If you ask international visitors what they imagine when they think of the Netherlands, the answer is almost always the same: windmills, wooden houses, cheese and clogs. The good news is that you can find all of those things in one place. Zaanse Schans with kids is one of the easiest and most enjoyable day trips you can make during a family holiday in the Netherlands.
Located just north of Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans feels like stepping back in time. Traditional green wooden houses line the canals, old windmills slowly turn in the wind and small workshops demonstrate crafts that have existed for hundreds of years. It almost feels like an open-air museum, but unlike many museums, children can run around freely and explore at their own pace.
I always enjoy visiting Zaanse Schans because it offers a completely different atmosphere from the busy Dutch cities. Instead of traffic and crowds, you’ll hear birds, see boats passing by and smell fresh waffles and cheese from the local shops.
For young children, the windmills themselves are already fascinating. Older kids often enjoy watching clog makers at work or learning how Dutch cheese is produced. Parents usually appreciate the beautiful scenery and the chance to take some of the most iconic photos in the Netherlands.
Although many tourists only stay for a few hours, I think it deserves a little more time. There is plenty to discover if you slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
What Is Zaanse Schans?
Zaanse Schans is a historic village located about twenty kilometres north of Amsterdam. It is famous for its collection of traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses and historic workshops that show what life looked like in the Netherlands during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The village is not an amusement park or a theme park. Instead, it is a living heritage site where many of the buildings are still used today. Visitors can walk freely through the area, cross small bridges, visit museums and watch demonstrations by local craftsmen.
One of the biggest attractions is, of course, the windmills. Several of them can be visited inside, where families can see how they were once used to grind spices, produce paint or saw timber. It is a fun and educational experience that gives children a better understanding of Dutch history.
Even if you don’t visit every museum, simply walking around the village is an experience in itself. Every corner seems to offer another postcard-perfect view, making Zaanse Schans one of the most photogenic places in the Netherlands.
What Can You Do at Zaanse Schans with Kids?
There is much more to do at Zaanse Schans than simply looking at windmills. That is exactly why it is such a fun destination for families. Children can explore the village, watch craftsmen at work and learn about Dutch traditions in an interactive way.
One of the most popular stops is the clog workshop. Here, you can see how traditional wooden shoes are made using old machines. The demonstrations are entertaining and many children love trying on giant wooden clogs for a photo.
The cheese farm is another favourite. Families can watch how Dutch cheese is produced and taste several different varieties. Even picky eaters usually enjoy trying a piece of famous Gouda cheese.
I would also recommend visiting at least one working windmill. Inside, you can see the huge wooden gears moving and discover how these mills were used hundreds of years ago. It is both educational and surprisingly interesting for children.
There are also small museums, gift shops and plenty of places to stop for an ice cream or drink. Altogether, there is enough to keep the whole family entertained for several hours.
How Long Do You Need?
Many visitors only spend one or two hours at Zaanse Schans before returning to Amsterdam. Personally, I think that is too short.
I would recommend planning at least half a day. This gives you enough time to walk through the village, visit a windmill, watch the clog-making demonstration and enjoy lunch without rushing.
If you like taking photos, you may want even more time. Almost every corner of the village offers another beautiful view of the canals and windmills.
The area is compact and easy to explore on foot. That makes it very suitable for families with young children or a stroller.
Most families spend between three and five hours here, depending on how many museums they visit.
Is Zaanse Schans Worth Visiting?
Yes, absolutely. In my opinion, Zaanse Schans is one of the best day trips from Amsterdam.
It combines everything people expect from the Netherlands. You’ll see traditional windmills, green wooden houses, canals, cheese and clogs all in one place. It feels like a postcard that has come to life.
The village can become busy during the afternoon, especially in summer. If possible, arrive early in the morning. The atmosphere is quieter and the light is perfect for photos.
For families, Zaanse Schans offers a great balance between culture and fun. Children can discover new things while still enjoying a relaxed day outdoors. That combination makes it one of my favourite places to visit in the Netherlands with kids.
How Do You Get to Zaanse Schans?
One of the biggest advantages of Zaanse Schans is how easy it is to reach. The village is located just north of Amsterdam, making it one of the most popular day trips for tourists visiting the Dutch capital.
If you’re traveling by train, you can take a direct connection from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk–Zaanse Schans Station. The journey takes around 20 minutes, followed by a pleasant ten-minute walk to the windmills. For many families, this is the easiest and cheapest way to visit.
Traveling by car is also possible. The drive from Amsterdam takes around 25 minutes, depending on traffic. There are several parking areas near the entrance, although parking is paid and can become expensive during busy periods.
Many visitors combine Zaanse Schans with Amsterdam, Volendam or Marken, making it an excellent addition to a one-day itinerary through the province North Holland. If you are looking for more interesting activities for during your stay in the Netherlands, have a look at our Netherlands itinerary with kids.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Zaanse Schans is open throughout the year, but the experience changes with the seasons.
Spring and summer are by far my favourite times to visit. The gardens are in bloom, the weather is usually pleasant and families can spend hours walking around the village without worrying about the cold. On sunny days, the windmills reflected in the canals create some of the most beautiful views in the Netherlands.
Autumn is quieter and the changing colours make the village feel even more charming. Winter can also be magical, especially when there is frost or a little snow, although some attractions have shorter opening hours.
If possible, I would recommend arriving early in the morning. Between 9:00 and 11:00 the village is often much quieter than later in the day, when large tour groups arrive from Amsterdam.
Final Thoughts
If you only have a few days in the Netherlands, I think Zaanse Schans deserves a place on your itinerary. It combines everything people imagine when they think of the country: historic windmills, canals, wooden houses, cheese and beautiful countryside.
For families, it is an easy and relaxing day out. Children can watch craftsmen at work, explore the windmills and enjoy local treats, while parents take in the scenery and learn more about Dutch history.
Although it has become one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands, Zaanse Schans still manages to feel authentic. If you arrive early and take your time, it is easy to understand why so many visitors consider it one of the highlights of their trip.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or combining it with other destinations in North Holland, Zaanse Schans is a wonderful place to experience a traditional side of the Netherlands that children and adults alike will remember for years to come.
Yes. Walking around the village is completely free. However, some museums and windmills charge a separate entrance fee if you would like to visit inside.
Yes, absolutely. The paths are flat, stroller-friendly and there is plenty of space for children to walk around safely. The clog workshop and cheese farm are usually big hits with younger visitors.
Most families spend around three to five hours at Zaanse Schans. That gives enough time to explore the village, visit a windmill and enjoy lunch without feeling rushed.
Definitely. It is one of the best places in the Netherlands to experience traditional Dutch culture and one of the easiest family day trips from Amsterdam.
