The best activities in spring

What is there to do during the spring? Enough! The springtime is perfect for a fun day out in your own country with family, relatives or friends. Whether you want to feel the speed in an amusement park or experience culture in one of the many museums: numerous activities are organized during spring. We have listed a number of them for you.

Beastly outings

From elephants on the African savannah, colorful fish in the depths of the ocean or cute newborn lambs. Visiting a zoo or petting zoo is a fun and educational activity for the whole family. Come face to face with exotic animals or pet and feed the animals at the petting zoo. During the spring you can admire the diversity of the animal kingdom up close.

Spotting animals at Burgers' Zoo

At Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem you take a journey through different biotopes. This makes it seem as if you are really walking through a tropical rainforest, because the various natural habitats of the animals have been recreated in these biotopes. Did you know that at Burgers' Zoo you will find the world's largest covered mangrove? Here you can spot manatees, butterflies, reptiles and birds.

Photo: Burgers' Zoo

A day among the monkeys

Meet no fewer than 35 different monkey species at the Apenheul in Apeldoorn. From the smallest pygmy marmosets to the impressive gorillas. What makes the Apenheul so special? Many of the monkeys roam freely among visitors, making it a truly unforgettable experience. The park's trails take you through beautiful, forested areas where you can admire the monkeys as they climb, play and exhibit their natural behavior. Of all the animals, the monkey most resembles humans, which makes it so much fun to spend a day watching monkeys in this green park.

Petting newborn animals at the petting zoo

Petting zoos such as the Ridammerhoeve in the Amsterdamse Bos or Boerderij 't Geertje in Zoeterwoude give visitors the opportunity to pet the animals, feed them and learn more about life on the farm. During spring, many of these farms organize extra activities, such as craft workshops, treasure hunts and pony rides. In addition, it is the perfect time of year to admire newborn lambs, chicks and other young animals. In addition to the animals, farms often also offer the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and the blossoming nature in the spring. Be sure to bring a filled picnic basket and blanket for a fun picnic!

Photo: 't Geertje & Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm

Adventurous roller coasters and fairytale worlds

Fancy a day full of action and fun? Visit one of the many amusement parks in the Netherlands! From exciting roller coasters full of speed and sensation to magical worlds and from small parks to large parks, there is something to experience for everyone. In addition to the attractions themselves, many parks offer additional activities such as workshops and performances during spring.

A magical day in the Efteling

One of the most famous amusement parks in the Netherlands is the Efteling in Kaatsheuvel. Walk through the fairytale forest where classic fairytales such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty come to life. Efteling also offers numerous attractions for adrenaline junkies. Do you dare to board spectacular roller coasters such as Baron 1898, a diving roller coaster with a free fall of 37.5 meters, and the Python, a classic steel roller coaster that has recently been completely renovated?! For those who prefer to take it a bit easier, there are numerous family attractions such as the Dream Flight, an enchanting journey through an elfin kingdom, and the Fata Morgana, a boat trip through an Eastern palace full of secrets.

Excitement and sensation at Walibi Holland

Looking for excitement and sensation? Walibi Holland is the place for fast roller coasters and impressive attractions that will certainly make your heart beat faster. The Goliath, one of the park's most iconic attractions, is the highest and fastest roller coaster in the Benelux with steep descents and high speeds. Would you rather take it a little slower and is the weather nice? Then be sure to take a ride on the Crazy River and El Rio Grande water attractions. Cool down in a fun way on hot days. Walibi Holland offers something for everyone with its mix of exciting attractions, family-friendly activities and special events.

Children's amusement park the Julianatoren

For young children and their families, a day at the Julianatoren Children's Amusement Park is a great day out! The attractions in the Julianatoren are perfect for young adventurers. With more than 60 attractions such as Jul's Rollercoaster and Dino's Tour, the park offers a safe and exciting experience for the little ones. During spring there will be live entertainment, treasure hunts will be organized through the park and you can have your picture taken with Jul & Julia! All in the theme: the Great Spring Festival.

Photo: Julianatoren

Into nature

The trees are in bloom, birds are returning and the first rays of sunshine warm the beautiful Dutch landscape. The springtime is the perfect time to get into nature, whether on foot or by bike. Go outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Walking in Dutch nature

The Netherlands is known for its varied landscapes. From the blooming bulb fields in the Bollenstreek to the vast forests and heathlands on the Veluwe. There are numerous hiking trails available that take hikers through these beautiful areas. For example, discover the history of the House of Orange in the old royal Palace Het Loo. You can visit the beautiful palace and its gardens, or admire a beautiful collection of historical objects in the museum. The Sint-Pietersberg in Maastricht also offers beautiful walking routes. Expect limestone cliffs, underground cave systems and beautiful views over the Limburg landscape. Need more inspiration for beautiful walking routes? We have listed a number of them! Click here for the most beautiful walking routes in the Netherlands.

Discover the Dutch landscape by bike

Did you know that the Netherlands has more than 35,000 kilometers of cycle paths? That makes the Netherlands a true cycling paradise! Grab that bike from the closet and explore one of the many cycling routes that run through the country. The Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Monnickendam... near Zaandam you will find these typical Dutch attractions. Cycle past the fishing villages along the water or view the windmills at Zaanse Schans. South Limburg is also very popular with cyclists. Not entirely unjustified, because you will find beautiful hilly landscapes here. The large network of cycling junctions takes you past forests, heathland and water. Easily cycle from junction to junction during a bike tour. Click here for a number of cycling routes that will take you past the most beautiful places in the Netherlands.

Relaxation in nature

In addition to physical activities, nature is also the perfect opportunity for relaxation. Choose a nice park for a nice picnic with family or friends. All you need is a picnic blanket, some tasty food and a beautiful place in nature. From the extensive beaches along the coast to the peaceful forests and parks inland. The children are playing in the grass or flying a kite on the beach and you can relax with a good book. Doesn't that sound like the perfect spring day?

Soaking up culture

Explore Dutch culture and history during a museum visit! The Netherlands is bursting with museums, from art and history to science and nature. For example, the country is home to some of the world's most famous art museums. For example, dive into the world of Van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum or discover Rembrandt van Rijn in the Rijksmuseum. During spring, many museums also offer extra activities, such as special exhibitions, family workshops and theme days.

NEMO Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum is the place where science and technology come to life. Learning is most effective when it is interactive and fun, and that is exactly what NEMO is all about. The museum invites its visitors to experiment, play and learn about various subjects such as biology and chemistry. Learn how to generate electricity, make soap bubbles of gigantic proportions and how the human body works. A visit to NEMO is not complete without a stop on the roof terrace. The roof not only offers beautiful views over Amsterdam, but is also an open-air laboratory. Planning a day in Amsterdam? Click here for more museums in Amsterdam that you really need to visit.

Photo: NEMO Science Museum

Discover the history of the Dutch army

You can discover the history of the Dutch army at the National Military Museum, located in the wooded area of Soesterberg. Get to know the people behind the armed forces and the personal stories of special Dutch soldiers. Did you know that this museum is located on the former Soesterberg air base? Tanks, planes and uniforms can be viewed up close, with the famous F-16 and the unique Lockheed F-104 Starfighter as highlights! Special activities and exhibitions have been designed for young visitors. For example, children can dress up as a soldier, go on a treasure hunt or participate in workshops where they learn more about the science behind flying and tank technology. A nice museum for young and old.

Photo: National Military Museum

Back in time at the preHistoric Village

Located in the green surroundings of Genneper Park, there is a museum that takes you on a journey back in time. When you enter the preHistoric Village you literally enter a different world. There are even actors walking around in period costumes, taking on the roles of craftsmen, warriors and everyday villagers. Children are encouraged to take part in activities such as archery or prehistoric fire-making. Discover how our ancestors lived and survived in a world without modern technology. North Brabant has many more nice museums! Click here and discover 15x museums in North Brabant.

Photo: preHistoric Village

Celebrate the May holidays with Bastion Hotels

Plenty of fun activities for a day out during the spring. Maybe a little too many fun activities... so turn your day away into a night away, and you can do that with our Spring Deal with competitive discounts! With the Spring Deal you benefit from up to 20% discount on 1, 2 or 3 nights in one of our 34 hotels in the Netherlands.

• 1, 2 or 3 nights for 1 or 2 people
• Valid for stays between April 26 and May 12, 2024
• Free cancellation until 12:00 on the day of arrival

More information? Then click here.