This summer and due to a certain virus still floating around, we did not feel like taking any risks by going abroad for our 6-day family holiday. So we looked for a number of options within the Netherlands, and our decision was quickly made: Friesland it was going to be!

Getting There Is Half the Fun

If you go by car, a stopover in beautiful Giethoorn is a must. But even before hitting that gorgeous and world famous village in Overijssel, you will pass by Muiderslot (a medieval castle great for kids and with a poignant history explored by Stephanie Ernst Miller) and get a glance from the highway at Oostvaardersplassen close to Almere, a huge nature reserve where the documentary “The New Wilderness” was made.

You may giggle at the highway sign of a village called “Urk” in Flevoland. Or not. The majority of the inhabitants of this fishing village belong to the Dutch Reformed Church, a branch of Protestantism founded in 1571 with roots in Calvinism. It is a distinctive and charming place, so don’t let its short name make you think it is short on things to do.

Back to Giethoorn (also called the Venice of the North). Its center is only accessible by boat or by foot. Renting a boat is therefore a good idea, as it can get swamped with tourists. It was quite a revelation to see how world-renown Giethoorn was!

Characterised by charming thatched roofs and wooden bridges arching over the canals, Giethoorn was established as a settlement of peat harvesters. As all the canals were dug by man, the water depth of the canals is so low that one can always touch the bottom – even in the middle of the lake in front of the Smits Pavilioen, where one can enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking the water and watch the canoes and pedal boats go by.

Giethoorn is also famous for a number of very good restaurants, including the two Michelin stars De Lindenhof. However, if fine dining does not tempt you, sandwiches for lunch on a boat are also a great children-friendly option!

Arrival

From Giethoorn to Friesland is less than an hour, and we quickly arrived through a beautiful tree-lined road to the small village of Beetsterzwaag (I highly recommended practising its pronunciation a few times in front of the mirror, to make sure you get it right).

One of the first things that we immediately loved in Friesland was the famous Frisian sugarbread. I don’t have a particularly strong sweet-tooth, but that bread with a bit of butter was divine! And for history lovers, the University of Groningen’s discovery three years ago that medieval Frisia was more Viking than previously supposed is very exciting; a real Viking hotspot right here in the Netherlands!

The friendliness and laid-back attitude of the people were really touching. I was expecting to have a hard time communicating with them as the Frisian language is very different from Dutch, although it is the second official language of the Netherlands – (N.B. People with Frisian origins often have surnames ending in – stra or –ma, which makes it probable our Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema has roots in Friesland.)

Like in the saying “All roads lead to Rome”, it is impossible to go to Friesland without paying a visit to its capital city, Leeuwarden.  For people traveling by train, a trip up there is well worth it.

A visit to the small, eclectic Het Andere Museum is a plunge into years gone by – old cars, miniature trains, a still functioning jukebox from the 60’s, lace, etc. The owner will welcome you personally and is very passionate about the collection started by his parents.

Lunch at Toko Saigon, two minutes away from the museum on the other side of the canal for delicious gyoza (dumplings) and pho (Vietnamese soup) provides a welcome break. Follow it up with a walk around town along the canals of Waagplein, all the way to Wester and Norderplantage, where charming houses with manicured gardens can be found, and you will be in love with this lovely city.

The walk back takes you through the Frisian Museum  (which we unfortunately did not have time to see) to Blokhuispoort, a 19th century prison creatively converted into a beautiful waterfront restaurant/budget hotel with rooms made from old cells/beach-café and artists’ ateliers.  The famous lion of Leeuwarden itself can be found in the courtyard of the prison, completely built out of recycled bike parts. A rare sight!

Ending the day on the terrace of the restaurant Proefverlof (which also features an old reconverted cell into a small private dining room), with the sun setting down and small boats passing by, was a magical way to end our experience of the Frisian capital city.

For the Nature Lover

You can park your car at the visitors’ centre of the National Park De Alde Feanen, a Natura 2000 area of 25 km² containing morasses, lakes, forests, peat and meadows, as well as at least 450 plant species and 100 bird species. Different walking routes can be found on the board at the entrance of the Park (do make sure to take a picture of it so you can follow the different “knooppunten” or junctions on your route).

Another great family walk is from Beesterzwaag village to the Witte Huis hotel and restaurant (about 7km back and forth, with a stop for ice-cream on the terrace of the Witte Huis).

Finally for a longer one (12km), head off to the beautiful Bakkeveen duinen (car park at recreatiecentrum Dundelle). At exactly halfway through the loop you will find a great café, De Drie Provinciën, for a pit stop.

Recommended Accomodation

Hotel restaurant Het Witte Huis

Gast verblijf Klein Eden:

Landgoed Lauswolt

Looking for family-friendly accommodations? Consider booking your stay via booking.com/amsterdammamas. Find the perfect accommodation for your family while supporting Amsterdam Mamas at the same time.

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Mumbai – Some Basic Facts

Mumbai is a huge city! It has a population of almost 20 million people: to put that in perspective, New Mexico City, has around 23 million, and Amsterdam, approximately 800,000. Mumbai used to be called Bombay and is still fondly called by that name by some (ex) residents; including me. I tend to switch between the two.

You can take a girl out of Bombay, but you can never take Bombay out of a girl!

Bombay is on the west coast of India, with the Western Ghats (a mountain range that runs along the length of the Malabar coast) to the east. The city has grown in a northward direction. On a map, it appears as a long, skinny, densely populated metropolis. Bombay used to be seven small islands, which were later connected by reclaimed land. Mumbai is ideally located: with beautiful beaches, only a couple of hours out of the city, across the Thane Creek.  Travel a few hours inland southwards towards Tarkarli, and you discover farms, lush plains, lofty hills and table mountains.  Bombay’s tropical, hot, humid climate (30-32 degrees Celsius), is broken by a spectacular monsoon season from June to September and a few marginally colder months from December to February (26-29 degrees Celsius). A good time to visit is during these winter months when shorter days, languid evenings and cool breezes make walking and exploring quite enjoyable. 

I want to caution the first time traveller:  Mumbai is busy, crowded, loud, unclean and intense! Everything is heightened; smells, colours, emotions, breezes, tastes, disparities and wonders. Respect the culture and the climate, and you’ll have a great holiday. I have experienced visitors who love it and continue to return, and others that never quite get it and leave perturbed. 

Stay

You can treat yourself to unequivocal five-star luxury,  as  India is known for the most exceptional hospitality, or you can rough it a bit. The Taj Mahal hotel is incomparably luxurious but pricey. The Trident, the President, the Shalimar are all top hotels and well located. You want to be careful with food and water, with children especially, so plan your stay accordingly. I suggest basing yourself in South Mumbai; it’s the older, historic part of town. Public transport is tricky in terms of schedules and crowds.  A black-and-yellow cab or Uber is perhaps more convenient. 

Be careful with food but don’t miss out on local delicacies!

What to See

Things to not miss while in the city, include a ride on a BEST double-decker bus, a local train (outside of rush hour) and, a public ferry from the Gateway of India to Elephanta or Mandwa jetty.  Avoid going on a Sunday, when it can be over overcrowded with local tourists. Make sure to plan a few heritage walks through the Fort area, and artsy Kala Ghoda; this area is home to the Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya), a new Children’s Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art.  It offers many art galleries, design hubs, and the Bhau Dadji Lad Museum, in the east of the city, next to the zoo.  Be sure visit the grand, fraying Ballard Estate, Ban Ganga, Chowpatty Beach and Marine Drive, Crawford Market and Kalbadevi. These neighbourhoods are a treasure trove of Victorian, Imperial, Indo-Saracenic, Art Deco, vernacular and traditional architecture!  Buildings, people and clothes are untidily meshed together, creating a riot of impressions. 

Eat!

Be careful with food but don’t miss out on local delicacies! Street food is also available off the street at some lovely restaurants. If the heady smells don’t lead you there, I’d suggest feasting at Swati, Soam, Sri Thakur Bhojnalaya, and Dakshinaya; for a spread from the North, South and Gujarat. Coffee lovers needn’t fear; western-style cafés dot the city.  A few favourites are Kala Ghoda Café, Pantry and Basilico. 

Good food, fine dining and restaurants, with incredible spatial layouts, have found a home in the city. Masque, Koko, Vetro, Bombay Canteen and my forever favourite, The Table, are all worth the price tag. Though, Udipi restaurants, Irani Cafés, and street vendors continue to be the heroes of the culinary scene. The beauty of this city is that you can dole out a hefty amount for luxury or explore it on a tight budget, without missing out. 

Buildings, people and clothes are untidily meshed together, creating a riot of impressions.

Shop!

Bombay allows you to shop till you drop.  Prices are generally lower than in Europe. Mumbai offers a variety of shopping options: from clothes at Fashion Street for a few euros, to a handwoven pashmina, at a boutique, for a few thousand euros. Stores that are popular with tourists are Fabindia, Anokhi, The Shop, Chimanlals and my favourite, Good Earth. My kids cannot go past, Fashion Street, in Fort, where they can buy ‘Hikes’ (not Nikes) for under 10 Euro. 

Out of Town

Once you’ve seen what’s on offer in the metro, I’d suggest you drive up to Sanjay Gandhi National Park; an escape from a bustling city which can overwhelm the senses. It is an oasis of natural beauty inside the city borders. No, you will not be the only tourist. Still, you will find ancient Buddhist caves, birds, butterflies, flora, fauna, a rickety mini train ride safari,  and hiking trails.  Similarly, you can sail on a public ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa jetty, and then catch a rickshaw to the nearest beach or farm for a day out of town.

These are only some things that maintain my love affair with Bombay.  You can take a girl out of Bombay, but you can never take Bombay out of a girl!

Photo credits: All images from Yay Images

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This New York quick-guide is based on a trip I made in June 2019. I hope these tips will help parents to plan their family holiday to this incredible and diverse city.  To make your trip a memorable experience I highly recommend checking out www.newyork.co.uk.

PLAY!

A good way to balance the day with your kid(s) is to mix indoor and outdoor activities and fortunately New York has plenty of both.

Central Park There are many parks in New York. You probably will not be able to visit them all but you cannot miss Central Park. This immense park counts no less than 21 playgrounds and has numerous activities for everyone: you can walk, visit a zoo, bike, row, skate, and ice skate (depending on the time of year). It is also a perfect location for a picnic. You can very easily spend an entire day in this wondrous park. With little ones in tow, it may therefore be a good idea to split the visit over a couple of days, perhaps combining visits to the park with trips to the local neighborhoods surrounding it.

The High Line Park If you have time, the High Line Park, built on an old train track, is also worth a visit. It is a pleasant walk for some great photography. There is elevator-access to the park.

Chelsea Market Before hitting the park, you can take a look at the indoor Chelsea Market, located on the south side. Here, you will find many food stalls where you can buy take-away and easy-access picnic foods. There are also some beautiful, but expensive, little, crafty stores. Walking the park in the northern direction, you will arrive at Hudson Yards, the new district of Manhattan. There is a large shopping centre which houses The Vessel, a funky architectural piece of art. It’s free to visit and explore, but don’t forget to book your (free) tickets in advance. The structure is not pram friendly and therefore all prams and strollers will be required to be left in an unmonitored pram parking bay at the base of the structure. 

SEE!

Empire State Building A must-do is the Empire State Building. The view is breathtaking and will entertain the whole family! You can access the building with a pram but will be required to collapse it to pass the security checks in the lift and on the deck.

Flatiron Building & Grand Central Station While you are in Midtown, don’t forget to see the famous Flatiron Building and Grand Central Station. Both buildings have featured in many Hollywood movies and the kids will love being able to say they’ve stood in the same place as Iron Man or Thor from The Avengers (2012) or Spiderman (2002).

Hop on Hop Off Bus New York City is a very large city, with a population of over 8.6 million people. Distances can be deceiving and a great way to see the city with a minimum of effort and in a short amount of time, while resting the weary feet of your children (and yourself!), is to take the Hop-on Hop-off bus. There are different loops available, the rides are pleasant and the guides are very friendly! The busses can quickly become full so if you want to ensure a seat while enjoying the ride, be sure to hop-on at Times Square, the departing point of the Manhattan loop.

Another great way in which to accomplish some relaxed sightseeing is to take a Tourist Cruise. Some cruises are one, to one-and-a-half-hours, which makes it perfect for your little ones. You will be able to take some amazing photos of the Manhattan skyline and get closer to Lady Liberty.

 The Mets! If your kids are old enough, going to a sporting event in New York is both a fun and exhilarating experience. The atmosphere and the food are great! I went to see the Mets and had the best time even though baseball rules are a mystery to me!

The Broadway Another great indoor activity is to go to a Broadway show. Many Disney shows are played and there are enough choices to please everyone. There are shows every day of the week, both throughout the day as well as into the evening.

Museums New York City is home to some of the greatest museums in the world: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Whitney Museum, The American Museum of Natural History, The Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum, just to name a few. Some are more child friendly than others, so it is a good idea to see what is currently going on at any of these museums from a child’s eye perspective.

EAT!

You will easily find food everywhere in New York. Here are some good and practical addresses:

Ellen’s Stardust Diner: for an original breakfast/brunch where you will be served by professional singers! The food is not the best but the experience is amazing. You can’t book a table so be sure to go as early as possible.

Junior’s: for a slice of famous New York cheesecake. 

Carlos’ Bakery: for some amazing cakes! (And for lovers of TLC’s Cake Boss).

Magnolia’s Bakery: for when you are looking for something a tiny bit fancier.

John’s Pizzeria: for a cheap family meal. The pizzas are very large and delicious.

Planet Hollywood: is another good location for a great eating experience. The kids will love it.

If you wish to purchase groceries, Whole Foods Supermarkets offer a good range of products.

SHOP!

Most kids don’t like shopping. However, here are some places they will LOVE (Amsterdam’s Intertoys may look a little small and unexciting after a visit to these imagination wonderlands):

Disney Store

Lego Store

Fao Schwarz

American Girl Store

M&M’s World

GETTING AROUND

Walk: Pack some good, comfortable shoes as you will walk A LOT! Don’t forget to look up while striding through the city, water towers and fire escapes are beautiful!

Public transport: The metro is very practical. It is handy to have an idea of where you are heading geographically as you will take the metro direction of either “Uptown” or “Downtown”. Most stations are equipped with an elevator.

Taxi: Yellow cabs are great, and you shouldn’t miss the experience and pleasure of hailing one! You will be able to charge your phone, and even watch some New York television for the duration of your journey.

Looking for family-friendly accommodation in New York? Book your stay via booking.com/amsterdammamas and we’ll receive a portion of the reservation value. Find the perfect accommodation for your family and support Amsterdam Mamas at the same time!

Photo credits: Main banner image from Pixabay; all others copyright permitted by Julie Mills

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The Netherlands

Don’t overlook the many beautiful destinations within The Netherlands itself: beautiful coastline, historic cities and towns, amusement parks, and forests.

Holiday Destinations Within The Netherlands

A Weekend on Texel

Summer Travels Near and Far

Stay in a Castle in Domburg

Spain and Portugal

The Iberian Peninsula is filled with glorious cities, stunning scenery, warm people, and delicious food.

Barcelona

Galicia

Lisbon

Seville

Algarve, Portugal

France

France has it all – mountains, beaches, castles, quiet country towns, glittering cities, and the je ne sais quoi that is so French.

Paris

Disneyland Paris

Brittany: Biking Holiday

Central Europe

Mountains, castles, charming cities, river valleys – the center of Europe has innumerable places to see and things to do …

Budapest

Berlin

Vienna

Prague

Zagreb

Poland: Stay in a kid-friendly palace

Romania: Stay in the Prince of Wales’ Transylvanian Guesthouse

Slovenia: Go Green in the Julian Alps

Italy and Greece

Sun soaked Mediterranean towns and beaches, ancient ruins, vibrant people, and loads of crowd pleasing food, you can’t go wrong visiting either of these ‘classics’.

Athens

Rome

United Kingdom and Ireland

Beyond the exuberance of London there is a vast and beautiful countryside and coastline filled with friendly, cozy, accomodations and people in the UK, and the Emerlad Isle lives up to its image of being green and friendly.

London

Ireland Glamping

Edinburgh

Scandinavia

Are you ready for a very long, beautiful, day? Go north and experience the natural wonders and beauty of Scandinavia in the summer!

Stockholm

Norway: Hiking

Denmark: Legoland Billum

Looking for family-friendly accommodation in Berlin? Consider booking your stay via booking.com/amsterdammamas. Find the perfect accommodation for your family while supporting Amsterdam Mamas at the same time! 

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Like many things in the Netherlands, the bulb flower season‘s exact dates depend on the weather gods’ moods. Still, as a general rule, it starts in mid-March with the crocus flowering,  followed by narsissen (daffodils) and hyacinths. The star of the season, the tulip, flowers in all her abundant glory from about mid-April to mid-May.  However, similar to last season, visiting the flower fields are impacted by covid-19 restrictions. To avoid disappointment, it is best to check before you travel.

Cycling for miles next to these fields of colour explosions has been on my bucket list since childhood when my dad gave me a box of Dutch cookies adorned with a picture of the tulip fields.  As I now call Haarlem home, this has become the highlight of our family spring celebrations.

The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek is the most popular Dutch flower parade, and your best vantage point is on the Keukenhof Boulevard in Lisse in front of the main entrance of Keukenhof.

Areas and Routes

The three main areas of the Netherlands are the Bollenstreek in Noord Holland, Noordoostpolder in Flevoland, and (possibly less well known) the tulip fields along the beautiful coastline of Den Haag and Leiden up to Alkmaar.  Normally, you can reach all the flower fields easily with public transport, which is currently limited due to restrictions.

The aptly named Bollenstreek (bulb district) is the area of flower fields surrounded by the charming villages of Lisse, Hillegom, Noordwijkerhout, and Voorhout. It is here that you will find the world’s biggest flower exhibition, Keukenhof.  The longest tulip route is in Noordoostpolder in Flevoland, with over 100 km snaking through 2500 acres of flower fields.

One way to plan your blooms-chasing adventure is to have an overview of all the flower fields, making Bloemenradar your reliable tool to map out your route. The flowering fields are updated daily.

ANWB takes the guesswork out of planning your journey by suggesting both cycle and car routes, marked by numbers on the map.  With Route.nl you can find even more detailed cycle routes. Routes range from a breezy 5 km to a huffier 35 km,but as is the true beauty of cycling in the Netherlands, the road is flat and safe.

This international community in Haarlem has local information on bike rentals, non-tourist buses from Haarlem, as well as road numbers and place names for your sat nav.

Places Worth a Visit

Keukenhof

Keukenhof is known as the world’s biggest open-air flower exhibition and is only a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam.  It is also easily reachable by train or by bus. With the promise of more than 7 million bulbs to bloom and 800 varieties of tulips alone, it is indeed something to behold. Children will have fun at Keukenhof too. They can design their own bulb mosaic, play sleuth during a speurtoch (treasure hunt), clamber across the playgrounds and cuddle furry animals at the petting zoo. Be warned that it can be hectic; busiest times are over the weekend, so if you can manage, try for a midweek visit or arrive before 10:30 or after 16:30.

Land van Fluwel

This tulip paradise is about an hour’s drive north of Amsterdam, between the colourful flower fields of North Holland.  Here, you can learn more about how the tulip became a Dutch icon. Land van Fluwel will truly enchant your children with an avonturen speelparadijs (adventure playground), a verstoppertjesbos (hide and seek forest), a klimparcours (a climbing course), a sensory blote voetenpad (barefoot path), a strand (beach) and even a skelterbaan (go-karts track).  An exciting new addition is the 11-meter high uitkijktoring ( lookout tower), where you can enjoy a panoramic view across the colourful fields. Land van Fluwel is also the collection point for the Bloemenbollenboemel (the Dutch language is as colourful as the fields, love it!).

This is a unique experience riding on a tractor-pulled carriage through the flower bulb fields. It is wheelchair accessible.

Annemieke’s Pluktuin

Fancy taking some tulips home? Why not create unique hand-made bouquets from the tulips you hand-picked at Annemieke’s Pluktuin (Picking Garden) near Hillegom? You can also rent a bicycle, and they will provide you with a map with different flower routes. In the Flevoland area, you can pop into Annemieke’s sister, Hanneke’s Pluktuin.

Buitenplaats Plantage

Appreciating rows and rows of colourful flower fields can be thirsty work, especially on a bicycle. I have heard great things about Buitenplaats Plantage, an organic cafe with a lovely garden where the kids can run free while you soak up the sun. Just take note for the little ones that the ponds are not fenced.

De Tulperij

This is a working tulip farm in Voorhout where you can enjoy a guided tour amongst the kleurrijk (colourful) flower fields, learning more about the process from bulb to tulip. Being amid these blooming fields also makes for great photo opportunities.  And of course, you will be able to replenish with a hot beverage and appeltaart met slagroom (apple pie with cream) or indulge in a freshly made stroopwafel (syrup waffle). De Tulperij is the perfect place to buy bulbs to colourise your own garden.

Kasteel Keukenhof

This 17th-century mansion is not strictly a place to appreciate tulips, but it is most certainly well worth a side trip while on a flower safari in the Bollenstreek.  Guided tours inside the castle transport you back to the Golden Age era of the Netherlands. The Castle only open her doors on a few selected days a year, such as Dag van het Kasteel (Day of the Castle) on 24 May and Open Monumentendag (Monument Day) on 11 and 12 of September.  All are dependent on corona restrictions.   Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for updates.  Take a breather from all the cycling or hiking with a stroll through the magnificent gardens and forest and let the kids cuddle a furry friend in the kinderboerderij (petting farm).  The indoor animal enclosures are currently closed to the public.

Museum de Zwarte Tulp

This local Lisse museum, which translates as The Black Tulip Museum, is all about tulips.  You can learn everything about the history of the bulb flower and how the Netherlands became one of the biggest exporters of tulips globally.  All the art in the exhibition is tulip inspired, and they run both adult and children workshops throughout the year.

Royal Holland Flower Auction

If you love being in amongst the hustle and bustle of a trading floor, set your alarm early and visit this world-famous flower auction in Aalsmeer. Be awestruck by the sheer amount of flowers as you watch the exciting bidding from the gallery.

Alternative to Pedal Power: Car, Air, Water, and Foot

By Air

For the more adventurous with deeper pockets, enjoy a birdseye view of the rows and rows and then more rows of rainbow coloured fields of flowers by helicopter. They promise a corona-safe trip.

This year, the flower-copter flies only on two Saturdays in April

By Water

Once inside Keukenhof, you can opt for a 45-minute serene boat ride past the fields of flowers in an electrically-propelled boat known as fluitervaren (whisper boats).  Not wanting to sound like a broken record, but Keukenhof has not yet been cleared to open this 2021 season.

By Foot

Pack a backpack, lace up those boots and hike through the bulb flowers district following the Wandelnetwerk Bollenstreek (hiking network). It offers over a 100kms of hiking trails which are all clearly marked en route.  You can also pick up a map from any of the VVV offices in Lisse, Noordwijk, Warmond, Katwijk and Leiden.

Veel plezier in de bloembollenvelden…have fun in the flower fields!

Photo Credits: All in-text images and banner supplied and copyrighted by Magdalena Laas Photography.

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When it’s cold and rainy and the days are getting shorter and shorter at home, there is still a place, only a few hours flight away, where you can take off the bulky clothes, jump into the ocean and get a tan: Fuerteventura, the Canary Island where nature takes center stage.

Getting there and Getting Around

There are direct 5-hour flights from Schiphol to Fuerteventura (ideally they will coincide with little ones’ nap times).

Fuerteventura cannot boast a well-developed transport system, but it’s very cheap to rent a car. Having done some research online, we picked Autoreisen and it was perfect – no queue at the airport (unlike the others) can mean so much when traveling with kids.

As for driving on Fuerteventura, it’s pretty simple: there is one main ‘highway’ – all the other roads are dirt! Our sedan did the job well, but be aware that to reach some of the island’s remote beaches you may need a 4-wheel drive.

Stay

Fuerteventura is not a big island – 100km long and 31km wide. If you stay more or less in the middle, both ends are easily reachable by car; there is no need to relocate mid-trip in order to see the whole island. We rented an apartment in Costa Calma, a calm and secluded place, with a windsurfing school at the beach, and were very pleased.

Eat

As one would expect on an island, seafood is a staple of Fuerteventuran cuisine; another common item was goat (cabra), usually roasted or stewed. Both of these are usually served with “canary potatoes”: small wrinkled looking potatoes boiled and served with mojo picón. Paella is also very popular and our favorite restaurant, El Caletón at the Faro de Punto Jandia, served huge ones!

Having said that, there is plenty of chicken, pork, local cheeses, stews, omelets – something for everyone in the family. The food is tasty and the service is as friendly and patient as can be, especially as we occasionally needed extra time to find those toddler-friendly items.

Be aware that most restaurants are closed during “siesta” time, so be sure to check the opening hours in advance.

Play

Beach!

Many of Fuerteventura’s beaches have fine white sand and shallow, safe areas for small ones to swim. Indeed from day one our toddler loved to jump in the waves, and to play with the sand and stones. You, on the other hand, may well jump out of it as quickly as you jump in, because the water, while warmer than the North Sea during the summer, is not quite tropical.

Be aware that on many beaches there is no shade: don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and/or cover-ups. In the evening it gets quite chilly at the beach, so be sure to take some additional layers if you plan to stay a bit later.

Morro Jable beach Playa del Matorral  is a huge beach with an open-air museum that is like an oasis. Its only exhibit is the skeleton of a sperm whale, stranded on one of the beaches of Fuerteventura and monumentalized here. Your kids (and you) will be awestruck.

Corralejo is a popular tourist town and beach with dunes.The dunes are beautiful, fun to romp around in, and the soft, fine, white sand feels pleasant underfoot. To protect themselves from the strong winds prevalent here, people dig holes in the sand and lie in their little cubby. We were lucky enough to find a natural little hill behind which it was quiet and warm.

Faro de Punto Jandia is the southernmost point of the island, also very windy but very beautiful. Definitely worth a visit for its natural beauty and superb restaurants – including our favorite (see above)!

Mountains!

Fuerteventura is not only about beaches. You can get some beautiful views from the mountains too.

Pico de la Zazra: If you have older kids or teens, hike to the highest peak of the island (807 m) and view Cofete Beach from above. Stunning views and quite an easy hike, 2,5 hour up and 1,5 down. If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, a backpack carrier can be a perfect solution – they usually have a big pocket under the baby seat where your essentials can be carried. Pack a lunch and make a day of it!

Sea!

There are many possibilities to explore by boat – whale and dolphin spotting, glass bottomed tours of marine life, catamaran cruises, or excursions to the pristine island of Lobos for hours of adventure. Many resorts run their own tours, but Oceanarium Explorer and Isla Lobos are a couple of non-resort options if you long to get off the island for a while.

Looking for family-friendly accommodation in Berlin? Consider booking your stay via booking.com/amsterdammamas. Find the perfect accommodation for your family while supporting Amsterdam Mamas at the same time! 

This article is based on a post found on Julia Smile’s blog.

Photo Credits: Julia Smile

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Like most kids, mine are crazy for Legos. I’ve lost count of the number of lego blocks that have taken up residence in our home, which is why a trip to Legoland seemed the perfect school holiday break for our family. It seems everyone we know, with school-aged children, has been to Lego basecamp in Billund, Denmark and raved about the experience.

Our own experience was nothing short of a fun-filled, long-weekend for the whole family. At ages nine and seven our daughters were the perfect age (and height) to fully enjoy the park experience. While Lego appeals to a wide age range, we found the park filled with mostly young families; we encountered few teenagers.

Tickets & Accommodation

The park’s website is very clear and easy to navigate; information is provided in several languages as well as currency conversions. Be sure to check the Legoland visitor calendar and opening hours before you go. Outside of the summer months there are several days when the park is closed, or has shorter opening hours.

Legoland, Billund is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2018 with special passes, birthday shows, and new rides. Purchasing tickets through the website in advance for day passes, meal passes, and accommodation can save you a few euros per visitor.

There are several accommodation choices offered by Legoland itself, or by registered third parties in the vicinity, in combination with a day pass. The nice thing about Billund is that it is very compact. The Legoland Hotel, for example, is on the park premises with direct access and offers a wide range of themed rooms and a restaurant. We booked a celebration package (tickets and accommodations) through the website which gave us three nights at the Legoland Holiday Village and two days entrance to the Park.

Legoland Holiday Village  is located only 450 meters from the entrance, in one of the Wild West Cabins. It offers a range of accommodations: motel, cabins, teepees, and camping. Our cabin had beds and bunks for five with a kitchenette, table and chairs, and bathroom; just enough to be comfortable for a short stay. The Village itself offers a supermarket, restaurant, several playgrounds for young children, as well as activities – upon arrival our children participated in a scavenger hunt with the possibility of winning a lego set!

Next door to the Holiday Village is Lalandia, a destination in and of itself, and very similar to Center Parcs. They offer several types of bungalows, but their big draw is an indoor facility and the Aquadome Water Park. We visited the indoor pavilion and had dinner one evening in one of their theme restaurants. If the weather is not good for being outdoors, this really can be the perfect place to entertain yourself for hours.

Getting There

As Billund is roughly 750 kilometers from Amsterdam, we chose to drive. It is a fairly easy drive – first to Hamburg, then head north into Denmark – and also scenic, with plenty of rest areas along the way. The only real traffic you may encounter is in and around Hamburg.

However, you can fly in and out of Billund easily. The airport is located across the street from the park. KLM offers 5 flights a day an a return trip is less than €200 per person.

Inside Legoland

Legoland is all about families. At the entrance they offer free children’s wristbands for emergency contact information. There are also a variety of picnic areas scattered around the park. Take a cue from the locals and bring your cooler (and backpack or boulder car) stocked with food for the day. The park is very clean; smokers have a designated area.

If you’ve visited and enjoyed Madurodam, then the recreated villages and structures in Legos will be familiar. It is very pleasant to get an ice cream and stroll through the gardens while you admire the impressive engineering.

There are a range of rides for all age types, even toddlers for whom the Duplo area is specifically intended. The roller coasters are compact, reasonably tame, and enjoyably thrilling – no upside-down moments, an important point for my youngest. We highly recommend the Polar X-plorer; I believe we rode it no fewer than 10 times.

You will be able to see and enjoy most of the park in one day depending on visitor numbers and ride wait times. With a two-day pass we could take our time and go back on rides we enjoyed the first day. Don’t forget to visit the Aquarium or see one of the 3D or 4D shows.

Meals

Within the park there are a variety of food options from fast-food to buffet style dining. Many dietary options are available. To save money we had breakfast in our cabin, and we packed lunch and snacks for the day. We only spent money on ice cream (€20 for 4 cones) or dinner (€100 for 4 hamburger meals with drink, ouch!). Outside of the park there are a few restaurants in Billund mostly catering to the tourist diet of burgers and pizza. There are, however, local supermarkets, which make it easy to cook for yourself.

Language

Language was not an issue and while, naturally,  you will hear several Nordic tongues, English was widely spoken and signed everywhere we went.

Currency

The Danish use the krone; 1 EUR is a little over 7 DKK. You will feel the cost of things, both the currency exchange and being subjected to tourist/amusement park prices. Thankfully, we did not need to exchange cash and we were able to PIN everywhere using our Dutch bank cards.

BONUS: Lego House

Finally, and not to be missed is the newly opened Lego House located in the town center of Billund. You will need a separate pass (about €25pp) for entrance as it is not connected with Legoland. The Lego House is a combination experience center and museum. You will be given a personalized wristband which connects to the Lego House App. At various points throughout the House you can scan you wristband and photograph your experience as you build and interact with legos. You can later download your photos as a memento. The basement floor offers a mini tour of the history and evolution of Lego. Allow 3-4 hours in order to fully experience the Lego House. Each level of the building offers a different playground experience, a peek inside the building, and a view of surrounding Billund and all of your adventures from the rooftop.

Photo Credits: Melissa Curran Kalker

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Whether you are looking for an adventure holiday or a few days of relaxation, the region of Galicia is a fascinating destination with many treasures to be discovered, like ancient cities, scattered pazos (old manor houses), hórreos (traditional stone granaries on stone stilts), castros (fortified Celtic settlements), and even folk music festivals. Galicia is both open to the influences and novelties intrinsic to being a coastal region and simultaneously enxebre (genuinely rooted to its identity). 

See and Do

A Coruña

This port city, also known as the Glass City due to its galleries in the Marina promenade, is home to the oldest operating lighthouse in the world.  Spread over 13km of seafront promenade are countless monuments, museums, parks and child friendly areas to make A Coruña a perfect place for a holiday with kids.

Be sure to visit:

1. Torre de Hércules: Built by the Romans in the second half of the 1st century, legend has it that it was from this lighthouse, now a World Heritage Site, that the son of Breogán glimpsed a distant green land which led him to sail towards what is today’s Ireland.
2. San Antón Castle: This 16th century fortress is a pleasant walk from the old city centre and is an historical and archeological museum.        
3. The Domus: An interactive museum of human physiology and perception. Don’t miss the interesting reproduction of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa made from over 10,000 photos of people at the entrance of the museum.
4. Aquarium Finisterrae: An interactive centre dedicated to marine biology and oceanography.
5. The National Science and Technology Museum (MUNCYT): This glass cube building received the National Young Architecture Award of the 9th Spanish Biennial.  
6. Picasso’s Childhood Home:  Pablo Picasso lived in this large apartment for almost five years, while his father taught art at the Instituto da Guarda school on nearby Plaza de Pontevedra. You will find copies of the many paintings and drawings that Picasso did while here, testament to his precocious talent. 

The popular bonfires on the beach of Riazor on the “noche de San Juan” (Midsummer night), mark the beginning of the summer holidays, and the Fiestas de María Pita, has family friendly festivities that take place throughout the month of August.

Santiago de Compostela

This historical city is the capital of the Galicia region.  Its origins date back to its shrine to Saint James the Great (now the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela). It has been the final destination of the ancient pilrgrimage route, the Way of Saint James, since the 9th century.

1. Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela: Built over the alleged burial site of Saint James, this Romanesque/Gothic/Baroque church has a fascinating history and is open every day. Don’t miss the guided tour of the roof. 25th July is the feast of St. James, with a big display of fireworks and performances.
2. Old Town: A Unesco World Heritage Site, Santiago de Compostela may welcome you with the sound of bagpipes resonating from the cobbled streets or perhaps by the serenading of the tunos (university students dressed in 13th century garb) playing traditional instruments in the main square of Plaza del Obradoiro. Old Town bustles with the thousands of pilgrims who still arrive every year, and it is filled with restaurants and bars, and souvenir and jewellery shops. Look for their traditional silver and black amber pieces.

Costa da Morte

Many a ship has been wrecked on this stunning but treacherous stretch of rocky coastline.   It does however offer calm and safe beaches perfect for families with children. There are lovely little fishing villages scattered all along the coast line, with two especially charming villages being Laxe, and Finisterre. Laxe is an enchanting town with a lovely walk to the lighthouse.  The ancient Romans believed Finisterre to be the “End of the Earth”, and it is therefore the perfect final destination of the Way of St James.

Eat

Galicia offers scrumptious seafood cuisine. Pulpo á feira is the most iconic dish of Galicia, octopus served over thinly sliced potatoes seasoned with paprika. Some good eateries to sample this delicacy in A Coruña, are Pulpeira A Nova Lanchiña and Pulpeira de Melide. 

If the kids balk at eating octopus, there are some other specifically Galacian tapas to look for, including: Tequeño (a warm breadstick filled with melted cheese), Pimientos de Padrón (small peppers grown only in the region of Padrón), Raxo (no paprika) and Zorza (with paprika) which are pork morsels cooked with garlic and herbs and served on a bed of crisp potato slices.

For a quick tapas pit stop try La Bombilla near María Pita Square in A Coruña.

The sweet tooth in your family can indulge in Tarta de Santiago.  It is a delicious sponge cake made with ground almonds and dusted with powdered sugar. Naturally, the very best are to be found in Santiago de Compostela itself!

If you are looking for a traditional Chocolate con Churros (fried batter sticks with chocolate for dipping), Bonilla Lavista will please both children and grown ups alike. 

Looking for family-friendly accommodation in Galicia? Consider booking your stay via booking.com/amsterdammamas. Find the perfect accommodation for your family while supporting Amsterdam Mamas at the same time!

Photo credits: Costa da Morte beach, Pulpo á feira, Picasso House Museum, Santiago Old Town – Ana Rial

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Trips Near …

Even when you think you’ve got every single day of the summer school holidays planned in advance, there will be a day or more when you just want to get out of the city, but are stumped. No worries, for fun day or weekend trips consider the following options:

Favorite Day Trips

Haarlem and Vicinity

Delft

Breda

Maastricht

Den Haag

Beaches and Lakes Near Amsterdam

Hoge Veluwe: A national park and a national treasure, the Hoge Veluwe offers camping, biking, horse riding, Safari adventures, fishing, restaurants, hotels, meditation workshops, farmers’ markets … and a world class art museum? Wow!

Texel

Efteling

And Trips Far!

If you are thinking of venturing further from Amsterdam … Prague, Athens, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Austria, or Spain, anyone? These are only a few of the destinations covered by Amsterdam Mamas. Start packing!

Quick Guide with Kids Directory

7 Offbeat and Family Friendly Stays in Europe

Looking for family-friendly accommodation in Europe? Book your stay via booking.com/amsterdammamas and we’ll receive a portion of the reservation value. Find the perfect accommodation for your family and support Amsterdam Mamas at the same time!

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Wandering the streets of Athens has an implied solemnity of following the footsteps of great philosophers, mathematicians, and wise men from history. Witness the remains of the ancient world scattered around the city, both in plain sight and in delightfully hidden spots. In addition, markets, food, sun, and coastal pleasures will make your trip to Athens an exciting adventure of discovery.  

Top Places to See in the Heart of Athens

1. In the epicentre of the bustling city, The Acropolis sits on a rocky outcrop. Here you can see major archaeological remains of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which still holds live performances, and the theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus. Athens Insiders is one company that specialises in a variety of tailor-made tours for little ones. They have a child-friendly Acropolis tour with games and stories led by an archaeologist.

2. The Acropolis Museum has fun activities and games for the family. The assistance of an archaeologist host is also available. Don’t forget to admire the original famous caryatids. General admission fee of 5€, free admission for children under 18 years old from EU countries.

3. Round the edges of the Acropolis you will find three main areas to stroll through: Plaka filled with souvenir shops and little tavernas (restaurants with traditional Greek cuisine); Anafiotika, a little village with a Cycladic island feeling bursting with bright magenta bougainvillaeas and aromatic jasmines; and Monastiraki, a flea market neighbourhood. 

4. Free and within a short walk of each other, you will find: the changing of the evzones (guards in traditional Greek uniforms) on the hour at the Parliament building in Syntagma Square; imposing Hadrian’s Arch; lovely pools, plants, and play areas in The Botanic Gardens, and the Panathenaic Stadium, the original Olympic Stadium. The gargantuan Temple of Olympian Zeus is also in this area. You can view many of the historic sights while walking by, or for small fees (children often free) you can go up close and look around. A combi-ticket of seven sites is also available and can be purchased at the sites.  

5. Underground museums display treasures discovered when expanding the city’s subway system. Archaeological remains, as well as beautiful modern Greek art, can be seen at a number of central metro stations. Check out Travel Greece Travel Europe for loads of tips and descriptions of free things to see and do in downtown Athens as well as Athens Info Guide for more exciting ideas to explore Athens with children.

On the Coast  

1. From Piraeus, the biggest passenger port in Europe, you can hop on a ferry and spend the day on one of the nearby islands. Hydra and Aegina are popular for families because of their shallow waters and quiet beaches. With Flying Dolphins or Hellenic Sea Ways, the ride to Aegina takes only a half an hour, while Hydra is an hour and a half away. In Aegina there is a water park and a wildlife hospital, as well as the opportunity to taste their famous pistachios. Vehicles are forbidden on the quaint and lovely island of Hydra but you can enjoy a donkey ride through the streets of the main village instead.

2. For a little break from archaeology, Flisvos Marina is a perfect place to let the kids blow off some steam in the extensive playground area.  

3. Get hold of a colourful caftan from family-run Krasanaki, pick an inflatable for the kids in Moustakas, and you are all set to enjoy the Athens Riviera beaches, from Glyfada to Vouliagmeni. Venture a bit farther to Anavissos, where you can windsurf at the Kouros Club or go snorkelling with Athens Divers. Water sports abound along the Attica peninsula.

4. Sunset at Cape Sounio is the best time to appreciate the impressive Temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea. Along with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina, the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio form what is known as the Holy Triangle of antiquity. There are little restaurants and the kids can run a bit, plus Greek mums-to-be say the place has a “magical” quality, with lots of positive energy.

Restaurants and Cafés

Enjoy Greece’s strong culture of cafés and tavernas. On every corner, one can stop to enjoy a frappé (a foam-covered iced coffee drink) or delight the palate with a Mediterranean menu, perhaps starting with a teaspoon of submarine (a traditional soft fondant served on a spoon submerged in a tall glass of cold water).

It would be impossible to enumerate the hundreds of establishments spread around the city, but here are a few that are worth trying.

1. In the very heart of the city, Othanasis is always welcoming. It is a total classic, known among the locals for its kebabs and souvlakis. Mitropoleos 69, Athina

2. Resembling a beach house, each room of the Balux Cafe has a different setup. It is a perfect base when spending a day by the beach and it accommodates the desires of all the different members of the family, with its game room, playground, and library. Β58, Vasileos Konstantinou, Glyfada

3. Anafiotika comes highly recommended: a restaurant café that will enchant you with its views of the Acropolis and live music whilst dining. Mnisikleous 24, Athina

4. After enjoying a healthy Mediterranean plate, it is time to indulge in traditional Greek sweets, a certain winner with the kids. Try the specialty chocolate pastries at O Tasos. Honey and custard-based sweets are also in high demand. Maragkou 6, Glyfada