We understand that there are times throughout the year when your work schedule can leave you with less time and less opportunities to take the kids on the kind of vacations you once dreamed about; the ones they’d never forget. But we also know that when it comes to being a parent, where there’s a will there’s a way. So we’ve given you 10 Reasons the Netherlands Makes for an Unforgettable Family Holiday as inspiration for your next great adventure with the kids in Holland.
1. The Magic of Efteling
Efteling, North Brabant
Efteling is easily one of the best settings for an unforgettable holiday with the kids, but only when one condition is met: the little ones take the lead. Allow us to explain…
Efteling is a fairy-tale inspired theme park which has a set up not too dissimilar to Disneyland. With magical and adventurous rides, fairy-tale forests and cursed villas, all the kids are bound to have a great time. However there is one other thing at Efteling that can turn a great holiday into an unforgettable holiday – and that is you as the parents. As we all know, children see the world entirely different to how we do. They see a world where there is magic, endless dreams, and adventure around every corner. Efteling is their whole world in a small corner of the one we know, and when you see their world brought to life and you see how much it brings them to life, even if it’s just for a split second, it becomes your world too. You begin to share the feeling that every roller-coaster is an adventure that you cannot resist, you share the belief that the fairy tale creatures of Droomvlucht are something truly magical, and it really seems as if you’ve stepped into the most enchanting storybook imaginable. That”s exactly when you know a simple trip to a theme park has turned into an unforgettable family holiday for all.
Whilst it makes the perfect day trip if you’re holidaying in the region, you can also stay directly at the park itself. Want to know more about what makes Efteling special? We’ve got you covered.
2. Linnaeushof Playground
Linnaeushof, North Holland
Kids love playgrounds, we all know that. The swings, the slides… and sometimes they even make new friends! And although there are some great playgrounds all over the UK, there’s one thing Linnaushof has that they don’t: the title of Europe’s Biggest Playground. It has everything you could imagine and more. The real highlight here is the Sky-Dive, which allows children to fly high above the pond in the park as if they’re a massive bird. Of course, with a playground this big you can expect to find slightly calmer areas for the much smaller kids too, such as a sandpit and a giant shoe for them to frolic around inside! So the next time there’s a long weekend or Bank holiday coming up, why not do something crazy and take the kids to the playground… in the Netherlands!
Holiday parks near Linnaeushof
3. The Full Safari Experience
Beekse Bergen, North Brabant
Going on a safari trip is a great family holiday idea. It’s educational, but at the same time it’s fun and exciting; you can spend the whole day on an adventure through the wildlife and then rest, leaving the animal world behind for the night. But in the Netherlands, they prefer you to have the full safari experience throughout your entire stay.
Beekse Bergen is an immersive safari experience in the heart of North Brabant, where you can surround yourself with the most interesting and exotic wildlife, whether that’s lions, tigers, or magnificent giraffes such as the one pictured above. You can also stay directly in the park here as well! The accommodation is placed just about as close as you can get to the animals and the wildlife whilst, of course, maintaining your safety, as well as not making the animals feel too nervous. The kids will love it, you will love it, and if you’re worried about your teens, we’re certain they’ll make use of the free Wi-Fi to Instagram and document the entire trip! Whether you stay in Beekse Bergen, or decide to take a day trip there, one thing’s for sure… You’ll have a truly memorable holiday in the Netherlands!
Holiday parks near Beekse Bergen
4. The Hague
The Hague, South Holland
The Hague, better known as Den Haag to the Dutchies, is one of the only cities on our list but it’s been added for good reason: you can see all of Holland without lifting your feet off of the ground! Madurodam is a miniature scale model of the whole of the Netherlands, including airports, trains, little shops, houses… We really mean the whole country – it’s all right there in front of you! The fun doesn’t stop there though, you can mix your own beats and imagine you’re Holland’s first all family DJ group, you can discover Dutch cheese and you can even print miniature scale models of yourselves. It’s a great idea for a mini-vacation, and creates a real, memorable experience.
That’s obviously not all that The Hague has to offer though. Since it’s right along the coast of Holland, it’s a great place for a trip to the seaside. There’s many holiday parks in the Netherlands, especially along the coast, and some of the best ones are located around the coast – so you can find the perfect place for you and the rest of the family to spend that long-awaited break!
5. Archeon
Archeon, South Holland
Sometimes it can be difficult trying to get the kids interested in history, no matter whether they’re little and grow tired of things after a mere five minutes, or they’re older and seemingly apathetic towards everything except their phones. With this in mind, the open air museum at Archeon uses live re-enactments to turn a potentially dull history lesson into a thrilling Medieval tale. You and your kids can dress-up, travel through prehistoric times and almost come face-to-face with the Romans. But best of all you and your family can recreate history, together. If that’s not an unforgettable experience, we don’t know what is!
6. Duinrell
Duinrell, South Holland
When it comes to amusement parks Efteling will always be at the top of our list for a great family holiday in the Netherlands, but when it comes to water parks we’re always going to roll out the red carpet for Duinrell. It’s a fantastic experience for both the young and the… shall we say… young at heart! The dare-devils amongst the family will love free falling from the Pelican Dive slide and waiting for the count-down to finish on the X-Stream so the trap door beneath their feet can send them plummeting down. Those who much prefer something calmer can swim around together in the wave pool or get inside a dingy on the triple cone water slide. And of course, there is plenty more for everyone who wants something in between. If you want to know more you should read our featured blog post about it, and remember to book through us to get an excellent deal!
7. De Haar Castle
De Haar Castle, Utrecht
Almost every little kid has a phase of dreaming about being a prince or a princess, and even if it’s only for a long weekend, De Haar Castle can make those dreams a reality. Standing in a huge luxurious castle, surrounded by fancy furniture and fancy art, will for sure be a moment they’ll never forget. But what if you have kids who aren’t so young anymore? Don’t worry – you’re never too old to chase an old dream; you might just be surprised by their reaction! The whole family can even turn up dressed in attire that is fit for a king, to add to the royal atmosphere!
Holiday parks near De Haar Castle
8. Hoge Veluwe
The Hoge Veluwe National Park, Gelderland
Now, lets be real here, we can’t share our top 10 ideas for a family holiday in the Netherlands without mentioning bikes! It just wouldn’t be right. And sure, we know you can pretty much cycle everywhere in the Netherlands, but for a truly unforgettable holiday with bikes there’s no other place like the Hoge Veluwe; a Dutch National Park with heath lands, woodlands and sand dunes, as well as plenty of interesting and adorable wildlife to boot. Imagine the family out on bikes going around the beautiful bends of the countryside. Imagine finally getting your kids to abandon their phones, gadgets and computer games and venture out into the fresh, open air! Now that will be a holiday to remember.
9. Rotterdam
Rotterdam, South Holland
Rotterdam is the other great city in the Netherlands that is great for an unforgettable family holiday, and for more than just one reason. Firstly, there’s the Rotterdam Kermis which simply translates to the Rotterdam Fair (website is in Dutch). They have all the great traditional fairground activities you would expect including, but by no means limited to, bumper cars, basketball challenges and eating ice cream and candy floss, but they also have other activities that take the whole experience up a notch. The kids can take a pony ride, the whole family can try traditional Dutch snacks at the snack bar (if you’re looking for some inspiration, read our blog post all about Dutch food!) and there’s even a giant plastic ball for you to go rolling across the surface of the water in – you know exactly what we’re talking about, perfect fun for adults as well as children.
The second treasure of this city is the Euromast, a tall building that provides great views of Rotterdam and could be the perfect end to a short stay in the Netherlands, and it’s certainly an ideal spot for taking pictures ready for Instagram! There may be a rivalry between here and Amsterdam, but the self-proclaimed second city of the Netherlands offers a unique, modern flair which you’re not going to find anywhere else in Holland!
10. Luxury Holiday Park
Buitenhof De Leistert, Limburg
And last but certainly not least, nothing says ‘unforgettable family holiday’ more than one where you can completely relax. As parents do, you spend each holiday (and more often than not, each day of the holiday) finding something that the kids will love. Well, now it might be time to give yourself the perfect family holiday with a holiday park that has all the indoor and outdoor pools and activities that the kids can enjoy, but also has great spots for you to relax and completely unwind. Just imagine, you’ve stepped out of the comfort and luxury that is your room at Buitenhof De Leistert and you’re sitting in the hot tub, letting all your far-too-regular stress melt away. Or maybe you’re lounging around by the tropical indoor swimming pool with one eye on the kids (because we know you’ll still want to) and one eye on the lookout for your partner… who was supposed to be back with your drink by now!
Tucked amongst the rolling hills of the southern Dutch province of Limburg, the scenery here is also to die for, and there’s plenty more parks in the area too if you want to surround yourself with greenery.
Need somewhere to stay?
Taking into account all of these unique places and ideas that the Netherlands has, the best reason why the Netherlands makes for an unforgettable family holiday is because all of this is just over an hours flight from most airports in the UK – you can wake up in your own house in the morning, and be having lunch in Holland!
If you need accommodation, check out our varied selection at HolidayparkSpecials, and plan an unforgettable holiday in the Netherlands!
