Going to the Netherlands in June 2019 for 2 weeks with my close to 12 year old twin grandkids. ( In June they'll still be 11 ). We have lodging already . Looking for things to do . The boy is interested in art and wants to go to Rijksmuseum . The girl wants to go to the beach which we will combine with a visit to their aunt ( my sister ) in Noordwijk a/z and Madurodam . I was thinking of NEMO in Amsterdam . Efteling ? Zaanse Schans ? We have a world class Free/ gratis Zoo here in St.Louis , Missouri so no zoo visits . Would appreciate any ideas .
Posted by
North Carolina
2448 posts
You might want to go to the Hoge Veluwe National Park (https://www.hogeveluwe.nl/en), both for the Nature appreciation and for the Kröller Müller Museum (lots of Van Gogh). Riding rental bicycles is an option.
Posted by
OP
St. Louis , MO
228 posts
Great idea ! Those kids love riding their bikes and they can visit the museum also .
Posted by
307 posts
You will enjoy Zaans Shans, that is a good choice. NEMO will also be a good choice, might ask the kids if that is of interest to them.
Kroller-Moller Museum and the grounds are certainly worthy of an excursion. Efteling would be fun and a worthy option.
Involving the kids in the planning will ensure a good vacation.
Have fun!
Posted by
11156 posts
Kinderdijk is a series of 19 windmills in their original location. Take the train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, then Tram 7 from train station to the last stop by the water to Kinderdijk. You can rent bikes or walk past the windmills. One of them is a museum. Stunning to see. Much better option than Zaanse Schans although a longer trip to get there..
Posted by
North Carolina
2448 posts
Just looked at the Hoge Veluwe website more closely - use of their bikes is free!
Posted by
OP
St. Louis , MO
228 posts
Wow , not rental but Free use of bikes at Hoge Veluwe ! Thank you .
Posted by
South-west Netherlands
8 posts
If you consider visiting Kinderdijk, think about taking the waterbus from Rotterdam or Dordrecht, fun way of travelling for the kids, https://www.waterbus.nl/en/about-the-waterbus
Another interesting museum along the route from Amsterdam to Madurodam is Corpus, a journey through the human body https://corpusexperience.nl/en/#!
In Amsterdam the Maritime Museum is cool for kids as well https://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.com/
Posted by
OP
St. Louis , MO
228 posts
The Waterbus to Kinderdijk sounds like a lot of fun. Thank you Thomas ! Corpus maybe , I looked at their website and tickets need to be reserved and timed . I'd prefer things that can be done at a moments notice considering the changeable weather in the Netherlands .
Posted by
Orange Park, Fl
985 posts
For within Amsterdam I thought the Micropia museum (next door to Artis Zoo) was great. Lots of neat and gross exhibits that kids and most adults would like.
Posted by
OP
St. Louis , MO
228 posts
Looked at their website and Micropia sounds great . Perfect for that age , Thank you Nance !
Posted by
OP
St. Louis , MO
228 posts
So impressed by all the great suggestions . Hope to return the favor after our trip with any updates and experiences .
Posted by
Chicago
8055 posts
I'd book reservations for Anne Frank Huis. They are the perfect age to be introduced to this. Maybe give them a book about her experiences before the trip. Maybe have them try the different cafe snacks like toasties and bitterballen to choose their favorites. Canal boat. For the art lover, don't miss the Hermitage with selections from its parent institution.