In this country, there is no sure guarantee to clear skies and sunny weather. We won’t argue that jumping in puddles can be a lot of fun, but there are times when you, or your little ones just want to stay in-doors. To be prepared for the colder, rainy days, we have listed a few ideas for you to do in Haarlem. Please read more about them below.
We all know that though they can be a great escape, hitting the indoor playgrounds (such as Monkeytown Haarlem) can also be a bit overwhelming. We found five great alternatives for those days when you don’t feel like entering a children’s’ zoo 😉
Kweekcafé, Kleverparkbuurt
Searching for gnomes, visiting the animals, climbing and playing on the grass, there is enough to entertain the kids. And when it rains, you can simply shield at the café!
Address: Kleverlaan 9, Haarlem
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 09:00-17:00, Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat and Sun 09:30-18:00. Closed on Tuesdays.
Website: haarlemmerkweektuin.nl
Bibliotheek Haarlem Centre / Coffee-star
Libraries are always worth a visit, particularly on a rainy day. Add a cup of coffee from Coffee-star and you are all set! Reading books doesn’t just stimulate a child’s imagination and curiosity, but it also provides a great way to wind down and take a minute to relax.
Address: Gasthuisstraat 32, Haarlem
Opening hours: Mon 10:00-20:00, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00-18:00, Thu 10:00-20:00, Sun 12:00-16:00
Website: bibliotheekzuidkennemerland.nl
ABC Architectuurcentrum, Centre
Not only do kids get to build (by using more than 60.000 LEGO bricks) but they get acquainted in a fun way with the significant architecture in Haarlem and surroundings. Are you able to recognize de Koepel, de Adriaan, de Sint-Bavokerk and het Spaarne?
Address: Groot Heiligland 47, Haarlem
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 12:00-17:00, Sun 13:00-17:00
Website: architectuurhaarlem.nl
Meneer Paprika, Centre
The launch of our book Mugjes took place right here at Meneer Paprika. Need we say more? Whether you are looking for a last minute gift, or looking for a place where kids can play with trains or blocks while enjoying yummy snacks from the kids menu, this place has got it all!
Address: Koningstraat 19-21, Haarlem
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-18:00, Sat 09:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-17:00
Website: meneerpaprika.nl
Archeologisch Museum, Centre
A scavenger hunt while learning all about the history and curious finds in Haarlem. All completely free of charge for kids and adults alike! Do you have a future archeologist in the making? This museum is definitely worth a visit on a rainy (or sunny) day.
Address: Grote Markt 18k, Haarlem
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 13:00-17:00
Website: archeologischmuseumhaarlem.nl
Opting to stay home and looking for some DIY ideas? Do you want to know how you can put all those piles of leaves to good use? Or how to build an obstacle course, check out our Pinterest page or download our free DIYs!
Text & pictures by: Nicoline van Slingelandt en Eva Cameron-Bakker
Editing & translation by: Fatima Fazli-Vermeulen
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for even more child friendly tips or buy the book MUGJES (in Dutch), with over 100 locations, tips by locals and fun activities in Haarlem (and surroundings) for kids aged 0 to 7.
