Family guide to Easter in the Amsterdam Area

Experience Easter among the flowers

It’s hard to talk about this time of year without starting at the Keukenhof Gardens. Head to the picturesque village of Lisse, where you’ll be rewarded with the magnificence of the self-proclaimed “world’s most beautiful spring garden”.  And it’s hard to disagree with that label. Children can meet goats and sheep at the petting zoo, whilst the Miffy playground and hedge maze are excellent opportunities for little ones to burn off steam. An informative scavenger hunt will lead families to the most beautiful spots dotted around the park.

Check out our top reasons to visit Keukenhof in Spring 2024. 

Keukenhof | 21 March - 12 May 2024, 08:00 - 19:30

Join in the family festival

Celebrate Easter together with the whole family at the Ruigoord artist village, just outside Haarlem, where the weekend programme is loaded up with theatre, music and costume activities. So wear your best Easter outfit and make sure you are there at 1:00 PM so you don't miss Easter lunch. Tip: bring extra marshmallows to roast around the firepit.

Ruigoord Family Easter Festival | March 31 and April 1 2024, 13:00 – 17:00

Head out on a sightseeing adventure

Zaanse Schans is a beautiful residential area that has been kept in the style of the 18th and 19th centuries. Here, you’ll find a bakery museum, a warehouse where clogs are made, a cheese factory, a pewter foundry and an array of windmills, wooden houses, mills, barns and workshops.  It’s beautiful in spring, with lambs skipping in the fields of the Kalverpolder and the windmills turning in the spring breeze.    

Feast at a brunch buffet

Enjoy a fabulous Easter brunch at the Olmenhorst Orchard amongst the pink apple and pear blossoms. On both days, the generous and highly reasonable Easter brunch buffet includes mountains of freshly baked loaves, organic jams and cheeses, salads, fish, meat and piles of desserts and pancakes. Book early to ensure you don’t miss out. For the children, there is a special buffet with pancakes and a chocolate gift.

Easter Brunch | March 31 and April 1 2024 | De Olmenhorst Estate

Bike to the beach

If the weather is bright and you’re looking for some fresh air, there’s simply nothing better than a good bike ride. Instead of hanging around town, why not make a day of it and head off to the beaches at Zandvoort and IJmuiden aan Zee? Take a picnic and spend a leisurely day on the paved cycle paths in the wind-sheltered dunes with a chance to spot rabbits, deer and cows, or make your way along the boulevard and stop off at one of the many fabulous cafés and pavilions. 

Spend the day with animals

Easter comes early this year and therefore the holidays coincide with the lambing days at the StadsHoeve farm in Old Holland. Pet the frolicking animals in the stable and buy drinks and treats to enjoy on the picnic benches from the stable kitchen. The little ones can enjoy a treasure hunt through the meadow where you might already see the cows. If the weather permits, they will also go outside for the first time after winter.

Lambing Days | 31 March, 1 & 7 April, 11:00 - 15:00 | Boerderij de StadsHoeve

Sail to a historic fortress

At Forteiland Pampus, Easter madness will be in full swing. Search for hundreds of eggs spread across the island – hidden chocolate eggs waiting to be discovered, and the best free-range chicken eggs transformed into a beautiful Easter brunch, which can be enjoyed on the fabulous terrace or indoors in the cosy pavilion (booking essential!). After brunch, guests can enjoy a tour of the fortress or experience a virtual reality tour from the seat of a hot air balloon. 

Easter on Pampus | March 31 and April 1 2024 | Fort Pampus

Be part of the fairytale

The magnificent Medieval castle, Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot, is getting in on the Easter action, too. Take part in a nature treasure hunt: looking for the eggs of the birds around the castle. Discover all kinds of things about the different plants and animals in the gardens. And don't forget to participate in the creative Easter workshop in the walk-in studio!

Easter at Muiderslot | March 31 and April 1 2024 | Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot