Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Oud Valkeveen
★4.5(4,303 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the petting farm and playground equipment, while school-age children enjoy the pedal go-karts, mini golf, and exploring the scenic cycling paths through the historic fort grounds.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
Oud Valkeveen is a delightful family park set in a historic Dutch fort location, offering a unique blend of nature, farm animals, playgrounds, and interactive attractions. This charming destination combines old-fashioned amusement park fun with beautiful natural surroundings, featuring cycling paths, picnic areas, and hands-on activities that let kids experience traditional Dutch countryside life.
Highlights
- ✓Petting farm with traditional Dutch farm animals including goats, sheep, and chickens
- ✓Pedal go-karts and other classic outdoor amusement rides
- ✓Expansive playgrounds with equipment for various age groups
- ✓Scenic cycling and walking paths through historic fort landscape
- ✓Interactive activities like feeding animals and exploring nature trails
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring your own bikes or rent them on-site to fully explore the extensive cycling paths around the former fort area
- 2.Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the designated areas, as this saves money and gives kids space to run between eating
- 3.Arrive right at 10:00 AM opening on weekends to beat the crowds, especially during Dutch school holidays
- 4.The park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly when visiting the Netherlands
- 5.Bring cash for any on-site purchases like ice cream or snacks, as smaller Dutch venues don't always accept international credit cards
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday afternoons (Wednesday through Friday) during spring or early autumn for the smallest crowds and pleasant weather. Weekends can get busy with local families, particularly Saturday afternoons.
What to Know
Entry is free, though some activities may have small fees. The park is easily accessible from Amsterdam (about 30 minutes by car) and has ample free parking on-site, making it convenient for international visitors with rental cars.
Seasonal Notes
The park operates with limited hours (closed Mondays and Tuesdays year-round). Best visited from April through October when weather is mild. The park may have reduced activities or closures during winter months, so check ahead if visiting November through March.
Nearby Eats
Visit the historic center of Naarden (5 minutes away) for family-friendly Dutch pancake houses, or head to nearby Huizen for waterfront cafes with children's menus and playground areas adjacent to dining terraces.
More Activities Near Naarden
Park
Fort Ronduit
★4.3Free❤️14
Fort Ronduit is a fascinating star-shaped fortress in Naarden that transforms history into an outdoor adventure for families. Kids can explore the historic ramparts, walk along scenic paths tracing the unique geometric design, and let their imaginations run wild pretending to be soldiers defending the fort, all while parents enjoy the beautiful views and free admission.
Ice Cream
Ijsboerderij De Ronde Weide
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This charming family-run ice cream farm combines two things kids love: delicious homemade ice cream and friendly farm animals. Set in a rustic countryside location just outside Amsterdam, De Ronde Weide offers a sweet taste of traditional Dutch farm life with outdoor picnic areas where families can relax while children explore the grounds and meet the animals.
Adventure
Cycle Path Network Along Naarden Waters
Naarden's waterside cycle paths offer families a quintessentially Dutch experience, with flat, well-maintained routes perfect for cycling with children of all abilities. The scenic routes wind along picturesque canals and historic fortifications, providing safe, car-free stretches where kids can pedal confidently while parents enjoy the stunning North Holland countryside and charming waterside views.
Museum
Stichting Comenius Museum
★4.5$❤️86
This charming interactive museum in the historic fortress town of Naarden celebrates Jan Amos Comenius, the 17th-century educator who pioneered visual learning for children. With hands-on exhibits designed specifically for young learners, kids can explore educational history through engaging activities that bring Comenius's innovative teaching methods to life. The museum's child-focused approach makes learning about this educational pioneer both fun and memorable for families.