Center Parcs Packing List (inc Printable Checklist)

As exciting as a trip to Center Parcs might be, the thought of packing can be overwhelming. While Center Parcs has a variety of shops selling groceries, swimwear, toys, and more, the prices are as expensive as you might expect.

As such, you can save a lot of money at Center Parcs by bringing everything you might need during your visit. However, if, like me, you travel to Center Parcs with kids, that’s a lot of stuff!

To simplify packing for Center Parcs, I’ve divided this list into different sections. I’ve also got a free printable Center Packs packing list available below.

Hand Luggage

You can arrive at the Center Parcs village from 10am on the day of check-in. However, you can only access your Center Parcs lodge at 4pm (or 2pm with paid early arrival).

If you want to spend the day at Center Parcs before accessing your Center Parcs lodge, you’ll want to pack some essentials. This way, you can leave your larger bags in the car until it’s time to drive to the lodge.

Here is what I include in our Center Parcs day bag:

• Center Parcs booking information
• Mobile Phone
• Mobile Phone Charger
• Purse / Wallet / Money
• Small First Aid Kit
• Wipes

I currently visit Center Parcs with a toddler, so my Center Parcs hand luggage also includes the following:

• Nappies
• Snacks
• Toy Cars
• Spare Clothes
• Tissues
• Calpol & syringe

If you’re visiting Center Parcs in the summer, then you may also want to pack:

• Suncream
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses

If you plan to go swimming at the Subtropical Paradise before accessing your lodge, then you will also want to pack:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Goggles
• Waterproof bag / carrier bag

Clothing

Center Parcs guests typically wear casual clothing both during the day and evening. However, you may still want to bring several outfit changes daily depending on your Center Parcs activities.

When deciding what clothing to bring to Center Parcs, consider the time of year. You’ll want to pack shorts and a light jacket for summer trips to Center Parcs. However, you’ll need a coat, umbrella, and hat for winter trips to Center Parcs.

Here are the essential clothing items you’ll need for Center Parcs:

• Underwear
• Socks
• T-Shirts
• Trousers
• Change of shoes
• Light jacket
• Pyjamas

If you’re visiting Center Parcs in winter, you will also want to bring:

• Thicker jacket
• Hat
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Raincoat

If you plan on doing a lot of forest walking at Center Parcs, bring a solid pair of walking boots, especially if you’re visiting Center Parcs during winter, as the forest could be pretty muddy.

If you’re visiting Center Parcs in the summer, then you will also want to bring:

• Shorts
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses

If you plan to go swimming at the Subtropical Paradise at Center Parcs, you’ll also want to bring:

• Swimming outfit
• Towel
• Wetbag / carrier bag
• Swim nappies

All Center Parcs Subtropical Paradise swimming pools have free-to-use lifevests for kids. These lifevests typically fit children 18 months upwards. Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring armbands or lifevest.

If you’re visiting Center Parcs with babies and toddlers, then you’ll also want to bring:

• Vests
• Babygrows
• Puddlesuit
• Snowsuit

Toiletries

Alongside clothing, you’ll also want to bring a range of toiletries to Center Parcs. These include:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Bodywash
• Facewash
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Bobbles
• Deodorant
• Moisturiser
• Razer / shaver
• Feminine hygiene products
• Make-up
• First aid kit (plasters, bandages etc.)
• Medication (where applicable)

Meanwhile, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, then you’ll also want to pack the following where applicable:

• Prescription glasses
• Contact lenses
• Contact lens solution
• Prescription goggles
• Prescription sunglasses

Food & Drink

One of the easiest ways to save money at Center Parcs is to bring food and drink. The food and drink items we bring to Center Parcs include:

Food

• Cereal
•  Bread
•  Butter
•  Fruit
•  Crisps, nuts, crackers
•  Biscuits
•  Chocolate

A Center Parcs lodge has all the basic kitchen essentials you need to make a complete meal. However, I still find it easier to purchase meal kits such as a Hunter’s Chicken or Paella. These meal kits can be popped in the oven with very few extras needed.

These meal kits are typically more expensive than the individual ingredients. However, the convenience is often worth the extra cost at Center Parcs.

Drinks

• Tea
•  Coffee
•  Hot chocolate
•  Milk
•  Sugar / sweetener
•  Alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)
•  Soft drinks
•  Dilute juice
•  Orange juice

Extras

• Cooking oil spray
•  Salt & pepper
•  Sauces (ketchup, mayonnaise, etc.)
•  Herbs & spices

If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, you also want to bring some baby food.

If you would like to BBQ at Center Parcs, then you’ll also want to bring:

• A disposable BBQ
•  Matches

Tech & Entertainment

• iPad / tablet (WiFi is available at Center Parcs)
•  Charging cables
•  USB Plugs
•  Books
•  Travel games

Baby & Toddler

If you’re travelling to Center Parcs with a baby or toddler, then you’ll also want to bring:

• Pushchair
• Raincover
• Rains
• Baby bottles
• Water bottle
• Sterilising bags
• Plastic cutlery
• Sling / baby carrier
• Nappy creams
• Formula
• Breast pump
• Thermometer
• Swim nappies

Other Center Parcs Essentials

Some other things you may want to pack for Center Parcs that don’t fit into the categories above include:

• Bird feed
• Toilet rolls (you’re provided with two per bathroom)
• Dishwasher tablets or dish soap (you’re provided with a small cleaning pack)
• Bikes (you can hire bikes at Center Parcs if you don’t want to bring your own)
• Bike lock
• Scooters (if you’re travelling with kids)
• Safety equipment (helmets, knee pads, etc.)
• Sports equipment (i.e., tennis rackets, badminton rackets, footballs, etc.)
• Smokeless fire logs
• Umbrella
• Bucket & spade (if you’re travelling with kids)
• Reusable shopping bag (in case you pick anything up from the ParcMarket)
• Torch
• Sandwich bags