3-Day Family Travel Guide to The Hague: Relaxed & Kid-Friendly
Welcome to The Hague, a city where royal history meets a laid-back coastal vibe, making it one of the most underrated family destinations in Europe. As part of our Family Travel Guides series, we focus on a pace that respects nap times and little legs, ensuring you see the highlights without the typical travel burnout.
This 3-day itinerary is designed to be stroller-accessible and focuses on short transit times. With world-class museums that actually cater to children and a sprawling coastline just a tram ride away, you will find that The Hague offers a perfectly balanced blend of culture and play for every generation.
Day 1: The Hague, Netherlands - Royal Roots and Mini Wonders
Madurodam Miniature Park
Start your journey at Madurodam, a world-famous miniature park that depicts the Netherlands at a 1:25 scale. It is incredibly interactive, allowing kids to operate storm surges, load containers at the Port of Rotterdam, and watch tiny trains zip across the country. It is fully stroller-accessible and features an excellent playground.
Binnenhof and Hofvijver
Take a short tram ride to the city center to see the Binnenhof, the oldest House of Parliament in the world still in use. Walk around the Hofvijver (the Court Pond) to see the iconic reflections of the government buildings. The flat, paved paths are perfect for a gentle stroll with a stroller.
Children's Book Museum (Kinderboekenmuseum)
Located right next to the Central Station, this museum is a wonderland for young children. It features immersive exhibits based on popular Dutch children's stories, with plenty of tactile play areas where kids can burn off energy in a creative environment.
Dinner at Grote Markt
Head to the Grote Markt, a large pedestrian square lined with cafes and restaurants. It is a very family-friendly spot where children can move around safely while parents enjoy a local craft beer or a hearty Dutch meal at one of the many heated terraces.
Day 2: The Hague, Netherlands - Sun, Sand, and Sea Life
SEA LIFE Scheveningen
Head toward the coast to explore the underwater world. This aquarium is perfectly sized for families, featuring a walk-through tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead. It’s an ideal morning activity that keeps everyone entertained regardless of the coastal weather.
Scheveningen Pier and Ferris Wheel
Walk over to the iconic Pier. For a spectacular view of the North Sea without the climb, take a ride on the SkyView de Pier, a luxury Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas that are spacious enough for a small family. It is a smooth, gentle experience with great photo opportunities.
Sculptures by the Sea (Beelden aan Zee)
Tucked away in the dunes, this museum is a hidden gem. While the indoor galleries are quiet, the outdoor "Fairytale Garden" features bronze sculptures of characters like Moby Dick and Gulliver, which are free to view and very engaging for children to explore.
Beach Pavilion Dining
End your day at one of the many 'Strandpaviljoens' (beach clubs) along the boulevard. Places like Hart Beach or Aloha offer a relaxed atmosphere where kids can play in the sand right next to your table while you enjoy fresh seafood and the sunset.
Day 3: The Hague, Netherlands - Science, Parks, and Palaces
Museon-Omniversum
Museon is an interactive museum of science and culture that is specifically designed for families. Next door is the Omniversum, a giant-screen cinema showing breathtaking nature documentaries. It’s educational, hands-on, and entirely stroller-friendly.
Westbroekpark Picnic and Play
Visit one of the city’s most beautiful parks. The Rosarium (rose garden) is stunning in summer, and there is a large playground and a traditional pancake house (pannenkoekenhuis) nearby, which is a mandatory culinary experience for kids in the Netherlands.
Noordeinde Palace Garden (Paleistuin)
Walk through the public gardens located directly behind the King’s working palace. This is a peaceful oasis in the city center with sprawling lawns perfect for a family picnic or a quiet nap for the little ones in the stroller.
Explore the Zeeheldenkwartier
This trendy, local neighborhood is full of independent boutiques and kid-friendly cafes. It is a great place to wander for your final evening, offering a more authentic 'local' feel compared to the main tourist drags.
Best Time & Weather
The best time to visit The Hague is between May and September. During these months, the weather is mild (18°C to 22°C), and the beach pavilions at Scheveningen are in full swing. Spring is particularly beautiful as the city's many parks and the nearby tulip fields are in bloom. Winters can be chilly and windy due to the coastal location, but the city’s museums provide plenty of indoor warmth.
Currency & Money
The Netherlands uses the Euro (€). The Hague is a very 'card-heavy' city; most shops, trams, and restaurants prefer debit or credit cards (Maestro, V-Pay, Visa, and Mastercard are widely accepted). In fact, some places no longer accept cash at all. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is standard practice.
Getting Around
The Hague has an excellent public transport system operated by HTM. Trams are the best way to get around, and most modern trams have low floors, making them very easy to board with a stroller. You can use 'OV-pay' to check in and out using your contactless debit card or phone, which eliminates the need for separate paper tickets. The city is also very flat, making it highly walkable for families.
