10x Fun outdoor activities for kids in the Netherlands

And the best part? Stayokay has cozy hostels in some of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands. Perfect for an overnight stay with the family!

For kids who aren't afraid of heights, the Climbing Forest in Apeldoorn is an amazing spot. Here, they can enjoy thrilling treetop courses with varying difficulty levels. Anyone 6 years and older (and 1.20 meters tall) can join in! While the kids climb high in the trees, you can relax and enjoy the fresh forest air.

Extra tip: For a unique, animal-filled experience, take the kids to Apenheul. Here, monkeys roam freely among the visitors, creating unforgettable encounters with these funny animals.

Instead of spotting monkeys in a tree, you can stroll through the Dutch countryside with your own donkey. Looking for a fun family outing? The donkey walks at De Vetweide are highly recommended! The donkeys are not only adorable but also curious, making for a delightful experience along the way. Perfect for kids who love animals!

Choose from two routes of about 5 km, which will take approximately 2.5 hours. Before heading out, you'll receive thorough instructions and have time to brush the donkeys. Initially, a staff member will accompany you, and then you’ll set off on your own adventure with your donkey! Feeling hungry along the way? You can order a picnic basket in advance.

The Dutch Wadden Island Texel is a true paradise for children who love animals. Step aboard a special boat for a seal safari, where you can observe seals resting on sandbanks in their natural habitat. Often, you won’t even need binoculars! Because it’s a small boat, you can get extra close to the animals. The seals are quite curious and often swim around the boat. With a bit of luck, you might even see them splash into the water!

Extra tip: At Ecomare, children can learn all about the Wadden Sea and the animals that live there. It’s a unique experience that allows them to connect with nature up close!

In Soest (in the heart of the Netherlands), you'll find Het Paardenkamp, a retirement home for retired horses and ponies. Here, children can playfully get to know these gentle animals. They can pet, brush, and sometimes even feed the horses. The animals are used to visitors and love the attention. Meet ex-police horse Zydane, cuddle horse Tjebbe, or how about Shetlander Sanne?

Are your kids true nature lovers? At PWN in the North Holland Dune Reserve, they can get involved in nature conservation and learn how a real ranger works. During the Junior Ranger activity, you'll explore the natural surroundings and receive various fun and educational tasks. This includes counting animals, collecting litter, and identifying different plants and trees. Not only will you learn about the environment, but you'll also help keep the dune reserve clean and beautiful.

If you're looking for a fun and active way to explore nature with the kids, the Paaltjeswandeling (Post Walk) in De Manteling near Domburg beach is highly recommended! This beautiful 4 km route takes you through a varied landscape of forests and dunes, making it perfect for a lovely family day out. Along the way, you’ll follow special posts with tasks and fun facts, turning the walk into a treasure hunt.

Extra tip: Visit the Terra Maris museum, located in De Manteling. Here, kids can learn all about the nature of Zeeland and burn off some energy in the 'landscape garden' outside. There's even a water play area where they can have fun with sand and water!

The Beaver Forest in the Biesbosch National Park is a short and educational walking route designed especially for children. Along the trail, you'll find various information about beavers, including how large they can grow, what their lives are like, and how their homes are built. The nature here is full of surprises, from rodent tunnels and dams to unique plants and animals. There's a good chance you'll spot a beaver during your walk!

But the Biesbosch has many more secrets to uncover! At the Biesbosch Center, you can get a special children's map with a nature scavenger hunt. Hop into a canoe or whisper boat and explore the beautiful landscape of winding waterways, marshes, and dense forests. What animals will you spot?

At the Landscape Adventure Playground, kids can have hours of fun! The park is designed with nature in mind and features a variety of play equipment that perfectly fits the surroundings. Think high climbing structures, slides, and even a play pond where they can splash around.

Prefer to enjoy the beach? The expansive beach in Noordwijk offers plenty of space for flying kites, swimming, or building sandcastles. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can cozy up in a beach tent with a hot chocolate.

The largest fort of the New Dutch Waterline can be found in the nature area of Rhijnauwen. This historic fortification is set amidst greenery and is a fantastic place for an adventurous exploration. Special guided tours for kids are organized here, where they can learn about the history of this impressive structure in a fun and playful way. Additionally, the area is perfect for playing hide-and-seek, exciting treasure hunts, or birdwatching.

The Sint Pietersberg Caves in Maastricht are a fantastic destination for a family outing filled with adventure and history.

North Caves: A magical underground world, filled with ancient charcoal drawings and intriguing inscriptions. During a guided tour, you'll discover the mysterious vault where an impressive 780 art treasures were safely stored during World War II!

Zonneberg Caves: Here, you’ll walk with an experienced guide past impressive drawings on the walls. During the tour, you'll learn how these caves were used as shelters for the local population during the war. You can also admire a life-size replica of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" here!"

Stayokay is the ideal base for families. We have hostels that are 100% suitable for a weekend getaway with the family!

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