Would you like to go out with your (babysitting) children in Haarlem? But don’t feel like going there with half of Haarlem? We put a number of unknown places for you on a list, where your kids will have a good time. And this is in many cases free!
Archeologisch Museum Haarlem
Hidden in the basement of the red Meat Hall on the Grote Markt you will find the Haarlem Archaeological Museum. Here various archaeological finds are exhibited: from stone-age axes to a Spanish helmet from the 16th century. All these objects together tell the history of Haarlem. The showcases have been lowered especially for children, so they can see everything easily. Children can also pretend to be an archaeologist themselves. As an ‘archaeologist for a day’ they can excavate and examine finds from a cesspit. They even receive a diploma if they have done everything. In addition, they can participate in the treasure hunt ‘The secret word’. Based on the answers to various questions, the secret word becomes visible!
Adress: Grote Markt 18K, Haarlem
Entry: Free
De Haarlemmer Kweektuin
Go exploring in the jungle! The Haarlemmer Kweektuin was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century and is a green oasis in Haarlem-North. It is a wonderful place to stroll around with your children. There is an animal pasture with goats, chickens and rabbits and a small playground. There are also several greenhouses where exotic plants such as banana trees and metre-high cacti grow. To recover from all the impressions you can go to the Kweekcafé for a drink.
Adress: Kleverlaan 9, Haarlem
Entree: free
Artisklas Haarlem
A zoo in Haarlem? We hadn’t heard of that before. Artisklas Haarlem is the smallest official zoo in the Netherlands and is located in Haarlem-North behind Stayokay. The animals live in different cottages or on the outside grounds. There are arctic foxes, nandoes, reptiles, barn owls, turtles and much more. There is also a diorama with various stuffed animals. Please note that Artis Classroom Haarlem is only open on weekends!
Adress: Arthur van Schendelpad 1, Haarlem
Entry: Children €1,50, Adults €2
Playground at restaurant Gestrand, Camping de Lakens
In the sloping dunes near Bloemendaal aan Zee lies Camping de Lakens. At first glance, it does not really look like a place to spend an afternoon with the little ones. Or is it? Even people who are not at the campsite can visit the restaurant Gestrand. In front of the terrace is an extensive playground. Here you can climb to the top of the watchtower for a panoramic view of the dunes, slide down the twenty-meter long slide or zip down the cable car. Your kids don’t come across such a cool playground very often. And while you enjoy a drink on the terrace, you can easily keep an eye on them.
Adress: Zeeweg 60, Overveen
Entry: free
