Hans&Gretel Pancake House + Giethoorn Village
Hans & Gretel Pancake House is not just a restaurant, but a fairy tale brought to life!
As you enter the main restaurant, you’ll notice tables with whimsical witch legs, walls decorated with upside down hanging pictures, and sparking chandeliers. As you sit down at your table, you will find that floors go up and down and tables that seem to move as if enchanted. But that’s just the beginning.
Within these walls, you’ll encounter countless other magical surprises, each more delightful than the last. I wish I could capture all the enchantment in words, but some experiences must be lived to be fully appreciated.
Venture outside, and you’ll discover a sprawling playground that’s a dream come true for children. Here, a candy house awaits with a thrilling slide, bouncing balls to keep the energy flowing, and splash pads to cool off on a sunny day. Your children will be entertained for hours, leaving you free to relax and savor the enchantment. As an adult, I can attest that the magic never fades, making Hans & Gretel my absolute favorite place in the Netherlands.
After an exciting brunch or lunch at Hans&Gretel Pancake House, you can continue your journey to one of the most picturesque village in the Netherlands — Giethoorn.
Giethoorn is known for its boat filled waterways, footpaths, bicycle trails and centuries-old thatched-roof houses.
Every corner of this village is a postcard-worthy scene, with adorable houses that seem plucked from a storybook. Their carefully curated yards with vibrant hues of hydrangeas turn the entire village into a living work of art.
Whether you choose to explore by foot or perhaps take a boat ride of your own, this village promises to be a delightful continuation of your magical journey in the Netherlands.
How to get there
There is no easy public transportation to either Hans&Gretel Pancake house or Giethoorn. The best way to visit both places are by car.
Luckily, you can easily find and rent a car near you using MyWheels (click on this link , you will receive off for your first ride). You can use their app to find a car on the street near you, reserve it and unlock it conveniently.
The Hague
The Hague not only boasts an array of sightseeing attractions but also offers plenty of family friendly activities, making it the perfect destination for family trips.
You can stroll along the city center, visit King’s Palace, take a tour of the Peace Palace, and enjoy a beer or a meal at Haagse Markt or Grote Markt.
If you are traveling with your children, be sure to visit the Museum of Literature, which resembles a colorful indoor playground with variety of engaging learning activities for kids.
You can also head to the beach, where you will find numerous restaurants and bars to relax, while kids can enjoy themselves at LegoLand Discovery Centre or the aquarium, or simply have fun at the sandy beach.
How to get there
You can take a train from Amsterdam central station to The Hague.
To get to the beach, you can take tram 9 from The Hague Central Station.
Utrecht + Castle De Haar
While Utrecht may not have specific sightseeing attractions, it’s a bustling city with plenty to offer. A leisurely stroll around the picturesque canal area is a pleasant way to start your visit. And the city center has lots of interesting bars and restaurants to enjoy a meal or drink. If shopping is on your agenda, head to the central station, where you will find a large shopping mall with countless stores.
If you have young kids, take them to Nijntje Museum which will promise hours of fun. The Museum Speelklok is also a good place to go with families. It offers an immersive experience in cheerful music and fun interactive activities for children. Make sure to take the guided tour, it’s highly recommended.
After some indoor activities, consider to visit the Netherlands largest castle Kasteel de Haar just outside of Utrecht.
You will be amazed by the 55 hectares park and beautiful gardens. Kids can run around and enjoy a picnic in the green area, and explore the maze or dear park. You can also tour the castle inside to learn the rich and extravagant history of it.
Tips: Make sure to book tickets online in advance for museums or Castle De Haar, they sell out fast.
How to get there
It’s a short 25 minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station to Utrecht Central Station. And you can explore Utrecht and museums there on foot.
To get to the Castle De Haar, you can take a short train ride to Vleuten and then take an Uber or Bolt (Click on this Bolt invite link, you get 15 euro off for your first ride). Alternatively you can rent a bike and it’s a 40 minute bike ride.
Haarlem + Linnaeushof + Zandvoort beach
Haarlem, located just outside of Amsterdam, is renowned for its medieval charm, featuring cobblestone streets and gabled houses that transport you back in time. One of the most enchanting spot is historical Grote Markt, considered the most beautiful urban square in the Netherlands.
Don’t miss the opportunity to find your favorite local beer in brewery De Jopenkerk in a former church. This unique establishment retains its vaulted ceilings and original stained glass windows, creating a captivating atmosphere as you savor your favorite local beer.
You can also stroll along the boutique lined shopping street such as Grote Houtstraat, Barteljorisstraat, and Zijlstraat. You will discover everything from well-known brands to independent labels, alongside charming antique and curiosity shops tucked around every corner.
Linnaeushof, about half an hour bus ride from Haarlem Central Station, is a great place to let your kids release their energy. Linnaeushof holds the title of European’s largest playground, boasting 350+ activities. What makes it even more special is that all of the rides are manually powered. You will have fun together with your kids by pushing the carousel or paddle the ferris wheel.
On hot and sunny days, you and your children can enjoy some fresh water fun at the fantastic water park in Linnaeushof.
If you are looking for a more relaxing experience after exploring the charming city Haarlem, consider taking a short train ride to Zandvoort beach. The beach boasts a wide expanse of sand and gentle waves, making it the ideal spot for you and your children to enjoy hours of water and beach fun.
Along the shoreline, you will find an array of restaurants and bars where you can unwind with a drink while you children frolic on the sandy shores.
How to get there
It’s a 15-18 mins easy train ride from Amsterdam Central Station to Haarlem Central Station.
To go to Linnaeushof, you can take bus 50 from Haarlem, which takes about 30mins.
Zandvoort beach is a short train ride from Haarlem, and it’s only 5 mins walk from the train station to the beach.
Muiderslot Castle + Forteiland Pampus
Muiderslot is the oldest moated castle in the Netherlands. A moated castle stands with ‘its feet’ in the water. The moat surrounding the castle serves as a defense feature.
Muiderslot also features a special garden that serves as a heaven for many forgotten and endangered historic flower and plant species. This unique collection transforms with the changing season, offering a different experience each time you visit.
Inside the castle, you can step back in time to explore what life used to be like in Muiderslot during the Middle Ages.
After your visit to the castle, you can take a ferry ride to the tiny island of Pampus. Here you can embark on a visual balloon ride over 135km long defense line of Amsterdam built in 19th century.
Additionally, explore the island’s historic fort to uncover the interesting story of its construction and the lives of soldiers who resided there for months without any external assistance. Inside the fort, more than 20 rooms were decorated to offer a glimpse into life on Pampus, both then and now.
How to get there
You can take a train ride from Amsterdam Muiderpoort station to Weesp and then take 2 bus rides or uber/bolt to Muiderslot.
The ferry to Pampus is about 7 mins walk from the castle. You can find more information from here
Amsterdam Bos
Amsterdam Bos is a vast landscape park located south of Amsterdam, and it’s an ideal destination for family exploration. The park not only features several nature reserves, perfect for discovering on foot or by bike, but it also offers a wealth of family activities.
During the spring season, don’t miss the enchanting blossom park, where over 400 cherry trees create the most beautiful cherry blossom scene in Amsterdam.
For animal loving families, the goat farm is a must visit. Here you can pat, cuddle and play with adorable baby goats. You can even feed them milk. It’s the best petting zoo I have ever been to. The farm also features a playground to let your children’s energy run wild.
On hot summer days, cool off in the swimming area, splash at the children’s pool or head to the play island for some watery fun. You can also rent a paddle boat or a canoe to explore the park from the water.
If you are visiting with older kids, make your way to FunForest, where you can navigate through the trees with ropes, ladders, bridges and zip lines for an exhilarating adventure.
How to get there
The best way to reach Amsterdamse Bos is by bike. You can rent a basket bike using shared e-bike service Cargoroo and let your children ride in the basket, getting an authentic Amsterdam experience.
