ETB Family Days – Idar-Oberstein Fair (November)

As the days get shorter and the Hunsrück drizzle makes playing outside impossible, the ETB Family Days format comes just in time. For two weekends – once at the end of November, once at the beginning of December – the Idar-Oberstein exhibition hall transforms into an indoor play landscape. Bouncy castles of various sizes, climbing modules, a bungee run, giant slides, a ball pit, smaller electric play equipment for toddlers, and a separate area for babies and very young children form the basic structure. The layout is age-appropriate, so younger and older children have their own areas and don't get in each other's way.

The concept relies on a simple entrance fee that allows the use of all equipment for the entire day. Parents can fortify themselves with coffee, cake, warm snacks, and drinks in the catering area while the children play. Supervision is the parents' responsibility; however, security personnel also ensure the proper use of the equipment. The hall is heated and accessible, which is a significant comfort advantage, especially in the damp late autumn weather.

In recent years, the ETB Family Days have become a firm fixture in the family calendar for Idar-Oberstein and the surrounding area. Those with younger children should arrive around midday, as the afternoons tend to be very busy. Socks are required for using the inflatable attractions, and comfortable play clothes are recommended.