Fun activities for children and family days out in the Netherlands

Welcome to our blog about fun outings for children and family days out in the Netherlands! In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can sometimes be difficult to schedule quality time with your family. Yet it is essential to regularly set aside time for each other, to enjoy and create memories together. Quality time not only provides relaxation and fun, but also strengthens the bond.

In this blog we take you on a discovery of the best days out for children in the Netherlands. Whether you are looking for adventurous activities, educational trips, or just a relaxing day out, we have collected the best tips for you. Read on for inspiration for an unforgettable outing with your family!

Table of contents

• Popular Outings for Kids in the Netherlands
• – Amusement Parks
• – Zoos
• Educational and Learning Days Out with Kids
• – Museums
• – Historic Sites
• Active and Sports Outings with the Family
• – Climbing Parks and Adventure Parks
• – Bicycle and hiking tours
• Indoor Activities for Bad Weather
• – Indoor Playgrounds
• – Swimming pools
• Tips for a Successful Day Out with Kids

Why Quality Time is Important for the Family

Spending time together as a family has countless benefits. It provides a perfect opportunity to strengthen bonds and make new memories that you will cherish forever. Quality time also helps build trust and open communication within the family. By engaging in activities together, children learn important social skills such as cooperation, sharing and consideration for others. In addition, it offers parents a chance to escape the daily grind and stress. Getting away from work and obligations, and fully focusing on the family, can do wonders for your state of mind. Joint outings and activities provide a healthy work-life balance, which contributes to the well-being of both parents and children.

Impact on child development

Quality time plays a crucial role in children’s development. It provides them with a sense of safety and security, which is essential for their emotional and social growth. Children who regularly spend quality time with their parents often have a better self-image and feel loved and appreciated. In addition, engaging in activities together stimulates children’s cognitive and motor skills. Educational outings, such as visiting museums or taking nature walks, contribute to their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Sports activities help develop physical skills and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Popular Outings for Kids in the Netherlands

If you are looking for an unforgettable day out with your family, there are numerous popular outings for children in the Netherlands. Below we discuss some of the best amusement parks and zoos that guarantee a great day of fun and adventure.

Amusement Parks

Efteling

The Efteling is one of the most famous and popular theme parks in the Netherlands. Located in Kaatsheuvel, the Efteling offers a magical world full of fairy tales and adventures for children of all ages. From enchanting fairytale forest walks to thrilling roller coasters such as the Baron 1898 and the Flying Dutchman, there is something for everyone. There are also wonderful shows and parades that complete the Efteling experience. A day at Efteling guarantees unforgettable memories for the whole family.

Duinrell

Duinrell, located in Wassenaar, combines an amusement park with a water park, making it an ideal getaway for families. The amusement park offers a wide range of attractions, from thrilling roller coasters such as the Falcon to fun children’s attractions such as the Frog roller coaster. But what makes Duinrell truly special is the Tiki Pool, the largest indoor water slide paradise in the Benelux. Here children and parents can have hours of fun on the many spectacular water slides. Duinrell also offers the possibility to stay overnight at the vacation park, making it an easy weekend getaway.

Slagharen

Slagharen Amusement Park, located in the northern part of the Netherlands, is known for its Wild West theme. The park offers a mix of exciting attractions such as the Gold Rush roller coaster and water attractions such as the Ripsaw Falls. In addition, children can enjoy the park’s many shows and parades. For those who want to stay longer, Slagharen offers the opportunity to stay overnight in one of its themed accommodations, such as wigwams or cowboy cottages. Slagharen is a perfect destination for an adventurous day out with children.

Zoos

Artis

Artis, the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, is located in the heart of Amsterdam. This wonderful zoo offers a unique combination of animals, nature, and culture. Children can enjoy seeing animals from all over the world, such as giraffes, lions, and penguins. In addition, Artis offers various educational programs and interactive exhibits that teach children more about animals and their habitats. A visit to Artis is both fun and educational, and it provides a great opportunity to relax in the zoo’s green surroundings.

Burgers’ Zoo

Burgers’ Zoo, located in Arnhem, is a unique zoo known for its eco displays. These displays are recreated habitats such as the Bush (tropical rainforest), the Desert (desert), and the Ocean (coral reef). Here children can learn about different ecosystems and the animals that live in them in an adventurous way. In addition, Burgers’ Zoo offers a wonderful safari park where you can come face to face with giraffes, rhinos and other African animals. Burgers’ Zoo offers a fascinating and educational day out for the whole family.

Ouwehands Zoo

Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen is best known for his pandas, Xing Ya and Wu Wen. This makes the park a special attraction for families. In addition to the pandas, children can enjoy a wide range of animals and exciting playgrounds, such as RavotAapia, an indoor play jungle. Ouwehands Animal Park also offers several shows and feeding demonstrations that are both fun and informative. It’s a great destination for a day out with kids, where they not only have fun but also learn a lot about the animal world.

Educational and Learning Days Out with Kids

A day out with children can be not only fun, but also hugely educational. In the Netherlands, there are numerous museums and historic sites where children can learn through play. Here are some top destinations that will captivate young and old alike.

Museums

NEMO Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is a paradise for curious children. This interactive museum makes science and technology understandable and fun. Children can participate in hands-on experiments, explore interactive exhibits and attend shows that explain complicated concepts in an accessible way. From building a bridge to discovering the mysteries of the universe, at NEMO children can let their imagination and curiosity run wild. A day at NEMO is an ideal mix of fun and education.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum, also in Amsterdam, is a must-visit for families interested in art and history. With world-famous works such as Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid” the museum offers a wealth of art treasures. Especially for children, there are interactive tours and activities that engage them with the works of art in a playful way. The museum also offers family-friendly audio tours and scavenger hunts that help children better understand history and art. A visit to the Rijksmuseum is both inspiring and educational for the whole family.

Historic Sites

Open Air Museum

The Dutch Open Air Museum in Arnhem offers a fascinating journey through time. Here, children and parents can discover how people lived in the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The museum consists of authentic historic buildings such as farms, mills and workers’ houses, which have been transferred to the museum grounds. Children can participate in interactive demonstrations such as bread baking, rope making or traditional crafts. Through these hands-on activities, they learn about the past in an engaging way. The Open Air Museum offers a fun and educational day out for the whole family.

Castles and Fortresses

The Netherlands has a rich history full of castles and fortresses waiting to be discovered. A visit to one of these majestic structures offers children a glimpse into the lives of knights, princesses and noblemen. Some of the top recommendations are:

• Kasteel de Haar: Located in Utrecht, this is the largest castle in the Netherlands. Children can participate in treasure hunts through the castle and explore the beautiful gardens. There are regular events and activities aimed specifically at young visitors.
• Muiderslot: This well-preserved medieval castle in Muiden offers interactive tours and exhibits that take children back to the time of knights and damsels. The castle also has a beautiful knight’s hall and armory that are sure to fascinate children.
• Castle Ammersoyen: In Ammerzoden, this castle offers a truly medieval experience. Visitors can wander through the dark dungeons, take a look at the medieval kitchen and even don a knight’s helmet. There are special children’s tours that bring the castle story to life.

Visiting one of these castles is not only exciting, but also gives children a deeper appreciation of the history and architecture of the Netherlands.

Active and Sports Outings with the Family

For families who love adventure and sporting challenges, the Netherlands offers an array of active and sporting getaways. From climbing in adventure parks to wonderful biking and hiking trips, here are some of the best destinations for an action-packed day of fun.

Climbing Parks and Adventure Parks

Climbing forest Garderen

Klimbos Garderen, located in the beautiful Veluwe region, is a great destination for families who love adventure. This climbing forest offers several courses at different heights and levels of difficulty, making it suitable for young children, teens and adults alike. The courses include rope bridges, ziplines and other challenging obstacles that will test your agility and courage. Safety comes first, and all participants receive comprehensive instruction and safety equipment. Klimbos Garderen offers an exciting and active day out in the middle of nature.

Fun Forest

Fun Forest is a chain of climbing forests with locations in Amsterdam, Almere, and Rotterdam, among others. These parks offer a wide range of adventure courses that are perfect for families. The courses vary in difficulty, so there is a suitable challenge for every age and skill level. In addition to climbing, children can participate in fun activities such as archery and canoeing. Fun Forest strives to challenge and inspire children and parents to be active outdoors in a fun and safe way.

Bicycle and hiking tours

National parks such as The Hoge Veluwe

The Hoge Veluwe is one of the Netherlands’ best-known national parks and offers an abundance of biking and hiking opportunities for the whole family. The park has an extensive network of bike paths and hiking trails that take you through varied landscapes of forests, moors and sand drifts. The park offers free white bikes at the entrances so you can easily explore the park. Along the way, you can stop at the Kröller-Müller Museum, which houses an impressive collection of works of art by Vincent van Gogh, among others. A day at De Hoge Veluwe combines nature, exercise and culture in a unique way.

Beach walks and bike rides along the coast

The Dutch coast offers wonderful opportunities for beach walks and bike rides. Popular coastal areas such as the North Sea coast and the Wadden Islands are perfect for an active day out with the family. Here are some top recommendations:

• Zandvoort aan Zee: Zandvoort offers beautiful beaches where you can enjoy long walks along the coast. The promenade has many cozy restaurants and cafes where you can pause and enjoy the view. The dune area behind the beach is ideal for bike rides and nature walks.
• Texel: One of the Wadden Islands, Texel is a fantastic destination for families. The island has an extensive network of bike paths and hiking trails that take you past dunes, forests and picturesque villages. Visit Texel’s lighthouse for stunning views of the island and the sea.
• Scheveningen: Scheveningen is not only a popular seaside resort, but also offers numerous opportunities for active trips. Besides the beach and pier, there are beautiful biking and hiking trails through the dunes. After an active day, you can enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many beach bars.

Indoor Activities for Bad Weather

Although the Netherlands has many beautiful days, there are also plenty of times when the weather does not cooperate. For those days, indoor activities are a great way to still have a fun day with the family. Here are some of the best indoor play paradises and swimming pools where children can have a great time, regardless of the weather outside.

Indoor Playgrounds

Ballorig

Ballorig is a well-known chain of indoor play parks spread throughout the Netherlands. These indoor play parks are specially designed for children aged 0 to 12 and offer a safe and challenging environment. With huge climbing structures, slides, ball pits and trampolines, children can enjoy themselves for hours. For toddlers, there are separate play areas with soft play equipment and interactive games. Ballorig has locations throughout the country, so there is always a branch nearby. Parents can relax in the café while supervising their playing children.

Monkey Town

Monkey Town is another popular indoor play paradise with locations throughout the Netherlands. This play paradise offers a wide range of playground equipment, including climbing frames, slides, trampolines and ball pits. Each Monkey Town is decorated with different themes and challenging courses that stimulate children’s imagination. There are also special baby and toddler zones for the youngest visitors. For parents, there are comfortable seating areas and a cafe where they can enjoy a cup of coffee while keeping an eye on their children. Monkey Town offers a perfect solution for a rainy day full of fun.

Pools

Tiki Pool

The Tiki Pool at Duinrell, Wassenaar, is the largest indoor water park in the Benelux and a great destination for a rainy day. This tropical water park offers countless slides and water attractions for all ages. From the thrilling Tyfoon and the dizzying Cyclone to the tranquil Lazy River, there is something for everyone. For the little ones, there is a special children’s area with safe and fun water activities. The Tiki Pool guarantees a day full of water fun, regardless of the weather outside.

Subtropical swimming paradise De Scheg

Subtropical swimming paradise De Scheg, located in Deventer, is an ideal destination for a rainy day of water fun. This tropical swimming paradise offers an array of attractions for the whole family. For the daredevils, there are exciting slides like the Crazy Cone and the Magic Black Hole, where you whiz through dark tunnels and thrilling turns. The wave pool provides the feeling of swimming in the ocean, while the Lazy River is perfect for those who want to relax and float along. For the youngest visitors, there is a special children’s pool with fun water attractions and safe slides. The Scheg also offers a wellness area where parents can enjoy a sauna or a relaxing bubble bath. The various themed pools and tropical atmosphere make De Scheg a perfect place for a day out with the family, regardless of the weather outside!

Tips for a Successful Day Out with Kids

A day out with children can be a great experience, provided you are well prepared. Here are some practical tips to make sure your day out goes smoothly and everyone enjoys it.

Preparation and planning

Good preparation is essential for a successful day out with children. Here are some steps to prepare for your day:

1. 1. Choose the right destination: Consider your children’s interests and ages. Make sure the destination offers activities suitable for the whole family.
   2. Check opening hoursand any special events: Check opening hours in advance and whether there are any special events that might enhance your visit.
   3. Plan your route and transportation: Figure out the best way to get to your destination, whether by car, train or bicycle. Also check parking options if you are going by car.
   4. Buy tickets in advance: If possible, buy your tickets online to avoid waiting times at the entrance.

What to bring

A well-prepared day bag can make a big difference. Here are some essential items to bring:

1. Snacks and drinks: Bring plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone hydrated and energized.
2. Clothing and footwear: Dress your children in layers so they can adjust to the temperature. Also, don’t forget to put on comfortable shoes.
3. First aid kit: A small first aid kit with Band-Aids, disinfectant and any medications your children may need.
4. Sun protection: When the weather is nice, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are essential.
5. Toys or books: For travel time or quiet moments, it is helpful to bring some entertainment.
6. Camera or smartphone: To capture the beautiful moments.
7. Necessary documents: Identification, insurance cards and tickets.

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