The fun castle of Muiderslot

Whether the weather is sunny or not, just head to the East of Amsterdam on the A1 for a couple of hours visit in the castle of Muiden. The castle has been recently renovated and is very kid friendly. Don't expect great food in their mini-cafetaria, but prefer the nice restaurant on the harbor.

Careful with parking : there are a few parking places a few minutes walking from the castle. Go through the bridge, cross the Herengracht and turn left.

If you do not want to take the risk, park at the main parking for visitors at the entrance of the town, close to the exit of the A1 and walk. It's a pretty long walk for your kids, but full of charm across the little town.

Main activity : The medieval castle of Muiderslot
Muiderslot
Navigator : Herengracht 1, Muiden
more info : www.muiderslot.nl
At the entrance, by a booklet with stickers for the kids. It describes two routes within the castle in which you can discover stories and games. Very entertaining. It comes only in Dutch unfortunately.
Don't miss out the falconery desmonstration in the garden !

 

Lunch break : Eethuys Graaf Floris V van Muiden
Navigator : Herengracht 72, Muiden
more info ; www.graaf-floris-v.nl
Tel : 029-42 61 296
Some very nice restaurants along the side of the harbour, but this one is not too fancy. They have a nice high tea.

Others blogs on Amsterdam

http://www.amstermama.nl/

Feed the baby goats

The Amsterdamse Bos is a close to Amsterdam thus providing a good feeling of countryside. The goat farm is a fun activity for small kids. They will enjoy playing with the goats and feeding them, while you can drink a coffee



Main activity : Feed the baby goats
Geitenboerderij De Ridammerhoeve
Navigator : Nieuwe Meerlaan 4, Amstelveen
Park on the parking lot on the right. Then, follow the path with is crossing the road into the forest to reach the farm. Careful, the crossing is very dangerous.
Tel : 020 6455034
more info : www.geitenboerderij.nl
A very fun small farm, with an indoor and outdoor space with the goats. You can buy small bottles of milk at the bar counter to feed the goats yourself. There is also a play ground with nice slides and wooden games in the back of the farm.



You can definitely have lunch at the farm which is offering nice organic food. Otherwise, you can drive too the following address, still in the Bos.
Lunch break : Boerderij Meerzicht Pannekoeken
Navigator : Koenenkade 56, Amsterdam
more info ; www.boerderijmeerzicht.nl
Tel: 020 - 679 27 44
Food is not terrific as it is mainly pancakes, but it is well organized for kids and the outside terrace is nice. This is one of the closest solution near the farm.
There is also a nice playground for kids for the after lunch excitement.

Wild nature & great culture

This trip will allow you to combine a long-day biking in a gigantic park and a nice visit in a beautiful museum, where the private collection of Helen Kröller-Müller will give you a flavor of the best painters of the beginning of the XXth century.

Main activity : The biggest park of the Netherlands
De Hoge Veluwe Park
Navigator : Houtkampweg 9, Otterlo
or Houtkampweg 13, Hoenderlo
more info : www.hogeveluwe.nl
A gigantic park with bicycle path everywhere. You will enjoy a wide variety of scenery, including pines dry landscape and oak forests. The park is well-know for its "white bikes program" : you can borrow a bike in the key locations of the park. If you are an early-bird, you should be able to find even bikes with child seat (front or back) and child bikes. If not, you may even get no bike at all. In that case, pay the extra fee and drive to the bezoekers' centrum where there are always bikes left. A good strap for your pick-nick bag can also be useful not to loose it on your way.



Main activity : The biggest collection of Van Gogh paintings
The Kröller-Müller museum
more info : www.kmm.nl
The personal collection of Helen Kröller-Museum show-cased in a made-to-measure museum and garden. You can leave your belongings and pick-nick bags at the cloakroom and even borrow a buggie for your little ones. The tour inside is very interesting ; the tour outside is also worth-wile.
There is a enigma-puzzle for kids available at the museum, but only in Dutch.



Lunch break : Restaurant of the Kröller-Müller museum
more info : www.monsieurjacques.nl
Tel : 031-859 16 57
Weather permitting, opt for a pick-nick. Everywhere in the park is perfect for it. If the weather gets terrible, the only solution to our knowledge which offer a decent lunch in a peaceful environment. Alternative is the snack next to the playground close to the Bezoeker Centrum (not our favorite)

This trip is worth 2 visits : we have not yet visited the Hubertus House from the famous architect Berlage nor the "Underground museum" ; both are supposed to be interesting. Further post to come ;-)

Do not get drunk but "voor Pampus liggen"

The Dutch expression "voor Pampus liggen" means to get drunk. It comes from the time when VOC boats stopped at Pampus before getting back to Amsterdam. They were waiting for the right moment to get into the port, depending on the water level, which was at that time the sea.



First step : Visit Muiden
The ferry to Pampus starts from Muiden. Take A1 and exit Muiderslot/Muiderberg. You will find a free parking parallel to the motorway. Just park there.
Navigator : Mariahoeveweg, Muiden.
more info : www.pampus.nl/routebeschrijving.html
The little city of Muiden is really lovely. From the parking, it is a 15-20 min low speed walk to the ferry's departure. It is worth planning to be in advance for the ferry which runs every 2 hours. Then, you can enjoy exploring the narrow streets of Muiden. Check on the site of the ferries to be sure of the timetable.
more info : www.connexxion.nl then look at Veerdienst Pampus.

Main activity : Explore Fort Pampus
more info : www.pampus.nl
The fort on the island of Pampus is an interesting construction that kids will love to explore. If you can read Dutch, ask for the treasure map and questions.



There is a little restaurant on the island, facing the sea. It serves very basic food but the view is terrific and the terrace perfect for sunbathing after the exploration of the island.
For early birds or late birds, having lunch in Muiden is also very nice.

(mini)Golf in the country side

Feel like (mini)golfing in the forest, with view on sheeps ! No need to go far away. Just drive a few blocks South from the RAI and there you are, in the low part of the Amstelpark, enjoying a restful atmosphere.



Main activity : Midget Golf Amstelpark
Amstelpark 2b
Navigator : Amstelpark, Nigenrodeweg
more info : www.midgetgolf-amstelpark.nl
The nicest way is to enter the park through the Rode Brug, at the end of the Nigenrodeweg. Then, you are already out of the motorway feeling, and you can park easily.
To reach the Midget golf, just walk to the Glashuis and then left. You will find indications along the 5 minutes walk way.



Lunch break : Park café de Hop
more info : www.parkcafedehop.nl/
Tel : 020-40 41 255
No more than tosti, broodjes, and soup, but with a great view on the lake. Just enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere.



Exercising : Playground
Back to the North of the park, you can enjoy a nice and big playground. As it is much higher on the hill, you loose the quiet feeling as you hear and see the motorway.



Discovering : Windmill
At the South end of the park, you will enjoy a nice view on the windmill. The walk through the park can be done through several areas organized by plant types. Do not miss the Rhododendrons if you are in April, the iris in June etc...

Bike in the tulips

If you would like to enjoy the bulbs and if you do not like hords of tourist in buses nor Japanese groups in front of you taking pictures... prefer biking in the tulip fields. It is a great adventure that you can easily adjust from 10 to 40 km with nice cafés along the way. For a full day trip, you can even plan to eat at the beach.



Main activity : Bike in the tulip fields
Rent a bike, Keukenhof, main parking
Navigator : Keukenhof
more info : www.rent-a-bikevandam.nl
Tel : 06-12 08 98 58
Kees does not have many kids' bikes ; it is thus wise to call and book. If you have an easy plug-in child seat, take it with you.
Do not miss the Zilk Polder which is usually very flowery.
From April 1-15, you will enjoy hyacinthus and jonquils. From April 15-30, it is the best period for tulips. In May, you can be lucky and still see tulips, but it may be too late. Call before organizing your trip.
Cover yourself up as it is always very very windy.



Lunch break : De Ruigenhoek
Navigator : Herenweg 444, Noordwijkerhout
more info : www.deruigenhoek.nl/
Tel : 0252-372435
Classic Eet café with the usual broodjes and tomato soep. The terrace is protected from the wind and can be nice if the weather is sunny.



Other fun activity : Bloemen Corso
more info : www.bloemencorso-bollenstreek.nl/
A big flower parade, on the last Saturday of April. All parade cars are decorated with characters and sceneries made of real flowers. Amazing and fun if you can bear a bit of kitsch.