Fun Family Activities in Leiden

Whether you’re young or old, there’s always something fun to do in Leiden. This “Key City” has a surprising amount to offer for a family day out: spectacular museums, beautiful parks, exciting canal tours, and plenty of activities for children of all ages. We’ve put together a list of our favorite family activities in Leiden for you!

Museums for Kids and Families

Leiden is a true museum city; with no fewer than thirteen museums, there’s something for everyone. And the best part is: many of these museums are perfectly suited for children.

Naturalis Biodiversity Center

Naturalis is a ton of fun and educational for kids. Just imagine: a real T-Rex skeleton, coming face to face with the best-preserved dinosaur skeleton ever found! But Naturalis is much more than just dinosaurs. The interactive exhibits on animals, plants, and life on Earth take you on a journey through millions of years of history. There’s always a rotating exhibit designed especially for younger visitors.

National Museum of Antiquities

Is your child crazy about mummies and pharaohs? Then the National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) is highly recommended. The absolute highlight is the Temple of Taffeh: a complete Egyptian temple complex situated right in the middle of the museum. It’s truly impressive! In addition, there are beautiful Greco-Roman collections and fascinating finds from Dutch prehistory. The museum regularly organizes children’s scavenger hunts and guided tours that make the visit even more engaging.

De Valk Windmill Museum

Getting to see the inside of a windmill—isn’t that something quintessentially Dutch? At the De Valk Windmill Museum, you climb from floor to floor and discover exactly how a windmill like this works. Kids love climbing so high and standing on top of the platform. And the view over Leiden’s canals and rooftops? That’s the reward. The windmill dates back to 1743 and is one of the best-preserved city tower mills in the Netherlands.

Boerhaave Museum

The Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is also a surprisingly fun outing for kids (and curious adults). This national museum of the history of science and medicine features unique objects and historical scientific instruments that spark the imagination. There are also many interactive elements in the museum and a real water playground in the courtyard. We’ve visited here before and had a great time.

Outdoor Activities

Canal cruise

Leiden is sometimes compared to a mini-Amsterdam. The city has beautiful canals, and you get to see it from a completely different perspective when you cruise through it on the water.

At Bootjes en Broodjes, you can combine a 50-minute canal cruise with a tasty snack and drink. The roof closes in case of bad weather, so it’s a great idea even on rainy days. The departure point is the Blauwpoortsbrug, near Haarlemmerstraat.

Canoeing and Pedal Boats

Canoeing or pedal boating through Leiden’s canals is an active and fun outing for the whole family. There are several rental companies in the city that offer boats for self-guided tours. Pick up a city map, choose your route, and enjoy Leiden from the water. You’ll find multiple rental locations on the Blauwpoortsbrug and near Haarlemmerstraat.

Hortus Botanicus Leiden

Leiden University’s Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, founded in 1590! It’s a wonderful place for a relaxing day outdoors. Kids can explore the tropical greenhouses (just imagine the heat and the scents!), admire exotic plants, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the beautiful garden. From the Hortus, you can also visit the historic observatory—kids absolutely love that, too.

The Burcht and the Plantsoen

Climbing the Burcht van Leiden is an adventure in itself for kids. This medieval motte-and-bailey castle on an artificial hill has a spiral staircase that leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the city. And best of all: admission is free! Around the Burcht, there are lovely spots to play and have a picnic. Nearby, you’ll also find the Plantsoen, a green oasis in the city that’s perfect for a game of Frisbee or simply relaxing outdoors.

Kaag and the Kagerplassen

Just outside Leiden, toward Kaag, lie the beautiful Kagerplassen: a water-rich area that’s perfect for a day outdoors. Rent a canoe, go sailing, or take a walk along the water. In the summer, these are popular spots for families and water sports enthusiasts. The picturesque village of Kaag itself also has some nice outdoor cafes for lunch or ice cream—you’ll definitely deserve it after all that rowing!

Attractions and Playgrounds

Archeon

Near Leiden, in Alphen aan den Rijn, you’ll find Archeon: an open-air museum where you literally step back in time. You’ll visit prehistory, the Roman era, and the Middle Ages in succession, each brought to life through nearly lifelike reconstructions. Kids can hold swords, try on Roman clothing, crawl into huts, and discover all sorts of things. It’s a combination of adventure, education, and fun. One of our absolute favorites for a family day out!

Avifauna Bird Park

Less than a 15-minute drive from Leiden lies Avifauna in Alphen aan den Rijn: a wildlife park entirely dedicated to birds. Flamingos, parrots, penguins, and hundreds of other species—you’ll encounter them all here. There are also attractions for kids, and on warm days, it’s a wonderful day out. Fun fact: Avifauna has been around since 1950, making it one of the oldest animal parks in the Netherlands.

Playground and petting zoo

Leiden has several fun playgrounds and petting zoos scattered throughout the city. The petting zoo in Wilhelminapark is free to visit and always a favorite among families with young children. Petting rabbits, chickens, and goats is always a hit—every parent knows that. And the park itself is also a wonderful place to take a stroll or play.

Photo credits: OpstapmetLisa