Have you got a mini dinosaur enthusiast at home? Here are some options for fun dino-day outings in the Netherlands, as recommended by the Amsterdam Mamas.
As a mother of a dinosaur fanatic, I’ve got to love dinosaurs myself! I also get them under my feet sometimes when I enter my son’s bedroom and even get to taste the dinosaur soup he makes for me in his mini kitchen. Yes, Dino’s are quite popular in little people’s worlds. If you’re like me, you’re always on the search for dino-related activities in the Netherlands.
Here are the places the Amsterdam Mamas have enjoyed with kids and are happy to recommend:
Naturalis
Located in Leiden, this is Holland’s natural history museum. It is one of the country’s best museums for kids and families and has a large dinosaur skeleton. Here is how some Amsterdam Mamas described this museum: “Awesome”, “Amazing”, “Brilliant”, “Wonderful”.
Open daily. Free entry with the museumkaart. Children aged 3 and under free.
Dierenpark Amersfoort
This zoo is well-known in the Netherlands and part of its attraction is their dinosaur park (Dinopark). Mamas tell us that their kids love this place.
Open daily. Museumkaart not accepted. Children aged 2 and under free.
Oertijd Museum
This museum in Boxtel is a hidden treasure. I experienced this one with my four-year-old son and it is a brilliant place to see dinosaurs. Also, the museum shop has loads of little Dino presents and stones at small prices. Apart from the museum building, the surrounding park is also covered with giant dinosaurs so it’s best to get there on a dry day.
Open Tuesday to Sunday. Museumkaart not accepted. Children aged 2 and under free.
Dino World
In Valkenburg, there is a fun park which includes a Dino World walking trail: “Take a walk through Dino Park and experience just how teeny-weeny you are”.
Open daily. Museumkaart not accepted. Children aged 2 and under free.
Dino Dome
In South Limburg, you can find Gaia Zoo which hosts a Dino Dome. “Europe’s largest indoor Dino Play Park”, they claim. See if you agree!
Open daily. Museumkaart not accepted. Children aged 2 and under free. Reduced rate for ages 3 through 9.
Dinoland
A brand new pretpark opening in Zwolle. It promises to have an ‘adventurous character’. This park will especially be attractive to kids aged 4-14 years old. There will be lots of dino-related activities available for children in both indoor and outdoor spaces of the park.
Open daily during school holidays. Opening times vary in term time. Museumkaart not accepted. Children 1 and under free. Visitors aged 15 upwards enjoy a reduced rate. Entry varies depending on the areas you wish to access.
Dinosaur Merchandise
Now, apart from all the park and museum visits, our young dino lovers also need dino-themed parties, toys, school bags, DVDs to watch and so on. For those too, our mamas recommend Dino World, where you can find almost anything you need for your dinosaur lover.
This list has been compiled from the recommendations of our members on the Amsterdam Mamas Facebook group.
photo credit: Media Donyadari-van Westering
Mèdia Donyadari-van Westering
Originally from Iran, Media is married and is proud mother of Roham. She holds a BA in English Translation and an MBA with the University of Liverpool. In 2012, after working for 13 years in aviation and education, Media decided to stop working full time and enjoy more time with her son, who was growing up fast. One year later, she started her own business called Joys of Life. She loves travelling, cooking, reading, writing and photography.
