Leiden is a beautiful city with a rich history, an ideal destination for families with children, but of course also a very pleasant place to live. Are you looking for an educational museum visit, an adventurous walk, or just a place where the little ones can burn off some energy? Leiden has it all!
Leiden is a beautiful city with a rich history, an ideal destination for families with children, but of course also a very pleasant place to live. Are you looking for an educational museum visit, an adventurous walk, or just a place where the little ones can burn off some energy? Leiden has it all! In this blog, you'll discover the best children's activities in and around the city, so you can fully enjoy a day out with the whole family.
1. Hortus Botanicus: An adventure in nature
The Hortus Botanicus in Leiden is a wonderful place for children who love to be outdoors and learn about plants and animals. A walk through the gardens offers the opportunity to discover nature up close. In the summer months, the butterfly garden is highly recommended, where children can admire fascinating tropical butterflies. The Hortus regularly organizes special activities for children, such as scent scavenger hunts and workshops. Do you live in Leiden and want to visit more often? Then become a member of the Nature Club (for children aged 8-12).
2. Naturalis: A journey through the world of nature
For little scientists, Naturalis is an absolute must! This natural history museum is an exciting place where children learn all about nature, dinosaurs, and life on Earth. One of the highlights is the enormous skeleton of the T-rex, which continues to fascinate young and old. Naturalis has interactive exhibitions and caters to children's curiosity, allowing them to learn more about our planet in a fun way.
3. Rijksmuseum Boerhaave: Discover the world of science
Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is a place where science and history come together. For children, there's an extra fun reason to visit this museum in the summer: the water playground! The museum also offers fun and educational exhibitions, where children can discover science for themselves through experiments. There are varying activities, so check beforehand if it suits you.
4. Cat Cafe Leiden: A cozy visit to the cats
For a unique experience, you can take your children to the Cat Cafe in Leiden. Here, they can enjoy a cup of tea or lemonade while cuddling with the resident cats. This is a lovely place to unwind during a day out. Especially for animal lovers, this cafe is a great way to take a break and enjoy the company of the four-legged friends.
5. Municipal playgrounds in Leiden
Leiden has various municipal playgrounds where children can really enjoy themselves. The playgrounds are spread throughout the city and offer a safe place for children to play and make new friends. Some playgrounds are completely fenced, while others have larger play areas where children can run and climb freely. Well-known playgrounds in Leiden include the playground in the Leidse Hout and playground De Doorbraak. These places are ideal for an afternoon full of playtime!
6. Tuin van de Smid: Nature experience and adventurous play
Tuin van de Smid is a great place for families who love outdoor play and nature. This nature playground is located in the beautiful Cronesteyn polder park and offers plenty of space for children to romp around. They can climb, scramble, play in the mud, or take a ride on the pull ferry. The natural terrain stimulates creativity and adventure, allowing children to explore nature in a playful way. In addition to the playground, there is also a cozy cafe where parents can relax with a cup of coffee or tea while the children enjoy the animals at the petting zoo.
7. Kidsproof Leiden: For even more inspiration!
Are you looking for even more ideas for fun outings with children in Leiden? Then take a look at the Kidsproof website. This website offers an extensive overview of activities, playgrounds, petting zoos, and much more in the Leiden region. Here you will always find something that suits the age and interests of your children.
Extra tips for children's outings in Leiden:
- De Leidse Hout: A beautiful park where children can play and parents can enjoy nature.
- Canal cruise through the canals: A fun way to discover Leiden from the water, with special tours aimed at children.
- Molenmuseum de Valk: Let children discover how a windmill works and what its function is in the Netherlands.
Leiden offers a range of possibilities for an unforgettable day out with children. Whether you like nature, science, or simply playing, there's something for everyone. Plan your next family outing and discover for yourself what this historic city has to offer!
