Historical days out with kids around Amsterdam

Explore a Medieval castle

Built around 1285, Castle Muiderslot is possibly the Netherlands’ most impressive and best-preserved castle. Take a tour through the remarkable knight’s hall, towers, dungeon and armoury or dress up like a real knight and try jousting. Children can participate in a scavenger hunt, climb into the Westertoren (West Tower) and find out what it is like to wear a suit of armour. On top of a varied events agenda throughout the seasons, the castle hosts children's tours on Wednesday afternoons.

Climb the ramparts in Naarden

The history of the remarkable star-shaped town of Naarden is explained at the fascinating Dutch Fortress Museum, which features canons, weapons, uniforms and some exciting audiovisual presentations. Children can experience how the soldiers protected Amsterdam and its surroundings from enemies from the east and explore the dark corners of the fortress, where the soldiers once fought, lived and slept. There are also opportunities for shooting, golf and boat tours. Don’t miss the chance to walk along the ramparts and view the fortress from the museum’s boat. Ever wondered how much a kilogram weighs on the moon? Don't miss Naarden's Weegschaal Museum (weighing scales museum), where you can discover everything there is to know about the origins of measuring and weighing.

Sail to a mysterious fortress island

Raise the flags and man the guns! For a family-friendly and historical day trip from Amsterdam, hop on a ferry and discover the UNESCO World Heritage Fort Pampus. The island has an extensive events calendar, including the Proef Pampus food festival and a special pirate week in May and a kite festival in June. Also, the island puts a special spotlight on culture in August, and in October, it hosts a Light Festival.

Hunt for fossils and minerals

Step back in time at the Geologisch Museum Hofland (Geological Museum) in Laren, which offers an educational insight into the history of our planet. Its focus on geology, minerals and regional prehistory will appeal to all ages. Hunt fossils, learn about Earth’s rocks and plates, and even see how Neanderthals lived in the museum’s prehistoric cave.

Explore an old country estate

Stroll around the grounds of the unique Jagtlust country estate outside of Hilversum on a mini walking route (just under 1km) as you admire this beautiful old country house full of history. Enjoy the countryside and architecture on this child-friendly route, which also features the chance to gather chestnuts and explore a cave.

See how clogs and cheese are made

Perched at a stunning riverside location along the Amstel, Rembrandthoeve is an authentic farm that’s still making two of the most traditional Dutch products: cheese and clogs. Step back in time as you watch skilful craftsmen transform a block of wood into these iconic old Dutch wooden shoes - and try on a pair yourself! Or follow the farmer on a dairy farm tour to see how traditional Gouda cheese is crafted with wonderful, unique flavours. Free tours (including cheese tastings) are available daily.

Visit the ruins of old Haarlem

Haarlem is a historic city with much to discover for little visitors. Take them back in time by visiting the Ruïne van Brederode (Brederode Ruins) on the north side of the city: a ruined medieval castle with a moat, dungeon, and far-reaching views from the highest turret. Kids can dress up as knights, princes or princesses to explore the ruin’s many rooms and towers and play traditional wooden games at the outdoor café – where you can banquet on high tea. If you’re lucky enough to visit in June (check the website for dates), you’ll have the chance to watch the Knight's Tournament, but keep an eye out for other events and concerts held at this historic site throughout the spring and summer.

Dress up in Volendam

All in VR, Experience Volendam(in Dutch) takes you back to 1916, when Volendam was a small fishing village. The charming hostess, dressed in original Volendam costumes, tells the story of traditional clothing and how people lived and worked. Next is a virtual walk down an old Volendam street. Will you help the fisherman during his adventure? And don't miss the Volendams Museum, undoubtedly one of the most unconventional museums in the Netherlands, where visitors can glimpse into unique elements of early Dutch life in the region.

Find out how windmills work at Zaanse Schans

A day out at the nearby Zaanse Schans is fun and educational – perfect for a day with the kids. Stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh cookies, or take a look in the warehouse where clogs are made. Don’t miss the cheese factory, pewter foundry and, of course, the iconic windmills themselves. Filled with wooden houses, mills, barns and workshops, this place is an adventure park for kids and adults. And there are plenty of other options if you want to explore the region’s water history further with your family.

Lord over your family in Keukenhof Castle

Keukenhof Castle is an impressive country estate from the 17th century, where the little ones will feel like lords 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).

Take to the sea at Batavialand

Over in Lelystad, you can climb aboard a replica of the famed Dutch East India Company ship, the Batavia, reconstructed in immaculate detail. There’s plenty to learn here about the history of this maritime nation, but it’s plenty of a thrill for the kids to explore the ship and truly feel the pull of seafaring adventure. You can also learn traditional seafaring trades such as sailmaking, knot tying and metal forging, while the museum teaches kids of all ages about wreck diving and how this region was reclaimed from the sea. And elsewhere in the region, there’s plenty more water history where that came from.