15 Best Things to Do in the Netherlands with Kids

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The Netherlands is such a great place for a getaway with the kids – and you’ll find some of the best things to see and do in this family holiday itinerary. With beautiful beaches, scenic countryside, city adventures and amazing family attractions, the Netherlands is a fantastic choice for an affordable yet unforgettable holiday with some of the best holiday parks in Europe for kids too.

I think the Netherlands is the perfect destination for a family road trip as it’s only a few hours drive from Calais – so hop on the ferry to avoid a big spend on flights. Here are 15 of the best things to do with the kids that you’ll want to add to your holiday itinerary – honestly there are so many great family-friendly days out in the Netherlands it was hard to choose!

What are the best things to do in the Netherlands with kids?

1. Have a wild Safari Park adventure

For an unforgettable animal experience, head to Beekse Bergen Safari Park where you can drive through the park and see lions, giraffes, rhinos and zebras up close. Unlike a regular zoo, this safari park lets you explore in your own car, by bus, on foot and even by boat, making it feel like a real African safari. Beekse Bergen is quite honestly the best zoo we’ve ever been to – my Beekse Bergen Safari Park Review has all the details. (We’ve been there twice!) Alternatively, Burgers’ Zoo offers another fabulous option with huge themed habitats (including a rainforest, desert, ocean and safari) and monkeys walking freely among visitors. You’re spoilt for choice!

2. Enjoy theme park and water fun in one at Duinrell

For a great mix of theme park rides and water fun, I’d highly recommend a trip to Duinrell. It offers one of the best family days out in the Netherlands – with an on-site theme park and a huge indoor waterpark – you’ll need this place in your itinerary as there’s so much there for the kids to do. We’ve been to Duinrell twice – our kids absolutely love it – the theme park has rides for all ages, from gentle carousels to thrilling rollercoasters and water rides. The real highlight, though, is Tikibad – one of the biggest indoor waterparks in Europe with amazing waterslides! (It’s Lola’s favourite!) You can stay on-site too – find out more in my Duinrell Guide.

3. Step into a fairytale at Sprookjeswonderland

Sprookjeswonderland (Fairytale Wonderland) is one of the best hidden gems in the Netherlands for younger children. Designed primarily for toddlers and children up to around 8 years old, the park combines fairy tale displays, gentle rides, playgrounds and magical gardens. Alternatively, if the weather isn’t on your side, Bommelwereld Indoor Theme Park in the Achterhoek region offers plenty of fun even on a rainy day! Both are great options if you’re visiting the Netherlands with younger kids.

4. Have fun at Speelland – the ultimate outdoor playground

If you’re visiting Beekse Bergen Safari Park, don’t miss Speelland, a brilliant outdoor play park right next door. It’s the perfect spot for young kids with climbing frames, waterslides and even mini rides. Set beside a lake with a sandy beach, Speelland is ideal for warm summer days – we had a fantastic time there a few years ago. You can save money by purchasing joint tickets with Beekse Bergen Safari Park, or it’s included for free with a stay at Lake Resort Beekse Bergen. My Speelland Review has all the details.

5. Build sandcastles on the gorgeous Dutch beaches

The Netherlands might not be the first place you think of for a beach holiday, but it’s actually home to some stunning spots perfect for some free family fun! Scheveningen Beach offers a lively pier with arcades, restaurants and a Ferris wheel, making it ideal for families who love a mix of fun and relaxation. Zandvoort Beach is just a 30 minute train ride from Amsterdam with wide sandy stretches, family-friendly beach clubs and gentle waves for paddling.

For a more peaceful setting, Texel Island is a hidden gem featuring dunes, cycle paths and even seal-watching tours. Bergen aan Zee is a beautiful lesser-known spot, with soft sand and lovely coastal walking routes. Or head to Domburg Beach in Zeeland which is a great choice for families and has a charming seaside town to explore.

6. Have a wild time at Slagharen Theme Park

If you’re looking for a theme park in the Netherlands that’s packed with rides, but often feels less busy than some of the bigger parks, Attractiepark Slagharen is well worth considering. The Wild West-themed park has more than 30 attractions – including family rollercoasters, water rides, gentle rides for younger children and live entertainment throughout the day. You can also turn your visit into a short break thanks to the on-site accommodation and water park.

7. Wander the city of Amsterdam

We found Amsterdam to be a really walkable (or cyclable) place so it can be a good choice for a family city visit. A family-friendly canal cruise can be a great way to see the city’s iconic sights, like the Anne Frank House, while resting little legs if you’re travelling with young children. Pack up a picnic to enjoy in Vondelpark (Amsterdam’s largest park) to get a break from the bustle of the city – with several playgrounds and a paddling pool during the summer months it’s a lovely spot to visit with the kids. If the weather isn’t on your side the NEMO Science Museum is packed with engaging activities. Find out more in my Amsterdam Family Itinerary.

8. Thrill seek at Efteling fairytale theme park

If the kids love rides there’s loads to see and do at Efteling – one of Europe’s best theme parks – I’d highly recommended including it in your Netherlands family holiday itinerary. We had a fabulous day and I couldn’t believe how short the queues were despite it being the August school holidays! Efteling has a charming atmosphere and there’s something for all ages – from gentle boat rides and a fairytale forest for little ones, to thrilling rollercoasters for older kids. (The Baron coaster really impressed our teens!) My Efteling Guide has all the details or check out my article on the 10 Best Places to Stay Near Efteling with Kids.

9. Let off steam at Linnaeushof

Often described as Europe’s largest playground, Linnaeushof offers a fantastic budget-friendly day out for active children. Rather than focusing on rides, you’ll find hundreds of play structures, climbing frames, trampolines, go-karts and water play areas spread across a huge site. It’s the sort of place where children can run free for hours while parents enjoy a more relaxed pace. On a warm day, the water playground is especially popular, so don’t forget swimwear and a towel.

10. Cycle like the locals

The Netherlands is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world, and cycling is a fantastic way to explore! There are safe flat cycle paths everywhere making it easy to get around. Some of the best cycling routes for families include: The Hoge Veluwe National Park – here you can borrow a white bike for free and cycle through forests and sand dunes. Kinderdijk Windmills – a scenic route past UNESCO-protected windmills. The Dunes of Zandvoort – a lovely coastal ride through nature reserves. Or, make use of the cycling routes around the city of Amsterdam like we did! Most towns have bike rental shops.

11. Step back in time at Zaanse Schans

For a taste of traditional Dutch life, visit Zaanse Schans in Zaandam. The open-air museum filled with windmills, wooden houses and old-fashioned workshops is one of the most quaint places to explore in the Netherlands. Kids will love watching clogs being made, exploring the historic windmills and trying Dutch cheese in the farm shops. It’s a fun and educational day out that’s a world away from a typical museum visit – this one is on my ‘to do’ list for our next visit!

12. Ride the big coasters at Walibi Holland

For families with older children and teenagers, Walibi Holland is one of the best theme parks in the Netherlands. Known for its big rollercoasters and adrenaline-pumping rides, this one offers something for the whole family. While there are lots of family attractions too, Walibi is really at its best for thrill-seekers, making it a great option if your children have outgrown the gentler theme parks. The park is also conveniently located for families travelling between Amsterdam and eastern Holland.

13. Enjoy an action-packed visit to Toverland

If your kids love theme parks, Toverland is another brilliant choice and it may be a bit more budget-friendly than Efteling too. It’s a smaller lesser-known park but it has a great mix of rides, from gentle family attractions to big rollercoasters. A big bonus is that a large part of the park is indoors, making it a great option for rainy days or a colder out-of-season visit. Plus, it’s often much quieter than Efteling – which might be particularly helpful if you have younger children.

14. Visit Keukenhof and the tulip fields

If you’re visiting in spring (March-May), don’t miss Keukenhof – one of the most beautiful flower gardens in the world. Kids will love running through colourful tulip fields, spotting windmills and enjoying the interactive playgrounds. For a cheaper way to see the tulips, you can also rent bikes and explore the surrounding flower fields at your own pace. We missed the tulips on our last visit, as we went there in September, but since they’re one of my favourite flowers I think it’s a great excuse for another visit to the Netherlands! 😉

15. Play for the day at Plaswijckpark

Plaswijckpark is one of Rotterdam’s best family attractions and a brilliant choice if you’re visiting the city with younger children. The park combines playgrounds, animal encounters, indoor play areas and small rides, creating a full day out without the high costs of a major theme park. It’s particularly good for toddlers and primary school-aged children, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on play and outdoor adventures. If you’re spending a few days in Rotterdam, this is an easy addition to your itinerary.

What’s the weather like in the Netherlands – when’s the best time to visit?

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate, which means mild summers and cool winters, but it’s a fabulous family holiday destination for all seasons. The holiday parks tend to be set up with indoor swimming pools, as well as outdoor attractions, so the weather is definitely less of an issue. When we visited the Netherlands, we had a scorching heat wave for our first trip and very mixed weather for our second with a few hot sunny days and a couple that were overcast or wet.

With it not being a typically sunny destination, though there are obvious perks to visiting in the warmer summer months, it’s definitely a place that can be visited outside of peak season too. The shoulder seasons are great for cooler and quieter city visits. Plus, the winter offers a chance to see the Christmas markets, and the infamous tulips will be blooming in the spring time.

Where are the best places to stay in the Netherlands with kids?

There are LOADS of fabulous places to stay in the Netherlands. Here’s a quick glimpse at 5 of my top picks for but more information (and lots more options) take a look at my article on the 15 Best Holiday Parks in the Netherlands for Families.

Duinrell (Direct) / Eurocamp: Famous for its on-site theme park and Tiki Pool waterpark, Duinrell is definitely one of the best holiday parks in the Netherlands for fun with the kids. Plus, it’s just 40 minutes from Amsterdam. Find out more in my Direct Duinrell Review, Duinrell Guide or my Duinrell Eurocamp Review – we’ve stayed here twice, the kids love it!

Eurocamp: Kaatsheuvel: Just 10 minutes from Efteling, and 25 minutes from Beekse Bergen Safari Park, this highly-rated resort has a brilliant indoor swimming pool with a toddler area, an outdoor splash play zone for younger ones and waterslides for older kids.

Eurocamp: TerSpegelt Village: This holiday park is a great summer option – it has direct lake access for swimming and water sports. Plus, it features an indoor pool, a splash play zone, pump tracks, play areas, dinghy rides, pedalos, arts & crafts and all sorts! Finn and Lola loved the Tubby Jump – we had a fantastic stay here – check out my TerSpegelt Review for more info.

Center Parcs: De Kempervennen: This resort is great for year-round stays. The site boasts indoor & outdoor pools, waterslides, rapids, an indoor ski slope, an aqua inflatable, paintballing, a climbing wall, paddle-boarding, bowling, soft play, playgrounds and all sorts!

Eurocamp: Lake Resort Beekse Bergen: Just under a 3 hour drive from Calais, this safari themed site is fabulous. Our kids absolutely loved it! It’s next door to the incredible Beekse Bergen Safari Park (payable) and Speelland Attraction Park (included), and it boasts a great indoor swimming pool, playgrounds, bike hire and a lake. Check out my Lake Resort Beekse Bergen Review for more info.

How do I get to the Netherlands?

Getting to the Netherlands from the UK is really simple – I think it’s the perfect destination for an easy family road trip. We take the ferry from Dover to Calais (or the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais – though it’s a bit pricier than the ferry) and it’s then just a 3-4 hour drive on a toll free route. If you live further up the country, you can also take a ferry from Harwich directly to the Hook of Holland port in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is easy to explore thanks to excellent public transport and its compact size – you can drive across the country in just a few hours! The capital city, Amsterdam, is a major hub with a fantastic airport, making it super convenient for families flying in from the UK if you’d prefer not to drive.

I hope that this article has shown you that the Netherlands has loads of great places to visit with the kids – I think it’s one of the easiest destinations for planning a fun-filled family holiday itinerary because there’s just such a lot on offer. Let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions too, and check out my articles below for more Netherlands guides and the best places to stay with the kids. Happy holidays! 😍