The Hague

About The Hague

It may be world-renowned for being the home of the International Court of Justice but The Hague has a long list of excellent family-friendly activities to get stuck into. On sunny days, you simply cannot miss a stroll through the dunes to Scheveningen beach. Despite its name being incredibly hard to pronounce, it remains steadfastly one of the most popular stretches of sand in the Netherlands – but it is also loaded with fun! Beach-lined cafes and restaurants all cater to children’s appetites and tastes, while blue flags proudly flap as a confirmation of internationally recognised cleanliness and safety. Don’t miss out on a walk up the 400-metre-long pier which takes you straight out into the North Sea. Turnaround at the end of the pier to see lovely views of the town of Scheveningen behind you.

We also really love the Sea Life centre here where kids can get up close and personal with stingrays and sharks (if they dare!). They can also cosy up to friendly otters and penguins if sharks are a step too far! A stroll through the underwater tunnel will transport you into a whole new world and the interactive touch pool is really cool to experience what a starfish feels like or even a crab!

To head back into the centre of The Hague, you could opt to rent a Dutch ‘bakfiets’. A Bakfiets is a bicycle with a big box on it where the little kiddies can sit safely and enjoy the view as you whiz along the cycle paths between the beach and the city centre. Once you arrive, check out Madurodam, where the whole family can delight in discovering the Netherlands in miniature! But it isn’t just about looking at mini windmills…oh no…there is loads more for young children to discover. From water playgrounds to generating wind energy, to even sailing from Amsterdam to ‘New Amsterdam’ in the 17th century – or as we now call it– New York! If you happen to have a budding car enthusiast in your family, then you might also be interested in a visit to the Louwman Museum which houses the world’s oldest private collection of automobiles.

While you still have the bike, then we definitely recommend a trip to the tropical butterfly paradise called Vlindersaan de Vliet. Young children can watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalis whilst also learning about the other inhabitants like birds, reptiles, and tortoises in this huge renovated greenhouse.

Hidden in the Madestein Recreational Park in The Hague you should also make time for a visit to Pluk! This children’s petting zoo is full of rabbits, goats, chickens, sheep and lots more. There is also a lovely café which serves organic, child-friendly meals and if your little one is celebrating a birthday while on holiday then a party can be arranged too. But what we really love here is that you can pick your own fruit, vegetables and edible flowers! Each Wednesday afternoon during the summer months the pick-your-own gardens are open, just imagine your little one’s face when you pick a courgette flower and pop it into your mouth! They will learn so much about where food comes from and maybe even learn to love those green vegetables too! Who knows?!