Discover the Magic of Efteling Theme Park with Kids

If you’re planning a family trip to the Netherlands, Efteling Theme Park in Kaatsheuvel is one destination you don’t want to miss. If you’re anything like me, you’ll know that planning a family day out with children can feel like a military operation. Snacks? Check. Raincoats (just in case)? Check. Enough energy to survive an entire theme park with excited little ones? Debatable! But let me tell you – when it comes to Efteling Theme Park in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands, the effort is more than worth it.

I recently visited Efteling with my two children and two step children, and it turned out to be one of those rare days where the magic really does live up to the promise. Whether your kids are wide-eyed toddlers or thrill-seeking teens, this park has a way of making everyone feel like they’ve stepped straight into a storybook.

Why Visit Efteling Theme Park with Kids?

Unlike many theme parks that feel commercial and repetitive, Efteling has this magical, storybook atmosphere that sets it apart. Since opening in 1952, it’s become one of Europe’s most beloved theme parks. Spread over 70 hectares, the park blends fairy tales, myths, and legends with modern rides and attractions.

For me, the real charm was how immersive it felt. Every corner had something whimsical – a talking tree, a cheeky gnome, or hidden details that kept the kids entertained even while queueing.

How to Get to Efteling Theme Park

• By Car: Just off the A59 motorway, Efteling is easy to reach. It’s about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam and just over an hour from Rotterdam.
• By Public Transport: From Amsterdam, take the train to ’s-Hertogenbosch or Tilburg, then hop on a direct bus (300 or 301) to the park entrance.
• By Air: Eindhoven Airport is the closest (40 minutes by car), while Amsterdam Schiphol is around 90 minutes away.

Parking was really simple, with plenty of space. Staying overnight? Hotels and holiday parks linked to Efteling include free parking. Just beware you may have anything from a 5-15min walk from the car park depending on where you get parked.

Best Rides for Kids (Ages 6–10)

For younger school-aged children like my 6- and 10-year-olds, there are lots of rides that feel exciting without being too intense.

• Fairytale Forest: A walk-through attraction with life-sized fairy-tale scenes. My youngest loved spotting familiar characters.
• Halve Maen: The massive swinging pirate ship was a huge hit with my older two – they loved the feeling of flying through the air. My 6 year-old step daughter was keen to try it too, but changed her mind halfway through and came off declaring she didn’t like it after all. A good reminder that some rides look tamer than they feel once you’re on them.
• Carnaval Festival: A quirky boat ride with colourful scenes from around the world.
• Max & Moritz: A double-track roller coaster designed for families. Just enough thrills without being too scary.

Best Rides for Older Kids (Ages 11–13)

For my 11- and 13-year-olds, the park really came alive. They were ready for more speed and twists, but not quite the biggest rides. These were their favourites:

• Vogel Rok: A dark indoor roller coaster with mild thrills – a good step up from the gentler rides.
• Monsieur Cannibale: Think spinning teacups, but with giant cauldrons. Silly fun for the whole family.
• Sprookjesboom (Talking Tree): More interactive than a ride, but still a hit with the kids for its humour and charm.
• Symbolica: A magical indoor ride where you explore a palace full of surprises. This was a big family favourite – imaginative, immersive, and fun for all ages.

Best Thrill Rides for Teens and Adults

If your kids are brave enough (mine were half excited, half nervous!), Efteling’s thrill rides are outstanding. All four kids managed at least two of the big ones!

• Baron 1898: A dramatic dive coaster that drops you 37.5 metres into a mineshaft. Not for the faint-hearted!
• Python: A looping roller coaster with twists, turns, and corkscrews. Classic but brilliant.
• Joris en de Draak: A duelling wooden coaster where you race another train – the competitive element made it extra fun.
• De Vliegende Hollander: Part dark ride, part water coaster, with a splashy ending that had us all soaked (and laughing).

Food and Dining Options at Efteling

You’ll never go hungry at Efteling. There’s a huge range of food, from sit-down meals to quick bites.

• Polles Keuken: Pancakes galore – both sweet and savoury.
• Het Wapen van Raveleijn: Medieval-style dining with live entertainment.
• Snack Bars & Stalls: Perfect for fries, waffles, and ice creams on the go.

I still recommend packing snacks and refillable water bottles – they came in handy for keeping the kids fuelled between rides. We stayed until the park closed and the restaurants were still open. We found it cheaper to eat in the park than heading back to our holiday park accommodation for a meal.

Beyond the Rides – Extra Magic for Families

Efteling isn’t just about the rides. Some of the most memorable moments for us came from shows and little extras:

• Raveleijn Show: Knights, horses, and fire-breathing stunts. My kids were completely spellbound.
• Shopping: Souvenir shops are dotted around the park, selling everything from fairy-tale books to cuddly characters.

There is also Aquanura which is an evening fountain and light show which I think would be the perfect way to end the day. Unfortunately, when we visited it was closed for repairs.

Tips for Visiting Efteling Theme Park with Kids

• Arrive Early: Queues are much shorter in the first couple of hours.
• Download the App: For live wait times, maps, and finding the nearest toilets.
• Plan Breaks: There are plenty of benches and quieter spots for a rest.
• Visit Midweek: Crowds are smaller, especially during school term time.
• Stay Overnight: If you can, book a night at the Efteling Hotel or holiday parks like Marvilla Parks Kaatsheuvel It makes the whole trip more relaxed.

Will We Visit Efteling Again?

Absolutely – in fact, we’re already planning our next trip back! The kids loved it so much that one day wasn’t nearly enough to explore everything. There are still rides and shows we want to experience, and the atmosphere is so magical that it’s the kind of place you can happily return to again and again.

If you’re planning a family holiday in the Netherlands, make sure Efteling is at the top of your list. It’s more than just a theme park – it’s a place where fairy tales, myths, and roller coasters come together to create unforgettable memories.