Discover the best things to do in the Netherlands with kids, from theme parks and beaches to museums. Perfect for planning your family trip! The Netherlands is safe, compact and incredibly easy to explore, making it ideal for traveling with children.
What makes the country especially great for families is the variety. You’ll find world-class theme parks, interactive museums, beautiful beaches, unique villages and plenty of outdoor activities. Because distances are short, you can experience a lot without spending hours traveling.
The Netherlands is one of the most relaxed and enjoyable countries to visit with kids. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, there is something for everyone.
Below you’ll find the 25 best things to do in the Netherlands with kids, including must-see highlights and unique experiences across the country. In this article we discuss activities all over the country, we did not rank them by distance. Though distances in The Netherlands are small, you would need a two-week holiday if you would do all of these activities. Use this article to pick some fun activities which are located near the area you are staying. For all recommendations outside Amsterdam, we noted how far it is from Amsterdam.
1. Visit the Efteling Theme Park
The Efteling is without a doubt one of the best theme parks in Europe and a must-visit when traveling to the Netherlands with kids. Unlike many theme parks, the Efteling has a magical fairytale atmosphere, with beautiful forests, themed areas and unique attractions.
For younger children, the Fairytale Forest is a highlight. Here, kids can walk through scenes from classic fairytales like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White. Older kids will love rides like Baron 1898 and Symbolica, which combine storytelling with thrilling experiences.
What makes the Efteling special is that it doesn’t feel like a typical amusement park. It’s more immersive and less commercial than many others.
It’s definitely worth spending a full day here, and even two days if your kids love theme parks.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 100km, 1,5hr drive by car and 2hr by public transport.
2. Explore the Wadden Islands
The Wadden Islands are one of the most unique places to visit in the Netherlands with kids. These islands, located in the north of the country, are known for their wide beaches, dunes and peaceful nature. There are five Wadden Islands: Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog.
Texel (pronounced Tessel) is the most popular and easiest island to visit with children. You can rent bikes, visit seal sanctuaries, explore nature reserves and enjoy long beach walks. This island is relaxed, has many nice beach restaurants and bars and a typical Dutch landscape with a lot of sheep, dunes and beaches.
Kids especially love the freedom here — running on the beach, collecting shells and spotting animals.
The Wadden Islands are perfect if you want to escape the cities and enjoy nature as a family. If you are visiting, it’s best to spend a night or a few nights there.
Getting to Texel is easy and part of the experience. You take a ferry from Den Helder, which runs frequently throughout the day and takes about 20 minutes. The ferry is spacious, and kids usually love being on board and watching the sea. You can bring your car, bike or simply travel as a foot passenger.
Once on the island, you can rent bikes or drive around to explore at your own pace.
There are many family-friendly attractions, including the Ecomare seal sanctuary, where kids can learn about seals and marine life. The beaches are wide and clean, ideal for playing, flying kites or simply relaxing.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 100km, 1hr50min drive to Texel (including ferry) 1hr40min by public transport to Den Helder. For this trip, it’s definitely easiest to have a car or take a taxi to the ferry.
3. Visit Neeltje Jans (Delta Works)
Neeltje Jans is both fun and educational, making it a great stop for families. Located in the Zeeland region, this attraction is part of the famous Delta Works, one of the most impressive water management systems in the world.
Kids can learn about how the Dutch protect their country from the sea, but there’s also plenty of entertainment. There are water attractions, exhibitions and even sea lion shows.
What makes Neeltje Jans unique is the combination of education and fun. It’s one of those places where kids learn something without even realizing it.
We recommend this for slightly older kids who are curious and enjoy interactive experiences.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 150km, 2hr drive by car and 3,5hr by public transport.
4. Discover the Zuiderzee Museum (Enkhuizen)
The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen is one of the most family-friendly museums in the Netherlands. It’s an open-air museum that feels more like a living village than a traditional museum. It’s like you’re going back in time.
Kids can walk through old Dutch streets, enter historic houses and see how people lived in the past. There are also hands-on activities like traditional crafts and games.
One of the highlights is that children are allowed to participate and explore freely, which makes it much more engaging than a typical museum visit.
This is a great place to combine learning with fun, especially on a sunny day.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 65km, 50min drive and 1hr5min by public transport.
5. Take a Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
A canal cruise is one of the easiest and most relaxing activities in the Netherlands, especially with kids. Amsterdam’s canals are iconic, and seeing the city from the water gives a completely different perspective.
Kids often enjoy spotting bridges, boats and the narrow canal houses. Many tours also offer audio guides, and some have family-friendly versions that are easier for children to follow.
It’s also a great way to take a break from walking. After exploring the city on foot, sitting down on a boat for an hour can be very welcome.
In our experience, this is one of the best first activities to do when arriving in Amsterdam. This way you get a good impression of the city in an easy, relaxed way.
6. Visit the NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is one of the best indoor activities for kids in the Netherlands. This interactive museum in Amsterdam is designed entirely around learning through play.
Children can experiment with science, build structures, learn about electricity and explore how things work in a fun and engaging way. Almost everything is hands-on, which makes it perfect for curious kids.
The rooftop terrace is another highlight, offering great views over the city and a water play area during warmer months.
7. Explore Zaanse Schans Windmills
Zaanse Schans is one of the most famous places in the Netherlands and a great destination for families. It’s like stepping into a postcard, with traditional windmills, wooden houses and green fields.
Kids can visit working windmills, see how clogs are made and taste Dutch cheese. There are also small museums and open spaces where children can walk and explore.
Because everything is close together, it’s an easy and manageable visit with kids.
We think this is one of the best places to experience traditional Dutch culture in a fun way.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 20km, 20 minutes by car or public transport.
8. Visit Madurodam
Madurodam is a miniature park in The Hague where kids can see the Netherlands in tiny form. Famous landmarks, cities and even airports are recreated in detail.
Children love interacting with the exhibits, such as controlling ships or activating moving parts. It’s both fun and educational.
What makes Madurodam special is that it gives a great overview of the country in just a few hours. Especially great for younger kids.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 65km, 1hr by car or public transport.
9. Spend a day at the Beach
The Netherlands has a surprisingly beautiful coastline, and spending a day at the beach is a great activity for families.
Popular beaches like Scheveningen and Zandvoort offer wide sandy areas, playgrounds and beach clubs where you can relax.
Kids can build sandcastles, fly kites and play in the dunes. Even on cooler days, the beach is a fun place to explore. Adding a beach day will make your trip relaxed and gives true holiday vibes.
The closest beach from Amsterdam is Zandvoort Beach, approx. 40km, 50 minutes by car and 30 minutes by public transport.
10. Visit ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam
ARTIS Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and a great place to visit with kids. It combines animals, gardens and educational exhibits in a beautiful setting.
The zoo includes an aquarium, a planetarium and themed areas with animals from around the world.
Because there is plenty of space, it’s also a good place to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed day. ARTIS Zoo is conveniently located very close to the city center of Amsterdam.
11. Explore Giethoorn by Boat
Giethoorn is one of the most unique places to visit in the Netherlands with kids. Often called the “Dutch Venice,” this village has canals instead of roads, and the best way to explore it is by boat.
Renting a small electric boat is a fun and easy activity for families. Kids usually love being on the water and even helping steer the boat. As you move through the canals, you pass charming houses, wooden bridges and beautiful gardens.
There are also walking paths and cycling routes if you prefer to explore on land. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a great break from busy cities like Amsterdam.
In our experience, Giethoorn feels like a real-life fairytale and is a highlight for many families.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 115km, 1,5hr by car and 2,5hr by public transport.
12. Visit Kinderdijk Windmills
Kinderdijk is one of the most iconic places in the Netherlands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features 19 historic windmills lined up along the water, creating a classic Dutch landscape.
Families can walk or cycle along the paths and enjoy the scenery. Some windmills are open to visitors, giving you a glimpse inside how people used to live and work.
Kids often enjoy the open space and the chance to explore outdoors. You can also take a boat tour, which adds an extra fun element to the visit.
We would say Kinderdijk is one of the most photogenic and peaceful places in the country.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 95km, 1hr20min by car and 2hr by public transport. Fun fact: when you are in Rotterdam, you can take the waterbus (part of the public transport system) to Kinderdijk.
13. Discover Rotterdam’s Cube Houses
Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, and the Cube Houses are one of its most famous landmarks. These bright yellow houses are tilted at an angle, making them look like cubes balancing on their corners.
Kids often find this fascinating because it looks so different from normal buildings. You can even go inside one of the houses to see how people live in this unusual design.
Rotterdam itself is also worth exploring, with wide streets, modern buildings and a very different feel compared to Amsterdam.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 80km, 1hr20min drive and 45min by public transport. Travelling to this site from Amsterdam is by far easiest by public transport.
Are you planning to stay longer in Rotterdam? Have a look at this Rotterdam City Guide!
14. Visit the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam
The Maritime Museum in Rotterdam is a great option for kids who love ships, boats and adventure. The museum focuses on the Netherlands’ long history with water and shipping.
One of the highlights is the outdoor harbor area, where you can see real historic ships. Some of them can be explored, which makes it especially exciting for children.
Inside, there are interactive exhibits designed for younger visitors, making it both educational and fun.
In our experience, this museum works especially well for kids who enjoy hands-on activities and exploring.
This site is located close to the Cube Houses, so you can easily combine them.
15. Explore Utrecht Canals
Utrecht is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s a fantastic city to visit with kids. The canals here are unique because they have two levels, with terraces and walkways right by the water.
The city feels smaller and calmer than Amsterdam, which makes it easier to explore with children. You can walk along the canals, stop for ice cream or relax in one of the parks.
There are also playgrounds and family-friendly cafés throughout the city.
Utrecht is a wonderful place to slow down a bit and enjoy a more relaxed and cosy atmosphere.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 55km, 45min by car and 20min by public transport. Public transport connections between Amsterdam and Utrecht are very good so we highly recommend using this.
16. Visit Duinrell Theme Park and Water Park
Duinrell is a great alternative to the Efteling, especially for families who love water parks. Located near The Hague, it combines a small amusement park with a large indoor water park called Tikibad.
The rides are suitable for different age groups, and the water slides are a big hit with older kids.
Because it’s smaller than the Efteling, it’s also easier to manage in one day.
This is definitely a great choice if your kids enjoy swimming and water activities.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 55km, 45min drive by car and 1,5hr by public transport.
17. Go Cycling in the Dutch Countryside
Cycling is a big part of daily life in the Netherlands, and it’s also a great activity for families. There are dedicated bike paths almost everywhere, making it safe and easy to explore.
You can cycle through countryside areas with windmills, farms and canals, or along the coast through dunes.
Many places offer bike rentals with child seats or cargo bikes.
Cycling is definitely one of the most authentic experiences in the Netherlands.
18. Visit a Dutch Cheese Farm
The Netherlands is famous for its cheese, and visiting a cheese farm is both fun and educational.
Kids can see how cheese is made, watch demonstrations and, of course, taste different varieties.
Many farms also have animals and outdoor areas where children can play. It’s a simple but enjoyable activity that combines learning with fun!
19. Visit the Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is one of the most famous museums in the Netherlands. While it may not appeal to all children, it can be a great experience for older kids.
The museum tells the story of Vincent van Gogh’s life in an engaging way, and his colorful paintings often capture children’s attention.
This trip works best when you keep the visit short and focus on a few highlights.
20. Explore the Tulip Fields (Spring)
If you visit the Netherlands in spring, exploring the tulip fields is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have with kids. From late March to early May, large parts of the countryside are covered in colorful flowers, creating a truly unique landscape.
The most famous place to see tulips is the Bollenstreek region, located between Haarlem and Leiden. Here you’ll find endless rows of bright red, yellow, pink and purple tulips. A visit to Keukenhof Gardens is also highly recommended, as it combines beautifully designed flower displays with playgrounds and family-friendly facilities.
Kids usually love walking through the gardens, spotting different colors and taking photos. There is also plenty of space to move around, which makes it easier compared to more crowded attractions.
We believe this is one of the most magical activities in the Netherlands, especially for families visiting in spring. Just keep in mind that it’s seasonal, so it’s important to plan your trip accordingly.
21. Visit Linnaeushof Playground
Linnaeushof is often called the largest playground in Europe, and it’s a fantastic destination for families with younger children. Unlike theme parks, this place is entirely focused on play, which means kids can explore freely and stay active all day.
The playground features hundreds of play structures, including slides, climbing frames, swings and water play areas. There are sections designed for different age groups, so both toddlers and older children can enjoy themselves safely.
On warm days, the water playground is especially popular. Kids can splash around and cool off, making it a perfect summer activity.
What makes Linnaeushof special is that it’s simple but incredibly effective. There are no long queues or complicated rides — just pure play.
Linnaeushof is located in Bennebroek, which is approx. 35km from Amsterdam. Driving time is approx. 35min by car and 1hr by public transport.
22. Visit the A’DAM Lookout
The A’DAM Lookout is one of the most exciting attractions in Amsterdam, especially for families with older kids or teenagers. Located just across the river from Amsterdam Central Station, it’s easy to reach by taking the free ferry.
At the top of the tower, you’ll find a panoramic observation deck with incredible views over the city. You can see canals, buildings and even the surrounding countryside on a clear day.
The main highlight, however, is the famous “Over the Edge” swing. This giant swing lets you swing back and forth over the edge of the building, high above the ground. It’s not for everyone, but kids who enjoy thrills will absolutely love it.
Even if you skip the swing, the lookout itself is worth visiting for the views and the experience.
In our experience, this is a great activity to combine with THIS IS HOLLAND and the ferry ride, making it a fun mini-adventure for families.
23. Explore De Hoge Veluwe National Park
If your family feels like escaping the cities for a day, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is the perfect place to go. This is one of the most beautiful nature areas in the Netherlands, with forests, purple heathlands and even drifting sand dunes that almost feel like a mini desert.
One of the absolute highlights for kids is the famous free white bicycles. You can pick one up at the entrance and cycle through the park at your own pace. It turns the whole visit into a little adventure, and kids love having the freedom to ride through nature.
Along the way, there’s plenty to discover. You might spot deer or other wildlife, stop for a picnic or let the kids run around in the open spaces. In the middle of the park, you’ll also find the Kröller-Müller Museum, which has a large outdoor sculpture garden where children can explore and play freely.
It’s a refreshing change from busy cities and a great way to experience a different side of the Netherlands as a family.
One thing to be aware of: wolves have returned to parts of the Veluwe in recent years. Encounters are extremely rare and wolves tend to avoid people, but it’s still a good idea to stay on marked paths, keep children close and avoid quiet forest areas early in the morning or late in the evening.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 90km, 1hr15min by car and 2hr by public transport.
24. Visit a Castle (Muiderslot)
Muiderslot Castle is one of the best castles to visit in the Netherlands with kids. Located just outside Amsterdam, it looks like a classic fairytale castle, complete with towers, a moat and a drawbridge.
Inside the castle, children can explore different rooms and learn about medieval life. There are often interactive elements, such as dressing up in knight costumes, which makes the experience more engaging.
The castle grounds are also worth exploring, with gardens and open spaces where kids can run around.
Because it’s relatively compact, it’s easy to visit without it becoming overwhelming, even for younger children.
Distance from Amsterdam: approx. 25km, a 20 minute in drive by car and 45 minutes by public transport.
25. Explore Dutch Dunes and Nature Parks
The Netherlands may be known for its cities, but it also has beautiful natural landscapes, especially along the coast. The Dutch dunes are a great place to explore with kids and offer a completely different experience from urban sightseeing.
These dune areas, located near cities like Haarlem and The Hague, feature sandy hills, forests and walking or cycling paths. Kids can run freely, climb dunes and explore nature.
Many of these areas are also home to wildlife, such as deer or birds, which adds an extra element of excitement.
The open space makes it a great place to relax and take a break from busy tourist areas!
Netherlands with kids FAQ (quick answers)
The Netherlands offers a wide mix of activities for families, including theme parks like Efteling, beaches, interactive museums and unique places like windmill villages and canal towns. Most families combine a few highlights instead of trying to do everything.
The best approach is to pick a few key activities and keep your schedule flexible. Because distances are short, you can easily combine cities, nature and attractions without long travel days.
Yes, traveling in the Netherlands is very easy for families. Trains and public transport are reliable, and most destinations are close together, making day trips simple and stress-free.
Most families need about 7 to 10 days to explore the Netherlands at a relaxed pace. This gives you enough time to visit a few cities, enjoy outdoor activities and include one or two larger attractions.
Yes, the Netherlands is one of the easiest European countries to visit with kids. It’s safe, well-organized and compact, which makes it ideal for families traveling to Europe for the first time.