Family-friendly days out in the Netherlands

The Dutch are known for their laid-back approach and this extends to children too, making this small country one of the friendliest places for families to visit. The size of Holland means that everywhere is easily accessible and its capital remains one of the coolest cities to visit, lined with canals and cafes and a whole range of quirky museums to visit.

In Amsterdam, find your way around the city with a canal tour, it’s a great way to really appreciate the loveliness of this gabled city. Museums to start with are Anne Frank’s house (although be warned, this is a very moving experience), the Van Gogh museum and the Rijksmusuem, that houses plenty of important works and, even better, kids have their own private audio tour to engage with. Head for the Amsterdam Royal Zoo or the Goat Farm, an organic farm with plenty of animals slap bang in the centre of the city. You can also visit a working windmill, run around Vondelpark, Oosterpark or Park Frankendael (just some of the city’s lovely green spaces) or do what the Dutch do and jump on a bike.

Rotterdam is another fine city, head to Plaswijckpark for hours of fun at this multi-dimensional spot – it’s a family park with playgrounds, a zoo, boat rides and train trips or let your kids drive their own canal boats at the Kids Marina.

There are beaches to head for in Zeeland, with hours of fun to be had when the tide is out.

Amusement parks continue to thrill each generation, head to Efteling in Kaatsheuvel with plenty of rides and if you want an overview of the Netherlands in one foul swoop, head for Madurodam in The Hague, where the country is laid out in miniature before your eyes.