As a father of a 3-year-old toddler and a baby I am often looking for places where we can go together. Fortunately Amersfoort and surroundings have incredibly much to offer. Below I share my personal favorites: places where my toddler can really let loose and I can also take our baby with me.
Amersfoort Zoo
We visit Amersfoort Zoo regularly, because the zoo is set up in such a way that in addition to a zoo it is actually also a large playground. My toddler finds the playgrounds in between just as fun as the animals themselves, and the baby looks around happily from the stroller. For me it is a nice combination of being outside and learning, because along the way you also pick up a lot about the animals without noticing.
Address: Barchman Wuytierslaan 224, 3819 AC Amersfoort
Practical info: open daily, current times and prices on the website. Fun for all ages, even though it is of course the most fun for toddlers and preschoolers.
National Military Museum (Soesterberg)
I myself had not expected that the National Military Museum would be so fun with children. Inside there are huge airplanes and tanks that impress both children and adults. But the best is the modern indoor playground where he is really busy for hours. While he plays, I can quietly look around with the baby and in the meantime we also learn something about technology and history.
Address: Verlengde Paltzerweg 1, 3768 MX Soest
Practical info: open from Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00. Entrance adults approx. €16.50, children 4 to 12 years €8.50. Free for younger children.
Monkey Town Amersfoort
On a rainy day, Monkey Town Amersfoort is really our savior. My toddler can really let loose here on the slides and climbing equipment, while I can easily take the baby to the toddler zone or just quietly drink coffee. On toddler morning (weekdays before 11:30) it is extra nice because it is quieter and mainly little ones play. Moreover you then pay a reduced rate.
Addresses:
Spaceshuttle 20, 3824 ML Amersfoort
Middelhoefseweg 10, 3819 AA Amersfoort
Practical info: entrance €10.95 per child, toddler rate around €5.95. Babies up to 1 year free.
Bosbad Amersfoort
As soon as the sun comes through the Amersfoort Bosbad is really recommended. My toddler especially loves the toddler area in jungle style, with small pools and a sandbox with water pump. Parents enjoy on their towel in the meadow, where you can easily find a quiet spot in the shade. It is one of the most beautiful swimming pools I know, because it lies right in the middle of the woods.
Address: Barchman Wuytierslaan 232, 3819 AC Amersfoort
Practical info: open in the summer months. Tickets always buy online in advance, price around €7.00.
Climbing the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren
The Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren (Tower Of Our Lady) is one of the icons of Amersfoort and certainly worth a visit with older children. During the climb of the 98 meter high tower you learn more about the history of the city and along the way you are rewarded with beautiful views. Once at the top you look out over all of Amersfoort and with clear weather even further. It is an active outing that gives a bit of challenge, but that makes it extra fun for children who like to try something new.
Also read: The Tower of Our Lady: Amersfoort’s Highest Tower
Address: Krankeledenstraat 30, 3811 BN Amersfoort
Practical info: guided tours and climbs at fixed times.
Tourist train Keijlijn
The Keijlijn Tourist Train is ideal if your children are too small to walk through the whole city. My toddler already finds the ride itself exciting, and in the meantime you hear all kinds of things about the history of the city. You can also get on and off along the way. Handy if you want to linger somewhere.
Boarding address: Krommestraat 3, 3811 CA Amersfoort
Practical info: runs from 29 March to 31 October. Adults €8.75, children 5 to 11 years €4.75, up to 4 years free.
Soesterduinen
The Soesterduinen is one of the most popular places for photo shoots, and not for nothing. Within fifteen minutes’ drive you are in a huge sand plain surrounded by forest. My toddler can run endlessly here so he can really let loose. The largest part is also an off-leash area for dogs. I took this picture early on a Sunday morning, when I saw the sun rising.
Address: Foekenlaan 25, 3768 Soest
Practical info: free accessible, all year round.
Houtebout indoor playground (winter period)
Houtebout is a creative indoor playground that is open every year from 1 October to 31 March. The special thing about this place is that almost everything is made of recycled and natural materials. Houtebout is a place where children can play and discover for hours. Moreover the coffee is very good!
Address: Stadsring 166, 3811 HS Amersfoort
Practical info: open from 1 October to 31 March. Age up to about 7 years.
Restaurant De Dikke Dirck
De Dikke Dirck is one of the cosiest eating places in the city center of Amersfoort. The restaurant is playfully decorated and has a separate play corner where children can entertain themselves well. For example there is a real car in which they can play and there is an industrial marble run with glowing bouncy balls. That makes it much easier for parents to enjoy a meal relaxed while the little ones are busy.
Address: Groenmarkt 8, 3811 CT Amersfoort
Practical info: open for lunch and dinner, with child-friendly options on the menu.
Also read: The 11 Best Pubs In Amersfoort
Conclusion
As a local resident of Amersfoort, I am happy to live in this city, especially with my two young children. Amersfoort offers so many fun, child-friendly places that a day out here is always enjoyable and relaxing. With these 9 family-friendly activities, you get the most out of your time in the city, for both children and parents.
