Skip to main content
Image from Koen Smilde

Family and kids in Weesp

Historical Weesp, now officially a part of Amsterdam, is a charming town with canals and forts that takes you right into the heart of Dutch history. Along the river Vecht, you'll find old streets lined with historical buildings, waterside terraces and a vast choice of restaurants and cafés. There's plenty to discover as a family in this picturesque part of the city.

Set sail on De Vuurlinie

People taking a tour sitting on the deck of the Weesp rondvaart
A sunny day at De varende vuurlinie @Weesp
Image from Pauline Arkesteijn

Sailing on De Vuurlinie (The Fire Line) is the perfect way to spend a day on the water as a family. This sloop (boat), with its characteristic Weesp-blue house, can be rented - with an accompanying skipper - to discover the city and the surrounding area from the water. The boat takes its name from the houses in the line of fire of a Weesp fortress – these were built of wood so that they could quickly be burned down if an enemy suddenly appeared and there was an urgent need for a clear view. A sail aboard the Vuurlinie takes you along the historic village of Nederhorst den Berg, around the Weesper mansions, the picture-perfect windmills of Weesp, and Fort Uitermeer.

Explore the historic windmills

Image from Lotte Bergman

What could be more quintessentially Dutch than exploring its windmills? Weesp once had ten windmills, three of which remain today: Molen De Eendragt, Molen 't Haantje, and Molen De Vriendschap. The latter is the only one that can be visited from the inside (free of charge), but the picturesque beauty of the other two makes it worth a walk. These historic monuments offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional Dutch life for the whole family to enjoy.

Feed the cows at De Groene Griffioen

A trip to De Groene Griffioen offers a taste of the countryside for kids and parents alike. This organic dairy farm boasts a cheese factory, farm shop, petting zoo experience and a music studio. A tour is a standard part of your visit, and to experience real organic farm life, the farmer always has a job that your children can offer a helping hand with. This might include feeding and counting cows, sweeping the stable, brushing the calves, turning cheese, hunting for eggs and even ditch fishing. Discover the serenity of country life at this family-friendly escape.

Grab a scoop at Nelis' Ice Cream Parlour

A pitstop at Nelis' Ice Cream Parlor is essential during any visit to Weesp, come rain, hail or shine. Delectable scoops of whipped confection are topped with chocolate sauce and fruits, making these ice cream sundaes perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up.

Escape de Kist at Fort Uitermeer

A couple walking alongside Fortress Uitermeer, part of the Defense of Amsterdam.
Image from Koen Smilde

This old-school escape game dubbed Escape de Kist (Chest) at Fort Uitermeer is an escape room not to be missed. The game is simple: open a chest (closed with six locks) within an hour. Solve puzzles and riddles just like in an escape room, but with the added bonus that history is all around you; ideal as a family outing for six to eight people.

Pick the flowers at Pluk me!

At this lovely picking garden, flowers are grown sustainably: with natural compost, without chemical pesticides and with organically grown plants, flower bulbs, seeds and dahlia tubers. In the sunnier months (usually from early July to late October), you're welcome to come and pick the flowers in bloom for your home. In addition to the blooming gardens, Pluk Me! serves high tea and bites in Marie's adjacent tea barn.

Tastes the jam at De Bleije Boerderij

To take home a taste of the countryside, visit De Bleije Boerderij (formerly Hoogerlust). This charming farm shop offers a selection of fresh and locally sourced delights—from organic farm-reared meats and seasonal fruits to homemade jams, honey and oils. Come autumn, you can even stock up on firewood for those cosy evenings by the fireplace. With produce from the farm and neighbouring growers, it’s the ideal spot to pick up something unique and savour a little piece of local Dutch produce.

Climb and play at Don Bosco

A household name in the area for over 70 years, Playground Don Bosco , run entirely by volunteers, is located right behind Theetuin Noot. Open for children up to 12 years old, Don Bosco offers a safe and inviting space where they can play, learn and socialise. With a recently-opened climbing park for older children also on-site, there's plenty to do for the whole family.