When you think of things to do with your kids in Haarlem, you might not think of locations with the best views. Kids barely a feet tall tend to love to see things from above. So why not take them on a sightseeing trip? And the fun part is, the best views surrounding Haarlem don’t require steep steps or long climbs. Below we have listed our 9 best finds of beautiful towers, bridges, hills and rooftop summer houses! We guarantee the most stunning views that both you and your little one will be sure to enjoy.
Het kopje van Bloemendaal
On top of a 43 meter tall dune you can find the look-out post called ‘het kopje van Bloemendaal’. Accessible by bike or by car.
De DAKKAS
A hotspot restaurant inside a greenhouse located on top of a parking garage! Found right in the center of Haarlem, it really doesn’t get any better than this. With breathtaking views of the Grote Markt and Sint Bavokerk. Easily accessible by bus or just park your car underneath in the parking garage and take the elevator to the 6th floor. Be sure to be mesmerized.
Address: parking garage de Kamp, De Witstraat 1A, Haarlem
Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Sun 09:00-23:00 and Thu, Fri, Sat 09:00-24:00
dedakkas.nl
Big Spotters Hill
Not commonly known, between the Molenplas and the Haarlemmermeerse Bos in Vijfhuizen, there is an area called De Groene Weelde. This is the perfect place for toddlers and kindergartners to roam around on their steps or bikes. The Big Spotters Hill is a hill with a big steal square and the absolute perfect view.
Address: Paviljoenlaan 1, Cruquius (parking)
Hudson’s Bay
Some of you might remember the old V&D building in the center of Haarlem. Currently (still) home to Hudson’s Bay, you are able to take in the view at the top of the building. All behind glass so that you won’t have to share space with that lost seagull flying by.
Address: Grote Houtstraat 70, Haarlem
Opening hours: Mon 11:00-18:00, Tue & Wed 10:00-18:00, Thu 10:00-21:00, Fri & Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 12:00-18:00
hudsonsbay.nl
Speelbos Meermond
This recreational playground is definitely worth a visit for kids 1-4 years of age. We wrote all about it in our blog. But aside from the playground, there is also the view of Cruquius and Heemsteede but you’ll also find a mysterious sundial and a really cool slide to skip the climb down.
Address: Cruquiushaven 21, Heemstede
speelbosmeermond.nl
Look-out located behind Kraantje Lek
Entering from the roadside entrance, to the right of Kraantje Lek (another great gem) is the Rockaertsduinweg (that turns into Visscherspad). Follow these pavements and you’ll automatically reach the look-out overlooking the dunes. Be sure to hop on over to the Blinkert dune and roll yourself on down!
Address Kraantje Lek: Duinlustweg 22, Overveen
Rooftoop summer house at the Leyduin estate
While you’ll probably find it en route biking to Hillegom, it is definitely worth paying a visit with your little prince or princess. The Leyduin estate is a gorgeous place to roam around. And though it might not have the best view, the cute little roof top dome found in the middle of the woods is sure to be a sight to see in itself.
Address: 2e Leijweg 1, Vogelenzang
Schoorlse dunes
So it might not be directly located next to Haarlem, but this is the highest dune in all of the Netherlands! The stairs leading to the top might be a bit too much for the littlest ones but worth to check out anyway.
Your kids are sure to enjoy themselves at the Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen and at Speelbos Zandspoor.
Visiting hours: open daily from 10:00-17:00pm
Address: Oorsprongweg 1, Schoorl (GPS: Heereweg 62, and turn towards Oorsprongweg)
Text: Nicoline van Slingelandt
Translated by: Fatima Fazli-Vermeulen
Pictures: Nicoline van Slingelandt and Frederiek van Waes (look-out behind Kraantje Lek)
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.
