A major European theme park resort has unveiled a new facility designed to offer respite to families recovering from childhood illness.
Built within a newly developed area of the Europa-Park resort, the project represents a multi-million euro investment driven by a coalition of charities and the park’s founding family. The site welcomed its first guests this month, marking the launch of a new initiative ahead of the destination’s upcoming anniversary year.
On 6 July 2026, the Europa-Park Children’s House Little Heroes officially opened its doors at the Europa-Park Resort. Situated in the new Silver Lake City western town, the facility provides five large, accessible apartments designed for families of young people recovering from cancer. Each apartment can host a family of four for a five day stay, completely free of charge.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Wolfram Kons, a board member of the RTL We Help Children Foundation. The event was attended by the Mack family, who own Europa-Park, alongside Minister Marion Gentges and the Mayor of Rust, Kai-Achim Klare. Swiss musician DJ BoBo was also present to officially launch the project as its designated patron.
During their stay, families have access to the main theme park, the Rulantica water world, and external excursions to the Taubergießen nature reserve. They can also visit the Europa-Park Talent Academy (which provides a training platform for all age groups in the areas of dance, acrobatics, music, art & mindset), or VR experience YULLBE. Volunteer care is provided by retired Europa-Park employees. The project was established as the flagship charity initiative for the park’s 2025 anniversary year, with construction costs exceeding three million euros.
Industry and celebrity backing
The children’s house is a joint venture between Europa-Park, the RTL We Help Children Foundation, the German Children’s Cancer Foundation, and the Support Association for Children with Cancer in Karlsruhe.
Roland Mack, owner of Europa-Park, noted the importance of the project. “Since we announced the ‘Europa-Park Children’s House Little Heroes’, we have received nothing but positive feedback,” he said. “Seeing the first families here now and the happy looks on their faces proves to us that this project is a resounding success. Strengthening family bonds after the ordeal of battling cancer is hugely important, and we hope that their stay with us at Europa-Park, at the Rulantica water world and in the new Silver Lake City will bring them some joy and help them return to normality.”
“It is not only the child, but also their siblings and parents who have been through a very difficult time. Our aim is to further support the healing process through joy. A huge thank you goes to everyone involved and to our amazing partners.”
Patron DJ BoBo, Wolfram Kons, Miriam Mack and Michael Mack with Ed & Edda in front of the children’s house.
Credit: Europa-Park
DJ BoBo echoed this sentiment regarding his role as patron. “Helping families and children who have been through difficult times and find themselves in challenging circumstances is a cause close to my heart,” the musician stated. “I have been friends with the Mack family and Europa-Park for decades. Besides their enormous success, I also admire the entrepreneurial family’s strong commitment to social causes. The children’s house is a brilliant idea, which I am delighted to support.”
Kons added that the RTL We Help Children Foundation is planning a long-term partnership with Europa-Park. “Together with Europa-Park in Rust, DJ BoBo and the Mack family, we can make a huge difference,” Kons said. “The ‘Europa-Park Children’s House Little Heroes’ brings joy to families with seriously ill children, something that will play a crucial role in these children’s recovery. The Mack family have not only built up an incredibly successful business, but have also shown a great deal of compassion towards so many children for many, many years.”
Eligibility
Currently, the apartments are available to families from Germany with a child aged between four and 16 who has had cancer. The child’s acute treatment phase must be complete, with the end of treatment occurring no more than two years prior. The German Children’s Cancer Foundation is responsible for reviewing and processing all online enquiries based on specific needs, with eligibility expected to expand to additional countries in the autumn.
More information can be found on the Kinder Krebs Stiftung website.
