The Best Day Trips from Amsterdam with Kids 2026

Amsterdam is full of charm, canals, and adventures for families. Sometimes, you need a break from the city and explore the Dutch countryside or nearby attractions. The Netherlands is small, so day trips are easy by train, car, or bike. Here are some family-friendly trips that kids and parents will love.

Muiderslot Castle 🏰

Where: Muiden, 15 km from Amsterdam
Info: Fairytale castle with turrets, moats, and secret passages.
(A magical medieval castle where kids can explore towers, imagine knights and dragons, and enjoy interactive castle activities.)

Hop on the train or bike over and explore the castle grounds. Kids will love imagining dragons and knights while roaming the fortress. The castle also hosts seasonal events and medieval demonstrations that make history come alive.

• Medieval castle with turrets & moat 🏯
• Secret passages & fun for kids 🗝️
• Easy train or bike ride 🚴‍♂️
• Seasonal events & knight shows ⚔️

Zaanse Schans 🌾

Where: Zaandam, 20 km from Amsterdam
Info: Iconic windmills, traditional crafts, and family-friendly museums.
(Explore Dutch windmills, watch cheese and clog making, and enjoy hands-on experiences with history and crafts.)

Kids enjoy giant clogs, wooden houses, and working windmills. Watch craftsmen make cheese and see old-school workshops in action. A hands-on experience of Dutch history and culture for all ages.

• Iconic windmills along the river 🌬️
• Cheese & crafts demonstrations 🧀
• Family-friendly museum 🏛️
• Great sunrise or sunset photo spots 📷

Linnaeushof Playground 🎠

Where: Bennebroek, 40 km from Amsterdam
Info: Europe’s largest playground, fun for toddlers to teens.
(A huge outdoor play area with swings, climbing frames, and safe zones for toddlers, perfect for a full day of fun.)

Open from March to October, the playground features human-powered rides, swings, and a traffic village for learning road safety. Kids will spend hours climbing, swinging, and splashing.

• Human-powered equipment & swings 🤸
• Special areas for toddlers 👶
• Traffic village & interactive learning 🚦
• Splash pad for sunny days 💦

Keukenhof & Tulip Fields 🌷

Where: Lisse, 40 km from Amsterdam
Info: Famous tulip gardens open only 8 weeks in spring.
(Walk or cycle through colorful tulip fields, take beautiful photos, and enjoy a magical spring day surrounded by flowers.)

Rent bikes with child seats and explore tulip-filled routes. Families can enjoy quieter bulb fields for photos and a colorful floral adventure.

• Tulip fields & floral scenery 🌺
• Family-friendly cycling routes 🚲
• Private bulb fields to avoid crowds 🌸
• Perfect photo opportunities 📸

Beaches – Zandvoort, Noordwijk, Scheveningen 🏖️

Where: 30–45 minutes from Amsterdam
Info: Sandy beaches with food stalls, play areas, and safe spots for kids.
(A perfect place for building sandcastles, enjoying beach snacks, and relaxing while kids play safely.)

Whether enjoying hot chocolate in winter or a sunny summer day, these beaches are perfect for sandcastles, picnics, or just relaxing.

• Cozy pavilions & food stalls ☕
• Firepits & deckbeds for winter or summer 🔥
• Fresh seafood from local vendors 🐟
• Safe spaces for kids to play 🏖️

Utrecht – Miffy Museum & Spoorwegmuseum 🐰🚂

Where: Utrecht, 30–40 minutes from Amsterdam
Info: Hands-on, interactive fun for children.
(Learn, play, and explore with tiny Miffy houses, interactive train exhibits, and hands-on workshops.)

The Miffy Museum features tiny houses and playful activities, while the Spoorwegmuseum offers full-sized trains, model trains, and rides. Perfect for curious and train-loving kids.

• Miffy Museum: tiny houses & activities 🏠
• Spoorwegmuseum: real & model trains 🚂
• Seasonal events & workshops 🎨
• Fun learning for all ages 📚

Den Haag – Madurodam & Sea Life 🏙️🐠

Where: The Hague, 50 km from Amsterdam
Info: Miniature cities and ocean adventures for kids.
(See the Netherlands in miniature, meet penguins and rays, and explore storybook worlds.)

Madurodam recreates the Netherlands in miniature, while Sea Life has penguins, otters, rays, and sharks. Add storytime at the Children’s Book Museum for a full family day.

• Miniature Netherlands at Madurodam 🏘️
• Sea Life Aquarium: penguins & rays 🐧
• Storytime at Children’s Book Museum 📖
• Interactive art experiences 🎨

Further Afield – Theme Parks & Unique Experiences 🎡

Info: Full-day adventures beyond nearby towns.
(From fairytale rides to cheese markets and historic museums, these trips keep kids entertained all day.)

• Efteling: Fairytale rides, Dreamflight, and pancakes 🏰
• Zuiderzee Museum: Historic shops, windmills, and interactive exhibits 🛶
• Volendam & Edam: Cheese markets, herring, scenic canals 🧀
• Gouda & Alkmaar: Stroopwafels, cheese tours, Lego play areas 🍪

Tips for Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Check opening times before you go ⏰
• Bring snacks, water, and sun protection 🥪☀️
• Use trains or bikes for easy travel 🚆🚲
• Pack extra clothes for outdoor activities 👕

🌟 Conclusion: Make Family Day Trips Fun & Easy 🚲

Amsterdam is perfect for families, but the nearby towns, beaches, and attractions make day trips even more magical. Whether your kids love castles, trains, flowers, or sandcastles, there’s something just a short trip away. Explore at your own pace, enjoy the outdoors, and create memories your family will cherish forever.

💡 Pro Tip: For a stress-free and eco-friendly experience, consider Amsterdam Bike Taxi for some trips — skip traffic, enjoy private rides, and explore canals and quiet streets safely with the kids.

Book your ride here: amsterdam-bike-taxi.com 🚴‍♂️