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Prison Golf: Rotterdam's latest entertainment hit

Bryan van Putten activities 14 March 2024

ROTTERDAM, 14 March 2024 – A novel entertainment experience, Prison Golf, has been launched in Rotterdam, offering a unique twist on traditional mini-golf.

Launch of the first Prison Golf in West-Netherlands

In a pioneering move, Rotterdam's Fun Village activity center has introduced the first Prison Golf in West-Netherlands, offering an adventurous and interactive take on mini-golf. This innovative concept incorporates various interactive elements, smoke, and sound effects, enhancing the traditional mini-golf experience with a fresh dimension.

Originating from the UK

Developed by Chris and Mike Knell of Escape Kent in the UK during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, Prison Golf is inspired by Prison Island, a real-life game set in a prison where participants solve codes, riddles, and undergo physical challenges to escape. Unlike Prison Island, which shares similarities with escape rooms, Prison Golf focuses more on an interactive form of mini-golf, ensuring an escape for participants.

Experience unique mini-golf at Rotterdam's Fun Village

Success and expansion

The concept has seen significant success in Kent, with Chris Knell reporting full bookings every weekend. The popularity of Prison Golf has surpassed that of traditional escape rooms, partly due to the use of the latest technologies that offer a varied experience with each play. The game, suitable for all ages, is now being introduced outside of England.

Bringing innovation to mini-golf

Dion Stuijt, entrepreneur and co-owner of Fun Village, believes that Prison Golf revitalizes the traditional mini-golf by incorporating interactive and adventurous techniques. Participants are immersed in the prison world, navigating through ten holes that represent different aspects of prison life, including transport, food, leisure activities, and the scent of freedom.

Experience unique mini-golf at Rotterdam's Fun Village

Experience unique mini-golf at Rotterdam's Fun Village

Directions to the venue

Fun Village is located at Akkeroord 10, Rotterdam. This area is accessible by public transportation and offers ample parking for visitors. The venue, known for a wide range of activities suitable for families, friend groups, and corporate teams, is a hub for entertainment including Prison Island Escape Team and Real Axe Throwing. Enjoy the experience at this vibrant location.

Christmas Markets in and around Rotterdam

Anne Soetens activities 17 December 2023

If the dim daylight, the early dark and the general wetness of the season threaten your mood, Christmas markets in and around Rotterdam will definitely lift your spirits. The bright lights, homemade goods and Christmassy smells will tease you into enjoying the time leading up to Christmas.

Christmas markets have always been a vibrant part of the festive season in Rotterdam and its surroundings, offering a diverse and joyful experience. Let's explore some of the most enchanting Christmas markets you can visit in the area.

Danish Christmas Market

Taking place from November 23 to 26, 2023, the Danish Christmas Market at the Dansk Sømandskirke (Danish Seamen's Church) in Rotterdam offers a true taste of Danish “hygge”. Expect traditional Danish food, drink, music, and design, immersing visitors in Scandinavian Christmas cheer.

Design Market Delfshaven

For design enthusiasts, the Design Market Delfshaven on November 26, 2023 is a must-visit. Featuring unique pieces from local Rotterdam designers and creators, this market held in their studios is a hub of inspiration and creativity, complete with delicious homemade Indonesian dishes.

Trompenburg Christmas Market

From 8 to 10 December 2023, the Trompenburg Gardens and Arboretum transform into a magical Christmas market. Amidst beautifully lit greenery, visitors can browse products from regional entrepreneurs, enjoy winter delights at the food trucks, and soak in the festive atmosphere on the terraces.

Kerstmarkt aan de Maas (OASE)

The sustainable Kerstmarkt aan de Maas at OASE on December 10, 2023 offers a mix of local, vintage, and handmade shops. It’s an opportunity to support local artisans and enjoy the cozy Christmas atmosphere, all for a nominal entry fee.

Winter Fair Ahoy

From 14 to 17 December 2023, the Winter Fair at Ahoy Rotterdam is a large indoor Christmas market. With over 200 exhibitors, you can shop for festive decorations, food, fashion, and more. The fair also offers daily performances, fashion shows, and workshops for all ages.

Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt Kerst Editie

The Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt on Noordplein hosts special Christmas editions on 9, 16, and 23 December 2023. It's a local market where you can find the finest local products in a festive setting.

Scandinavian Christmas Markets

Experience Scandinavian Christmas traditions at various churches in Rotterdam. The Norwegian Seamen's Church, Danish Seamen's Church, Finnish House, and Swedish Church host markets with their respective country’s specialities. These markets usually take place in November, offering an array of local snacks, handmade products, and traditional decorations.

Additional markets in the surrounding areas

A Dickens Christmas Fair Vlaardingen (December 9, 2023): A large Christmas market in the Van Hogendorpkwartier featuring many stalls and festive decorations.

WinterFeest Barendrecht (December 9, 2023): A festive celebration in Barendrecht with numerous activities for children, including a carousel and Christmas karaoke.

Warme Wintermarkt Gouda (December 10): Held at the creative hub GOUDasfalt, this market offers unique gifts, winter treats, and a gift exchange wall.

Kerstmarkt Maassluis (December 9-10): Find perfect Christmas gifts while enjoying winter delicacies and various performances.

Dordtse Decemberdagen: As part of the Christmas celebrations in the region, the Dordtse Decemberdagen in Dordrecht stand out with their unique blend of festive activities. A highlight of this event is the Decembermarkt, a cozy and intimate market held on 16th and 17th December 2023, in the Grotekerksbuurt. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the local charm of Dordrecht, browsing through a variety of Christmas items in a quaint setting. Adding to the festive cheer is the Winterplein, open from 26th to 30th December 2023. Located in the garden of the Grote Kerk, the Winterplein features enchanting wooden chalets, a nostalgic carousel, and musical entertainment, creating a magical atmosphere each evening. This spot is perfect for enjoying the holiday spirit with family and friends.

Christmas Market culture in Rotterdam

Generally speaking, Rotterdammers are not actually famous for their Christmas markets. It’s more the little communities within the communities that have brought them from their home countries and are not willing to give up their Christmas-market-tradition just because they have relocated. So, the ones in Rotterdam are often connected to churches. But if that makes you itch; nobody will say the slightest if you are an atheist and still turn up.

There are also the ones in Rotterdam's surrounding areas. These are held at castles, country houses and the like, but not without a bit of a hiccup: they often tend to charge hefty entrance fees and are mainly aimed at ladies above 50. There’s one close to Rotterdam that comes close to Christmas markets as known in other countries and is ideal for friends and families, but you’ll have to get out of the city.

New X-Cube escape room experience opens in Schiedam

Bryan van Putten activities 03 July 2023

ROTTERDAM, 3 July 2023 – The city of Schiedam, a stone's throw away from Rotterdam, welcomes a new form of entertainment today. The X-Cube, an interactive digital escape room experience, has opened its doors at the Pathé Schiedam cinema complex, following recent launches in Zwolle and Nijmegen.

A new entertainment experience in Schiedam

The X-Cube, an immersive escape room experience, is now available at Pathé Schiedam. This marks the third location for the X-Cube, following its recent introduction at Pathé Zwolle and Pathé Nijmegen. The X-Cube offers a unique blend of gaming and cinema, providing an engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.

The X-Cube is suitable for adults and children aged 9 and above. Games last between 30 to 60 minutes. Prices vary depending on the length of the chosen game, with rates starting from €9.50 per person for a 30-minute game.

Inside the X-Cube

The X-Cube rooms, measuring 4 by 4 meters, are equipped with advanced technology, including a large touchscreen, controllers, blacklight, light effects, and an impressive sound system. Visitors can choose from a variety of hour-long or half-hour experiences, presented by Dutch celebrities such as Katja Schuurman, Sterre Koning, and YouTuber Ronald Vledder.

X-Cube's expansion in the Netherlands

With 20 locations already operating successfully in the Netherlands and two in Belgium, the X-Cube continues to grow. The first two X-Cubes at Pathé Zwolle and Pathé Nijmegen, opened on 5 June and 26 June respectively, have been well-received by visitors.

Quotes from Pathé and X-Cube

Bram van den Broek, Director New Business at Pathé, expressed the company's commitment to innovation and providing a memorable outing for all generations. Gerben van Leeuwen, Co-Founder of X-Cube, expressed his pride in having Pathé as a location for the X-Cube and his anticipation for future X-Cube locations in cinemas.

Directions to Pathé Schiedam

How to get there

Pathé Schiedam is conveniently located and easily accessible for residents and visitors.

Spider City: new indoor climbing experience by Fun Forest

Bryan van Putten activities 28 April 2023

Discover Spider City, Fun Forest's innovative indoor climbing experience in Rotterdam, offering year-round adventure and employment opportunities for youths.

Benefits for health and society

Spider City, an indoor experience, aims to promote physical activity throughout the year. In 2022, a significant portion of the Dutch population failed to meet the recommended exercise guidelines, while physical activity provides numerous health benefits. Moreover, the indoor location enables Fun Forest to offer learning and employment opportunities for young people, even during the winter months when outdoor climbing forests are closed.

Equal opportunities for all

Spider City welcomes everyone to embark on an adventure and push their boundaries. However, not every child has the opportunity for such an experience. As a result, Fun Forest offers free impact climbing cards in collaboration with partners supporting disadvantaged children, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for those who might otherwise miss out.

Spider City: new indoor climbing experience by Fun Forest

A valuable addition to Rotterdam Zuid

Located at the site of the former waste processing facility near the Maastunnel in Rotterdam Zuid, Spider City is a part of Attractiepark Rotterdam, owned by entrepreneur Hennie van der Most. While the much-discussed amusement park is not yet officially open, Spider City attracts visitors to the area. In addition to the main Spider City experience, Fun Forest also opens two small indoor climbing courses on the second floor, suitable for all ages, with plans to expand further in the future.

Directions and location

Spider City is situated at the former waste processing facility near the Maastunnel in Rotterdam South. The area is accessible by public transport and offers ample parking facilities.

Experience virtual F1 racing at Rotterdam's Racesquare

Bryan van Putten activities 19 April 2023

Rotterdam's Hollywood Event Center is home to Racesquare, a virtual racing experience that offers Formula 1 fans an immersive and competitive racing environment with the latest simulator technology.

Racesquare Rotterdam: the pinnacle of virtual racing

The Hollywood Event Center boasts 60 F1 sims and four full motion F1 simulators, utilizing cutting-edge technology to provide racing enthusiasts with an engaging experience. The simulators incorporate 4D elements, such as smoke, light effects, and force feedback, further enhancing the racing environment. Additionally, racers can communicate with friends via on-board radios, setting Racesquare apart from traditional karting experiences.

Race on renowned circuits from around the globe

Racesquare's advanced simulators enable racers to test their skills on iconic race circuits worldwide. The realistic visuals, yellow flag situations, and crash warnings combine to create a truly authentic racing experience. Furthermore, headphones facilitate communication between racers, making it suitable for both large and small groups.

Upstairs bar & café area opposite Racesquare Rotterdam in the Hollywood Event Center

Hollywood Event Center: a hub for high-end leisure and hospitality

The Hollywood Event Center is situated near the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip in Rotterdam-Zuid, offering various activities for friends, families, and colleagues. Alongside the virtual racing experience, guests can enjoy mini-golf, escape rooms, and various bar games. Within Hollywood Event Center, you'll also find multiple bar areas and restaurants, making it easy to combine a fun night out with cocktails or even a full 'American' dining experience.

Visit Racesquare at Hollywood Event Center

To get there, follow the directions to the stadium. Once there, cross the street and Hollywood Event Center will be a stone's throw away. The area is bustling and vibrant, with plenty of nearby attractions such as restaurants and a film theatre.