Leiden, Netherlands with Kids: A Family-Friendly Day Trip Itinerary
The first time we visited Leiden, Netherlands, we were looking for a laid-back day trip from our home in Haarlem. The city delivered. Of course picturesque canals and beautiful brick buildings much like every other city in the Netherlands abound, but there are some unique standouts in Leiden you won’t want to miss.
From botanical gardens to a peek into Rembrandt’s early years to an interactive natural history museum, the city has a lot to offer if you’ll be visiting Leiden with kids.
Leiden, Netherlands makes for a great day trip from Amsterdam or The Hague, and here’s what you should see there:
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What To Know About Leiden
Leiden is a university town with a rich history and a youthful energy. It’s the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, founded in 1575. The canals, charming bridges, and historic buildings make it a picturesque place to walk around.
Don’t Miss: Leiden, also known as the city of discoveries, has been home to scientists including Jan Hendrik Oort and Einstein and to pay homage, various scientific equations produced by scientists who worked in Leiden have been painted. There are seven to find!
If you’re traveling with kids, Leiden is a fantastic place to explore. The museums are interactive, the streets are easy to navigate, and the city has plenty of green spaces to take a break. It’s an easy train ride from Amsterdam, making it a great option for a day trip.
Things To Do In Leiden
When you first arrive at Leiden Centraal Station, stop into the tourist office near the station to grab a city map. They can also give you helpful tips about family-friendly activities happening that day. We love a tourist office and so should you. Always stop to see what’s going on.
From there, it’s an easy walk into the historic center where you can start your Leiden adventure.
Hortus Botanicus
Leiden’s Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and a fantastic place to start your day. Kids will love walking through the greenhouses, checking out the carnivorous plants, and spotting turtles in the pond. The garden’s collection of rare and exotic plants makes it an interesting stop for all ages.
With Kids: Make sure to pick up the Sleuth Book Survivors when you enter. Created for children from 6 – 12, it will help guide kids through the various exhibits getting them to look closer and learn more about the plants they are seeing.
If you have time, visit the tropical greenhouse where giant water lilies float on the surface of the pond. There’s also a small cafe where you can grab a snack, or lunch if you’re a bit more ravenous, while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
- Address: Rapenburg 73, Leiden, Netherlands
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Admission: Adults: €8, Children 4-12: €3, Children 3 and under are Free
Young Rembrandt School
A short walk from the Hortus Botanicus is the Young Rembrandt School, where the famous Dutch painter took his first art lessons. While you can’t go inside, you should absolutely put your face right up to the window and look inside. What will you see? Watch as a digital sketch of your face is created in Rembrandt’s style. It’s a unique experience that kids will love.
- Address: Lokhorstraat 16, Leiden, Netherlands
- Hours: Open daily for window viewing; portrait sketches operate at select times.
- Admission: Free to view from the outside; you can download your sketch directly from Rembrandt School.
Naturalis Biodiversity Center
To round out your day in Leiden, head to the Naturalis Biodiversity Center. This museum is one of the best natural history museums in Europe, and it’s packed with exhibits. Kids will be thrilled to see the massive T. rex skeleton, watch fossils being prepared, and explore rooms filled with life-size animal models.
The museum is designed for hands-on learning, with plenty of opportunities for kids to touch, explore, and get involved. The only con about the museum is that it’s so popular that it can be overwhelmingly busy. Try to visit on a weekday if you can.
- Address: Darwinweg 2, Leiden, Netherlands
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
- Admission: Adults: €16, Children 3-17: €13, Children 0-2: Free
Leiden is an easy, walkable city with plenty of family-friendly activities. If you’re looking for a day trip from Amsterdam with kids, Leiden is an excellent choice. Highly recommended for a fun and educational adventure!
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