Netherlands With Kids: Fun Activities & Family Adventures

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 58 views

Planning a family trip to the Netherlands? Awesome choice, guys! The Netherlands is super family-friendly, offering a ton of cool stuff to do with kids of all ages. From windmills and tulips to awesome museums and playgrounds, there's something for everyone. So, let's dive into some of the best things to do in the Netherlands with your kiddos!

1. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Amsterdam's canals are iconic, and experiencing them with your kids is a must. Forget boring transportation; think of it as a floating adventure! Several options exist: you could hop on a canal cruise, rent a pedal boat, or even take a private boat tour. Canal cruises are great because they offer a narrated tour, pointing out key landmarks and sharing fun facts. Kids will love spotting the colorful houseboats and charming bridges. Pedal boats are perfect for active families, allowing you to explore the canals at your own pace. Just be prepared for a little bit of exercise! A private boat tour offers a more personalized experience, allowing you to tailor the itinerary to your family's interests. Imagine gliding through the water, the sun shining, and the kids laughing as they spot ducks and swans! To make it even more fun, pack some snacks and drinks. You could even create a scavenger hunt, challenging the kids to find specific landmarks along the way. The Anne Frank House is a very popular destination. Be sure to get your tickets well in advance.

Tips for Canal Fun:

Choose the right time: Early mornings or late afternoons are usually less crowded.
Bring snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy and hydrated.
Consider a themed tour: Some tours are specifically designed for kids, with interactive elements and engaging stories.
Safety first: Make sure everyone wears a life jacket, especially on pedal boats.

2. Visit the Windmills of Zaanse Schans

No trip to the Netherlands is complete without seeing windmills! Zaanse Schans is a living museum, showcasing traditional Dutch life. Kids will be amazed by these giant structures, learning how they work and what they were used for. Picture this: a picturesque village with colorful wooden houses and towering windmills against a backdrop of green fields. It's like stepping into a postcard! At Zaanse Schans, you can go inside some of the windmills and see how they grind grain, saw wood, or press oil. There are also demonstrations of traditional crafts like clog making and cheese making. This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about Dutch history and culture in a fun and interactive way. Don't forget to try some freshly made stroopwafels or cheese at one of the local shops! To make the experience even more engaging, you could rent bikes and cycle around the area. There are several cycling routes that take you through the countryside, offering stunning views of the windmills and surrounding landscape. You could also visit the nearby cheese farm and learn about the cheese-making process. Many farms offer tours and tastings, allowing you to sample different types of Dutch cheese.

Tips for Zaanse Schans:

Go early: It can get crowded, especially during peak season.
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.
Check the demonstration schedules: Plan your visit around the clog making and cheese making demonstrations.
Bring your camera: You'll want to capture the stunning scenery.

3. Explore the Efteling Theme Park

Efteling is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. If you're looking for thrills, this is your place! It's a magical world filled with fairy tales, exciting rides, and enchanting shows. From thrilling roller coasters to gentle boat rides, there's something for kids of all ages. The park is divided into different themed areas, each with its own unique attractions. In the Fairy Tale Forest, you can wander through a whimsical landscape and encounter beloved characters like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Hansel and Gretel. For thrill-seekers, there are roller coasters like Baron 1898 and Joris en de Draak. There are also plenty of family-friendly rides, such as the Droomvlucht dark ride and the Pirana river rapids. Efteling also offers a variety of shows and performances throughout the day. From musical productions to acrobatic displays, there's always something entertaining to watch. To make the most of your visit, it's a good idea to plan your route in advance and prioritize the rides and attractions that you're most interested in. You can also download the Efteling app, which provides real-time information on wait times and show schedules.

Tips for Efteling:

Buy tickets online in advance: This will save you time and money.
Download the Efteling app: It's a useful tool for navigating the park and checking wait times.
Arrive early: The park can get crowded, especially during peak season.
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.

4. Discover the Animals at Burgers' Zoo

Burgers' Zoo is not your average zoo; it's an eco-display where animals roam in their natural habitat! If you love animals, you can't miss it! Kids will love seeing animals from all over the world, from lions and tigers to penguins and sharks. The zoo is divided into different eco-displays, each representing a different ecosystem. In Burgers' Zoo, you can explore a tropical rainforest, a desert, an ocean, and a savannah. One of the most popular exhibits is Burgers' Ocean, which features a giant coral reef and a variety of marine life. You can walk through a tunnel and see sharks, sea turtles, and other creatures swimming overhead. Another highlight is Burgers' Bush, a lush rainforest environment where you can see monkeys, birds, and other tropical animals. Burgers' Zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for kids. You can attend a feeding demonstration, take a guided tour, or participate in a workshop. There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas where kids can burn off some energy. To make the most of your visit, it's a good idea to plan your route in advance and prioritize the exhibits that you're most interested in. You can also download the Burgers' Zoo app, which provides information on animal feeding times and other events.

Tips for Burgers' Zoo:

Check the feeding schedules: Plan your visit around the feeding times for your favorite animals.
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.
Bring a stroller or wagon: This will be helpful if you have young children.
Pack a picnic lunch: There are several picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal.

5. Relax on the Beaches of the Dutch Coast

The Netherlands may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but it has a beautiful coastline with plenty of sandy stretches. Spending a day at the beach is always a good idea. Kids will love building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and flying kites. Scheveningen is one of the most popular beach resorts in the Netherlands. It has a wide sandy beach, a pier with a Ferris wheel, and a variety of restaurants and shops. You can also visit the Sea Life Scheveningen aquarium or take a surfing lesson. Zandvoort is another popular beach resort, known for its lively atmosphere and racing circuit. It has a wide sandy beach, a promenade with shops and restaurants, and a casino. You can also visit the Zandvoorts Museum or take a walk through the nearby dunes. For a more peaceful beach experience, head to one of the smaller beach towns along the coast. Bergen aan Zee is a charming village with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere. Egmond aan Zee is another great option, with a wide sandy beach and a picturesque lighthouse. Regardless of which beach you choose, be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. You should also check the weather forecast before you go, as the weather can be unpredictable. Beaches in the Netherlands are best enjoyed in the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny.

Tips for Dutch Beaches:

Check the weather forecast: The weather can be unpredictable.
Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water: Protect yourself from the sun.
Pack beach toys: Kids will love building sandcastles and playing in the waves.
Consider visiting a beach resort: Scheveningen and Zandvoort offer a variety of amenities and activities.

6. Madurodam

Madurodam is a miniature city that is fascinating and educational for both adults and children. This is a unique and engaging way to explore the Netherlands' landmarks and history without traveling across the entire country. Imagine strolling through a tiny Netherlands, where you can see all the famous buildings in one place! Madurodam showcases detailed replicas of famous Dutch landmarks, historical buildings, and significant sites, all built to a 1:25 scale. Kids will be amazed by the intricate details and the interactive exhibits. They can operate the Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier, load containers onto a ship in the Port of Rotterdam, and watch planes take off and land at Schiphol Airport. Madurodam offers more than just miniature buildings. It's an interactive experience where children can learn about the Netherlands' history, culture, and achievements in a fun and engaging way. The park also features indoor exhibits that delve deeper into specific topics, such as water management and innovation. To make the most of your visit, allow at least a few hours to explore all the exhibits and attractions. Consider downloading the Madurodam app for an interactive guide and additional information. Check for special events and activities that might be happening during your visit. Madurodam is located in The Hague and is easily accessible by public transportation. It's a perfect destination for a family day out, combining education and entertainment in a unique setting.

Tips for Madurodam

Purchase Tickets Online: Buying tickets in advance can save time and ensure entry, especially during peak season.
Download the Madurodam App: Enhance your visit with interactive guides and information about each exhibit.
Plan Your Visit: Allocate at least 3-4 hours to fully explore all the attractions.
Check for Special Events: Madurodam often hosts special events and activities that can add to the experience.

Conclusion

The Netherlands offers a fantastic array of activities for families with kids. From exploring the canals of Amsterdam to visiting the windmills of Zaanse Schans, there's something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Netherlands! Have fun, guys!