12 Fun indoor activities for kids

The weather in the Netherlands can sometimes be a bit disappointing, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home with the kids. Therefore, here we share with you 12 super fun indoor activities for kids that are perfect for rainy days or if you just feel like a fun outing!

1. Climbing and scrambling paradise

Got a little monkey in the house that can’t sit still? An indoor climbing paradise is the place to lose energy. The kids can climb, clamber, slide and jump. And the best part? They are wonderfully exhausted afterwards. Examples of great climbing parks for kids are Adventure City in Rotterdam, Coronel in Utrecht, Topzone in the Uithof The Hague and Funmania Aalsmeer.

2. Creative workshops

How about scheduling a creative afternoon? Many children’s centers and museums offer creative workshops, such as painting, clay modeling or jewelry making. Not only super fun, but the kids can proudly take home their own creations! For example, check out Tante Kee in Maarssen, The Workshop of Ideas in Lelystad or Juuls Jewlery in Eindhoven.

3. Trampoline park

For the real daredevils, trampoline parks are the perfect place. Here they can jump, somersault and fly through the air to their heart’s content. And what you would secretly like to participate in yourself … Jump XL and Jumpsquare have trampoline parks throughout the country, so there is always one near you. In addition, you can also jump to your heart’s content at bounce park Bounce Valley which has 11 parks throughout large parts of the country.

4. Science center

Is your child curious about how things work? Then a visit to a science center is highly recommended. Here they can playfully learn about science and technology, often by doing experiments themselves. Educational and fun, what more could you want? For example, you can go to TU Delft Science Center in Delft, NEMO in Amsterdam and through Mad Science you can bring science home with an extended children’s party.

5. Indoor playground

It’s raining outside, but indoor playgrounds are always a party. With ball pits, slides and tunnels, little ones can have fun for hours. And the nice thing for you? There is often a café or terrace where you can enjoy a cup of coffee. You have themed ones from pirate island to jungle world. Examples are Monkey Town, FunZone and Kids Island. Did you know there are also indoor playgrounds where adults can join in? Super fun for the whole family!

6. Escaperoom for kids

For the slightly older kids, an escape room is a great challenge. They have to work together, solve puzzles and unravel riddles to escape. Exciting, challenging and a guaranteed success for an afternoon of adventure. Examples are Backspace Escaperooms in Amsterdam, the Wizard School in Alkmaar, De Bonte Beestenboel van Bouwlust in Maasland and De Vreemde Vogel in Vlaardingen.

7. Indoor playground with laser gaming

For slightly older children, a game of laser gaming in a special arena is an exciting adventure. At KidZcity in Utrecht, for example, you can not only play laser tag but also ride in bumper cars. And at the Uithof in The Hague, in addition to laser gaming, you can go karting, climbing, ice skating, skiing and much more.

8. Children’s museum

Many museums have special . Interactive exhibits where children can discover and learn, but there are also museums that are completely designed for children? The nicest children’s museums we have already had the pleasure of discovering are: Villa Zebra in Rotterdam, GeoFort in Herwijnen, Boerhaavemuseum in Leiden and Museum of Illusions in Maastricht.

9. Bowling

Bowling is one of those activities that is actually always fun, for young and old alike. Most bowling centers today have children’s lanes with bumpers, so even the little ones can throw a strike. Fun for an afternoon out with the whole family. Nice bowling alleys can be found, for example, at The City Food & Fun in ‘s-Gravenzande, De Avontuurfabriek in Loosdrecht and the largest bowling alley in the Netherlands: Vier Hoog Eindhoven.

10. Indoor pool with slides

A classic that never gets boring: the subtropical swimming paradise. Slides, wave pools and whirlpools provide hours of water fun.

11. Petting zoo

Most petting zoos also have indoor areas. Here children can see the animals up close, cuddle and maybe even feed them. Perfect for a quiet, yet fun afternoon. There are also farms with other fun activities, both indoors and outdoors.

12. Children’s theater

Nothing beats the magic of theater. Many theaters have special performances for children, full of music, dance and exciting stories. A great way to spark their imagination and have an unforgettable experience. So take a quick look at the theater near you to see what performances they offer for the whole family!

Tip: Before you go, always check the venue’s website for current opening hours and prices. Read also: The best ideas for a children’s party

Credits photos: Canva.com