Seek and find
Last updated: August 28, 2025
Summer vacation is just around the corner! Chances are you're also busy figuring out childcare options right now. It's a challenge every year, but if you ask me, it's also the perfect opportunity to plan some quality time together! That's why I've gathered a generous dose of inspiration for fun things to do. The result? This summer vacation bucket list with the best outings in the Netherlands and just across the border!
Kid-friendly overnight stay: Cabin Anna
15 X kid-friendly outings in the Netherlands and just across the border in Germany, Belgium and France
After reading this summer vacation bucket list, you'll definitely be in need of inspiration for a fun day trip in the Netherlands and beyond. A night away in your own country or a weekend getaway within a six-hour drive? I'VE GOT YOU COVERED! Have fun planning your summer vacation!
© Oertijd Museum – Your Little Black Book
Kid-friendly outing in the Netherlands – summer holiday bucket list
Prehistoric Museum
For kids who are completely crazy about all things dinosaurs, there's of course Dino World in Zwolle or the dinosaur park at Amersfoort Zoo. Less well-known is the Prehistoric Museum in North Brabant. We were there recently on a night out, and WOW, what a fun day out! From dinosaur skeletons to a walking trail past "real" dinosaurs through the woods. But what perhaps made the biggest impression on my son was seeing researchers working in the lab with real dinosaur bones. He even got to hold one. A day out in the Netherlands he'll never forget!
This is where you stay: Cabin Anna on the Holenberg or Hotel Bent in the cozy Oisterwijk.
Playground Oud Valkeveen
At Speelpark Oud Valkeveen, you'll find an (indoor) arcade, cinema, interactive theater, playground, and beach. So, rain or shine, kids from birth to about eight years old will have a blast at this amusement park. Parents can relax on the playground or the beach, or simply join in the fun and play with the kids. It's not a large amusement park, but that's precisely what makes it so charming and fun to spend an afternoon at.
This is where you stay: Dutchen Suitelodges Gooilanden of Boutique Hotel de Witte Dame.
beekse bergen
Calling all safari enthusiasts! You don't have to hop on a plane to go on safari. Safari Park Beekse Bergen You might remember it from your own childhood. Now that we're parents ourselves, we've been there a few times, and it's a fantastic experience for the whole family. It's definitely a recommended day trip. Make sure you book a time slot for the drive through the safari park in addition to the zoo. So special! But perhaps even better: spending the night among the animals. You're also immediately insured in case anything goes wrong. It's also great to do with the whole family or friends. You can also see the animals from your patio and from your cabin or room.
This is where you stay: the safari lodges or the new hotel at Safari Park Beekse Bergen.
Sprookjeswonderland
Planning a day trip to North Holland? I have some great tips that you could even combine into a single night out. Sprookjeswonderland is a fun amusement park for kids up to about eight years old. It's a kind of mini Efteling where you don't have to wait in line for hours. The fairytale theme is reflected in all the attractions and shows. This is a great amusement park, especially for toddlers. The park features a carousel, floating boats, and a train. Sprookjeswonderland is a great place to visit in both rainy and warm weather, as there's plenty to do and see.
This is where you stay: Buitenhuys Family in Venhuizen or Heavens Hotel.
Hoenderdaell Zoo
One of the best zoos in the Netherlands, in my opinion, is Hoenderdaell Zoo, right in the tip of North Holland. We recently combined this day trip with a night in Hoorn. It's incredibly wonderful to see how the animals live here in enclosures that resemble nature as closely as possible. It's not a zoo, but a sanctuary for rescued animals. Besides the various animals, there's a large playground and various shows you can attend, such as the birds of prey show. For my son, the highlight was meeting the monkeys. So sweet!
This is where you stay: Castle Hotel Schagen.
© Hoenderdaell Zoo – Your Little Black Book
Kids-friendly outing in Belgium – summer holiday bucket list
Walibi Belgium
With more than forty attractions for young and old, Walibi Belgium An absolute must-see for a day trip just across the border this summer holiday. This amusement park is perfect for families with kids of all ages. Little ones will discover the carousel and the 4x4 Adventure in Fun World, while older kids can head to the roller coasters like Kondaa. If the weather is nice, the water attractions are also a lot of fun. Getting wet is allowed! Good to know: children under one meter tall have free admission. Also fun: Summer Days are held every Saturday during the summer holidays. On these days, you'll find plenty of extra entertainment in the park.
This is where you stay: Martin's Chateau du Lac.
ZOO Antwerp
For me, pure nostalgia. This was the ultimate day trip during my own summer vacation as a child. A day trip from Zeeland to Antwerp, topped off with a visit to the ZOO. Looking for a day trip with kids in Belgium that's easily accessible by public transport? ZOO Antwerp Located right next to Central Station, you won't have to walk far and can combine your outing with a trip (or overnight stay) to the charming city of Antwerp. At Antwerp Zoo, you'll find an impressive animal collection and various activities on the program. Experience the magic of the Butterfly Garden, learn more about the animals, and check the day's program on the website before you leave. There are feeding times throughout the day. Looking for a bite to eat and a drink after your visit? Antwerp Zoo has a cozy Summer Bar when the weather is nice.
This is where you stay: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp.
Bobbejaanland
Bobbejaanland is an amusement park for the whole family in Lichtaart, Belgium. The park consists of several areas, including Kinderland and Wondergarden for the little ones. Older kids and teenagers will love the exciting rides like El Rio, Sledge Hammer, and the Dreamcatcher. During the summer, the park hosts five summer evenings, staying open until 9:00 PM. There's plenty to do, including food trucks and live entertainment. This way, you can get the most out of a day at Bobbejaanland!
This is where you stay: Boutique hotel Roosendaelhof.
Plopsaland
Are the kids big fans of Bumba, Kabouter Plop, K3, or Anubis? Then plan a visit to Plopsaland. At this amusement park, you can meet all your favorite characters and there are plenty of attractions for all ages. Think roller coasters for all ages, carousels, and an animal farm and pasture. There are also shows and musicals, and live entertainment throughout the day. Spend the night at the Plopsa Hotel, the campsite, or in one of the villas to complete the experience. Plopsaland is located in De Panne on the Belgian coast, making it an ideal day trip for a night out. This park is especially recommended if you have little ones up to grade 2.
This is where you stay: Ibis Styles Nieuwpoort.
Pairi Daiza
You no longer need to save for years to travel the world with kids. Just plan a visit Pairi DaizaThis unique zoo boasts no fewer than 800 animal species from all five continents. Because the animals' habitats have been recreated as realistically as possible, you'll feel like you're truly on a tour. At Pairi Daiza, you'll be amazed by the sights and even encounter rare species like giant pandas, red pandas, and unique birds. Complete your trip by spending the night among the animals! This is possible at the resort, which offers a unique view of the animals and offers 24/7 access to some enclosures. For example, you can watch the manatees swimming from your hotel room. How special! This is the outing I've put on my own summer bucket list!
This is where you stay: Hotel Restaurant Van Der Valk Nivelles-Sud.
Pairi Daiza
Kid-friendly outing in Germany – summer holiday bucket list
Phantasialand
A fun day out with kids to Germany is a visit to PhantasialandHere you'll discover various themed worlds, attractions, and live entertainment that will delight both children and adults. Think roller coasters, water rides, climbing courses, and dreamlike show experiences. The amusement park boasts several restaurants themed to the various attractions. You'll truly feel like you're in a different world! If you don't feel like driving home, spend a night in the park's enchanting hotel.
Legoland
When you think of Legoland, do you immediately think of Legoland In Denmark? I get it! But did you know there's also a Legoland in Germany? If there's one toy my son plays with most at home, it's his Lego. A visit to Legoland in Germany is high on his bucket list. It's a little over a six-hour drive, but I still want to share this tip with you. Perhaps you can combine it with your onward journey to your holiday or make it a long weekend getaway. Kids will be amazed, and there are all sorts of fun attractions and shows built entirely in the Lego style. Check beforehand which route the Legoland Parade takes and what time you can see it, because the kids will love it. Want to make it a weekend getaway and have kids under four? Then stay overnight at the resort and combine Legoland with a visit to the brand-new Peppa Pig Park next door.
Wunderland Kalkar
Just across the border (a 30-minute drive from Arnhem) lies Wunderland Kalkar. This friendly amusement park, located on the site of a disused power plant, is designed for anyone who loves adventure. While it's geared more towards younger children, there are also exciting attractions for older kids, such as a climbing wall and Atlantis. A big advantage for families with young children is that many attractions here have no height restrictions. This prevents disappointment, I can tell you from experience! This is one of the only all-inclusive parks I know of. What does that mean? The entrance fee includes (unlimited) food and drinks: fries, ice cream, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Moviepark Germany
Movie and attraction enthusiasts plan a visit to Moviepark GermanyThis is essentially the German equivalent of Universal Studios. In this fun theme park, you'll easily bump into your favorite characters and enjoy plenty of thrills and spills from well-known movies. Discover the various themes, such as Streets of New York and Nickelodeon LAND (for younger kids). The park boasts several roller coasters and other attractions that will delight teenagers and adults alike. This park is definitely a great recommendation, also fun for families with older elementary school-aged children. And if you can't cross it off your bucket list this summer, the park also pays close attention to holidays like Halloween and Christmas. Around the holidays, the park gets completely festive, including the parade at the end of the day!
Spotting Transformers at Moviepark Germany
Kid-friendly outing in France – summer holiday bucket list
Disneyland Paris
One of the best outings during the summer holidays with kids remains a visit to the magical Disneyland ParisGreat for an overnight getaway from the Netherlands, but also on your way to your holiday destination. A visit to Disneyland is on every child's bucket list! Explore the two parks, stay overnight in a Disney hotel, and enjoy the shows and parades. Disneyland has attractions for children of all ages, and each visit is unique depending on your child's age. I can't wait to plan this outing again when Manuel is a bit older and we can (finally) ride all the roller coasters together! Also fun: combine a visit to Disneyland with a city break to Paris! Tip: Stay at the renovated Disney Davy Crockett Ranch.
How many day trip spots from this article have you visited with the kids? You go away more often than you think, right? Wishing you a wonderful holiday full of quality time!
| Day trip to Amsterdam? Then you'll want to know these summer holiday tips for Amsterdam >>
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