The best things to do in Rotterdam with kids.
Rotterdam is an interesting city and quite unlike the other Dutch towns and cities that all have a look in common.
As the city was bombed extensively in the Second World War it has now been largely rebuilt with modern, quirky architecture that sets it apart as being different and interesting.
We visited on both our spring trip to the Netherlands with kids and also a couple of years later on our summer trip to the Netherlands with children. So have spent some time in the city seeing as much as we can.
Here’s our best things to do in Rotterdam with kids. A mix of culture and fun (and check out our Rainy day activities labelled below too).
Table of Contents
1. Plaswijckpark
Plaswijckpark is a really quirky play park on the edge of Rotterdam that is absolutely jam-packed with fun.
There is everything from zip wires to a fun car track to drive around as if it’s a town.
You can take small peddle boats out on to the lake or play inside at the large ball park.
There are also so many animals to look at from otters to monkeys. You need a full day here to really enjoy it.
Our kids thought this was a great place.
Read more here.
2. Rotterdam Zoo
Rotterdam Zoo is on eof the best things to do in Rotterdam withkids.
This is a big zoo and great for a full day out with kids. See animals from all over the world.
Book your skip-the-line tickets to the zoo here.
3. Harbour boat tour
Seeing Rotterdam by boar is a great way to view it.
This is with an audio tour if you want it. It’s a great way to rest legs and see the city’s skyline.
Book your skip-the-line tickets here.
4. Climbing Park, Forest Fun
There’s something here for all ages with eight different courses set amongst the trees and ranging in difficulty.
This is a full morning out but it a fun way to see some of the natural wonders of the Netherlands.
There’s a free playwood for under eights.
Read more here.
5. MiniWorld – things to do in Rotterdam with kids
MiniWorld is an absolutely incredible place. All the major sights of the Netherlands in miniature.
Night falls and all the lights of the city come on for a new perspective.
Lots of it the exhibits move and it’s captivating for kids of all ages.
Rainy day activity
Book your skip-the-line tickets here.
Read more with our full review of MiniWorld here.
6. Kinderdijk
Just outside of Rotterdam is Kinderdijk and the most atmospheric group of windmills.
You can walk around the mills and see them up close. It’s one of the best things to do near Rotterdam with kids and all the family will love it.
Book your skip-the-line ticket here.
Read our full review of Kinderdijk here.
7. De Ontdekhoek
This interactive museum is for children aged 4 – 14. It consists of a large workshop where you can undertake experiments and join in with endless activities.
Work out how to do everything from making scented soaps to damming water using heavy stones.
Rainy day activity
8. Self-Guided Fairytale Game for Families
This is a really fun way to see Rotterdam with kids.
Download this fun game and explore the city using the clues to solve puzzles. You find the hidden fairytales from the Grimm Brothers.
It’s a great way to get out and about and see the sights.
9. Maritime Museum – best things to do in Rotterdam with kids
Rotterdam’s Maritime Museum has so much going on with permanent exhibitions but also its special events.
You can get an overview of the whole history of the Netherlands from here. Particularly the role of Rotterdam in the country’s make up.
The building is in a historic part of the city’s port and it’s a great place for kids to learn more about the country’s past.
There’s also an amazing play area on the top floor.
Rainy day activity
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
10. Splashtours – things to do in Rotterdam with kids
Splashtours are a great way to see the city. A bright yellow amphibian bus which drives around the main sights before splashing in to the River Maas and turning in to a boat.
The 60 minute tour will be a big hit with all ages. You can even have lunch or afternoon tea on board.
Rainy day activity
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
11. Pancake boat
What’s not to love about a pancake boat in the Netherlands?
Get on board and take a 75 minute trip around the canals and waterways of Rotterdam while helping yourself to an endless supply of pancakes and toppings.
Make sure you take your own water on board with you though, drinks aren’t cheap.
Book your skip-the-line tickets to the pancake boat here.
12. de ballebak – things to do in Rotterdam with kids
If the weather really takes a turn, or your kids need to run and burn off steam then de ballebak is a good softplay in the area. They have two branches.
There’s plenty here to keep little ones entertained from mini racing cars to huge slides.
Rainy day activity
Read more here.
13. Kids Marina
This is a really sweet activity with kids.
Just outside of the Maritime Museum there is a little enclosed harbour where children can jump on a variety of boats from police versions to taxis and steer them around.
It’s a safe activity for all ages and a nice easy twenty minutes of fun.
Read more here.
14. Euromast Lookout Tower
Euromast is perfet for a trip out for all the family. It gives amazing 360º panoramic views across Rotterdam and the largest harbour in Europe.
This is a fun visit, being so high up with fantastic views.
Book your skip-the-line Euromast ticket here.
15. Outdoor Valley – things to do in Rotterdam with kids
Getting outdoors is all about what the Netherlands is about. So Outdoor Valley is a perfect experience for Rotterdam and a great way to get under the skin of this city.
There are lots of different activities on offer from canoeing to mountain biking. They can also organise individual activities for your family or they have a whole programme of events happening at different times of the year.
Read more here.
16. Get a Rotterdam City Card
A Rotterdam City Card is very useful. You get 50% discount on lots of museums and attractions and transport around the city.
Find out more and get your tickets here.
I hope you’ve found our best things to do in Rotterdam with kids useful. Let us know if we’ve missed anywhere off our list that should be on there and check out our bumper guide on everything to do with Netherlands with kids here for lots more inspiration.
Staying at Hotel Pincoffs, Rotterdam
I didn’t realise there was so many things for kids to do in Rotterdam. I really must visit there at some point
We’d head straight to the kids marina. What a lovely idea. Looks like there are some great museums too.
We were only talking the other week about how so many cities feel the same now so it’s great to know that Rotterdam has something different to offer.
Rotterdam isn’t somewhere I’d necessarily think of taking kids to, as I didn’t think there was much there for them to do! But it looks like there’s something for everyone 🙂 I’ve not visited that part of the Netherlands yet, but I will soon I hope! x
This looks like a really fun place to visit! So many interesting things to do! Love the look of the play park x
Never been here but it looks like such a fun place my kids would love!! The idea of splashtours sounds so exciting even for me. Would need to bookmark this
This is a great list. My bubby would love the pancake boat (so would I).
I’ve never been to Rotterdam! But looks lovely and the kids look like they had a lot of fun.