Vacation with toddler Netherlands: the best tips
Going on vacation with a toddler sometimes feels like organizing a complete migration. Where I could calmly stare at those little feet on a beach towel with a baby, that is now a thing of the past with my boys Wolf (3) and Jagger (1). My boys have their own agenda: sand (preferably everywhere and always), animals to feed or chase after, and playgrounds where they can burn off their energy. And honestly? A vacation with toddlers often means that I sit half-turned in the car, handing out raisins or other food and drinks, singing along to ‘The wheels on the bus’, and let's be honest: sometimes I just turn on a screen for a moment. It sometimes feels like hard work, but as soon as I see them running around with sand between their toes or gazing in awe at a giraffe, I know: this is exactly what I do it all for.
Fortunately, you don't have to travel far for these kinds of moments. The Netherlands is full of places that are toddler-proof and where we as parents also feel happy.
Holiday parks that have it all
One of our favorite vacations is at Hof van Saksen in Drenthe. Everything there is arranged down to the last detail: the cottages are beautifully renovated, the indoor playground is a paradise for toddlers, and Jagger could play happily in the fairly large toddler pool. Wolf especially loves the workshops – from craft club to searching for ‘dino’ bones in the meadow. Every time we go there, it's a wonderful getaway, with good restaurants and wellness at the park (don't forget to book your massage), while the kids can play, run, and fly non-stop.
In the same category is De Leistert in Limburg, which almost feels like a complete village. There, the children walk from the swimming pool to the outdoor playground and back, while you as a parent can really catch your breath. Landal Het Vennenbos in North Brabant is also a recommendation, especially because of the subtropical swimming paradise and the indoor play area.
Amusement parks that are surprisingly toddler-proof
Efteling is magical, even for toddlers. And even though you might not go back here so quickly, for a few days it's really the ultimate experience. The Fairytale Forest, Carnival Festival, and the carousel are often just as impressive as the roller coasters for older children. Extra nice: you can stay overnight in the Efteling Hotel or Bosrijk, allowing you to enter the park earlier.
Toverland in Limburg is smaller and more manageable, so you don't feel like you're running around all day. And Julianatoren in Apeldoorn is completely tailored to the little ones.
Sand between the toes: beach vacations
My boys are always very happy with a little shovel, a bucket, toy cars, and lots of ice cream. That's why beach vacations are usually a success. In Zeeland and on Texel, you find wide beaches where toddlers can play safely. At Ouddorp Duin, you walk directly from your cottage to the beach, which is ideal for afternoon naps. On Texel, you combine the beach with Holiday park De Krim, which also has a swimming pool and indoor play area. In Callantsoog and Julianadorp, the beach tents are often next to a playground – a perfect combination, right?
Sleeping at the farm: pure and simple
Very different, but just as fun, is sleeping at the farm. And even though it's a contrast to Amsterdam, where we live, I always feel very happy here. Jagger is crazy about all the farm animals, and the book We have a little goat! is read on repeat. At BoerenBed, you wake up next to cows and chickens, and the children play outside all day. A very nice place where your kids also learn to feed animals and cuddle them.
Luxury, but with children
Sometimes you just want to do absolutely nothing – well, almost nothing. Then a hotel with children is a perfect solution. Blooming Hotel in Bergen has family rooms with bunk beds, a bathtub, and a play area. Preston Palace in Almelo is an all-inclusive family hotel where the children can enjoy themselves in swimming pools and indoor play paradises, while you can take a break. So if you really need to do as little as possible: this is the place to be.
Safari in your own country: Beekse Bergen
High on our list? One of the most special vacations with toddlers in the Netherlands is a stay at Beekse Bergen. You sleep in lodges where zebras, giraffes, and ostriches walk right past your window. During the day, you explore the safari park by car or boat, and the children can let loose in Speelland Beekse Bergen. Is it raining? Then there are indoor areas and a swimming pool. For toddlers, this seems really amazing – and for us too, by the way.
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Tips that really make your vacation easier
What I have really learned by now is that vacations with toddlers (or a weekend away) are mainly about letting go. Where I used to be lying on my towel by 08:30, I am now happy if everyone is dressed on time. A strict schedule just doesn't work – especially not when you're somewhere other than home.
And: outside the high season everything is often more relaxed, affordable, and quieter than during school vacations (which you haven't had to deal with yet). Make sure you always stay somewhere where both indoor and outdoor play is possible or keep an eye on the weather if you book last minute. But honestly: the weather in the Netherlands remains unpredictable.
Perhaps the most important tip: don't forget yourself. A park with wellness or a beach tent nearby makes it fun for you too. Not that this is the most important thing, but hey – it's also your vacation, right? And don't give stress a chance when packing: you're still just in the Netherlands, right? So you can also find those diaper wipes at the local supermarket.
