Here you go: the best (last minute) autumn holiday tips (for families with the kids) in and around Amsterdam
Hello Autumn! Hello rain and days that are getting shorter, wet feet and red cheeks. Sounds blegh, but if we are completely honest, we love it: nose in the wind, boots on, walking slightly bent forward as standard and then braving the weather. So that you really deserve that hot chocolate afterwards. We are on the cusp of autumn, and as soon as the days get shorter (as always) we immediately think about it the beach or cozy guest houses hidden deep in the forest. Light candles and play games. You understand: it is our favorite season. So we selected some favorite spots that are perfect for getting some fresh air and looking for red leaves during the autumn. Kicking some puddles, soaking up some culture... Let's also add some dressing tips. Don't mention it.
Some things are just always good, and a day ARTIS There is one like that during the autumn break. Especially because there are plenty of extras to do this autumn. For example, there is simply a new male jaguar (!!), the Aquarium is open again with a new art installation by world-renowned artist Olafur Elliason, on October 10 it is Penguin Day And once again, there is the large autumn artwork that you can help create yourself. Heading out with the Artis scavenger hunt cards is always a success, and you can take the autumn coloring pages home so that the ARTIS fun can be extended a little longer there.
Also fun: during the autumn holidays, the live show Water in the Universe can be seen at the Planetarium, and the Journey Through Your Body at Micromissie. In the Groote Museum, there is Studio ARTIS, where artists are working live and show how nature inspires their art. During Studio ARTIS, part of the museum is transformed into an open art studio. Here, young and old can be inspired by nature and create small artworks in various ways. A special commission from the artist is also waiting. This varies per artist.
And when everyone is tired, hungry, and satisfied from all that animal spotting, fortunately you don't have to go far for part two of the outing. Café-Restaurant De Plantage It sits right next to the entrance and, as far as we are concerned, is a lovely spot for an extensive lunch or early dinner. Large windows, a nice terrace if the autumn sun does make an appearance, and a view of the flamingos in the aviary. Kids happy, parents happy. An autumn holiday day can be that simple.
Autumn took a nice long time to arrive this year, but now that it’s here, it’s really here. And what could be better than dressing the kids – and yourself! – in a fresh and comfortable autumn look? Exactly. We wholeheartedly opt for the Dutch brand Gray Label. We’ve been doing so for years, and perhaps even more so this year, because Gray Label is celebrating its 15th anniversary. A birthday, yes, but otherwise unchanged. Simple, sustainable, and with the firm conviction that children don’t need more, but better. That results in the most beautiful, softest co-ord looks for the kids, and therefore for yourself too. You could even turn it into a lovely day out at the 9 Straatjes in Amsterdam: that’s where the shop is located.
Eating out with the kids doesn't always have to end with a pancake in syrup (although we wouldn't say no to that either). There are plenty of places that make both young and old happy. At Jansz. in the Nine Streets there is every Sunday the Family Sunday Brunch: you enjoy a leisurely meal at the table, while the kids can entertain themselves in a special play area with fun activities. Something a bit more festive? At Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam can you sit down together for Afternoon Tea, with a table full of sweet and savory bites that are almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. And we LOVE Le French Café and Pizza Beppe – everyone happy. For the pancake fans, the Pannenkoekenboot Naturally a classic: unlimited pancakes while cruising across the IJ, and then hop, into the ball pit. And with older kids or just a group where everyone wants something different? Then the food hall Always a good idea. Burgers, dim sum, tacos, ice cream: everyone gets what they fancy and then sits down together at the table. Saves another argument.
Get out of town for a bit without actually having to leave? Head to Meerzicht farm in the Amsterdam Forest. First, a lovely autumn walk through the woods (leaves, fresh air, you know the drill) and then straight to the pancakes. They have been baked here for years and naturally taste even better after such a walk. While you linger a bit, the kids can let off steam in the large playground and look at the animals. Forest walk, animals, and pancakes: it doesn't get much more autumn holiday-like than this.
LEGO fans in the house? Then you know where to go this autumn break. From October 15 to 21, the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht transforms during Lego world in, yes indeed, 36.000 m² of LEGO madness. Five halls full of creations, play zones, and above all, a whole lot of bricks to get creative with. This year, there is, among other things, a life-sized race car made of over 300.000 LEGO bricks, you can walk through the largest LEGO Botanicals tulip field in the world, and LEGO NINJAGO is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary. And as if that weren't enough for the kids, there are also LEGO Formula 1, Disney, and Harry Potter worlds, and you can see Emma Heesters live on Saturday, October 17. So chances are you won't be back out of here within an hour. And secretly, Mom and Dad probably don't mind that at all.
Bringing teenagers along this autumn break? Then this combo in the South is a good one. Start at The Upside Down, where you walk through rooms that are literally upside down, dive into huge ball pits, and encounter enough optical illusions to fill up your camera roll again. After that, you only have to walk five minutes for part two: Rabbit BowlingShoes on, head to the lane, and see who takes home the win. And because bowling makes you hungry, the pizzas, burgers, and fries can go straight onto the table. Two activities, practically side by side, keeping everyone entertained for a few hours. There you go, afternoon taken care of.
Sometimes, for a great day out, all you have to do is take the ferry. So, off to the NDSM Wharf, where you start at STREET MuseumHere you don't have to shuffle past tiny paintings in a whisper, but instead feast your eyes on gigantic works full of street art and graffiti. Also fun with kids who are normally done with a museum after room three. Afterwards on to plek, just a few steps away, for lunch by the IJ. Take the ferry there, look at the art, enjoy a nice meal, and take the boat back. You've filled another half-day of your vacation in no time.
Never change a winning team… We previously wrote a very (very) good list of things to do with the kids on a rainy day. Suit up (or save it for a rainy day): the best children's entertainment for rainy days. Spoiler alert: our list of the best museums for children (also nice for yourself by the way) is one of the highlights from that list. Or read about it here our favorite addresses for with the kids throughout the country
From October 17 to 19, Yerseke Oyster festival! Three days of sipping, tasting, sipping and above all enjoying the Oosterschelde. The Oystery Stroll among the oyster beds, sip a glass of bubbly, and grab a seafood platter. Up for even more adventure? Then float across the water on a boat tour while taking in the festival in all its glory. And for foodies, there is the tasting passport, allowing you to sample a bite everywhere. By the way, children up to 12 years old can join for free – handy.
In the heart of de Veluwe, half hidden between de trees and surrounded by one of demost beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands, state De Weaver LodgeA wonderful hotel: small, cozy, and with its own bistro. De The Veluwe itself is actually special enough, but De Weaver Lodge goes one step further. Everything revolves around this de love for de nature, craftsmanship and relaxation.
We are fans of it DutchenA wonderfully wide selection, clearly presented on a single, easy-to-scroll website, with parks spread throughout the country. By the way, no massive parks with hysterical entertainment teams or roller coasters in your backyard, but stylish, small-scale holiday parks with luxurious cottages (read: saunas and whirlpools) in beautiful, accessible natural locations. For all ages. Exactly what we at Barts Boekje are looking for, and you probably are too.
The accommodations are just as well designed on the outside as on the inside. After a day in the dunes, the forest, or on the beach, you don't have to disappear indoors. Not at all; many of the living spaces are open, so you sit comfortably half inside, half outside. You can also cook outside, from a BBQ to a complete outdoor kitchen, and you can end the day by the campfire. And then as the ultimate bonus: at many locations, you will also find private wellness facilities, from a sauna to a hot tub and an outdoor shower. Let's be honest: this is what you want, right? We do.
For this spot we travel to the far north. To Makkum in Friesland to be precise. Get a breath of fresh air on the beach, play endless games indoors or go on a discovery tour in Makkum with the family (yes, the kids can come along!). We can see it happening. De Botter is located in a dune-like environment at De Holle Poarte recreation park. Right on the IJsselmeer and the beach. The house is white - both outside and inside - and can be recognized by the thatched roof. The decor is a mix of modern Scandinavian style with retro furniture a lot of white (told you so) with wood and greenery. Downstairs you'll find the living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and two bedrooms. One has a bunk bed – fun for the kids! A third bedroom is located on the mezzanine. Up to six people can stay here. We're not the only ones with this property on our list. The reviews on Airbnb (where you can book this property) are almost five stars. So what are you waiting for?
When you think of rain, you think of England. We do. That's okay: that's why we prefer to go to the English countryside during the European rainy season; then it cannot be disappointing. In any case, the Cotswolds are picturesque all year round and not a year goes by that we do not expand our address book with tips (see below). Why do we like coming there so much? Because we love the English and their convivial drinking (every pub is recommended!) and because the country folk here have elevated fancy outdoor living to an art: everyone looks like a country gentleman or lady.
Speaking of farmers and country folk… Hotel Le Barn is the ideal autumn stay for those who want to go into the country, but also want to enjoy the city (Paris!). We call that a win-win. In the middle of nature, surrounded by cute French villages and meadows, you will find the hotel with sauna, a large fireplace and very (really very) lots of cheese and wine. Hotel Le Barn is located 90 kilometers south of Paris where you drive into nature past cute French villages and meadows, after which you arrive at the hotel. Huge amounts of land, a sauna, a large fireplace and a lot (really a lot) of cheese and wine. Either: recharge yourselfThe whole place looks more like a Western ranch, or a place stolen from the Cotswolds. So rich in greenery. The food, on the other hand, is a French affair through and through. All dishes in restaurant La Serre are a masterclass in Gallic country cuisine, served in a sun-drenched greenhouse (provided it's shining, you understand).
Nowadays it is almost a must: you have to go out with your family and you have to contribute to nature. But… How?! Flying is not done and close to home is also so… close to home. We want to chill and relax, but also experience something. We want affordable, but also attractive. And we just want to have a good time together. Sounds impossible, doesn't it? Hands on each other Cocoon Houses, as far as we are concerned, the best tip for anyone wanting to explore the Netherlands with the kids. After all, there are not one, not two, not even three, but four Cocoon Houses that completely live up to their name: one in Drenthe, one in Zeeland, one in Flevoland, and one in Limburg.
The houses are beautiful, check. The locations are rural but always close to a city, check. And the facilities are more than well taken care of, check check double check! Anyone who arrives at, for example, the Cocoon House in Zeeland, will discover that there is no drawer without toys. Played out? Relaxation entertainment has also been taken into account: Netflix and Pathé have been installed and there is even a PlayStation with games. So you really don't have to leave the house, thanks to the equally well-equipped kitchen.
Buitenhuys family you know of the three lovely houses in Venhuizen, near Hoorn, on the Markermeer. There is nothing but praise for that place, so expectations were high when we heard that another spot was being added in the pleasant south. Just a little bit different and leave you curious our middle name are… The house is located at the Heidebloem holiday park: ideal if you come with kids because there is plenty to do and plenty of entertainment at the park. There is a swimming pool, large playground and a lot of facilities that will make you happy if you are traveling with small children (rental bicycles, entertainment, activities, the whole shebang). From the entrance you can walk within three minutes temporary hideaway and there you will find everything, absolutely everything, that you would not expect at a standard holiday park: a cozy, authentic and originally furnished house. We first wanted to say house, but that doesn't do this beautiful place justice, because there is really plenty of space.
Yes, of course you want to go to the beach with the small stuff. They can let off steam while you watch from a distance. But where do they have a place these days? Well! At the hotels where they have a lot of rooms, of course! Favorite in that category? Huis ter Duin in Noordwijk. Anyway, because Noordwijk is the favorite of all the (South and North Holland) coastal towns—because it is beautiful and quiet and beautiful—and a favorite because of those rooms, of course, that beach right on the doorstep, but certainly also because of the 'old-fashioned good service provided by young people. A heart for that. Also a heart for at least three of the five (or six?) dining options at Huis ter Duin: the breakfast restaurant where the kids get a gift box on day 1 and where there is everything they like. Right on the doorstep at Breakers Beach House where the high chair and the coloring page are ready and the apple juice comes with a straw and glitter and - the very best - Salt, a door further on the beach. Next door to Salt is really a nice (and. good looking) playground with climbing ship and toys for the taking!
Do you want moremoremore? We understand, there are so many addresses that you really have no idea about, we're sure. Here's a collection of even more fun addresses for the kids.
