There is plenty to do in Delft with children, such as visiting the Royal Delft museum, climbing the church tower, and the Delftse Hout petting zoo.
Delft is approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) southwest of Amsterdam. The best way to travel between Amsterdam and Delft is by train. There are frequent direct train services operating between Amsterdam Central Station and Delft Station. The journey typically takes around 1 hour, and trains run regularly throughout the day, so visiting Delft as a daytrip from Amsterdam is very doable. If you plan to stay overnight I would suggest combining Delft with the city of Leiden. Where there is even more to do for families.
Things to do in Delft with kids
The old centre of Delft
Exploring the city center of Delft is undeniably delightful. This historic city boasts a wealth of charming buildings and picturesque streets, perfect for leisurely strolls with the family.
The focal point of the city is the Market Square, a lively hub adorned with inviting restaurants and cafes sporting outdoor terraces.
For an interactive exploration of Delft with the kids, we recommend embarking on a scavenger hunt. Available for purchase at the tourist office (in Dutch called the VVV Delft). It’s an affordable and enjoyable way to discover the city’s nooks and crannies. Or you can opt for a free walking tour using a Podcast, guiding you through the city’s highlights within an hour. The Delft VVV website offers detailed explanations and maps for this self-guided route through the heart of Delft.
Take a Canal cruise
Explore Delft from a different perspective by taking a cruise along its picturesque canals. Kids will love seeing the city from the water and learning about its history from the tour guide.
The Old Church
The Old Church is the oldest church in Delft. Built in 1246, it is a relatively simple church. From the outside, the leaning tower catches the eye. Inside, all attention is drawn to the colorful and interesting stained glass windows.
The floors also deserve an extra look. The tombstones have many details. Small children, lots of skeletons, and entire household scenes can be seen. Among the grand tombs located in the church are those of famous Dutch heroes such as Maarten Tromp and Piet Hein. Most of the graves lack names, as the French scratched them away during the occupation in the 18th century.
The New Church
The New Church The New Church, dating back to 1396, hasn’t been new for quite some time. This church has an interesting history. Here lies the tomb of William of Orange. Crafted in marble, it is a striking structure. Members of the royal family are buried in the church, making it a great place for a history lesson.
The tower of the New Church stands at 108.75 meters and can be climbed for a panoramic view of the city. However young children below the age of six are not allowed to climb up.
Prinsenhof Museum
The Prinsenhof Museum is housed in the former Court of William of Orange. You can still see the bullet holes where he was shot. Once again, it’s a great place for a hands-on history lesson. You’ll pass by collections partly about William of Orange, the city of Delft, and the famous Delftware pottery.
This museum typically provides a family-friendly trail, adding an extra layer of interest for families exploring Delft with children. Additionally, during Dutch school holidays, there are often supplementary activities such as art-making workshops
There are not only objects to look at but also interactive elements. We particularly enjoyed a game where you had to estimate the value of Delftware pottery. Oops, did I just break a €30,000 plate into pieces?
Royal Delft Museum
Want to learn more about the famous Dutch pottery? Visit the Royal Delft Museum. Learn about the rich history and craftsmanship behind this renowned art form. I would suggest pre-booking a family friendly art making class. For more information, visit Royal Delft Museum.
Botanical Garden
The botanical gardens in Delft are a nice place to walk around. Partly outdoors but also partly in a heated greenhouse. Fun for children is the barefoot path and the biobased playhouse.
The Delftse Hout nature reserve
The Delftse Hout is truly beautiful: just a 15-minute walk from the center of Delft lies a rugged nature reserve with woods, a recreational lake, a water playground, a petting zoo, and a polder landscape. When we visited early in the morning we encountered a stork, 2 herons on the path, 5 pheasants, quails, buzzards, and all kinds of geese and ducks.
The petting zoo has a room with cuddly guinea pigs and mice. There are also chicken coops, a pigsty, and an immense outdoor pasture. In this pasture, you can simply walk around to pet the donkeys. You can also cuddle the goats, which are very accustomed to people.
Next to the petting zoo is a large water playground that is open in spring and summer.
Familyfriendly Hotels in Delft
Looking for a familyfriendly hotel in Delft?
Hotel Johannes Vermeer – A charming and family-friendly hotel located in the heart of Delft, offering comfortable accommodations and a warm atmosphere for families.
WestCord Hotel Delft – This modern hotel provides spacious rooms and convenient amenities for families, including an indoor pool and easy access to the city’s attractions. This is the hotel we stayed at ourselves. It is a little bit outside the city center, so it is better suited for those traveling by car rather than by train.
Hampshire Hotel – Delft Centre – Situated near the historic center, this welcoming hotel caters to families with its cozy rooms, on-site restaurant, and close proximity to family-friendly activities in Delft.
