Whether you’re little or big, there’s always something fun to do in The Hague. With Scheveningen beach, a mass of kid-friendly museums, playgrounds and fun attractions. The Hague offers more than enough fun for the whole family. In this blog we list some great tips for you.

Museums for children and families

The Children’s Book Museum

The Children’s Book Museum is a true paradise for little bookworms up to about 10 years old. The museum is completely focused on children and offers a fun mix of play and learning. In the “ABC with the animals” section, children can play with well-known books such as Dikkie Dik and Caterpillar Never Enough. For children aged 7 and up, the exhibition on the headstrong children of Annie M.G. Schmidt is highly recommended, with interactive elements and playful learning moments.

Escher in the Palace

Want to confuse your kids? Then Escher in the Palace is the place to be! This museum is full of the famous works of the world-famous Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. You can’t miss the work with the fish and birds. But also less famous works are very impressive, for example Escher’s images of Italy. Besides the works of art, there are also many interactive and playful elements, so children can really participate and discover.

Madurodam

Madurodam is one of The Hague’s most popular attractions where you can see the Netherlands in miniature. Kids can control port traffic, generate wind energy and spot trains. All the famous Dutch buildings are here: the Rijksmuseum, the Royal Palace, Dam Square and even Schiphol Airport. But Madurodam doesn’t just consist of looking, there are many interactive attractions. Think “The Flying Dutchman” where you fly over the Netherlands in a plane, or “Waterwolf” where you fight the water in the Netherlands with a steam engine.

Museum de Gevangenpoort

For some older kids (say: not too easily scared), Museum de Gevangenpoort is a fascinating and exciting outing. This museum is located on the Hofvijver and you walk past historic cells, rackets and other chilling props. It really is a unique way to make history come alive. And yes, you will sometimes suddenly hear something creaking or the rattle of cell keys. Perfect for teens and adventurous younger children.

Outdoor activities and beaches

Scheveningen and the beach

Scheveningen is one of the most popular destinations for families in The Hague. Throughout the year there is plenty to do. Both the boulevard and the harbor offer a wide range of restaurants where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. In the summer you can play in the sea, build a sandcastle, play beach volleyball or practice a water sport. In addition, you can sit down along the entire Scheveningen coast at one of the many beach bars. Scheveningen is also fun in the fall. Take an extended beach walk or enjoy a hot chocolate at one of the beach clubs that remain year-round. And in autumn, the beach is beautiful and much quieter.

Kijkduin beach

Want a quieter beach? Kijkduin is a nicer alternative than Scheveningen, especially with young children. The beach here is calmer and you can even park for free in many places. The boulevard has been completely renewed in recent years with many restaurants and nice stores. Along the beach in summer you will find several beach tents and playgrounds for small children. And at the Jutterskeet van Ome Jan you can learn all about beachcombing.

National Park Dutch Dunes and Meijendel

In the nature reserve Meijendel, just outside The Hague, you can enjoy walking and playing. At visitor center De Tapuit you will find treasure hunts for different ages and learn more about the different animals that live in the area. And in Natuurspeeltuin Het Monkeybos you can build huts, climb and explore nature. Combine it with a pancake at Boerderij Meyendel and you have a perfect day!

Zuiderpark and steam trains

The Hague Zuiderpark is a beautiful park where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, visit the petting zoo, kick a ball around on the big field or play in one of the playgrounds. There are also swan boats to sail around in the water. The highlight for many children (and secretly parents, too) is a ride on the charming steam trains that rattle right through the park. These authentic trains feel like a step back in time and give children an unforgettable experience.

Attractions and playgrounds

Drievliet

Drievliet is a family park with attractions for young and old. For the little ones, there is “Lol Atoll,” a sea-themed area. Children can take rides in tugboats, sit on the flying fish carousel, or climb the lighthouse and jump on the bouncy castle. For older children, there are roller coasters and other adventure rides. On hot days, the Fountain Square with water jets is a real favorite!

Monkey Town

Monkey Town is an indoor playground where children from 0 to 12 can have a great time. With trampolines, ball pits, mega LEGO blocks, climbing obstacles and slides – no child will encounter boredom here. Perfect for rainy days!

The southern paradise

The Zuiderparadijs is a large indoor play park with slides, trampolines, climbing towers, ball pits and even a traffic square. What makes it special: it has the largest indoor children’s race track in all of the Netherlands! Your kids can spend hours here.

Nature playground Zuiderpret

Zuiderpret in Zuiderpark is a nature playground where children can play in nature. Building huts, going into the water or going up the observation tower, here children discover nature in their own way. There is also a play area for smaller children with flowers and fewer challenges.

Museums and cultural activities

Hague Historical Museum

The Hague Historical Museum offers activities especially for children. Children aged 6 and up can participate in exciting treasure hunts (such as ‘spider safari with Simon Smalpoot’), children aged 8 and up can do the ‘Haga Rapper’ treasure hunt. In addition, there are children’s workshops and there is a large dollhouse that you can spend hours playing with.

Museon Omniversum

Museon-Onmniversum is a super place for kids who like to know everything about nature and science. You can spend hours there with all kinds of tests, workshops and experiments. In the largest film dome of the Benelux you can watch wonderful nature films. Learn all about earthquakes, volcanoes, sound effects and satellite images. This is really a place where you can do and discover a lot.

Water and water sports

SEA LIFE Scheveningen

SEA LIFE is a large sea aquarium with more than 4,000 animals in 45 aquariums. You walk through a large glass tunnel and see fish swimming around you. There are also presentations on various topics and you can watch fish, otters and turtles being fed.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre

Also fun in Scheveningen is LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. The attraction consists of more than 10 different interactive zones where you can build, play, watch and especially do a lot. There is also a 4D cinema and a complete NINJAGO® LEGO® training zone.

Whether you go to the beach, visit a museum, acknowledge an amusement park or just enter a playground, The Hague offers plenty of opportunities for a great day with the family. The city combines the best of both worlds: cultural highlights and lots of outdoor fun. Plan your next family outing and enjoy all that The Hague has to offer!

Photos: OpstapmetLisa and Canva.com