Rotterdam with Kids: Family Activities

Rotterdam is easy with children. The sights are compact, the transport is simple and many of the best things combine ships, towers and animals. All prices are in euros and ages are those quoted by the venues.

Boats and ships

The Spido harbour tour lasts 75 minutes and costs €10.55 for a child and €18.75 for an adult, with an audio guide. See spido.nl .

The SS Rotterdam on Katendrecht has a tour built for children, Uitwaaien & Zwaaien, at €8.50 for ages 4 to 12. It covers the decks, bow and bridge in about 1.5 hours with the character Kapitein Kaap, and the route is wheelchair accessible. Details are at ssrotterdam.nl .

The Maritiem Museum Rotterdam at Leuvehaven 1 has a museum harbour. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the second ticket is free, so a parent and child can go for the price of one. Check the museum site for prices and hours.

Towers and cubes

The Euromast includes a children’s scavenger hunt in the ticket. A general ticket starts at €17.50, or €13.50 online, and the Euroscoop rotating lift is part of the complete experience. The child price is not published, so check euromast.nl .

The Kijk-Kubus show cube at Overblaak 70 is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Children under 12 pay €1.50 and under 4 are free.

Animals

Diergaarde Blijdorp at Blijdorplaan 8 is the city zoo, and the Oceanium is part of it. The official site shows a dated adult ticket from €27.50 and hours of 09:00 to 16:00 that can change with the season. Look at the animals from the paths, and do not feed or touch them. See diergaardeblijdorp.nl .

Outdoors

Kralingse Plas has a sand beach on the west shore, but no lifeguard has been reported, so adults must stay close. Boat and SUP rental needs a swimming certificate. Do not swim or paddle in the Nieuwe Maas or the harbour basins.

Kinderdijk is a half-day out by WaterShuttle. A child ticket is €9 for ages 4 to 12 and includes the boat tour, a film and a bird theatre.

Tips

  • Watch for fast cyclists on the red cycle paths, which often run beside the pavement.
  • Eat at the Markthal, which has stalls from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 and Sunday from 12:00.
  • Buy online where you can, because several venues sell time slots.

Read more: Rotterdam Activities lists more ideas. Search family tours on GetYourGuide for guided options.