Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
The Story of Edam Cheese by Henri Willig
★4.7(144 reviews)Museum
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 5-14. Younger children enjoy the sensory experience of cheese tasting and watching the colorful demonstrations, while older kids and teens appreciate learning about the history and craft behind this iconic Dutch product. Toddlers may find it engaging but brief visits work best.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
The Story of Edam Cheese offers an interactive journey into the world of traditional Dutch cheesemaking that delights curious young minds. Kids can watch live demonstrations of the famous cheese market, learn how Edam's signature red-waxed cheese wheels are made, and enjoy plenty of tasty samples that even picky eaters tend to love.
Highlights
- ✓Watching traditional cheese market demonstrations with period costumes
- ✓Tasting multiple varieties of Edam cheese, including flavors kids love like mild and cumin
- ✓Seeing the iconic red wax coating process up close
- ✓Learning fun facts about cheese trading history through interactive displays
- ✓Taking photos with giant cheese wheels and traditional weighing scales
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on a weekday morning to avoid tour groups and have more one-on-one time with staff who can answer kids' questions in English.
- 2.Let kids pick out their favorite cheese samples to take home as edible souvenirs, which makes a fun alternative to typical trinkets.
- 3.The demonstrations are more frequent during peak tourist season (April through September), so check the schedule when planning your visit.
- 4.Combine your visit with a walk around picturesque Edam town center, just steps away, where kids can spot traditional Dutch architecture and canals.
- 5.Bring a small cooler bag if you plan to purchase cheese, especially in warm weather, as you'll want to keep your purchases fresh.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday) between 10:00 AM and noon when it's less crowded and demonstrations are most frequent. Spring and early fall offer pleasant weather for exploring Edam afterward without summer's peak tourist crowds.
What to Know
Admission to the museum area is free, though you'll likely want to budget for cheese purchases. The venue is stroller-accessible, and staff speak English fluently, making it easy for international visitors to navigate.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer months (June through August) feature more frequent demonstrations and longer operating hours on some days. The venue maintains slightly shorter Sunday and Saturday hours, so plan accordingly for weekend visits.
Nearby Eats
Try Pancake House De Fortuna on Spuistraat for classic Dutch pancakes that kids adore, or grab stroopwafels and snacks from the local bakeries along Damplein square, just a 3-minute walk away.
More Activities Near Edam
Park
Wilhelmina Park
Free❤️9
Wilhelmina Park offers families a peaceful Dutch escape with spacious green lawns perfect for picnics, gentle walking paths ideal for strollers and young cyclists, and lovely waterfront views that capture the charm of historic Edam. This free community park provides a relaxing outdoor setting where kids can run freely while parents enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a traditional North Holland town.
Playground
Speeltuin
★5.0Free❤️58
This well-maintained neighborhood playground in Edam's picturesque harbor area offers a perfect break from sightseeing in this famous cheese town. With classic play equipment including climbing structures, swings, and slides, it provides a safe, free space for young children to burn off energy while parents enjoy views of the charming Dutch waterfront.
Restaurant
De Kleine Kaart
★5.0$$❤️26
De Kleine Kaart offers families a relaxed waterfront dining experience where children can enjoy watching boats in Edam's picturesque harbor while parents savor traditional Dutch pancakes, bitterballen, and fresh seafood. The casual atmosphere welcomes families with kids, and the mix of familiar international dishes alongside authentic Dutch cuisine means even picky eaters will find something they love.
Cafe
Bakkerij Kaandorp Brood & Banket
★5.0$❤️6
This charming local bakery on Edam's main street is a perfect pit stop for families exploring this historic cheese town. Kids will love picking out fresh stroopwafels, Dutch cookies, and other sweet treats while parents enjoy quality coffee and traditional Dutch pastries in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where little ones are always welcome.