Winter Outdoor Activities for the whole family

Winter in the Netherlands can be a mixed bag—unpredictable weather, shorter days, and fewer outdoor options. Yet, spending time outside with your kids is crucial for their health, development, and pure joy. If you’re well-prepared and open to a little flexibility, winter adventures can turn into unforgettable family memories.

We’ve compiled a list of the best winter activities for kids, focusing on affordable, accessible options that every family can enjoy. Let’s dive in!

The Benefits of Outdoor Play, Even in Winter

Spending time outside during winter might not always be appealing, but it comes with plenty of benefits. Fresh air and physical activity help boost kids' immune systems and keep colds at bay, while outdoor play sparks their creativity—whether they’re building a stick fort or following a gnome trail. It’s also an excellent way to reduce screen time and foster resilience, as kids learn to adapt and enjoy nature even when it’s chilly or drizzly.

However, winter outings aren’t without challenges. Shorter days make it harder to fit outdoor time into busy schedules, and there’s less variety as some seasonal attractions close during the colder months. Add to that the unpredictable Dutch weather, and it’s easy to see why preparation is key. But with the right clothing, a little creativity, and the promise of a cozy cafe to warm up in afterward, winter adventures can be truly rewarding.

Practical Tips for Winter Outings with Kids

Before we get into the list of activities, here are some tips to make winter outings stress-free and enjoyable:

Dress for the weather: Think layers, waterproof jackets, and warm boots. For younger kids, waterproof mittens are a lifesaver.
Bring essentials: Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, snacks, and extra clothes for unexpected puddle mishaps.
Have a backup plan: Research nearby indoor spots, like cafes or kids' farms, just in case the weather takes a turn.
Start early: With limited daylight, aim to head out in the morning or early afternoon.

Exciting Winter Outdoor Activities

Ready to explore? Here are some topics to consider for winter adventures, with examples of great locations:

Gnome trails

Nature doesn’t take a break in winter. In fact, it offers a whole new world to explore, especially when it comes to gnome trails. These whimsical, nature-filled paths invite families to embark on magical adventures through the winter landscape, with hidden gnome-themed surprises and stories along the way.

Het Grote Kabouterbos, Dronten: A themed walking trail for children, where little adventurers follow a path filled with gnome-related stories and surprises.
Kabouterpad Nunspeet: A forest walk offering gnome-themed puzzles and activities that spark the imagination.

Local parks

Local parks are great destinations for families, offering expansive green spaces to relax and enjoy nature. Many of these parks also feature playgrounds providing the perfect combination of natural exploration and fun playtime.

Haarlemmermeerse Bos, Hoofddorp: a spacious park offering a variety of playgrounds scattered across its grounds, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy outdoor fun and nature together.
De Bosspeeltuin in Máximapark, Utrech: huge playground in the middle of a scenic park, with good climbing equipment, slides, sand area and a water pump

Visit a Kids’ Farm

Kids' farms (kinderboerderijen) are wonderful spots for family outings, offering a chance to connect with nature while learning about farm animals. These farms often feature interactive activities, such as feeding animals, and provide a hands-on experience that both educates and entertains young visitors.

Geertje's Hoeve, Utrecht: A working farm where kids can feed goats and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Stadsboerderij De Houthoeve, Haarlem: This charming city farm offers a chance to interact with animals and relax in a lovely park setting.

Outdoor Playgrounds

Many playgrounds in the Netherlands are accessible year-round, making them great spots for outdoor fun no matter the season. Some of these playgrounds even feature large, expansive play areas designed for adventurous kids, with exciting climbing structures, zip lines, and obstacle courses that encourage physical activity and imaginative play.

Speelnatuur van OERRR ‘s Graveland: at this nature playground kids of all ages can enjoy playing with sand, water, and sticks, climbing in treehouses, exploring the woods, spotting birds, and discovering bugs.
Speelbos Zuiderzee de Kemphaan, Almere: a nature-filled playground where children can explore a variety of play structures and enjoy water and sand activities

Cafes and Indoor Stops for Winter Comfort

Pairing outdoor adventures with a cozy indoor stop is the perfect way to end a winter outing. These stops aren’t just about warming up; they’re an opportunity to slow down and savor the day together as a family. Here are some family-friendly cafes to check out:

Cafe Gestrand, Bloemendaal: Nestled in the dunes, this family-friendly spot combines a cozy indoor space — complete with a crackling fireplace — with a massive outdoor playground. Partially covered play areas ensure that kids can keep having fun, rain or shine, while parents unwind with a warm drink.
Buiten in de Kuil, Lage Vuursche: Surrounded by towering trees, it’s the perfect place to refuel with a hot chocolate or homemade apple pie after a refreshing outdoor adventure.

Making the Most of Winter Together

Winter in the Netherlands may bring its challenges, but it also offers countless opportunities for memorable family moments. That’s why we created the Winter Adventures Collection: with a bit of preparation and creativity, you can transform the season into a time of discovery and shared moments. Browse this collection to find activities that best suit your family’s needs — let’s make this winter a season to remember!