The 10 best things to do with kids within the Netherlands

1. Madurodam

Little children will seem like giants when they enter the fantastic miniature realm of Madurodam in Scheveningen. The popular park features small-scale replicas of the very most famous landmarks, cities, and landscapes in the Netherlands. Because it opened in 1952, tens of millions of visitors have started to walk among the beautiful tulip fields, peek inside old canal houses, and count the miniature planes at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Families might have loads of fun seeing the Rijksmuseum, Binnenhof, and other famous Dutch landmarks.

They can take advantage of watching the 65,000 miniature inhabitants of Madurodam start their lives. While fun, Madurodam can also be somewhat of an educational experience. Kids can learn about Dutch history and traditions around the movie screens dotted round the park. They will also learn a chuckle facts along the way. The 21 interactive attractions add much more fun for your visit. Children can load containers on a cargo ship at the Port of Rotterdam and make an airplane remove from Schiphol. They can also mix their own DJ beats to get the miniature festival-goers dancing. The 'de Waterwolf' indoor attraction, meanwhile, teaches kids how land is kept dry. It features a replica from the De Cruquius steam pumping station that they can operate to fight against the water and pump the Haarlem Lake dry.

Madurodam, George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ, The Hague

2. Efteling

Fewer places within the Netherlands tend to be more magical than Efteling. Covering 180 acres, an area twice the size of the initial Disneyland, the amusement park is one of the oldest on the planet. It is also the largest in the united states. Since it opened in 1952, it's been bringing the world’s favorite fairy tales to life, attracting an astonishing five million visitors each year. Obviously, Efteling is one of the most popular attractions for children in the Netherlands. Kids – and big children at heart – originate from all over the land to wander through the Fairytale Forest and meet their most favorite storybook characters. Here they can peek inside the house of Little Red Riding Hood, come face to face with fire-breathing dragons, and meet an enchanting talking tree! Not only that, but you will find 36 rides to enjoy which are ideal for any age.

Toddlers will like riding the numerous merry-go-rounds, traveling around the world within the Carnaval Festival, and spotting fairies around the famous Droomvlucht (Dreamflight) ride. Older thrill-seekers, meanwhile, could possibly get their kicks around the double-loop corkscrew ride, Python, or the terrifying De Vliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman). There's lots of theatrical entertainment for the whole family, too. Several exciting shows are held every day, including Europe's biggest water show and also the dramatic Raveleijn stunt show with horses. Families can also stay overnight in the enchanting Efteling Hotel or the Efteling Village Bosrijk.

Efteling, Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel

3. Beekse Bergen Safari Park

Little animal lovers will have the time of the lives getting up close with their favorite animals in the Beekse Bergen Safari Park. Located between Tilburg and Hilvarenbeek in the south of the Netherlands, the park hosts approximately 1,250 animals from over 150 species. Just like during an African safari, visitors have the chance to spot zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, along with other creatures while driving along the 5-kilometer marked route by car. And when they would like to know more concerning the animals, they can also hop on a bus safari by having an experienced ranger.

They can also choose to take a ship or walk-through the large number of natural habitats available. Feeding times really are a highlight from the safari park experience. These give visitors the opportunity to get up close to various animals and find out about bad eating habits from the ranger. One other popular attraction may be the famous bird show featuring all kinds of birds and presents interesting facts. Families may also stay overnight at the Safari Resort and sleep one of the wild animals. Alternatively, they are able to remain in the vacation park and relish the beautiful wooded surroundings.

Beekse Bergen Safari Park, Beekse Bergen 1, 5081 NJ Hilvarenbeek

4. Center Parcs

The Center Parcs franchise has earned a glowing reputation in the last half a century for its fantastic range of sport and recreational facilities, pools, and holiday villas for families. Often encompassed by tranquil natural landscapes like parks and forests, the centers give a relaxing environment for families to enjoy some quality time together. The Netherlands alone boasts nine Center Parcs resorts that offer a variety of fun activities for children of every age group. Included in this are everything from aquatic sports and swimming to climbing and escape rooms.

Whether you're going with toddlers or teens, there is something to help keep everyone happy, come rain or shine. At destinations like Het Heijderbos, for instance, kids can stroke rabbits, goats, and other animals in the Children’s Farm. They can also go pony-riding with the forest. Other locations such as The Kempervennen, meanwhile, invite kids aged 5 to 11 to hop aboard a Jeep and go wildlife spotting on the safari. And when your little ones love the ocean, the wide sandy beach at Park Zandvoort is sure to be considered a hit.

Center Parcs, various locations round the Netherlands

5. Slagharen Amusement park and Resort

Another top attraction for children – and big kids – in the Netherlands is Slagharen. The most popular amusement park boasts 34 exciting rides and activities to help keep visitors of every age group happy. Adults and older kids can get their thrills on Gold Rush, the very first triple launch rollercoaster in the Netherlands. They can also experience complete weightlessness by plummeting from a height of 40m around the stomach-flipping Free Fall ride. Younger children, meanwhile, can enjoy attractions like the Wild West Adventure boat ride and also the Pirate swinging ship. There are several fantastic shows and street entertainment available too. Included in this are the Western Circus Show and meet-and-greet opportunities with characters like Cowboy Joe and also the Red Bandit. The accommodation also offers a kids club for kids up to 12 years of age.

As well as being a theme park, Slagharen includes a 5,200-square-meter Mexican-themed waterpark called Aqua Mexicana. Here, kids might have lots of fun hopping on the 10 water slides and giant bubble-bath; this could fit an astonishing 70 people in it. They are able to also let loose in the aquatic play areas. Meanwhile, their parents can unwind around the terrace against the backdrop of Mexican-style palm trees. But when that’s too much to match only one day, you are able to stay overnight at the resort. There are several themed cottages to choose from, including Cowboy Cottage and Raccoon Lodge. Or even better, you can sleep inside a Wigwam!

Slagharen, Zwarte Dijk 37, 7776 PB Slagharen

6. Sprookjeswonderland

Located just an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, Sprookjeswonderland is a great alternative to Efteling, particularly if you have young kids. Although there aren't any nail-biting rides or elaborate stunt shows on offer, there is still plenty to spark little ones’ imaginations. The story book wonderland boasts everything from a beautiful nostalgic carousel and floating boats shaped like ladybugs to life-like mechanical ponies and a rocking ship. Much like Efteling, the park also features a fairytale forest. Children can walk across the trail dotted with red toadstools and peek inside the houses of Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, and other beloved story book characters.

The park can also be home to a large playground including slides, climbing equipment, along with a charming little merry-go-round. Kids may also meet goats, llamas, as well as kangaroos in the small petting farm. Often praised by parents because of its manageable size and affordable entry fee, the park is perfect if you don’t fancy tackling big crowds and queues. The easy-to-follow layout and great access for buggies also turn it into a popular choice for parents with toddlers in tow. Surrounded by woodland and ornamental gardens, the park also offers lots of space to relax and revel in an open-air picnic. That’s should you aren’t tempted to swing by the pancake restaurant for a tasty treat.

Sprookjeswonderland, Kooizandweg 9, 1601 LK Enkhuizen

7. Hans & Grietje Pannenkoekenhuis

What may well be more fun than tucking into delicious pancakes sprinkled with all your favorite toppings? What about doing so in the magic pancake house? Located in Zeewolde within the polder of Flevoland, the Hans & Grietje Pannenkoekenhuis is like not one other pancake restaurant. Here the tables float, the rooms are turned upside down, and the floors move back and forth; all at the push of the mouse and pull of a string. Little rascals can have loads of fun turning the planet upside down within the Groninger room, playing princess in the Bling-Bling room, and tinkering with a period Machine.

Aside from the whacky rooms and interactive elements, the whimsical pancake house also features an extensive outdoor play area. This includes trampolines, inflatables, an enjoyable go-kart track, along with a Big Candy Tower. The latter includes fun slides, a real Candy Museum, and an adjacent terrace with mysterious Witch Tunnels. Because of so many exciting items to explore, kids are certain to work up a large enough appetite to enjoy the tasty pancakes available. With every combination of toppings you can imagine, they'll be totally spoilt for choice.

Hans & Grietje Pannenkoekenhuis, Sternweg 2a, 3898 LJ Zeewolde

8. Walibi Holland

With 35 rides and attractions, ranging from fun to thrilling, Walibi Holland is among the most popular theme parks for children in the Netherlands. The park is known for its five white-knuckle rollercoasters and stomach-flipping Skydive bungee drop. With ride names like UNTAMED, Goliath, and Lost Gravity, you know you’re set for an adrenaline rush. Having said that, there's more than enough to help keep younger kids happy, too. When they aren’t quite of sufficient age to become thrown up in the environment or spun upside down, they can enjoy several rides that come under the children category.

These include a classic carousel, Merlin's Magical Castle, and spinning cars. The park also hosts regular events and promotions all year round, including the Halloween Spooky Days and Good Good; once the attractions stay open until 23:00 throughout the summer months. If you want additional time to enjoy the rides, however, you can stay overnight in a cottage in Walibi Village. These cater to groups ranging from four people up to 16 plus.

Walibi Holland, Spijkweg 30, 8256 RJ Biddinghuizen

9. Linnaeushof

Featuring more than 350 indoor and outdoor play structures, go-kart tracks, as well as an aquatic play center, Linnaeushof provides an overwhelming quantity of fun for children. Actually, it's the largest playground in Europe and one of the largest attractions for children within the Netherlands. Kids of any age can ride the cable cars, jump on the trampolines, and go pedal boating and go-kart racing. And that only scratches the top of what’s on offer at Linnaeushof. The park also boasts an 11-meter-high Pirate’s Nest, mini-golf courses, a super slide, and much more. The outdoor and indoor playgrounds also allow it to be the perfect place to take kids, come rain or shine. 

Among these is a separate toddler and kindergarten playground to keep younger guests happy and entertained. Little ones can savor the many swings and climbing equipment; not to mention an aura cushion in the shape of a real castle having a drawbridge. Older kids, meanwhile, can hoist themselves up the Toffe Toren (Cool Tower) or tackle the obstacle course. On warm days, the water playground is a great spot to take kids in the Netherlands. Here, they can cool down and ride the many water slides, all encompassed by towering palm trees.

Linnaeushof, Glipperweg 4c, 2104 AK Heemstede

10. NEMO Science Museum

Located in the middle of Amsterdam, the NEMO Science Museum may be the largest science center within the Netherlands and presents a different scientific theme on all of its five floors. Curious little visitors can begin their journey on the first floor, researching DNA and chain reactions. Here, they will also find a room which contains giant dominoes and contraptions. These include a giant bell along with a flying car. From there, they are able to undertake the different quantity of a building, learning because they go.

As they move upwards, they will discover a science lab where they can do science experiments. Included in this are testing vitamin C in certain substances and looking at DNA. They will also come across a display about the human mind as well as a performance hall where movies about science are screened. The top floor of the museum includes a café, a children’s play area, along with a fantastic view of Amsterdam down below. Ideal for kids of all ages, the NEMO Science Museum is one of the most widely used attractions for children within the Netherlands. Now, who said learning about science wasn’t fun!

NEMO Science Museum, Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam