The best things to do with kids in the Netherlands (2023)

From fairytale forests and magical pancake houses to wildlife safaris and epic theme parks, we share the best attractions for kids in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is often said to be one of the best countries in the world to raise children. And with so many exciting attractions on offer in the low-lying nation, it's not hard to see why. From talking trees and floating pancake houses to safaris that bring you face-to-face with wild animals, there's more than enough to keep the little ones entertained. Just check out these great things to do with kids in the Netherlands.

1. Madurodam

Small children will feel like giants when they enter the amazing miniature world of Madurodam in Scheveningen. The popular park features miniature replicas of the most famous landmarks, cities and landscapes in the Netherlands. Since it opened in 1952, tens of thousands of visitors have come to stroll through the beautiful tulip fields, visit the famous landmarks and see miniature KLM planes at Schiphol Airport. Families can have a lot of fun seeing the Rijksmuseum, Binnenhof and other famous Dutch landmarks.

They can also enjoy watching Madurodam's 65,000 tiny residents go about their daily lives. While fun, Madurodam is also quite an educational experience. Children can learn about Dutch history and traditions on the movie screens around the park. They'll also learn some fun facts along the way. The 21 interactive attractions add even more fun to your visit. Young children can load containers onto a cargo ship in the port of Rotterdam and take a plane to take off from Schiphol. They can also mix their own DJ beats to get the tiny festival goers dancing. The indoor attraction 'de Waterwolf' teaches children how to keep the ground dry. It has a replica of the De Cruquiussteam pumping station which they can operate to fight the water and pump Haarlem Lake dry.

Madurodam,George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ, The Hague

2. Efteling

Few places in the Netherlands are more magical than Efteling. At 180 acres, an area twice the size of the original Disneyland, the theme park is one of the oldest in the world. It is also the largest in the country. Since opening in 1952, it has brought the world's favorite fairy tale to life, attracting a staggering five million visitors each year. Needless to say, the Efteling is one of the most popular attractions for children in the Netherlands. Visitors from all over the country come to wander the fairytale forest and see their favorite characters. Here they can check out Little Red Riding Hood's house, come face-to-face with fire-breathing dragons and meet a magical talking tree! Not only that, but there are 36 rides to enjoy that are suitable for all ages.

Toddlers will love riding the many carousels, traveling around the world at the carnival festival and seeing fairies on the famous Droomvlucht (Dream Flight). Meanwhile, older thrill-seekers can get their kicks on the double-loop corkscrew slide, the Python or the terrifying De Vliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman). There is also plenty of theatrical entertainment for all the family. Many exciting shows are organized every day, including Europe's largest water show and the dramatic Raveleijn horse acrobatic show. Families can also stay overnight at the charming Efteling Hotel or Efteling Village Bosrijk.

Efteling, Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel

3. Beekse Bergen Safari Park

Little animal lovers will have the time of their lives getting close to their favorite animals at Beekse Bergen Safari Park. Located near Hilvarenbeek in the south of the Netherlands, the park is home to around 1,250 animals from more than 150 species. Just like on an African safari, visitors have the chance to spot zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards and other creatures while driving along the 5km signposted drive. And if they want to learn more about the animals, they can also go on a bus safari with an experienced ranger.

They can also jump on a boat or walk through the various natural habitats on offer. And if they want to get a closer look at the animals and learn about their eating habits from a ranger, they can visit at scheduled feeding times during the day. Another popular attraction is the famous bird show, which features all kinds of birds and presents interesting facts. Families can also stay overnight at the Safari Resort and sleep among the wild animals. Alternatively, they can stay at the holiday park and enjoy the beautiful green surroundings.

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

4. Center Parcs

The Center Parcs franchise has built a brilliant reputation over the past fifty years for its fantastic range of sports and leisure facilities, swimming pools and family holiday villas. The centers are often surrounded by peaceful natural landscapes such as parks and forests and provide a relaxing environment where families can enjoy quality time together. There are nine Center Parcs resorts to choose from across the Netherlands, each offering a range of fun activities for children of all ages. These include everything from water sports and swimming to rock climbing and escape rooms.

Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, there's something to keep them all happy, whatever the weather. At destinations such as Het Heijderbos, children can, for example, pet rabbits, goats and other animals at the children's farm. They can also ride ponies through the forest. Elsewhere, like The Kempervennen, meanwhile, they invite kids aged five to 11 to jump into a jeep and go on a wildlife safari. And if your little ones love the sea, the long sandy beach at Park Zandvoort is sure to be a hit.

Center Parcs, various locations throughout the Netherlands

5. Slagharen Theme Park and Resort

Another top attraction for kids – and big kids – in the Netherlands is Slagharen. The popular theme park has 34 thrilling rides and activities to keep guests of all ages happy. Adults and older children can be thrilled at Gold Rush, the first triple roller coaster in the Netherlands. They can also experience complete weightlessness by skydiving from a height of 40 meters on the thrilling Free Fall ride. Younger kids, meanwhile, can enjoy attractions like the Wild West Adventure boat ride and The Pirate floating ship. There are also some great shows and entertainment along the way. These include the Western Circus Show and meet and greet opportunities with characters such as Cowboy Joe and the Red Bandit. The resort also has a playground for children up to 12 years old.

In addition to the amusement park, Slagharen also includes a 5,200 square meter Mexican-themed water park called Aqua Mexicana. Here, kids can have fun jumping on 10 water slides and a giant hot tub. it can fit up to 70 people in it. They can also relax in the water play areas. Meanwhile, their parents can relax on the terrace with the Mexican-style palm trees as a backdrop. But if it's too much to cram into a single day, you can spend the night at the resort. There are several themed lodges to choose from, including Cowboy Cottage and Raccoon Lodge. Or better yet, you can sleep inside a Wigwam!

near the forehead, Zwarte Dijk 37.7776 PB Slagharen

6. Wonderland

If you're looking for an alternative to the Efteling, Sprookjeswonderland is a great place to take younger kids. While there aren't any claw-foot rides or elaborate stunts, there's still plenty to spark little ones' imaginations. The fairytale landscape boasts everything from a beautiful nostalgic carousel and ladybug-shaped floating boats to realistic mechanical ponies and a rocking ship. Similar to Efteling, the park also offers a fairytale forest. Children can walk along the path dotted with red toads and look inside the houses of Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood and other favorite fairy tales.

The park is also home to a large playground that includes slides, climbing equipment and a charming little carousel. Kids can also meet goats, llamas and even kangaroos at the small petting farm. Often praised by parents for its manageable size and affordable entry fee, the park is ideal if you don't like dealing with large crowds and queues. The easy-to-follow layout and good pram access also make it a popular choice for parents with toddlers in tow. Surrounded by forest and ornamental gardens, the park also offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy a picnic. That is if you're not tempted to stop at the pancake restaurant for a tasty treat.

Wonderland,Kooizandweg 9, 1601 LK Enkhuizen

7. Pancake House Hans & Gretel

What's more fun than making delicious pancakes sprinkled with all your favorite toppings? How about doing it inside a magical pancake house? Hans & Grietje Pannenkoekenhuis is located in Zeewolde and is unlike any other pancake restaurant. Here tables float, rooms are flipped and floors move back and forth. all at the push of a button and the pull of a string. Little ones can have fun turning the world upside down in the Groninger Room, playing princess in the Bling-Bling Room and experimenting with a time machine.

In addition to quirky rooms and interactive elements, the quirky pancake house also features an extensive outdoor play area. This includes trampolines, inflatables, a fun go-kart track and a Big Candy Tower. The latter includes fun slides, a real candy museum and an adjacent terrace with mysterious witch tunnels. With so many exciting things to explore, kids are sure to work up a big enough appetite to enjoy the delicious pancakes on offer. And with any combination of toppings you can imagine, you'll be completely spoiled for choice.

Hans & Gretel Pancake House,Sternweg 2a, 3898 LJ Zeewolde

8.Walibi Holland

With 35 rides and attractions, from fun to thrilling, Walibi Holland is one of the most popular amusement parks for children in the Netherlands. The park is famous for its five white slides and the stomach-turning Skydive bungee. With riding names like UNTAMED, Goliath and Lost Gravity, you know you're going to get an adrenaline rush. That said, there's also more than enough to keep younger kids happy. If they are not old enough to be thrown in the air or flipped upside down, they can enjoy many rides that fall under the Kids category.

These include a classic carousel, Merlin's magical castle and spinning cars. The park also hosts regular events and promotions throughout the year, such as Halloween Spooky Days and Good Good. when the attractions are open until 23.00 in the summer months. If you want more time to enjoy the walks, you can stay overnight in a cottage in Walibi Village. These cater for groups ranging from four people to 16 or more.

Wallibi Holland, Spijkweg 30, 8256 RJ Biddinghuizen

9. Linnaeushof

The Linnaeushof offers more than 350 indoor and outdoor play structures, go-kart tracks and a water play center, offering an overwhelming amount of fun for children. In fact, it is the largest playground in Europe and one of the most popular attractions for children in the Netherlands. Kids of all ages can ride the cable car, jump on the trampolines and sail on bikes and go-karts. And that only scratches the surface of what's on offer at the Linnaeushof. The park also features an 11m high Pirate's Nest, mini golf courses, a super slide and more. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds also make it the perfect place to bring the kids rain or shine.

The Linnaeushof also has a separate toddler playground and nursery, which is suitable for younger guests. Here, little ones can enjoy the many swings and climbing equipment on offer, including an impressive bouncy castle with drawbridge. Meanwhile, older kids can get up on the Toffe Toren or tackle the obstacle course. On warm days, the water playground is a great place to take the kids in Holland. Here they can cool off and ride the many water slides, all surrounded by towering palm trees.

Linnaeushof, Glitterweg 4c, 2104 AK Heemstede

10. NEMO Science Museum

It is at its heartAmsterdam, the NEMO Science Museum is the largest science center in the Netherlands and presents a different science theme on each of its five floors. Curious little visitors can start their journey on the first floor and learn about DNA and chain reactions. Here they will also discover a room containing giant dominoes and objects. These include a giant bell and a flying car. From there, they can move through the different levels of the building, learning as they go.

As they move upwards, they will discover a science lab where they can do science experiments. These include testing for vitamin C in certain substances and DNA testing. They will also encounter an exhibition on the human mind as well as a performance hall where films about science will be shown. The top floor of the museum has a cafe, a children's playground and a fantastic view of Amsterdam below. Perfect for children of all ages, the NEMO Science Museum is one of the most popular attractions for children in the Netherlands. Who said learning about science wasn't fun!

NEMO Science Museum,Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam