8-Day Family Friendly Shoestring Budget Rail Trip in the Netherlands

Day 1: Explore Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with delicious Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam, where kids can choose from a variety of toppings.
Walk to the nearest tram station and board tram line 14 to reach the pancake house.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Anne Frank House

Explore the poignant history of Anne Frank in this iconic museum, captivating both adults and children alike.
Walk 15 minutes from the pancake house.
EUR14 (children under 10 free), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe de Klos

Enjoy a hearty meal of pork ribs at this family-friendly café, known for its budget options.
Take tram line 14 back to the city center.
EUR12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Boat Tour in the Canals

Take a 1-hour budget boat tour to see the picturesque canals and charming houses while resting your feet.
Board a boat from a close canal tour operator.
EUR15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Vondelpark Afternoon Stroll

Let the kids play at one of the park's playgrounds while you relax on the grass and enjoy the scenery.
Walk 20 minutes to Vondelpark from the canal tour docking point.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Foodhallen

Choose from various food stalls offering diverse cuisine, with something for every family member at this vibrant indoor food market.
Take tram line 12 to Foodhallen.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stach

Pick up fresh pastries and coffee at Stach, a local favorite, while enjoying the ambiance.
Walk to the nearest Stach location.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Rijksmuseum

Marvel at Dutch masterpieces, including Rembrandt's Night Watch, in this world-renowned museum.
Take tram line 5 to the museum district.
EUR19 (children under 18 free), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Museumplein

Pack a picnic or grab a snack from a nearby vendor to enjoy on the grass in the museum square.
Find a spot in Museumplein, just outside the Rijksmuseum.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Van Gogh Museum

Celebrate the life and art of Vincent van Gogh through his fascinating works displayed in this dedicated museum.
Walk to the nearby Van Gogh Museum.
EUR19 (children under 18 free), 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the NDSM Wharf

Take the ferry to this artistic hotspot filled with street art, quirky shops, and playgrounds for the kids.
Board the free ferry from Amsterdam Centraal.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Café de Paris

Enjoy affordable meals like burgers and salads at this family-friendly restaurant, with a great vibe.
Take the ferry back and walk to Café de Paris.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Utrecht's Charm

Utrecht, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Broodje Bert

Savor fresh sandwiches and coffee at this local gem in Utrecht before exploring the city.
Take the train from Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Dom Tower

Climb the 465 steps of the Dom Tower for breathtaking views of the city and enjoy the interactive kid-friendly exhibitions.
Walk to the Dom Tower from the café.
EUR12 (children under 12 reduced price), 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the canals of Utrecht

Stroll by the picturesque canals and enjoy the unique wharf cellars and vibrant atmosphere.
Walk along the canals at your own pace.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Village Coffee & Music

Relax with sandwiches and excellent coffee, while enjoying live music if you're lucky!
Walk to The Village from the canals.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Railway Museum

Discover trains and railway history with interactive exhibits that will intrigue kids of all ages.
Take bus line 1 from the city center to the museum.
EUR14 (children 4-12 EUR7), 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Pista

End your day with authentic Italian gelato and pasta dishes that the whole family will love.
Take bus back to city center.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Rotterdam Adventures

Rotterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Commodore

Enjoy a hearty Dutch breakfast at this family-friendly cafe known for its homey feel.
Take the train from Utrecht to Rotterdam.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Markthal Rotterdam

Wander through the impressive market hall filled with food stalls, perfect for sampling local treats.
Walk from the café to Markthal.
Free (market food has its cost), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Euromast Tower

Take a lift to the top for stunning panoramic views and, if the kids are brave, try the Euroswing ride.
Take tram line 7 to Euromast.
EUR11 (children reduced price), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishin Sushi

Treat your family to sushi at affordable prices, making for a fun dining experience.
Walk back towards the city center.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Kunsthal Rotterdam

Discover contemporary art exhibitions in this striking museum, with interactive exhibits for kids.
Take tram line 21 to Kunsthal.
EUR12 (children free under 12), 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Oysters and Friends

Experience an affordable family dining with seafood dishes that are fresh and delicious.
Return to the central area by tram.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Day in The Hague

The Hague, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Boulangerie Fabel

Indulge in fresh pastries and coffee at this French-style bakery in The Hague.
Take the train from Rotterdam to The Hague.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Mauritshuis

See exquisite Dutch paintings including Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring in this intimate museum.
Walk from the bakery to Mauritshuis.
EUR17 (children free under 18), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at De Laak

Savor local lunch specialties, including Dutch kroket, at this quaint café near the museum.
Walk to De Laak from the Mauritshuis.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Walk in the Peace Palace Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful gardens and discuss the importance of peace with your children.
Walk to the Peace Palace, it's a short distance.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Madurodam

Explore miniature versions of Dutch landmarks in this interactive park, perfect for the entire family.
Take tram line 1 to Madurodam.
EUR17 (children under 3 free), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Huppel the Pub

Enjoy an affordable dinner with a fun atmosphere, featuring Dutch and international dishes.
Return to the center via tram.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Charming Delft

Delft, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stads-Koffyhuis

Begin the day with delightful coffee and pastries at this cozy café in Delft's town center.
Take the train from The Hague to Delft.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Markt Square

Discover the vibrant Markt square with its historical buildings and lively atmosphere.
Walk to Markt Square from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Royal Delft Factory

Tour the factory where authentic Delftware is created, with a fun painting workshop for the kids.
Walk to the factory nearby.
EUR12 (kids discount available), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Het Steen

Savor local dishes at this casual yet charming restaurant that welcomes families.
Stroll back towards the town center for lunch.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Science Center Delft

Engage with hands-on exhibits that stimulate curiosity and creativity for both young minds and adults.
Walk to the Science Center from lunch.
EUR8 (children under 3 free), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Café de Oude Delft

Finish the day with hearty Dutch meals in a warm atmosphere, perfect for family bonding.
Walk back to the center.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Historic Haarlem

Haarlem, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jopenkerk

Start with a unique breakfast in a former church turned microbrewery, known for their fresh pastries.
Take the train from Delft to Haarlem.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Frans Hals Museum

Explore works of the Dutch Golden Age in this charming museum that features engaging activities for kids.
Walk from Jopenkerk to the museum.
EUR15 (children under 18 free), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at De Oliebol

Enjoy becoming familiar with traditional Dutch dumplings at this local spot, which offers kid-friendly fare.
Walk to De Oliebol from the museum.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Haarlem's Old Town

Discover the historical buildings and charming streets, perfect for family photography.
Wander the streets near the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Teylers Museum

Explore the oldest museum in the Netherlands that is filled with curiosities and provides engaging learning for children.
Walk to Teylers Museum from the Old Town.
EUR11 (children under 18 free), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Grand Café Brinkmann

Finish off with a lovely dinner in this elegant setting that offers affordable Dutch cuisine.
Walk to the café nearby.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Delight in a farm-to-table breakfast at this cozy eatery, perfect to fuel up for the journey home.
Take the train from Haarlem back to Amsterdam.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Amsterdam Flower Market

Stroll through the iconic floating flower market for gorgeous flowers and souvenirs before ending your trip.
Walk from the breakfast location to the market.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Browse souvenir shops and local markets to pick up final mementos of your unforgettable trip.
Explore surrounding shopping streets.
Varies, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hannekes Boom

Enjoy a relaxed lunch beside the water, providing a fitting farewell to your visit.
Take a short walk to Hannekes Boom from the shopping area.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Pack and Depart

Take time to collect your belongings and reflect on an amazing family trip as you prepare to head home.
Return to your accommodation to pack.
Free, 1 hour
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