The Netherlands is a hop skip and a jump away from many European countries (or a short train, boat or plane trip in any case) and it’s a surprisingly versatile kid friendly destination for both short or long breaks. Here are six reasons to visit the Netherlands with children, that go far beyond Amsterdam.
1. You can Tour the Netherlands on a Bike Safely and Easily
The Dutch are practically born attached to a bicycle. According to the Fietsersbond (Cycling Association) the Dutch cycle 15 billion kilometres a year and there are 22.5 million bikes in the country. In other words, there are more bikes than people. The comprehensive national cycle path network reflects this Dutch love affair with two wheels.
There are numerous cycle route planners that can help you map out a tour of the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands. Imagine a safe cycle route past magnificent castles, along canals, vineyards or through flower fields bursting with tulips with a gezellig stop off for refreshments along the way of course.
You can hire bikes locally to suit your family; from bakfiets and bikes equipped with baby or child seats to tandems or good old fashioned regular bikes.
The best bit is that much of the Netherlands is reclaimed polder land and is therefore as flat as the pancakes that Dutch children love to eat for dinner. Even the most inexperienced cyclist can enjoy trips out on a bike.
2. The Netherlands is Home to a Host of Amusement Parks
There are so many theme and amusement parks in the Netherlands that it would be impossible to fit them all into one holiday. There are theme parks of all sizes, for different ages and a choice of indoor or outdoor entertainment depending on the unpredictable Dutch weather.
The best known is the Efteling, which is an hour and a quarter drive south of Amsterdam, but it’s certainly not the only park worth a visit; Drievliet, Slagharen, Walibi and Duinrell are just a few more to visit.
3. The Netherlands is an Animal Lovers Paradise
The Dutch are animal lovers and so the Netherlands has more than its fair share of animal and safari parks, and zoos. Big parks to explore range from Artis in Amsterdam and Blijdorp in Rotterdam to Burgers Zoo in Arnhem, Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen and bird park Avifauna in Alphen aan den Rijn.
Then there’s the marine park Dolfinarium in Harderwijk, monkeys galore in Apenheul, and numerous smaller scale parks with ponies, butterflies, reptiles, birds and horses (to name but a few) scattered around the country.
Worth a special mention is Ecomare, a seal sanctuary on the Dutch island of Texel.
You can also take long walks accompanied by a donkey. The good news is that the donkey carries the picnic so you don’t have to.
In short, the Netherlands is a paradise for animal loving children.
4. You can Visit Beaches and a Strandtent
Whilst the climate of the Netherlands cannot match that of Southern Europe it can certainly be said that the Dutch love sunshine. They know how to make the most of good weather when the sun shows up. There are sandy beaches up and down the Dutch dune lined coast.
Strandtents (beach cafes) sit on the beaches with themes to suit every taste. Best of all is that many have playgrounds for the kids so you get to really enjoy that drink.
In Scheveningen, near The Hague, you can stroll along the boulevard, walk on the pier, take a ride on a Giant Ferris Wheel which provides views over the sea, visit Sea Life, watch a firework display, or simply laze on the beach whilst the kids make sandcastles.
No matter the weather, the Dutch make the most of their coastal area – from walks in the dunes, water and beach sports, or simply relaxing and soaking up those precious rays of sun.
5. You are Spoilt for Accommodation Choices
The Netherlands has a wide range of accommodation options to please every type of traveller. You can take your caravan and rest up on a campsite, camp in a tent, stay in a holiday park brimming with facilities, overnight in a hotel or a bed and breakfast, set yourselves up in a comfortable holiday home, or go glamping on a farm.
Whatever accommodation appeals to your imagination the Netherlands has it; from bustling cities to rural villages and islands!
6. You Will Learn and Discover
Museums are scattered across the length and breadth of the Netherlands. There are so many it is hard to compile a comprehensive list. To name just a few to visit in Amsterdam alone: The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt House and NEMO science centre.
Further afield there are open air museums (the Zaanse Schans is certainly worth a visit) and if you want to see the best of the Netherlands all in one day then a trip to miniature world Madurodam in The Hague will tick all the boxes.
Whilst in The Hague you can also visit Panorama Mesdag or Escher in het Paleis.
If you are into cars then the Louwman museum should be on your list.
If trains are more your thing then visit Het Spoorwegmuseum in Utrecht, the mini railway world in Rotterdam or one of the many local steam train museums.
If planes get you excited then make sure you plan a trip to the Aviodrome in Lelystad.
If your kids love to lose themselves in the past then the Netherlands has lots of beautiful castles to visit, such as Muiderslot and Kasteel de Haar, many with special children’s events during the school holidays.
And finally, if you are interested to learn more about the Dutch art of water management then Deltapark Neeltje Jans is absolutely the place to go.
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