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. 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 adventure at Beekse Bergen Safari Park

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 and even by boat, making it feel like a real African safari. There’s also a walking safari route with fun interactive play areas, plus an on-site holiday park if you fancy staying a little longer. Beekse Bergen is quite honestly the best zoo we’ve ever been to – we loved our visit and our stay at Lake Resort Beekse Bergen. Find out more info in my Beekse Bergen Safari Park Review.

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

If you’re looking for a great mix of theme park rides and water fun, Duinrell is a fantastic choice. Duinrell is 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. 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 wave pools, waterslides and toddler-friendly splash areas. You can stay on-site too – find out more in my Duinrell Resort Review.

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 in a setting that feels far more relaxed than a traditional theme park. It’s compact enough to explore in a day and is particularly good if you’re travelling with preschoolers.

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 – kids can paddle in the water, build sandcastles and enjoy pedal boats while parents relax. You can save money by purchasing joint tickets with Beekse Bergen Safari Park, or stay at Lake Resort Beekse Bergen and you can visit for free – my Speelland Beekse Bergen Attraction Park 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

Amsterdam is a really walkable (or cyclable) place so it can be a good choice for a family city visit. Many canal cruise companies offer family-friendly tours that cater specifically to children and it’s 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 wide open spaces, several playgrounds and even a dedicated 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 for the kids. 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 – you’ll definitely want to include a visit in your Netherlands family holiday itinerary. Efteling has a charming fairytale atmosphere with storybook-themed rides, magical forests and enchanting shows. There’s something for all ages – from gentle boat rides and a fairytale forest for little ones, to thrilling rollercoasters for older kids. For the best family-friendly holiday parks nearby, check out my article on the 10 Best Places to Stay Near Efteling Theme Park with Kids.

9. Let off steam at Linnaeushof

Often described as Europe’s largest playground, Linnaeushof is 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 and fun for families 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. And, of course, the cycling routes around the city of Amsterdam are a great way to explore the sights and the canals. Most towns have bike rental shops, with options for toddler seats or dual-bikes for younger kids.

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.

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, meaning shorter queues and a more relaxed experience 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. 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.

Eurocamp: Marvilla Parks 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.

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: Duinrell Resort: 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 a 40 minute drive from Amsterdam. We’re heading back for our second stay this year – my Duinrell Review has all the details.

Eurocamp: TerSpegelt Village: This holiday park is a great summer option – it has direct lake access for swimming, paddle-boarding and water sports. Plus, it features an indoor pool with waterslides, a splash play zone, a pump track, indoor and outdoor play areas, dinghy rides, pedalos, arts & crafts, miniature golf and all sorts!

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

Where is the Netherlands located?

The Netherlands is a small country in Northwestern Europe, bordered by Germany and Belgium. Getting to the Netherlands from the UK is really simple – in fact it’s the perfect destination for a road trip – 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 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 – 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! 😍