The New Kids Club at the Schlosshotel Fiss – “A Space That Truly Meets Children’s Needs”
What truly excites children today? And what makes a Kids Club a place they look forward to returning to every day? We spoke with Ole Berkholz, Kids Club Manager at the Schlosshotel Fiss. His answers show that it is about far more than facilities. It is about atmosphere, a sense of space – and above all, the people.
When asked what children love most about the new Kids Club, Ole answers with genuine conviction:
“I believe it is above all the variety. The space offers many different possibilities – for the younger children as well as for the older ones.”
He describes the new concept as deliberately open and generously designed:
“We have created smaller, cosy areas for younger children, while also leaving plenty of room for running around and being active. It never feels cramped – instead it feels spacious and welcoming. That is exactly what children need.”
For him, the colour concept also plays an important role:
“The colours are light, warm and very child-friendly. The space feels open and inviting – and children notice that immediately.”
He then adds with a smile:
“Ultimately, of course, it is the team who inspire the children the most. Spaces are important – but in the end, it is the people who truly make the difference.”
“The Care and Thought Behind It Is Clearly Felt” – What Parents Say
We were particularly curious to hear how parents respond to the newly redesigned Kids Club – especially those who have known the Schlosshotel Fiss for many years. Ole’s answer is clear: “We receive consistently positive feedback. Many parents tell us that they can really feel how much care and dedication went into the redesign.”
For them, the new Kids Club is far more than a typical playroom. “Parents often say it doesn’t feel like a standard children’s room. It’s not just a space with a craft table and a few toys – it’s a thoughtful concept, designed with great care.”
One area, in particular, is mentioned again and again: the “Magic Forest”. “Our reading and quiet zone is incredibly popular. Children who need a little break retreat there, browse through books or simply relax.”
Families with babies or very young children, who are not yet part of the supervised programme, also enjoy spending time there. “Many parents sit there with their little ones, playing quietly on the edge of the action and enjoying the atmosphere. It creates a sense of closeness and trust.”
His conclusion is clear: “So far, I haven’t heard any negative feedback – quite the opposite. Our returning guests especially appreciate the changes.”
More Space, More Structure, More Possibilities
The Kids Club team itself noticed the difference immediately. The additional space makes a real impact. “We simply have more room now. The children can move more freely, try out different activities and sometimes just run around and let off steam.”
At the same time, the new layout allows for better organisation. “We can clearly separate the different areas: a play corner, a creative zone, a space for group games and a quiet area. It gives children orientation while still leaving them plenty of freedom.”
It is particularly important to Ole that the space remains flexible. “We can easily adapt activities for different age groups. And even classics like playing hide-and-seek work wonderfully here – which, for children, is often the biggest highlight.”
His final verdict: “Compared to before, everything feels much more relaxed. More space simply means more possibilities – for us and for the children.”
When the Kids Club Becomes an Easter Workshop
“The space provides a clear and reliable structure,” Ole explains.
“What we create within it is guided by the season, by special occasions and by what children are currently excited about.”
🐰 This Year’s Easter Programme:
- Painting Easter eggs
- Crafting Easter baskets
- Baking mini Easter braids and cake pops
- Creating Easter cress baskets
- The big Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday
- A visit to the “Fisser Goggala” chicken farm
A Variety of Ages as an Opportunity – “The Children Always Have Fun”
In a family hotel, different age groups naturally come together. When asked about possible challenges, Ole responds with surprising ease: “To be honest, I don’t currently see any real challenge. Ninety-nine, if not one hundred per cent of the children genuinely have a great time with us.”
If he had to name one aspect, it would be the mix of ages. “The younger ones, between two and five years old, often prefer playing among themselves. The older children are usually looking for more action and more dynamics.”
Teenagers have great options in the Activity Lounge, with its climbing wall and table football. “For the age group in between – the pre-teens – there is still potential for additional action-oriented activities. But even now, it works very well.”
He remains optimistic: “With future additions we can create even more possibilities. But the most important thing is that the children feel comfortable here – and that they have fun. That’s what truly matters.”
“For Me, It’s the Human Connection That Matters Most” – Ole’s Personal Motivation
To conclude our conversation, we asked Ole which activity he personally enjoys the most. His answer is as honest as it is touching: “I don’t really have a favourite activity. For me, the human connection is what matters most.”
Whether it’s a treasure hunt, a game of tag, a craft session or simply drawing together – what matters to him is not the activity itself, but how it is experienced. “When the connection is there, when you laugh together and feel a good energy, then every activity becomes enjoyable.”
He does not describe his work as a programme, but as a relationship. “It’s about creating real moments with the children. When they feel seen and taken seriously, joy comes naturally.”
A Team That Lives Responsibility
Ole also speaks about his team with great appreciation. “We complement each other very well. Everyone brings their own strengths.”
He particularly values the independence of his colleagues. “I appreciate when a team works with a sense of responsibility, contributes ideas and takes on tasks independently.”
For him, diversity within the team is a strength. “Not every supervisor connects with every child in the same way – and that’s perfectly fine. That’s exactly what allows us to complement each other.”
His overall conclusion after the first season at the Schlosshotel Fiss is very clear: “So far, we have received exclusively positive feedback – including for our babysitting service.”
And in closing, he emphasises once more how important the cooperation between all areas of the hotel is: “You can really feel how everything here works together – from the team and the concept to the way we communicate.”
The new Kids Club is therefore far more than just a beautiful space. It is a place where children can grow, where trust develops, and – as Ole so fittingly puts it – “a place where children simply have a great deal of fun.”