Ten Things to Do in Rotterdam with Children This Summer From Waterfront Adventures to Rainy-Day Favourites

Rotterdam rewards families who make the effort to explore it. The city is full of things to do with children, many of them free or affordable, and summer brings a particular energy to the streets, parks, and waterfront.

Whether you are already living in Rotterdam or arriving this summer ahead of a September school start, this is your shortlist of ten activities worth adding to the calendar. For a broader look at the city, including the best neighbourhoods for families, day trips, and practical advice on settling in, take a look at the companion guide: Summer in Rotterdam with Children.

Here are ten of the best summer activities, tried and tested by families who live here.

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1. Ride the Cirkellijn Water Taxi

The Cirkellijn is a free hop-on-hop-off water taxi that sails Rotterdam's iconic waterways at weekends and on public holidays. It stops at key city landmarks and gives children a completely different perspective on the city. It is fast, free, and fun for the whole family.

2. Spend a Day at Plaswijckpark

Plaswijckpark in the north of the city is one of Rotterdam's best-kept family secrets. It combines animal encounters, multiple adventure playgrounds, a water play area, and a traffic garden where young children can cycle safely. Plan for at least half a day.

3. Explore Kralingse Bos on Bikes

Kralingse Bos is Rotterdam's large woodland park, complete with a lake, cycling paths, picnic spots, and open-air swimming areas in summer. Hiring bikes and spending a morning here is one of the simplest and most enjoyable things you can do in Rotterdam with children.

4. Take on the Tree-Top Courses at Fun Forest

Fun Forest in Kralingse Bos offers rope courses in the tree canopy, graded by age and difficulty. It suits children from around age 6 upwards and provides the kind of physical challenge that builds real confidence. Experienced instructors and robust safety procedures help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

5. Visit Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp)

One of the oldest and best-loved zoos in the Netherlands, Blijdorp is a full day out for families with children of any age. The Oceanium, an immersive underwater world housed inside the zoo, is particularly impressive. Book tickets in advance in peak summer weeks.

6. Head to the Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in the city centre runs special summer activities for children across July and August. The outdoor Leuvehaven harbour, where several historic ships are moored, is free to explore. The museum itself highlights Rotterdam's remarkable history as the world's busiest port.

7. Get Muddy at Speeldernis

Speeldernis is Rotterdam's urban nature playground, tucked into the city centre. There are no swings or slides, just logs to climb, small streams to explore, and plenty of mud. Children are given full permission to roam and get grubby. Parents tend to enjoy the rare quiet it produces.

8. Go to the Beach at Scheveningen

The Netherlands has a fine North Sea coastline and The Hague's beach resort of Scheveningen is the most accessible from Rotterdam, around 30 minutes by car or a short train-and-tram journey. The beach is wide, well-facilitated, and a reliable option on warm days. Most restaurants on the beach have trampolines or playgrounds. Dutch chips with mayonnaise are compulsory.

9. See the Windmills at Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 30 minutes east of Rotterdam. Nineteen historic windmills line the canals of the Dutch polder landscape. It is one of the most visited attractions in the Netherlands and is best experienced early in the morning before the coaches arrive. Children who are interested in history and engineering find it especially fascinating.

10. Visit Villa Zebra on a Rainy Day

Every Rotterdam summer includes at least one week of horizontal rain. Villa Zebra, the city's dedicated children's art museum, is the answer. Interactive exhibitions, creative workshops, and story sessions give children aged 4 to 12 an absorbing couple of hours. The programme changes regularly so it is worth checking the website before you visit.

Rotterdam has more to offer than many families realise when they first arrive. The best recommendations usually come from families who have been here a while, and international school communities are a great source of local knowledge.

For a broader look at summer in the city, including the best neighbourhoods for families, day trips, and how to help your children settle in before September, read the companion guide: Summer in Rotterdam with Children.

Thinking About an International School in Rotterdam?

If you are considering a September start at Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam, the admissions team is happy to answer questions and help you find the right fit for your family.