adventure with the family? Stayokay Domburg Then add it to your list. This unique hostel is located in the fairytale-like Westhove Castle, complete with turrets, a moat, and a drawbridge. That alone makes it an unforgettable stay for children! I promised my son we'd stay here sometime, so note to self: I'll see if there's still room in one of the private rooms this summer.
We've had a drink here on the terrace before when I went for a walk with my son near Westhove, and the atmosphere is so relaxed and friendly. There's also plenty of space to play, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. From the castle, you can walk straight into the woods for a hut-building session or a scavenger hunt in search of beautiful natural finds. You can also walk straight through the dunes to the beach at Oostkapelle! It's just a ten-minute walk away and, weather permitting, wind or rain, a wonderful place to look for shells, soak up the sun, or simply unwind.
In the morning, you can easily tuck in for breakfast, and afterward, it's fun to visit the adjacent Terra Maris Museum (free with a Museum Card). Stayokay Domburg is the kind of place where children can run around freely and parents can finally finish that book. Peace, nature, and a touch of magic! I'm already looking forward to going there myself.

© Stayokay Domburg
Did you know that there are several Stayokay locations in Amsterdam? This includes Amsterdam East, the neighborhood where I've lived for almost twenty years. If you're planning a weekend trip to Amsterdam with the kids, I can tell you this is a great neighborhood to stay in. In Amsterdam East, you'll find Stayokay in an old school building!
From this location, you can easily walk to Artis Zoo. The lovely Flevopark, with its large playground, is also nearby. You can also rent boats on Mauritskade, and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes nearby. For example, Badhuis, which also has a children's menu, and the cozy Le French Café, which I regularly visit with my own son. It's also good to know that at Stayokay Amsterdam Oost, you can also get food and drinks at The 5th (on the ground floor with a sunny terrace!). The private rooms with ensuite bathrooms are nice and spacious. Perfect for a family!

Stayokay Amsterdam East © TacoVanDerWerf
Fancy a family weekend in the middle of nature, but still close to the city? Stayokay Dordrecht Stay in a cozy and modern hostel on the edge of De Biesbosch National Park. This is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands, and there's so much to discover, especially with kids. They also have Wikkelhouses here, like the one I stayed in in Apeldoorn, so if you're looking for a little more privacy, these cottages surrounded by greenery are highly recommended. In the morning, after a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, you'll be surrounded by nature. Fancy a boat trip, a canoe ride, or a stand-up paddleboard (if the weather's nice)? Who knows, you might even spot an otter along the way!
Besides the Wikkelhouses, Stayokay Dordrecht also offers colorful family rooms with private bathrooms and plenty of space for everyone. For families (or a group of friends), there are comfortable four-person rooms! In the main building, you can enjoy a drink on the terrace or grab a bite to eat in the evening if you don't feel like going out with the kids anymore.

© Stayokay Dordrecht
The location of Stayokay Gorssel is so fun and special! Here, you'll be staying in a Scandinavian hunting lodge, and it feels like you've discovered a hidden, family-friendly gem in the Achterhoek region. Think: wooden beams, high ceilings, a warm atmosphere, and even a fireplace. It looks so inviting! Whether you choose a family room in the main building or one of the sustainable Wikkelhouses in the garden, you can completely unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
This location is ideal for families who love nature, peace and quiet and something a little different.
While you relax on the large garden terrace, the kids can have a blast playing. And if you'd like to swap nature for an afternoon in a charming city, Zutphen and Deventer are just around the corner!
Discover the Scandinavian hunting lodge

Stayokay Gorssel © TacoVanDerWerf
When selecting this shortlist of special Stayokay locations throughout the Netherlands, Stayokay Terschelling Don't miss it! Here you'll stay on top of a dune with a panoramic 5-star view of the sea. A wonderful spot for families who want to stay by the sea and love their feet in the sand. As soon as you smell the salty sea air, you'll forget everything and be in holiday mode, full of quality time.
Stayokay Terschelling is perfect for a family weekend or even a longer summer holiday. Here too, the spacious, bright family rooms have a private bathroom. Many even offer a view of the sea or the harbor! You can be on the beach or in the dunes in just a few minutes. Can you picture yourself flying kites with the kids, building sandcastles, cycling through the dunes, or even spotting seals on a boat trip? And if the weather's not so great, you can play a game in the lounge. The restaurant serves authentic dishes, and there's a terrace where you can enjoy the sunset with a local beer or apple juice.
Discover Stayokay Terschelling

© Stayokay Terschelling
Do you already know where you're going for your next weekend getaway with the kids? I'd love to hear what your favorite is from this list!
With love,
Anne

© Stayokay Domburg
In collaboration with Stayokay