Explore

the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of those places that’s easier, and more fun, than you might expect. With walkable cities, short train rides, and plenty to see in a small area, it’s a great country to explore with kids.

Spend your time wandering canals in Amsterdam, checking out the modern side of Rotterdam, or heading out on easy day trips to places like windmill villages and small historic towns. Everything feels close, which makes it easy to see a lot without constantly being on the move.

Whether you’re visiting museums, biking through the city, or just exploring at your own pace, the Netherlands is simple to navigate and surprisingly kid-friendly.

Traditional Dutch windmill with large blades and green accents stands beside a small building with two children walking on the path in front under a clear blue sky.
Zaanse Schans
A classic Amsterdam canal scene featuring a stone arch bridge lined with bicycles and vibrant flower baskets on both sides. Behind the bridge are tall, narrow Dutch townhouses with large windows and stepped or gabled roofs, bathed in bright sunlight under a clear blue sky.
Amsterdam

EXPLORE THE NETHERLANDS
Amsterdam | Around Amsterdam | Rotterdam | Plan Your Trip

Language

English is widely spoken, but learning a few words in Dutch is always appreciated.
Some common phrases are:
Hello – Hallo (HAH-loh)
Thank you – Dank je (DAHNK yuh)
Please – Alsjeblieft (AHL-syuh-bleeft)
Do you speak English? – Spreekt u Engels? (SPRAYKT oo ENG-uls)

currency

The currency used throughout the Netherlands is the euro (€).

Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer are the most popular times to visit the Netherlands. Spring is known for tulip season, while summer is great for exploring cities, biking, and spending time outside along the canals.
Fall is a great option if you want fewer crowds and still decent weather. We visited in September, and while it was still busy, it felt much more manageable than peak summer or tulip season.

Row of historic canal houses in Amsterdam with ornate facades parked cars and boats lined along the water under a bright blue sky.
At a glance

Our experience in the Netherlands

We spent a week in the Netherlands, and it ended up being one of those trips that completely surprised us. I didn’t go in with big expectations, but it quickly became a place we’d all go back to.

I loved how easy everything felt. Cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam are busy, but still really walkable, and getting between places is simple. We based ourselves in Amsterdam for a few days, did day trips to places like Zaanse Schans and Haarlem, then headed to Rotterdam, Gouda and The Hague. Nothing ever felt far, which made the whole trip feel relaxed instead of rushed.

It also felt more kid-friendly than I expected. There’s a good mix of things to do, and it’s easy to keep moving without long travel days or complicated logistics. That makes a big difference when you’re travelling with kids.

One week didn’t feel like enough, and it’s definitely a place we’d go back to.

  • Transportation Tip: The Netherlands is one of the easiest countries in Europe to get around by train. If you’re visiting cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and nearby towns, you can skip the car and rely on public transportation for an easy and low-stress trip.