Food trips with kids around Amsterdam
Explore a biscuit factory at the Verkade Experience
At the heart of the Zaans Museum in Zaandam, you will find the Verkade Experience. A treat for young and old alike, the Verkade Experience transports you back to the chocolate-and-biscuit factory of the early 20th century, where the original machines still churn. A perfect pairing with a visit to the nearby Zaanse Schans, or a trip to the region’s many areas of natural beauty.
Taste all the cheeses in Edam
The Dutch are known around the world for their expert cheese-making, and nowhere is this more true than in the town of Edam. Until 1922, farmers from the surrounding area sailed to Edam’s cheese market, where their produce was weighed and sold. You can see these old practices for yourself when the cheese market is revived every Wednesday in July and August (10:30–12:30). Alternatively, De Kaaswaag Edam (Edam Cheese Weighhouse) invites families to explore the cheesemaking traditions of Edam – best of all, tasting is allowed.
See how clogs and cheese are made
But if that isn’t Dutch enough, why not throw some clogs in the mix? Head just southeast of the city to this stunning riverside location along the Amstel: Rembrandthoeve is an authentic farm that still makes these two iconic products today. 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.
Enjoy child-friendly dining and play areas
A little further out in the charming town of Blaricum lies Restaurant Bruis, serving pancakes, burgers, salads, BBQ and more. And if that’s not enough to keep the kids happy, there is also an outdoor playground, an indoor fun floor and a cinema. Or, in nearby Bussum, don't miss the gaming paradise Restaurant Leuk. It has a large play basement with a range of consoles and even two real racing chairs. Or, to burn of some steam, you and your kids can also take advantage of the giant air hockey, table football and LEGO. A perfect pit-stop en route to or from the nearby forts and castles at Naarden and Muidersloot.
Stop for refreshments and playtime
Whether you’re coming or going from the beach or visiting one of the city’s many attractions, you might find the family making a pit stop in historic Haarlem. And where better than Meneer Paprika? This jolly spot is a cafe and toy shop all rolled into one. Tables are arranged around a vast toddler-height train set, so you can keep an eye on your little ones wherever you’re sat. The menu includes cakes, sandwiches, juices and more, and everything is fresh and organic. Another option is De Oerkap, situated at Haarlem's city beach. While the little ones build sand castles, parents can enjoy a much-deserved drink in the sun. Or, just outside the centre of Haarlem, the lovely Kweekcafé in the Kweektuinen (Nursery Gardens) is a huge greenhouse café with an extensive play area, lots of space to run around, an adventure playground, and a petting zoo.
Get out into the dunes
Restaurant Gestrand in Bloemendaal-aan-Zee is the perfect seaside spot to dine and hang out with your kids. Pick up food and drinks inside and settle on the large terrace, which has a view of the adventure playground as well as the magnificent dunes, here five minutes from the beach. Kids can play with water, climb in the observation tower, or whizz along the zip line. But there are also plenty of great spots to eat on the seaside itself, down at Zandvoort or up in Ijmuiden – including traditional Dutch herring. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but eating a whole fish certainly makes a memorable dare.