Best Places for Families to Travel in The Netherlands

The Netherlands, with its picturesque canals, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history, is a fantastic destination for families traveling with kids. The country offers a plethora of activities that cater to the interests of children and adults alike. From interactive museums to sprawling parks and unique attractions, there's something for every family to enjoy. When planning your trip, consider the time of year, as the spring and summer months offer the best weather for outdoor activities, while autumn and winter have their own charm with fewer tourists and festive events. To help you save on costs, look for city tourist cards that often include free or discounted entry to attractions and public transport. Here are some of the best cities and towns in The Netherlands that are known for being family-friendly and offer a wealth of experiences that your kids will love.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities. The city's Vondelpark is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, and the Artis Royal Zoo will fascinate kids with its diverse collection of animals. The NEMO Science Museum, with its hands-on exhibits, makes learning fun for children. For a taste of Dutch culture, visit the Zaanse Schans neighborhood to see traditional windmills and wooden houses. The best time to visit Amsterdam with kids is during the late spring or summer when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to take a canal cruise in Amsterdam. It's a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective, and many companies offer special family-friendly tours with engaging commentary for kids.

Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying at the Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark, which is family-friendly and centrally located. For dining, Pancake Bakery offers a fun and delicious meal that kids will love, with a variety of sweet and savory pancakes.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture and family-oriented attractions. The Maritime Museum Rotterdam offers interactive exhibits about the city's seafaring history, and the nearby Plaswijckpark is an amusement park with play areas, a zoo, and even a water playground. The Cube Houses are also a fascinating architectural sight to explore. Visiting in the summer months is ideal for enjoying the outdoor attractions.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp), one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands, where you can see the Oceanium and a wide variety of animals in well-designed habitats.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark is a family-friendly option with spacious rooms. For a meal, head to Happy Italy, where you can enjoy large portions of pasta and pizza at reasonable prices.

Utrecht

Utrecht charms families with its medieval center and the unique Miffy Museum, dedicated to the famous bunny character created by Dutch artist Dick Bruna. The museum is designed for young children, making it a delightful experience. The Dom Tower offers a great view of the city, and the Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum) is perfect for train enthusiasts. Spring and summer are the best times to visit when you can enjoy the outdoor terraces and canals.

Travel Tip: The Miffy Museum is a must-visit for families with toddlers and preschoolers. The interactive exhibits are designed to stimulate young children's imagination and creativity.

Where to Stay & Eat: Stay at the family-friendly Stayokay Utrecht Centrum, which is conveniently located. For a family meal, visit De Ontdekking, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu that caters to both adults and children.

The Hague

The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government, is not only a city of international importance but also a great place for families. Madurodam is a miniature park that showcases scaled-down replicas of famous Dutch landmarks, which is both educational and entertaining for kids. The Hague also boasts beautiful beaches like Scheveningen, perfect for a summer day. The interactive COMM Museum is another highlight for families.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to explore the Omniversum, a dome-shaped IMAX theater that offers a unique cinematic experience with educational films that will captivate the entire family.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Novotel Den Haag World Forum is a family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms. For dining, try the family-friendly Hudson Bar & Kitchen, which offers a special menu for kids and a relaxed atmosphere for parents.

Eindhoven

Eindhoven is a hub of design and technology, making it an exciting destination for families with curious minds. The city's preeminent attraction for families is the Philips Museum, which offers a journey through the history of innovation and light. The Genneper Parks are great for outdoor activities, and the city hosts many family-friendly events throughout the year. Visit during the GLOW Eindhoven light festival in November for a spectacular experience.

Travel Tip: If you're visiting Eindhoven with kids, be sure to check out the interactive exhibits at the Philips Museum, which are designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages about the impact of technology.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Holiday Inn Eindhoven is a good family option, with a pool and family rooms. For a casual meal, try the family-friendly pizzeria La Vita è Bella, which offers a warm atmosphere and a kids' menu.

Haarlem

Just a short train ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem offers a more laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for families. The Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, is a wonderland of art, natural history, and science. Haarlem's Grote Markt is a great place to explore, with street performers and markets. The city's beaches are also within easy reach for a summer visit. Haarlem is particularly beautiful in the spring when the nearby flower fields are in bloom.

Travel Tip: Visit the Teylers Museum to see an eclectic collection of fossils, minerals, historical scientific instruments, and works of art, all housed in a beautifully preserved historic building.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Carlton Square Hotel is a comfortable family-friendly option in Haarlem. For a meal, Jetties offers organic and kid-friendly options, with a play area to keep the little ones entertained.

Alkmaar

Alkmaar is famous for its traditional cheese market, which is a fun and educational experience for kids. The market runs from April to September and offers a glimpse into Dutch cheese-making traditions. The city also has a beautiful old town to explore and is close to the beach for summer visits. The Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar provides insight into the city's history and art.

Travel Tip: The cheese market in Alkmaar is a must-see. It's not only entertaining with its cheese-carrying guilds in traditional costumes, but it also offers delicious cheese tasting opportunities.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Amrâth Hotel Alkmaar offers family rooms and is well-situated for exploring the city. For dining, head to De Kleine Waarheid, a cozy restaurant with a kid-friendly menu and a welcoming atmosphere.