Sam
Leiden, a charming city in the Netherlands, is often overshadowed by Amsterdam, but it’s a hidden gem that’s perfect for a family adventure. Packed with history, beautiful canals, outdoor play spaces, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, Leiden offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for children and adults alike. Let’s dive into the best places to visit, where to eat, where to stay, and, of course, the top outdoor play areas for those energetic little explorers.
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Top Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Leiden
Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Leiden’s Naturalis is a must-visit if you have curious kids who love dinosaurs and nature. This interactive natural history museum is perfect for children of all ages, with exhibits featuring fossils, wildlife, and the famous towering T. rex skeleton! The museum offers hands-on activities like digging for fossils and learning about biodiversity. It’s educational, fun, and engaging for the whole family.
Tip: Don’t miss the “Life” exhibit, where kids can marvel at life-sized animals from all over the world!
Molen de Valk (The Falcon Windmill)
What’s a trip to the Netherlands without visiting a windmill? Molen de Valk, an iconic windmill in the heart of Leiden, is a great place to give your kids a taste of Dutch history. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city, and explore the museum inside, which gives a fascinating insight into how windmills used to work. Kids will love climbing the steep ladders to get to the top!
Tip: If your kids love hands-on activities, let them try their hand at traditional grain grinding, just like in the old days.
Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus)
Founded in 1590, the Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It’s a peaceful, green oasis in the city, perfect for families looking to relax and unwind. The tropical greenhouse is a hit with children, as they can spot giant lilies and exotic plants. Don’t forget to explore the butterfly house—always a favorite with younger kids!
Tip: Bring along a picnic and enjoy it by the serene canals that border the gardens.
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities)
For budding archaeologists, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is an absolute delight. It has an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian mummies, Roman artifacts, and Greek treasures. They have a special kids’ program with treasure hunts and interactive games, so your little ones won’t get bored while you admire the relics.
Tip: Check out their special family tours, where guides make history come alive for kids.
Boating on Leiden’s Canals
Leiden’s picturesque canals are not just for strolling alongside—get out on the water! Renting a boat (or hopping on a canal tour) is a great way for kids to see the city from a different perspective. Many boat rental companies offer kid-friendly options, including electric boats that are easy to operate, even if you’re not a seasoned sailor. Your kids will love cruising under bridges, spotting ducks, and waving to people along the way.
Tip: Some canal tours offer audio guides that provide fun facts about Leiden’s history in a child-friendly way. Bring snacks for the ride!
Corpus Museum
This one’s a little outside the city center but well worth a visit! Corpus takes you on an interactive journey through the human body, making it educational and fun for kids aged 6 and up. You’ll “travel” through a giant body, learning how everything works, from muscles to the digestive system. It’s an engaging, hands-on experience where kids (and adults) can discover how our amazing bodies function.
Cycling to Leiden with Kids
Near the end of our holiday to Holland, we decided to cycle to Leiden. I planned our route using the map we had purchased at the campsite. The route was all cycle paths up until Leiden itself, which was great for the kids and adults alike. Once in Leiden, we found cycling on the roads with traffic a bit too daunting for our youngest, so we parked our bikes at Beestenmarkt and explored on foot.
We stopped for a delicious cake and a drink at Grand Cafe Vlot to recharge before continuing our exploration. Walking through Leiden’s charming streets, we took in the beautiful canals, old buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Van der Werfpark was a highlight, where we sat on a bench to enjoy lunch. The kids had a blast chasing crows until our little one, Little K, had a tumble. Thankfully, after a bit of comfort and care, he was back on his feet, albeit with a small scrape on his forehead!
After our little mishap, we decided to cut our trip a little short and headed back towards our bikes. On our way back to the campsite, we took a scenic route via Poelgeest. This turned out to be our favourite cycle route—full of lovely scenery, farmlands, and canals, with easy cycling for the kids. Next time, we hope to return to Leiden and explore more, maybe even try a longer cycle route around the nearby lakes!
Best Places to Eat with Kids in Leiden
Bagels & Beans
A cozy café offering a variety of bagels, from simple cream cheese to more adventurous flavours. Their fresh juices and smoothies are great for a pick-me-up after sightseeing.
Kid-friendly highlight: The bagels are customizable, so picky eaters can build their own!
Pannenkoekenhuis de Schaapsbel
A traditional pancake house where the whole family can dig into sweet and savoury Dutch pancakes.
Tip: Try the “poffertjes”—small, fluffy mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar!
Waag Leiden
A relaxed family-friendly spot with great food, plenty of space for strollers, and a kids’ menu.
Parent perk: They offer great coffee and local craft beers!
Where to Stay in Leiden with Kids
Boutique Hotel d’Oude Morsch
A centrally located boutique hotel with spacious family rooms in a historic building.
Perk: They have board games in the lobby for kids!
Holiday Inn Leiden
A family-friendly hotel with an indoor swimming pool and play area.
Tip: The on-site buffet has kid-friendly dishes and a play corner during breakfast.
Villa Rameau
A private holiday home in the city center, perfect for families wanting more space.
Perk: The small garden is great for kids to play while parents relax!
Final Thoughts: Leiden for Families
Leiden is a fantastic city for families, offering the perfect mix of culture, history, and outdoor fun. Whether your kids are budding scientists, history buffs, or just love running wild in a park, this city has something for everyone. With kid-friendly restaurants, exciting museums, outdoor play areas, and welcoming accommodations, it’s a destination that keeps both parents and children happy.
So pack your bags, grab your bikes (you’re in the Netherlands, after all!), and get ready to explore this charming Dutch city with your little ones. There’s plenty of fun to be had and memories to make in Leiden!
First Published – Dec 2016
Looks gorgeous. Hope the little pigeon chaser recovered quickly!
Yes it was a very pretty place. Haha, yes the pigeon chaser recovered quickly x