Holland with Kids and Teens: The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Oct 14, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
School breaks are coming up, and your family is ready for the next big trip. In recent years, the Netherlands has become one of the top destinations for families — easy to travel, full of attractions for all ages, and blessed with a calm, welcoming atmosphere that brings people together. From flat landscapes dotted with windmills to canal cruises, cycling routes, theme parks, and world-class museums, Holland is the perfect mix of fun and culture.
Below is a curated list of the most popular family attractions — plus a few hidden gems that most tourists miss.
Travel Tips for Families Visiting Holland
Some attractions are open year-round, but many are outdoors — so winter visitors often wonder if it’s worth going. Look for the ❄ icon next to spots that are still great in the colder months.
💡 Planning a winter trip to Amsterdam? Don’t miss my guide: How to Enjoy Amsterdam in Winter
💡 Visiting during Christmas or New Year’s? See my post: Winter Holidays in Amsterdam: Events & Lights
💡 Combining Amsterdam with other cities? Check out: Amsterdam with Kids and Teens
Top Family Attractions in the Netherlands
1. Keukenhof Gardens (Spring Only)
From late March to mid-May, millions of tulips bloom in one of the world’s most beautiful parks. Every year has a unique theme, creating stunning color displays. Plan to spend at least 2.5–3 hours wandering the gardens.
Distance from Amsterdam: ~40 minutes by car.
Tickets: Keukenhof entry + shuttle from Amsterdam or Entry only (self-drive).
Bonus Experience: Self-drive tulip field tour.
2. Muiderslot Castle ❄
A 700-year-old medieval fortress just 15 km southeast of Amsterdam. Explore towers, narrow passages, gardens, and a “treasure hunt” that turns kids into knights and princesses.
Tickets: Buy here.
Nearby: The Dutch Fortress Museum (20 min drive) with cannon firing demos and boat tours.
3. Zuiderzee Museum
An open-air museum preserving the fishing village culture of the former South Sea. Costumed guides cook traditional dishes, smoke eels, and demonstrate crafts. Includes children’s workshops, boat rides, and events.
Tickets: Book here.
4. Zaanse Schans
A recreated 19th-century village with historic windmills, cheese-making, wooden clogs, and scenic canals.
Tickets: Combined Zaanse Schans pass or Museum entry only.
Tip: Arrive via ferry from Amsterdam for a more scenic experience.
5. De Hoge Veluwe National Park & Kröller-Müller Museum
Holland’s largest nature reserve with forests, dunes, and wildlife. Includes one of the world’s top Van Gogh collections, plus sculptures by Monet, Picasso, and more.
Tickets: National Park entry and Museum tickets.
6. Corpus Museum ❄
An interactive “journey through the human body,” great for ages 6+.
7. Madurodam
Miniature Holland at a 1:25 scale — plus an interactive “New York origins” exhibit.
Tickets: Book here.
8. Scheveningen Pier Ferris Wheel
Located in The Hague’s beach district — perfect for a sunset ride.
9. Hans & Grietje Pancake House ❄
A storybook-style pancake restaurant with indoor and outdoor play areas, slides, trampolines, and fairy-tale trails.
10. Theme Parks
Walibi Holland: Thrill rides for adrenaline seekers.
Efteling: The “Disneyland of the Netherlands” with fairy-tale zones, ghost stories, and family rides.
Adventure Park Hellendoorn: 30+ rides, shows, and water attractions.
11. Bonus Museums
Railway Museum, Utrecht
Music Box Museum, Utrecht
Space Museum, Noordwijk
Aviodrome Aviation Museum
Escher Museum, The Hague
Naturalis Biodiversity Museum, Leiden
🧭 Ready to explore Amsterdam? Discover my unique tours now!
🧳 Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Let’s plan your perfect vacation!
Disclosure: If you book through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission—usually at no extra cost to you. In fact, you might even get a discount!
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