We are traveling soon with an 8 year old to Europe. While in Holland, we have the chance to spend a day at Madurodam vs spending an extra day in Amsterdam. Is it worth it for an 8 year old? We fear Amsterdam might be overwhelming for our granddaughter. We will still have time to fit in a canal tour, the Rijksmuseum and a nice walk around the area, so she will still have a taste of the city. Having said that - it will mean extra time in the car to/from Madurodam. As it stands, we will be in the car on average 2 hour each day as we tour Europe.
Posted by
Orange Park, Fl
985 posts
I think she would love Madurodam - you too! Since you are getting to spend some time in Amsterdam anyway I would definitely put this on my list for whatever day has the most sunshine.
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1529 posts
We took my then 11 year old to Madurodam for a day trip while in Amsterdam and we all LOVED it!!! I think Amsterdam could be a little overwhelming for an 8 year old and Madurodam is a great idea! I'm not sure about the car as we took the train which was quite easy. I think your other sights in Amsterdam could easily be done in one day, or a half day depending on how much time you spend in the Museum. Since you say it's an "extra day" I would think you should have no trouble accomplishing this.
When we took that particular trip we stayed in Haarlem which I felt was a good choice with a youngster in tow:)
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, Virginia
9 posts
Thank you so much for your response! We only have one day to do this, so hopefully it will be a sunny day. In the Netherlands, rain can be a factor but I guess we'll just have to deal with that.
Posted by
MPLS, MN
399 posts
I agree with the prior posts in that Madurodam is a great idea. I would also consider adding Scheviningen and Panorama Mesdag by bike or tram and end the day trip with a nice dinner in Delft.
Posted by
OP
Williamsburg, Virginia
9 posts
Thanks again! We went to Delft last year and loved it. This forum is wonderful. Folks are quick to respond and happy to offer good suggestions! :).
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
I'm a grown adult woman and I think Madurodam was one of the most fun days we had...lol. And we didn't even have any kids along! Someone suggested it on here and I'm glad we went. It is fairly easy to get to via train and tram, so you could always use public transport.
Make sure you have some 1 and 2€ coins for the 'factories'...one gave us a madurodam pin with tulips, one a tiny ceramic pair of clogs, there was a Mars bar factory that gave a bite size Mars bar...there is a lot of interactive stuff for kids (and kids at heart) to do.