Rotterdam with Kids: The Best Things to Do and See for Families

Looking for the best activities to do in Rotterdam with kids? You’ve come to the right place! On this page, you’ll find a complete guide to fun things to do in Rotterdam for families, from interactive museums and outdoor playgrounds to kid-friendly restaurants with delicious treats. Whether you’re visiting Rotterdam for a day or planning a family weekend getaway, this guide will help you discover the most exciting and enjoyable spots for children of all ages. Keep reading for my guide to Rotterdam with kids.

Diergaarde Blijdorp (Rotterdam Zoo)

A classic family favorite, Diergaarde Blijdorp is one of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in the Netherlands. The zoo is spacious, with beautifully themed areas like the Oceanium (aquarium) and the African savannah. There are plenty of play areas throughout the park and even a small petting zoo for younger children. Whether your kids are into lions, penguins, or butterflies, they’ll love wandering through this green oasis in the city.

Plaswijckpark

Plaswijckpark is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Rotterdam. It’s part zoo, part playground, and part mini amusement park. Kids can explore themed play zones like the Speelwijck (play area), Dierenwijck (animal park), and Wandelwijck (walking gardens). There’s even a traffic garden where children can drive around in little cars. It’s the perfect mix of active play and learning, and a full day easily flies by here.

Belasting & Douane Museum

At first glance, a tax and customs museum might not sound like a kid magnet—but the Belasting & Douane Museum in Rotterdam is a total surprise! Especially exciting is the Douane Deck (Customs Deck), where kids can play customs officer for a day. They’ll love scanning for smuggled items, checking baggage, and learning how border control works in a playful way. It’s interactive, educational and fun.

Villa Zebra

Villa Zebra is a creative arts center designed especially for children. It offers changing art exhibitions, but what really stands out are the hands-on workshops and interactive installations. Kids are encouraged to touch, create, and explore, making it an inspiring cultural stop for curious minds. Check their agenda before you go as there’s often something special going on, like themed art labs or family Sundays.

De Speelfabriek

For kids who love building, creating, and playing hands-on, De Speelfabriek is an absolute must. Targeted at builders aged roughly 4–12, this playful workshop space invites children to assemble their own mini race cars, boats, planes, and other imaginative creations using accessible materials. They can customise their designs and watch them come to life in small testing zones—rolling along tracks, floating on water, or gliding through the air. Tickets are €15 per child and €7,50 per adult and give you 3 hours of fun. Bonus: you can bring your own food and drinks.

Maritiem Museum – Plons Area

The Maritime Museum is a must-visit, especially for children who love boats and water adventures. The highlight for families is Plons, an interactive play area where kids can play on a large wooden boat, design their own fish and submarine, create coral reef and clean up a digital ocean. The outdoor harbor area also has real historic ships you can board and explore. It’s both educational and action-packed.

Kids Marina

Right next to the Maritime Museum you’ll find Kids Marina, a fun and unique activity especially for children who love boats. Here, kids can captain their own mini-electric boats through the canals, navigating past little bridges and docks. Each boat is styled like a tugboat, police boat, or fireboat, making the experience even more exciting. It’s a hands-on adventure that gives them the feeling of steering a real vessel. Kids Marina is ideal for kids aged 4 to 12. Adults can join in the boats if needed, or enjoy watching from the sidelines. You’ll have to reserve your spot by texting to 06 81 80 67 09.

Wereldmuseum – Superstraat

At the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, the permanent children’s exhibition Superstraat is a colorful, immersive experience where kids can step into the lives of people from around the world. They can “visit” a hair salon, a tailor shop, or a kitchen; all inspired by real Rotterdam families from different cultures. It’s a great way to introduce kids to global citizenship, diversity, and empathy; all through play.

Miniworld Rotterdam

Miniworld Rotterdam is the largest indoor miniature world in the Benelux, and it’s just as impressive as it sounds. With over 650 square meters of tiny trains, cars, buildings, and landscapes, it’s a dream come true for kids who love to watch the world in motion. Every 24 minutes, the lights dim and the whole scene turns into night—complete with illuminated cities and starry skies.
Tip: you can buy a combi-ticket for Miniworld Rotterdam and Plaswijckpark.

Watertaxi

One of the coolest ways to get around in Rotterdam with kids is by taking the water taxi. Not only is it a practical means of transport, but also a mini adventure in itself. The sleek, fast boats zoom across the river Maas and give you beautiful views of the skyline. Kids love the speed and the splash of the ride, and it’s a great alternative to regular public transport. You can hop on from over 50 different locations — combine it with a visit to Hotel New York or the Euromast for a fun day out.

Speelcentrum Weena

Just a short walk from Rotterdam Central Station, Speelcentrum Weena is a fantastic free playground where kids can burn off some energy. It features a large climbing castle, sand pits, and water play areas that are perfect for sunny days. There are toilets and a small kiosk on-site, and you can bring your own food and drinks, making it an easy and convenient stop for families exploring the city.

Floating Farm

Rotterdam is known for its innovation, and the Floating Farm in the Merwe-Vierhavens (M4H) area is a perfect example. This floating, self-sustaining dairy farm is open for visitors and offers a fascinating glimpse into sustainable urban farming. Children can see cows up close, learn how cheese and yogurt are made, and understand the importance of circular food systems. It’s both educational and surprisingly fun. Plus, the views over the industrial harbor add to the uniqueness.

Portlantis

For an adventurous and educational day trip just outside the city, head to Portlantis at the Maasvlakte. This visitor centre opened up in 2025 and offers an interactive journey through the Port of Rotterdam; the largest in Europe. Kids can learn about giant container ships, offshore wind energy, and marine life in the North Sea through hands-on exhibits, games, and immersive multimedia. With its location overlooking the busy shipping lanes, you can even spot enormous vessels passing by.

Maasover Spoorweg, Barendrecht

Just south of Rotterdam, in Barendrecht, you’ll find the Maasover Spoorweg: a charming miniature railway run by volunteers. Kids can ride on small-scale steam and electric trains that wind through a park setting. It’s usually open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays(and every day in school holidays) from April to October. A ride on the miniature train is just €1,20. The Maasover Spoorweg is a real hidden gem that train lovers (big and small) will adore.

De Kleine Kapitein

If you’re visiting Rotterdam with kids who love stories and imagination, be sure to stop by De Kleine Kapitein. This charming children’s bookstore near the Oude Haven is a true gem. It’s packed with beautifully curated books for all ages, from baby board books to captivating chapter books for older kids. The shop also stocks a lovely selection of toys, puzzles, and creative gifts. There’s a cozy reading corner where children can flip through books, and the staff are always happy to give personalized recommendations. There’s also a cafe for a nice cup of coffee, tea or lemonade. It’s a perfect rainy-day stop or a great place to pick up a unique souvenir.

Juffrouw van Zanten

Looking for a cozy place to eat where both you and your kids can relax? Juffrouw van Zanten is a chain of child-friendly cafés with three locations in Rotterdam (Kralingen, West, and Lombardijen). Each spot is thoughtfully designed with a play corner filled with toys, books, and creative games, so little ones are entertained while you enjoy your coffee and lunch. The menu includes healthy options for both adults and children, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a local favorite for young families. They offer great specials for kids like cupcakes, fruit skewers and mini pancakes, and they even have a ‘high lemonade’.

WAFFEL – Waffles & More

When it’s time for a treat, head to WAFFEL, a cozy spot that’s all about one thing: croissant waffles! Kids will love choosing from a menu packed with sweet toppings—think strawberries, Nutella, rainbow sprinkles, and even cotton candy. They also offer savory versions for parents who prefer something less sugary. WAFFEL is founded by the 2023 winner of Heel Holland Bakt (the Dutch version of the Great British Bake Off).

More Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Rotterdam

Besides Juffrouw van Zanten and WAFFEL, there are plenty of child-friendly places to eat in Rotterdam. Baker & Moore offers healthy options with a kids’ menu and play corner. Sugo Pizza is great for sharing slices with the whole family. Restaurant Ketelbinkie has a special kids’ menu. And if you’re near the Markthal, you’ll find plenty of food stalls where kids can try small bites of all kinds of international cuisines.

Click here for all my favorite restaurants in Rotterdam.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Rotterdam

If you’re staying the night in Rotterdam with kids, there are several fun and unique places to choose from:

• Hotel Not Hotel – My favorite pick for families! Every room has a different, imaginative design — from a candy house to a castle — and prices are surprisingly reasonable. Plus, it’s just a short walk from Central Station.
• SS Rotterdam – Stay aboard this historic ocean liner, now permanently docked and converted into a hotel. Kids will love exploring the ship’s decks and imagining what life was like at sea.
• Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Houses – Sleep in one of Rotterdam’s iconic tilted cube houses. The quirky architecture is a novelty for both kids and adults.
• Vreemde Vogels – Just outside Rotterdam, this charming campsite offers themed cabins and plenty of space to play, perfect for a more nature-filled overnight stay.

Final Tips for Visiting Rotterdam with Kids

Rotterdam is a city full of energy, creativity, and surprises. From educational museums to playful parks and delicious eateries, it’s the perfect place for a family adventure. Most attractions are easily reachable by public transport, and many offer family discounts or free entry for younger children.

Make sure to check opening hours and book tickets online where possible; especially during holidays or weekends.

Click here for my blog on Utrecht with kids.