🇳🇱Leeuwarden

Beklim de Oldehove

Leeuwarden's answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa leans nearly 2 metres off-centre, and kids absolutely love that fact. Climb all 183 steps and you are rewarded with panoramic views stretching all the way to the Wadden Islands on a clear day. It is a genuine wow moment for the whole family.

Speurtocht langs verborgen straatkunst

Leeuwarden has a brilliant open-air street art scene, including large murals and something even more fun: tiny miniature figures of people hidden around the city by artist Michel Tilma. Turning it into a scavenger hunt keeps kids engaged for hours as you explore the streets.

Ontdek het Fries Museum

This is the place to understand what makes Friesland so distinct from the rest of the Netherlands. The museum covers Frisian arts, crafts, and history from the 13th century onwards, including the fascinating story of the 11 Frisian cities. The exhibits are engaging enough to hold the attention of older kids and teens.

Bezoek het Princessehof Keramiekmuseum

This national ceramics museum is housed in a former palace with a remarkable backstory: it was the birthplace of the artist M.C. Escher, famous for his mind-bending optical illusions. The ceramics collection is impressive, but the Escher connection is what gets kids genuinely interested in the building itself.

Verken Blokhuispoort

A prison that operated from 1580 all the way until 2007, Blokhuispoort has been transformed into a creative cultural centre with galleries, cafes, a library, and even a hostel in the former cells. Kids find the history of the building genuinely fascinating, and the creative energy of the space is infectious.

Bewonder de Centraal Apotheek

This Art Nouveau pharmacy building is one of the most striking facades in Leeuwarden. Its characteristic symmetry, bluestone birds, and yellow brickwork make it a genuine talking point. You do not need to go inside to appreciate it, just stand back and take it all in together.

Maak een rondvaart over de grachten

Seeing Leeuwarden from the water gives you a completely different perspective on the city. Canal barge tours are relaxed and easy for all ages, and if your family is feeling adventurous, you can also try stand-up paddleboarding on the canals. Either way, the water is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Ontspan in de Prinsentuin

This romantic 17th-century park is the perfect place to slow down, especially if you have younger children who need space to run around. Sit by the water and watch traditional Frisian skûtsje boats drift past. It is peaceful, beautiful, and completely free.