12x cheap (and sometimes even free) outings with children
A fun day out doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, many trips cost nothing at all. Check out these 12 low budget or even free outings with kids. Where does the ride go?
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1. Open days
Keep a close eye on the local newspaper (free in your mailbox or check the agenda of such a newspaper on the internet) for open days of companies and institutions. For example, there are regular open days in a bakery, or at the fire brigade, for example. These days are often completely geared towards children or there are special children’s activities.
2. Petting zoo
Cuddling with goats or petting rabbits: always fun. Children’s farms often also have a playground, so if your child is tired of all the animals, he can just hang in the ropes. Need inspiration? Here you will find a handy overview of Dutch children’s farms.
3. Geocaching
All you need: a smartphone with the Geocaching app or a GPS. Together with your child you will look for treasures (so-called geocaches). There are more than 2.8 million geocaches hidden in 180 countries. So the chance that you will find a treasure is very high. How it works exactly? Watch the video below and you’ll be sold immediately.
4. Walking or cycling
Nothing better than a good walk or bike ride through nature. Your child will learn something about all the flower and insect species and you can get some fresh air. If you have a public playground nearby, you can take a break there or cycle past the local snack bar to get an ice cream. Looking for a forest nearby? Then view our article about the most beautiful forests in the Netherlands.
5. Spotting planes
Doesn’t cost you anything (besides petrol or travel costs) and kids love it. Bring binoculars, check Vliegenspotter.nl for the current runways, spotter locations and directions and you are guaranteed a fun day. Bring your own food and drinks to keep it really low budget.
6. Pick flowers
Nothing more fun than being surprised with a beautiful bunch of flowers. Not from the store, but picked by your own child, in a picking garden. You have to be here for the nicest picking gardens in the Netherlands.
7. Afternoon beach
Playing in the sand, flying a kite or getting a breath of fresh air: the beach is always a good idea. Especially with these beach games with kids (for which you don’t have to lug around).
8. Scavenger Hunt
Go into the park or the woods and have a scavenger hunt with your child. With the app ‘Troovie’ you can easily map out a route yourself. The app can be downloaded for free in the App store and Google Play, but for larger quests you have to pay a contribution. Or make the park or forest walk even more fun with these tips.
9. Visit the library
Simple and fun: visit the local library. Many libraries organize activities for children, such as reading afternoons or craft assignments. It costs nothing and your child will also learn something from it.
10. Garden Center
Most children love animals, so a trip to the garden center is always a good idea. They marvel at the hundreds of fish or you can’t beat them away from the guinea pigs and rabbits. During the holidays, a trip to a garden center is of course extra fun, because your child will not get tired of the illuminated houses and dancing dolls.
Read also – Child’s birthday? 7x cheap (or free) children’s parties >
11. Pyramid
If you are near Utrecht, pay an (almost) free visit to the pyramid of Austerlitz. You will find it on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug (where you can go for a lovely walk, by the way) and your child can enjoy themselves in the adjacent playground with all kinds of play equipment. If you want your child to ride the attractions such as the train, the merry-go-round or ride the bumper cars, you will have to pay a small amount.
12. Cheese Farm
A nice outing that costs nothing: a tour of the Simonhoeve cheese farm, near Volendam. The cheese maker shows you how Edam and Gouda cheese are made and explains the difference between old and mature cheese. And of course you can taste it in the store. There are also free guided tours about making clogs.
You can find more discounted trips here.
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