Borrow, Play, Return: How the Speel-o-theek Keeps Outdoor Fun Rolling All Year

Looking for an easy way to add fresh, screen-free fun to your holiday—without packing a car full of gear? Meet the Speel-o-theek, Het Lorkenbos’s on-park game library. You can borrow a box of outdoor games for a two-hour session, take it straight to your pitch, and enjoy simple, shared play in the middle of the Veluwe. Best of all, the Speel-o-theek rolls on all year, so your family tradition can, too.

In this guide you’ll learn what the Speel-o-theek is, which games you can borrow, exactly how to use it, and how to host a low-key tournament right on your pitch. You’ll also find practical etiquette and ways to pair the Speel-o-theek with other facilities—like our playgrounds, free-to-borrow skelters and seasonal pools—for effortless, kid-approved days.

What is the Speel-o-theek?

The Speel-o-theek is a dedicated lending cabinet on the park where guests can borrow a box of games for two hours. The focus is on outdoor, easy-to-learn activities that get everyone moving and laughing together.

Popular options include:

• Badminton
• Knotshockey
• Jeu de boules
• Reuzendomino (giant domino)
• Bowling
• Blikgooien (tin-can toss)
• Kubb

You simply take a box with you to your pitch (including year or seasonal pitches) and start playing. Balls for team sports are now included as well, so you can quickly set up simple passing or mini-match activities without bringing your own. And because the Speel-o-theek is available throughout the year, it’s just as handy on crisp autumn afternoons as it is on sunny summer days.

How to use the Speel-o-theek in three simple steps

1) Borrow

• Choose a game set from the Speel-o-theek cabinet.
• Note the two-hour borrowing window so everyone gets a fair turn.

2) Play

• Carry the box back to your pitch and set up on flat ground.
• Keep rules simple so all ages can join in.
• Mix teams and rotate roles so everyone gets a chance to serve, throw or aim.

3) Return

• Pack all pieces back into the box.
• Return on time so the next family can play.

Pro tip: If you’re planning a family activity day, sequence a few short games back-to-back. It keeps energy high and minimizes waiting time.

Popular outdoor games you can borrow (and how to play them)

Below are quick, high-level overviews to help you get started fast. Keep the rules friendly and flexible—fun first!

Kubb

• Aim: Knock over your opponent’s wooden blocks (kubbs) by tossing batons underhand.
• Why it’s great: Combines tossing accuracy with teamwork and is easy to scale for space and time.

Badminton

• Aim: Rally the shuttlecock back and forth over a net (or imagined center line) without letting it hit the ground on your side.
• Why it’s great: Light cardio, quick to learn and perfect for pairs.

Jeu de boules

• Aim: Roll or toss boules to land closest to the small target ball (cochonnet/jack).
• Why it’s great: Calm, tactical, and ideal for mixed ages.

Reuzendomino (giant domino)

• Aim: Match tiles by number to build long chains.
• Why it’s great: Oversized pieces make it tactile and playful for kids.

Blikgooien (tin-can toss)

• Aim: Throw and topple stacked tins in as few attempts as possible.
• Why it’s great: Pure carnival-style joy; track scores to add friendly competition.

Bowling

• Aim: Roll to knock down as many pins as possible.
• Why it’s great: Immediate, satisfying, and easy to set up on level ground.

Knotshockey

• Aim: A hockey-style team game played on grass with simplified rules.
• Why it’s great: Encourages teamwork, movement and quick rotations so everyone stays involved.

Team sport balls

• Use balls from the Speel-o-theek to invent short, inclusive games: passing circles, keep-up challenges or mini relay runs.

Plan a low-key pitch-side tournament

A mini tournament turns an afternoon into a memory. Here’s a simple formula that works for groups of all sizes.

1) Pick 3–4 short games

• Combine accuracy (blikgooien), movement (badminton), and strategy (kubb or jeu de boules).
• Keep each round to 5–10 minutes to maintain momentum.

2) Create micro-matches

• Pairs or trios per team work well.
• Rotate roles between rounds so everyone serves, throws or calls the strategy.

3) Keep scoring simple

• Win = 2 points, draw = 1 point, loss = 0.
• Highest total after all rounds wins; ties resolved with a quick playoff toss or rally.

4) Make it inclusive

• Let younger players go first or stand a step closer.
• Mix ages on teams to balance experience and strength.

5) Mind space and safety

• Choose flat areas at your pitch.
• Keep walkways clear and agree on safe zones around throwers.
• Follow park guidelines, including keeping dogs leashed on the grounds.

6) Celebrate the moments

• Snap a team photo at the end.
• Crown a lighthearted title—"Kubb Captains" or "Blikgooien Aces"—and do a victory lap with the skelters later on.

Year-round fun: pair the Speel-o-theek with park facilities

The Speel-o-theek shines all year. Combine it with these facilities to build an easy, balanced day outside.

• Three playgrounds: Children can explore slides, sandboxes with toys, climbing frames, merry-go-rounds, seesaws, balance beams, a volleyball net, a cableway (zip-line), and small fields to kick a ball.
• Free-to-borrow skelters: Perfect for a post-tournament cruise around the park.
• Two heated outdoor swimming pools: Typically open from June through August depending on the weather—ideal for cooling down after a busy play session.
• Guided nature experiences: Join a guided walk with a certified nature guide, or opt for the indoor nature-adventure session when the weather turns.
• Camping choices for every season: From grass pitches and dedicated camper places to winter camping and seasonal pitches, you can tailor your stay to your style of outdoor time.

Related reads you might enjoy next:

• Recreation Programme: See what the recreation team organises during Easter, Ascension, Whitsun, the May school holiday and the summer holiday.
• Camping on grass and Camper places: Find your perfect pitch.
• Winter camping: Experience the Veluwe’s quiet season up close.
• Guided walk with the nature guide and Indoor nature adventure: Discover more ways to explore.

Speel-o-theek: quick answers

• How long can I borrow games? Up to two hours per session.
• Is the Speel-o-theek available all year? Yes, you can use it throughout the year.
• Where do we play? Take the game box to your pitch and play together there.
• What kinds of games are available? Mainly outdoor games such as badminton, knotshockey, jeu de boules, reuzendomino, bowling, blikgooien and Kubb. Balls for team sports are also available.

Good-to-know etiquette and safety

• Return on time: Respect the two-hour window so others can enjoy the games.
• Pack completely: Count pieces back into the box before returning.
• Play considerately: The park focuses on peace, space and personal attention—keep noise and footprint low.
• Barbecues and fires: Gas barbecues may be used safely; charcoal barbecues, open fires and fire pits are not permitted.
• Dogs: Keep dogs leashed on park grounds and in surrounding nature areas to protect local wildlife and habitats.

Conclusion: Ready to play?

The Speel-o-theek makes it effortless to turn any day at Het Lorkenbos into an outdoor play day—borrow, play at your pitch, and return. From Kubb to giant domino and badminton, you’ll find simple, joyful games that fit every age and every season.

Call to action:

• Planning your stay? Use the “Zoek & Boek uw vakantie” function to choose your dates and accommodation.
• Already on the park? Pick up a Speel-o-theek box and start your two-hour game session today.
• Want more activity ideas? Check the Recreation Programme on our website, join a guided nature walk, or ask reception for walking and cycling tips.

If you prefer to book or ask a question by phone, call reception at +31 318 591 567. We’ll be happy to help you plan a day that keeps the fun rolling all year.