The Netherlands with kids is one of those trips that makes you wonder why you did not go more often sooner. Getting there from Germany is easy and relaxed, everything is close together once you arrive, and somehow you switch off faster than expected. Fresh stroopwafels in Rotterdam, still warm, even though you only meant to have one. Small, really good cafés where kids are simply part of the table and no one gets annoyed if things are not completely quiet. A beach in North Holland where kids can just dig in the sand and often even go surfing.
These are exactly the kinds of places we collect on The Urban Kids. Spots we have tried ourselves and that genuinely work well with kids.
The Netherlands with Kids: All Favorite Places at a Glance
Great regions in the Netherlands with kids
North Holland is one of those regions you visit once and then keep coming back to. The beaches are wide enough for kids to just run off and explore. In places like Egmond or Bergen, everything feels a little calmer. And in between, there are those lovely little beach pavilions where you can sit while the kids have already disappeared back into the sand.
What really stood out to us there is that you do not need to plan much. A lot of it just happens naturally. Rent bikes, ride through the dunes, and stop wherever looks good in the moment.
If you want to dive deeper, you can find all our North Holland experiences here.
Cities in the Netherlands that really work well with kids
Rotterdam with kids
Rotterdam surprised us in the best possible way. The city feels completely designed for relaxed urban family days.
The harbor plays a central role. Whether it is a ride on the water taxi or the pancake boat, or a visit to the Maritime Museum where kids can explore and discover what makes Europe’s largest port so special. There is also a pretty amazing surf wave right in the middle of the city, as well as the Fenix Museum, whose shape often reminds people of a flying saucer.
Rotterdam shows how urban life with kids can feel easy and inspiring. At the same time, there are always quiet spots that balance out the city’s energy. One of our favorites is the Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum, a spacious garden where kids can run freely while you discover all kinds of exotic plants. Then there are highlights like the Markthal, where everyone will find something they love, and the Cube Houses, which are fascinating even from the outside and instantly spark kids’ curiosity.
Amsterdam with kids
Amsterdam is one of those cities you arrive in and quickly realize how well it works with children. Everything feels close, much of it just falls into place, and between the canals, small bridges, and cozy cafés, you get that relaxed feeling of simply being out and about without needing to plan much.
It is the mix that makes it special. A canal cruise where kids can sit right by the water and see the city from a whole new perspective. A visit to the NEMO Science Museum, where everything can be touched and explored. And sometimes all you need is time to wander through the charming streets of the Jordaan district. A warm stroopwafel to go, a quick stop by the water, or a break in Vondelpark while the kids run around on the playground.
Amsterdam is lively, but never overwhelming if you let yourself ease into it. And that is exactly what makes it so appealing. It is a city that gives you space. For spontaneous ideas, for little breaks, and for the kind of family time that simply feels easy.
You can find our detailed guide with all our favorite spots in Amsterdam with kids here.
