Family and kids in the Flower Strip
Linnaeushof
Young and old will have the time of their lives at Europe’s largest playground, Linnaeushof - the ultimate fresh-air getaway. For toddlers, there is a large area that includes a ‘traffic village’ for tricycles, a road complete with signals, crossings, a police station and a fast-food outlet. Older children can enjoy the lake with pedalos, rope bridges, mini-golf, slides, go-karts, a train ride, a pedalled monorail, a waterpark and hundreds of other activities.
De Olmenhorst
Just north of Leiden lies the wonderful De Olmenhorst Orchard and country estate. In the Autumn, the little ones can learn about growing fruit as they pick fresh apples and pears. And throughout the year, activities like workshops and scavenger hunts are a great excuse to burn off steam outside as children discover the various nooks and crannies of the estate. It’s a delightful place for kids to explore and run around, while adults can enjoy the farm shop packed with edible goodies and wooden children’s toys and gifts.
Klimpark21
Klimpark21 in Nieuw-Vennep is a sustainable and modern outdoor park for young and old boasting various climbing and zipline heights and routes. Explore the network of over 40 climbing walls of different sizes and heights (from 1, 4, 7 and 10 metres off the ground), so both young and older kids (and adults!) can challenge themselves. You can also take part in other adrenaline-fueled activities such as archery tag and bubble football.
Keukenhof Castle
Keukenhof Castle is an impressive country estate from the 17th-century, where the little ones will feel like lord of the manor. In the grounds, you'll find a petting zoo, playground and gnome walk with ample opportunity for children to run around and explore the various secret gardens. When you're feeling peckish, stop by the Hofboerderij for a portion of traditional Dutch poffertjes (mini pancakes)!
Keukenhof Gardens
Besides the splendour of the flowers, one of the most beautiful things about Keukenhof Gardens is that it can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. At the petting zoo, children can meet curious goats and sheep, wallowing pigs, strutting peacocks and cuddly rabbits. The Miffy playground and hedge maze are an excellent opportunity for little ones to burn off steam, whilst the fun scavenger hunt will lead families to the most beautiful spots dotted around the park. In mid-April, don't miss a festive flower parade like no other as the Bloemencorso’s array of colourful floats and displays travels along a 40km route from the coastal town of Noordwijk to Haarlem. Hundreds of thousands of spectators take the opportunity to enjoy the carnival atmosphere of the parade, and there’s even the chance to spot luxury cars and live bands that join the procession.
Space Expo
Space Expo lets the little ones discover the universe and they can even earn their very own astronaut diploma! Space Expo is the visitor centre of ESA ESTEC and the Museum of Space Travel. André Kuipers' original Soyuz capsule is on display, there’s a model of the International Space Station (ISS), so big you can walk through it, and don’t miss the life-size scale model of the Moon landing.
Museum Stoomgemaal
The Halfweg steam pumping station Museum Stoomgemaal is the oldest and largest working paddlewheel steam pumping station in the world. It was built in 1852 and served as a drainage pumping station to pump the surplus water from the Haarlemmermeer and the North Sea Canal. The pump no longer has a hydraulic function, but it is still set to work for a few days a year. The museum still breathes an authentic atmosphere, and the exhibitions and industrial steam engines will win the awe of every child.
Jumpin Noordwijk
Is there too much energy left after a day full of flower sightseeing? At the indoor park Jumpin Noordwijk, kids can blow off some steam on the many trampolines. And while you’re there, release your inner child and go for a jump as well. But there’s more: the park also offers Formula 1 VR racing simulators, obstacle courts, free-running tracks, ninja parkour, and a play zone. And for the very smallest visitors, KidsZoo is a soft play paradise for children aged 1-12 years.
Funzone Aalsmeer
Kids or little monkeys? Let them loose in the climbing jungle centre at Funzone in Aalsmeer, with a ball pit, trampolines, climbing, disco dancing and more. Funzone also helps celebrate children's parties in its special party room, and for parents, there are places to relax, read and enjoy free wifi. If that isn’t enough, burn off steam in the trampoline park or practice your putting on the glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course.