De Haar Castle is once again celebrating its Luminous Nights this year, bathing the gardens in light. Each year, you'll be treated to a new story, inspired by the castle's history and the unique residents who once lived there. Think winding paths filled with light sculptures, atmospheric music, whispered stories, and that characteristic, almost theatrical castle atmosphere that makes it even more beautiful in winter. The walk itself is about 2,2 kilometers and takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how often you stop for a "quick" photo (we know how it goes). There's no rush: you stroll, look, listen, and warm up wonderfully at the winter terrace halfway along. There, you can grab hot drinks and a snack or two. The Luminous Nights cost around €23,50 per ticket, and honestly, for such an evening stroll in full fairytale fashion is totally worth it.

Here Read all about Move Lab, the best interactive outing for kids in Amsterdam.

Great all year round, but a museum specifically for kids wouldn't be worthy of its name if it didn't organize some extras during the holidays. Tadaa: in addition to the permanent exhibition, Move Lab offers a calendar full of special events. Such as:

• Move Christmas Market: On sunday December 14 Move Amsterdam suddenly becomes a wonderful Christmas market! There are plenty of unique gifts from local businesses that you can wrap yourself at the Move gift wrapping station, delicious Christmas snacks, and of course, you can finish your visit at the Move Lab. Does that Christmas market cost anything? Nothing! It's free.
• And there are really cool workshops like the Drone workshop on Friday, January 2nd
• During the Christmas break The Move Lab is open every day! This also applies to every kids' holiday; the Move Lab adjusts its opening hours accordingly.

And of course there are the restaurants led by Joris Bijdendijk.

Stories around the campfire are always the best vibe. And Abe the Storyteller understands that better than anyone. He takes you on a journey through myths, fairy tales, and legends from Iceland to Greece: elves who were just a little too curious, boys who turned into whales, hairy underworld monsters gnawing on the world tree… if you're wondering, what's it all about? Then just drop by. Between stories, grab marshmallows from the café, toast them over the fire, and warm up with a mug of hot chocolate. The Hortus Orangery Terrace is already beautiful in the dark, but with a crackling fire, it's even more special. And the best part: it's all free. Abe tells two stories every evening: at 5:00–5:45 PM and at 6:00–6:45 PM.

Abe the Storyteller

Okay, okay, a weekly or monthly visit to the Efteling may not be for everyone, but if you want to make the kids, and yourself, happy, then plan a visit to the iconic Brabant amusement park because, let's be honest, there are In all the years that Efteling has existed, there is still no park that surpasses the Kaatsheuvel village. All year round, moreover. And if you want to go one step further, make a weekend of it. There's really nothing as nice as spending a few nights in the domain of Klaas Often and his friends, i.e. Bosrijk, one of the holiday parks that are part of the Efteling. And immediately our favorite. The cottages on the lake are furnished just like your own home (everything is there - so nice!), but with breakfast service. Ha! And not only that: there is also a great good night service: you just have to indicate it and Klaas Often will come and tell the little ones a bedtime story in person. And then provide those children's heads with one of the nightcaps that hang in the house... It doesn't get more fun. Or at least: every day (including the arrival and departure day) you and the entire club can enter the park half an hour earlier than all other guests (avoid the lines!) and you can walk in and out as often as you want. About all the fun We don't have to say anything more in Efteling, right? Let's go! Efteling

As soon as the animals close their eyes, Ouwehands Zoo becomes one giant festival of light. Light Nights is back and bigger than ever: more color, more artwork, more wow. The revamped route, this year divided into 13 themed areas, takes you through a fantastical animal world. The enclosures are closed in the evening (animals need their sleep too), but trust us: there's plenty to see. Tickets range from €24,50 to €30,50. Tip for a big discount: get the combo ticket, go animal spotting during the day (from 14:00 PM), and stay until dusk when the light artworks illuminate Ouwehands Zoo into a magical place. We think it's a great experience with the kids (and a little for yourself too).

Light Nights Ouwehands Zoo

Google 'indoor playground' in your own area and you will certainly come across a number of those screeching ball pit cases. That's okay, the kids really enjoy it, but it's even more fun when it's just, well, fun for yourself. Be sure to save these three:

• Playhood, Amsterdam (read the full list here the nicest indoor playgrounds in Amsterdam) – quite remote, but you can park your shared car in front of the door: ideal!
• The Treehouse Club, The Hague
• Wonderpark cafe, Amstelveen – a really nice café for us, and a really nice (tasteful) indoor playground for the kids.
• Kidzcity, Utrecht – also one in the 'brightly colored ball pit' category, but everything here is just a little less overstimulated. And on top of that, there are quite impressive play equipment, fairground style - really fun and fun to combine with, for example Miffy Museum (really nice and well done) and/or it Railway Museum, see also a few blocks above)
• WOPL is a new one in Amsterdam. Read more here + some other fun options!