Zaanse Schans
A day out at the Zaanse Schans is fun and educational, and perfect for a day with the kids. Stroll past the bakery museum and enjoy the smell of fresh cookies, or take a look at the warehouse where clogs are made. Don’t miss the cheese factory, pewter foundry and of course the windmills. Filled with wooden houses, mills, barns and workshops, this place is an adventure park for kids ánd adults.
Catharina Hoeve
Upon arrival at the Catharina Hoeve you can attend a cheese making demonstration, as well as tasting the various products and exploring the gift shop, where you'll find a wide variety of cow, sheep and goat products. Entrance and tasting is free. Demonstrations are available in multiple languages.
Catharina Hoeve, Zaandam
Verkade Experience
At the heart of the Zaans Museum, 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 twentieth century, where the original machines are still churning away.
Verkade Experience (and Zaans Museum), Zaandam
HEMLAB
Imagine yourself a true scientist at HEMLAB, a laboratory where kids get to experiment with chemistry and physics. Every Saturday afternoon (open for just a few hours, so make sure to check the website) they have the chance to do their own experiments, tests and investigations, with safety glasses and a lab coat.
HEMLAB, Zaandam
Twiske
In recreational area Het Twiske there’s plenty to do: rent a canoe, rowboat, pedal boat or a sailboat at Twiske Haven, or tie your own boat up to the piers there. The bike paths are paved and perfect for inline skating as well. There are large playgrounds and a swimming area, plus plenty of open green space to picnic, enjoy the sun or play games.
Twiske, Oostzaan
Het Wormer- en Jisperveld
The Wormer and Jisperveld is a beautiful nature reserve with shallow ditches, extensive meadows and hundreds of small islands. At the water playground of the Poelboerderij Visitor Center in Wormer, kids can play with the boats, buckets and the crane on the unloading dock. There are picnic tables and the Poelboerderij serves coffee and ice cream. Access to the water playground is free. At the Arjan Bloem canoe center you can rent kayaks, canoes, SUP boards and even pedal boats. The canoe center is the starting point for numerous canoe routes through the narrow ditches of the Wormer and Jisperveld. Bring your picnic basket and set sail towards a day of adventure!
Clog makers
Visit this little clog-making company to learn all about how clogs are made. Using both mechanical methods and traditional techniques, you'll get a great overview of how these iconic shoes have been made over time. Plus, you can also pick up your own pair in the shop for an added shot of nostalgia.
The Clog Experience, Marken
Volendam Experience
All in VR, the Volendam Experience takes you back to the year 1916, when Volendam was a small fishing village. The charming hostess, dressed in original Volendam costumes, tells the story about traditional clothing and how people lived and worked. Next is a virtual walk in an old Volendam street. Will you help the fisherman during his adventure?
Experience Volendam, Volendam
Waterlands Museum de Speeltoren
This fun museum offers something for everyone: journey through tales of ancient settlements, see the beauty of the Waterland region, and hear the most out of tune carillon play. For the kids, there's a fun filled attic. Play in the exciting House of Discovery, dig in the well, or discover surprising combinations in a game of memory.
Waterlands Museum de Speeltoren, Monnickendam
Speelpark De Swaan
This very spacious park just around the corner from Alkmaar is a must for parents with active children. You'll find mega-sized inflatables, a go-kart track, high climbing equipment and enough water activities to cool off during a hot day. No child will get bored here. With not much space to shelter in rain, find a nice day to go or take a large umbrella with you.
Speelpark De Swaan, Langedijk
