Haarlem is bursting with children - and therefore also with fun outings for young adventurers. Whether it's a sunny day or one of those typical Dutch rainstorms, there is always something to do for (and with) children in Haarlem. You will find everything from adventurous nature playgrounds to child-friendly museums where you learn and laugh together. You might even spot a wild horse during a walk through the dunes. We tip that off too in this greener-in-Haarlem list. And for the parents? While the kids are having fun, you can sit on a terrace with something tasty from the menu - vegan apple pie included? We picked that too! This city is green, cosy and kidsproof! Haarlem with kids: this is the place to be!
Haarlem is kidsproof!
Whether you are visiting Haarlem, are already there or live there - here you can read about what not to miss. Of all the major cities in the Netherlands, Haarlem ranks 12th. So it is certainly not a big city, but because of this, the provincial capital of North Holland does have the best of both worlds. For parents and children, this is therefore a wonderful city, as it is never too busy and there is more than enough to do. Haarlem has it all with a beautiful historic centre, charming shops (Also check out our second-hand shopping tips for Haarlem) and it is bursting with cosy catering establishments (yes, sustainable hospitality too, our list for this can be found here). And if that is not enough, the city is surrounded by greenery, dunes and is close to the beach. What more could you want? Well, tips on where to go with the kids in this beautiful area, of course. Coming up for grabs! We have compiled a list for a day out in Haarlem with children with the best sustainable outings. With indoor and outdoor ideas, we are prepared for every season. Coming up!
Nature outings with children in Haarlem (and surroundings)
The Haarlem Greenhouse
The Haarlemmer Kweektuin is one of those places where you can easily spend a whole afternoon. An oasis of green in the middle of the city, popular with locals and a Walhalla for children. While you sit down at the cosy Grow Cafe with an organic coffee or a piece of homemade cake, your kids can have fun in the play corner. Then go outside! On the gnome trail, they will go on a treasure hunt among flowers and plants, and learn something about nature while playing. Not finished yet? The natural playground De Paddenpoel is a dream for climbers, scramblers and mud lovers. Extra fun: there are regular sustainable events, such as an organic market or festivals with children's activities. Just check the agenda on the website in advance for the Haarlem Garden, there is often all sorts of things to do!
The Culture Café is a mustvisit for young children from one to three years old, the gnome trail is fun up to about six years old and The Paddenpoel offers entertainment for children up to about 10 years old. The organised activities are suitable for different ages.
Kleverlaan 9, Haarlem
The gnome trail and climbing tower in the nature playground ‘De Paddenpoel’ near the Stadskweektuin in Haarlem. This playground consists of roughly three parts: The nature playground Paddenpoel with wooden climbing equipment, a water pump (so play with mud!) and an exciting footbridge. Secondly, the gnome trail through a beautiful wooded part of the garden. Furthermore, children can play nicely in the meadow at the front of the site. Photos: Demi Koen (gnome path & climbing tower) and Lidia Zaremba (girl on footbridge).
Crane Leak
Just outside Haarlem, in green Overveen, you will find a place that feels like a mini holiday: Crane Leak. You can get there in no time by bike, which is the most sustainable and fun way to go. This restaurant is a hit with parents and children alike. Why? Well, while you enjoy a good coffee, lunch or dinner (especially check out the veggie options!), your kids are climbing on the huge sand dune next door. And there's more: the terrace overlooks a large playground. So you chill in the sun while your offspring have fun. Sounds good, right? Extra fun: Kraantje Lek is also a gateway to the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. From here you can walk straight into Kraansvlak, a beautiful nature reserve where, with a bit of luck, you may encounter wild horses, Scottish Highlanders or fallow deer. Adventure guaranteed, because that is also our next tip!
The playground is suitable for children from one to six years or so and the climbing dune is fun for all ages.
Duinlustweg 22, Overveen
Kraantje Lek's playground with restaurant is a great out-in-Haarlem tip, also for parents! Photos: Lars Verkroost, Studio Soon.
Haarlem with children: put visitor centre De Kennemerduinen on the list
Along the road from Haarlem to Bloemendaal and Zandvoort aan Zee lies Kennemerduinen visitors' centre, a perfect starting point for a sustainable day in nature. Upon arrival, you immediately see that this is no ordinary building: the roof is full of solar panels and everything inside is green and sustainable too. Inside you will discover an interactive exhibition about the Kennemer Dunes. In the shop you can buy sustainable gifts and rent treasure hunts or nature games to go on a playful adventure. Outside there is a large nature playground with plenty of sand and water fun. Meanwhile, you can relax on the terrace of the Dune Cafe with something tasty (everything on the menu is organic and locally produced). Not finished yet? Then walk a little further to ’t Wed - Haarlem's finest swimming lake. On hot days, this is an absolute hit! Cool children's activities are also regularly organised in the dunes, such as a butterfly excursion, dune detective, animal excursion and a beach excursion. Check the current agenda! And if you do trek into the dunes: take a litter grabber and go litter picking together - surprisingly popular with kids!
Practical: inside, there is plenty to discover for young children up to four years old, but older children will also have a great time as there are many educational games. The outdoor playground is suitable from about three years of age.
Zeeweg 12, Overveen
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is proof that you don't have to travel around the world to see beautiful nature. Photo right: Lars Verkroost, Studio Soon.
Ruins of Brederode
Fancy an outing with history? Then visit the Brederode ruins in Santpoort-Zuid, just outside Haarlem. This medieval castle is a picture and it is a great place to wander around with children. They can dress up as a knight or damsel, make their own sword or join an exciting treasure hunt through the castle. Fun activities are also organised regularly, such as knight's weekends, treasure hunts and nature excursions. For parents, it is above all a nice, green place full of atmosphere - with a terrace and fresh coffee.
And the best thing: it is top notch for all ages and children up to four get in for free. Check the agenda and opening hours (The ruin is not open all year).
Velserenderlaan 2, Santpoort-Zuid
Just outside Haarlem, you step right into the Middle Ages at the Ruiïne van Brederode. Here, expect beautiful surroundings, fresh coffee and cool children's activities. Here the day will fly by.
Caprera open-air theatre
Fancy theatre, but in the middle of nature? The atmospheric Caprera open-air theatre. Here, performances are played under the open sky during the summer months - from music to cabaret and dance to children's theatre. The venue alone is worth an outing: among the trees, on wooden benches with a blanket. For children, there is a special summer programme each year with cheerful, interactive performances. Have a good laugh, sing along or marvel with a picnic. Age: Varies per performance, but there is always something for children from about four years old. Check the agenda for the current children's programme.
Hoge Duin en Daalseweg 2, Bloemendaal
You can enjoy a packed programme at the Caprera open-air theatre in the summer months, but you can take fun walks and scavenger hunts in Caprera's walking park all year round - perfect for a day outdoors even if there is no performance. Photo: Jaap Kroon.
Nature playground Jeugdland Haarlem
For nearly seventy years Youthland a popular playground for Haarlem children. This natural playground on Theemsplein is a Valhalla for young adventurers, with plenty of room to climb, clamber around, build sandcastles and get dirty (as they should). Fun activities are organised throughout the year, from Easter egg hunts to the summer festival and a lantern parade at Saint Martin's Day.
The playground is especially fun for children aged about three to 10.
Theemsplein 22, Haarlem
Dune and Kruidberg farmstead
Just outside Haarlem, among the meadows and on the edge of the Kennemer dunes, is this fine spot where nature, something tasty and fun come together. Dune and Kruidberg farmstead is the base for a short walk with coffee and lemonade to go - and meanwhile the kids can have fun on the huge playground. There you will find a large sandpit, carts to race around in and picnic tables where you as a parent have a perfect view. And then the summer tip of all tips: the artisanal ice cream. The milk comes from the cows you can just see grazing next to the terrace. It doesn't get any fresher or more local!
The play area is especially fun for children up to six years old, but trust us: those ice creams are irresistible to young and old alike.
Dune and kruidbergerweg 89, Santpoort-Noord
Playground ‘t Paradijsje
In the heart of Haarlem, hidden among the houses, lies a real hidden gem: playground ’t Paradijsje. Here, children can have a great time on the swings, slides and in the sandpit, while you as a parent refuel on a bench in the greenery. It feels like a small village in the city - quiet, uncluttered and above all very cosy. Fun activities are organised regularly, especially in the holidays. In short, ideal for a spontaneous play stop during a day out in Haarlem! You can perfectly combine this stop with a visit to Mister Paprika, we'll get to that in a minute!
This playground is especially suitable for children aged two to about eight.
Witte Herenstraat 36, Haarlem
Copernicus Observatory
For little astrologers and curious little monkeys, there is only one place to be on Friday night: Copernicus Observatory in Overveen. Here you can look at the night sky through large telescopes for free. You will also get a fascinating presentation about the universe - from shooting stars to distant planets. The open evenings are weekly on Fridays and highly recommended for families with older children who like a bit of night-time magic. Check the calendar for extra activities and special viewing evenings!
A super outing from around seven years old, although curiosity naturally sets the limit.
Tetterodeweg 27a, Overveen
A cool and original outing in Haarlem: stargazing at Observatory Copernicus. Photo: Arno-Mark Blesgraaf (left).
Pontje Cruquius: sailing on the green steamboat
Tip from a follower, and a very good one! From Haarlem, you cycle along the river Spaarne, straight through the greenery and with wide views over the water. At the end waits the ferry, better known as the green steamer, which takes you across the Ringvaart, towards Cruquius. That bit of sailing alone is an adventure, especially for children. On the other side you can get something tasty at the teahouse or take a look at the impressive gem. A small outing, but one that brings a lot of fun. The ferry runs on green electricity and runs daily from 1 April to 1 October (good to double-check before you go, though).
This boating outing is suitable for children of all ages with a bike or a bicycle seat.
Ringdijk 228, Cruquius
Plukweide Haarlem
Picking your own flowers, how fun is that? At Plukweide Haarlem for a tenner, you choose a bucket full of flowers from the field, fresh from the season and with no detours to the vase. Kids love it too: bring scissors, put on boots and have a nice stroll among the flowering stems.
Picking is only possible during the season, so check the website for opening hours.
Tennispad 2, Haarlem
Haarlem with children on rainy days
Mr Paprika
Right in the centre of Haarlem you will find Mr Paprika - the toy shop in Haarlem and a household name in the region for many years. You will find beautiful wooden toys, fun board games, nice cards and original presents. The special thing about this place is the large play corner with café. In the middle is a train track that will keep children amused for hours, there are dress-up clothes galore and no one is surprised by an enthusiastic child running around. You settle down at a table with an oat milk cappuccino (no surcharge, yes!) and some goodies from their own kitchen.
The play corner offers entertainment for children up to about six years old, but the café and shop are fun for young and old alike.
Koningstraat 19, Haarlem
Small Central for small train lovers
Right next to Overveen station is lunchroom Small Central, a cosy place for coffee, lunch or cake in an atmospheric old station building from 1880. It is located on the Amsterdam-Haarlem-Zandvoort railway line, so ideally accessible by train. Inside, it is bright and spacious, and from the terrace or through the window you can watch trains perfectly - always a hit with children! Also nice: you just step inside from the train, ideal on a rainy day.
Tetterodeweg 4, Overveen
Films and theatre for children
In the centre of Haarlem you will find Film and Drama Desk, a popular spot for film and theatre lovers. This cultural hotspot has a varied offer, also for children. Think beautiful films for young people, shows full of fantasy and sometimes even workshops. Everything is carefully programmed, so it is always slightly different from the big cinema. Be sure to check the agenda on the website, as the offer changes regularly. There is something for every age group, from toddlers to adolescents. When booking, pay attention to the age recommendation for each show.
Lange Begijnestraat 9, Haarlem
The Story House
In the north of Haarlem, tucked away in an atmospheric old church, you will find The Story House. A special place where theatre, film and stories come together. There is regularly something great for children too, such as performances especially for kids from four years old. Intimate, warm and slightly different from the big theatres. Take a look at the agenda, as the programme changes regularly and is full of surprises. Suitable from about four years, depending on the performance. Ideal for children who love stories - and parents too, for that matter.
Van Egmondstraat 7, Haarlem
Beautiful So
In Haarlem (Schalkwijk) you will find Beautiful So, a creative thrift shop that regularly hosts (children's) workshops. Crafting with waste, in other words. Keep the socials of Mooi Zo keep an eye out to see if anything fun is being organised. Or just come and have a look on a rainy day and take the materials home for a crafting afternoon at the dinner table.
Terschellingpad 2, Haarlem
Child-friendly museums in Haarlem
Haarlem Archaeological Museum (free!)
Under the square of the Grote Markt, in the vaulted cellar of the Vleeshal, you will find one of Haarlem's nicest museums: the Archaeological Museum. Admission is free and it is the place where children (and grown-ups) can learn about the city's hidden history. Here you will discover centuries-old finds from Haarlem soil - from beak shoes to flea traps - and learn how real archaeologists work. For children, there is plenty to do: treasure hunts and a mini-excavation where you can get to work yourself. Everything is set up at children's height, so as a parent you don't have to constantly bend over.
This museum is suitable for children from about five years old. Ideal for curious sleuths and little treasure hunters.
Grote Markt 18K, Haarlem
Teylers Museum
On the Spaarne, right in the centre of Haarlem, stands the oldest museum in the Netherlands: the Teylers Museum. The stately building alone impresses. Inside, it feels like stepping into another era. In the famous Oval Room, children can marvel at fossils, minerals and ancient instruments. Little scientists will be amazed. There are changing exhibitions as well as special activities for children, such as treasure hunts, workshops and guided tours.
Note that most programmes are suitable from about six years of age.
Spaarne 16, Haarlem
Teylers museum: highly recommended for children who love science, history or just exploring and discovering. Photos: Mike Bink.
Architecture centre Haarlem: for builders and Lego fans!
For kids who love building (and parents who secretly love LEGO too), it is Architecture Centre highly recommended. This museum introduces you to the history of living in the city in a fun and accessible way, through changing exhibitions. But the highlight for children? The huge building table with no less than sixty thousand LEGO bricks. Here you can let your imagination run wild: from dream houses to complete cities.
Age: suitable from about four years.
Groot Heiligland 47, Haarlem
Frans Hals Museum
In one of Haarlem's prettiest streets you will find the Frans Hals Museum, a wonderful mix of historical charm and modern art. While you enjoy old masters or contemporary surprises, children can go on a treasure hunt through the museum (suitable for kids aged six to 12). Creative workshops are also organised regularly, so be sure to check the agenda! And a big plus: children up to eighteen get in for free. Afterwards, drop into the cosy museum café for something tasty.
Groot Heiligland 62, Haarlem
A day trip to the centre of Haarlem with children? Then the Frans Hals Museum is a perfect tip! Photos: Stefan Rustenburg (left) and Mo Schalkx (right).
Pieter Vermeulen Museum
In Driehuis, just outside Haarlem, lies the Pieter Vermeulen Museum. This is a small-scale and child-friendly museum about nature and sustainability that should not be missing from this greener list. Here, children learn playfully about animals, climate and the environment. The interactive exhibitions change regularly and there is always something to do: from treasure hunts to craft assignments or a theme day. The museum is well-organised, easily accessible and fun for parents who want to help discover.
Fun from around four years old, with plenty of activities for children of primary school age.
Haarlem with children? Where do you like to go?
Whether you explore the city, go into nature, visit a museum or get outdoors - there is so much fun to do in and around Haarlem for a sustainable day out with children. And on a sunny day? Then of course the biggest treat for children is a beach day in Bloemendaal or Zandvoort, ‘just’ in their own backyard. At the last minute, we have another beach tip with kids: the playground of Stranded is amazing. Are you missing a golden tip for a day out in Haarlem with kids? Let us know, we like to collect the best ideas!
More kid-friendly tips
- Nice to go outside? Extra fun with the Heel Holland Speurt scavenger hunt.
- Vlieland with kids: do during a holiday on the Wadden Sea.
- Have you heard of the green Efteling fairytale?
Photo credits: main image: Cow: Timon Cornelissen (Pexels), Audio tour: Mo Schalkx, Castle: thegreenlist.nl. Other: Farmyard: Demi Koen (gnome trail & climbing tower), Lidia Zaremba (girl on footbridge), Kraantje Lek: Lars Verkroost, Studio Soon, South Kennemerland: cow: Timon Cornelissen (Pexels), dune: Lars Verkroost, Studio Soon, ruin: thegreenlist.nl, Caprera: Jaap Kroon, Observatory Copernicus: Arno-Mark Blesgraaf, telescope: Lucas Pezeta (Pexels), Teylers Museum: Mike Bink, Frans Hals Museum: Stefan Rustenburg (left) and Mo Schalkx (right).
