Leeuwarden
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🇳🇱Groningen
Groningen surprises families with Gothic towers, striking modern museums, hidden courtyard gardens, and some of the Netherlands' most unique local food.
Your family guide
Groningen with kids: towers, museums and hidden courtyards
“Gothic towers, modern museums and quiet courtyards round every corner. Groningen does cities well for families.”
— San & Jo
Groningen is one of those cities that sneaks up on you. You come for a quick look at the famous Martini Tower and suddenly you are wandering through hidden courtyard gardens, watching your kids chase pigeons on the Grote Markt, and eating the most unexpectedly delicious deep-fried snack you have ever tried. This compact northern Dutch city packs an enormous amount of character into a very walkable space.
What makes Groningen work so well for families is the mix. You get proper history, with a 97-metre Gothic tower that has dominated the skyline for centuries, right alongside bold, modern architecture like the Forum Groningen and the visually striking Groninger Museum. The city feels alive and youthful, thanks to its huge student population, without ever feeling overwhelming or too chaotic for kids.
The old town is easy to get around on foot, the green spaces are generous, and the market squares give you plenty of room to breathe. Whether your family loves art, outdoor time, good food, or just wandering without a plan, Groningen delivers. It is genuinely one of the most underrated family destinations in the Netherlands.
GroningenNorthern Netherlands
Bike-friendlyOne of the best in the Netherlands
Compact old townMost highlights within walking distance
Best things to do
Best things to do in Groningen
Climb the Martini Tower
Groningen's most iconic landmark, the Martinitoren, rises 97 metres above the city and offers sweeping views over the rooftops and surrounding countryside. Nicknamed 'D'Olle Grieze' by locals, it is the tallest structure allowed in the city by law. The climb is a genuine adventure for kids, and the view at the top makes the effort very much worth it.
No building in the city can exceed this tower's height
1 hour
Explore the Martinikerk
Right next to the tower, the Martinikerk is a beautiful historic church filled with 15th-century seccos and paintings that genuinely impress even young visitors. It is a calm, atmospheric space that gives you a real sense of how old this city is. Pick up the family trail at the entrance to keep kids engaged while you soak up the history.
Look up at the ceiling frescoes for the best detail
45 minutes
Visit the Forum Groningen
This modern multifunctional building is a favourite with families. Inside you will find a library, cinema, café, and a rooftop terrace with one of the best views of the Martini Tower in the city. Kids love the open, creative spaces and the rooftop is a great spot for a breather between sightseeing stops.
The rooftop is free to access and perfect for photos
1-2 hours
Discover the Groninger Museum
The Groninger Museum is impossible to miss, sitting boldly near the train station in a building that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi film. Inside, the rotating exhibitions cover art, design, and local culture in ways that are often genuinely engaging for older children and teens. Check what is showing before you visit to pick the best time.
The building itself is worth a look even from the outside
1.5-2 hours
Wander Vismarkt and Grote Markt
These two connected squares form the beating heart of Groningen's old town. You will find fresh fish stalls, local produce, lively café terraces, and plenty of space for kids to run around. On market days the atmosphere is particularly good. Grab a portion of kibbeling from the fish stalls for a classic Dutch street food moment.
Market days bring the best street food and local energy
1 hour
Relax in Noorderplantsoen or Stadspark
Both parks are beloved by Groningen locals and make excellent spots for a family picnic or a slow afternoon. Noorderplantsoen is set on former defensive walls and has a lovely, slightly wild character. Stadspark is larger and great for kids who need space to run. Both are free, easy to reach, and genuinely beautiful.
Noorderplantsoen hosts outdoor events in summer
1-2 hours
Find the hidden hofjes and Prinsentuin
Groningen has a network of hofjes, hidden historic courtyard gardens tucked behind ordinary-looking doorways. Finding them feels like a treasure hunt for kids. The Prinsentuin is the most famous, a Renaissance-style garden with colourful flowers and a peaceful atmosphere right in the heart of the city. A lovely contrast to the busier squares.
Prinsentuin is easy to miss but worth seeking out
30-45 minutes
Take a canal cruise
Groningen's historic waterways are best seen from the water. Canal cruises offer a relaxed way to take in the city's architecture and get a completely different perspective on the old town. It is a great option for families with younger children who need a sit-down activity in the middle of a busy day of sightseeing.
A great way to rest tired legs mid-afternoon
1 hour
Our verdict
How Groningen scores for families
Kids
Compact, walkable, and full of open squares and parks. Younger children have plenty of space and older kids will enjoy the tower climb and the Forum.
Culture
Groningen punches well above its weight. Historic churches, a world-class modern museum, and bold architecture make this a genuinely rich cultural destination.
Food
The local snack culture is brilliant and the market squares are great for grazing. Family-friendly cafés are easy to find throughout the city centre.
Nature
Two excellent parks and a network of courtyard gardens give you plenty of green space, though this is primarily an urban destination.
Budget
Many highlights are free or low-cost. The Martini Tower and Groninger Museum have entry fees, but overall Groningen is a good value city break.
Planning your visit
How long should you stay in Groningen?
1
1 day
Quick visit
Climb the Martini Tower, stroll the Grote Markt, and grab a snack at Vismarkt. You will cover the essentials but feel a little rushed.
sweet spot
2
2 days
Sweet spot
Two days gives your family time to explore the highlights properly, visit the Groninger Museum, find the hidden hofjes, and enjoy a canal cruise without rushing.
3
3 days
Deep dive
Stay three days and you can slow right down. Spend mornings in the parks, explore the Forum at leisure, and discover the city's neighbourhoods beyond the old town.
Fun facts
Things to know about Groningen
No building can beat the tower
By local law, no building in Groningen is allowed to be taller than the Martini Tower. At 97 metres, 'D'Olle Grieze' has been the undisputed ruler of the skyline for centuries and intends to stay that way.
A snack with a whole egg inside
Groningen's most famous local snack is the eierbal, a deep-fried ragout ball with a whole boiled egg hidden inside. It is so beloved and unique that it has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the region's intangible cultural heritage.
One of the world's great cycling cities
Groningen is consistently ranked among the most bike-friendly cities not just in the Netherlands but in the entire world. The city has more bicycles than residents and an extensive network of cycling paths that makes getting around on two wheels genuinely easy and fun.
Taste Groningen
What to eat with your family in Groningen
Eierbal
Must tryPlat
The ultimate Groningen street food experience. A crispy deep-fried ball of ragout with a whole boiled egg inside. It sounds strange and tastes brilliant. Get one fresh from Plat in the city centre and let the kids decide what they think.
Kibbeling
Kids love itVismarkt fish stalls
Battered and fried fish chunks served fresh at the Vismarkt fish stalls. This is classic Dutch street food at its best and a great option for kids who like something simple, crispy, and delicious. Eat it standing up at the market for the full experience.
Dutch pancakes on the canal
Kids love itPannenkoekboot Groningen
Groningen has a pancake boat restaurant on the Schuitendiep canal serving traditional thick Dutch pancakes in all kinds of flavours. It combines two things kids love: boats and pancakes. Book ahead as it gets busy, especially at weekends.
Homemade soups and sandwiches
Local favouritePernikkel
Pernikkel is a relaxed vintage-style café on Rodeweg 6 known for its homemade soups, sweet potato burgers, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast. It is a great spot for a family lunch that is a step above the usual café fare.
Groninger koek
Daily treatLocal bakeries and Grote Markt stalls
A traditional spiced rye cake sweetened with honey or syrup and flavoured with ginger and cinnamon. You will find it in bakeries and market stalls throughout the city. It is the kind of thing you buy a slice of on a whim and end up taking a whole loaf home.
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