How to Have the Perfect Day at Keukenhof with Kids
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Charletta & Mommy enjoying the beautiful weather & gardens of Keukenhof
If you’re looking for information on visiting Keukenhof this year, I’ve got you covered! We visited Keukenhof in Lisse, The Netherlands. This world famous Flower Park dates back to the 1500s starting as a fruit and vegetable garden. Once Keukenhof Castle was built, landscape architects came in and designed the basis of what is now Keukenhof Gardens.
Today, Keukenhof is home to over seven million blooming flowers and allows visitors from all over the world to experience living catalogs from over 100 companies and 500 flower growers. If you're visiting The Netherlands in the spring, Keukenhof and the surrounding gardens must be on your list.
While traveling to Amsterdam in the Spring, head over to Lisse for the perfect day at Keukenhof with kids!
Table of Contents - Click any link below to skip to that topic!
When Does Keukenhof Open
This year, 2024, Keukenhof is open daily from 08:00 – 19:30 from 21 March – 12 May.
The park itself is open from 0800-1930 Monday through Sunday during those dates. (Seven days a week)
Where to Stay Near Keukenhof
The best place to stay when visiting Keukenhof is in Amsterdam. I say this because there are many more choices than in Lisse. We chose to stay at the Ibis Schipol Amsterdam Airport because of it’s proximity to the airport and the Keukenhof Shuttle. However, where ever you decide to stay, you’ll be happy you visited Keukenhof.
Use the map below to find a hotel or accommodation that fits your family’s budget and size.
How to Get to Keukenhof Gardens
We were almost the last people to board the shuttle from the airport to Keukenhof, so it was standing room only. We made sure we got seats for the ride home!
Our entire trip to The Netherlands was based around a trip to Keukenhof, so we decided to stay near Amsterdam's Schipol Airport. Our hotel, Ibis Schipol Amsterdam Airport VERY budget-friendly and they offer a free airport shuttle. We knew we wanted to be at Keukenhof early to beat the crowds, so we planned on catching the very first shuttle from the Airport to Keukenhof.
Our original plan -
We ended up getting a bit of a later start and catching the 0814 shuttle from the Airport to Keukenhof. The bus was packed, but we did not have to wait in any lines at the airport to get on the shuttle nor did we have to wait in any queues to get into the gardens. The shuttle takes about 35 minutes.
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How to Purchase Tickets for Keukenhof
Purchasing Tickets:
We were able to eaily purchase our "Combi Tickets" (tickets + round trip bus fare) at the airport kiosk. You can purchase the tickets online as well, but we didn't want to have to print anything. If you go later in the day, you will wait in long queues to purchase tickets, long queues to get on the shuttle and a queue to enter the gardens.
How much do tickets to Keukenhof cost?
Adults: € 19,50 (ticket office € 23.00)
Children ages 4-14: € 9,00 (3 and under are FREE)
Parking: € 8,00
people pouring into the gardens from the entrance
How to Beat the Crowds at Keukenof
First and foremost, the gardens get PACKED with people. Do everything you can to arrive at the gardens as soon as the park opens or on the first shuttle. We arrived about an hour after opening and were able to get some great photos, but about an hour after we arrived, the park was slammed with visitors.
If you’re looking for amazing photos at Keukenhof with few to no people in them, I suggest getting there before it opens (possibly driving) and being in the first group to get into the park.
What to Do at Keukenhof Gardens
The little Nomads in front of the Windmill
How do I know where to go in Keukenhof Gardens?
As you enter the gardens, you will be able to get a free map of the campus. We decided we wanted to bee line for the windmill and then make our way through the flowers. We were able to stop, take our time and get some photos before the throngs of people arrived.
Are there Playgrounds in Keukenhof Gardens?
There is a very nice playground right in the center of Keukenhof. At the playground there is a concession stand, so you can enjoy a waffle while the kids play. Another option for kids is the Hedge Maze and the Petting Zoo!
If you want a more educational game for children, Keukenhof offers a scavenger hunt. This teaches you about the gardens and makes it a fun adventure!
Not only is there a playground inside of keukenhof, but we found this playground on the bike trail
Is there food In Keukenhof Gardens?
There are several places to stop for food and refreshments. You'll find everything from hotdog stands to poffertjes stands (tiny Dutch pancakes) to Italian and Asian restaurants. Their new restaurant is called Jacoba’s Kitchen. We grabbed a couple sandwiches to-go and had a mini picnic just before we rented bikes.
Can you take a boat tour through Keukenhof?
Yes! They offer a Whisper Boat tour open to all ages. In this tour, you’ll enjoy the views of Keukenhof gardens from the comfort of an electrically powered whisper boat. The tour is approximately 60 minutes and your professional guide will explain all about the gardens history, inspiration and facts about the park! Book a Whisper Boat Tour here!
Can you take a guided tour of Keukenhof?
YES! They offer 60 minute guided tours. A professional tour guide takes you through the highlights of Keukenhof. You will get information about the history, theme, planting techniques, information about the mill, flower show and even how the gardeners were inspired for certain gardens! The tour comes in many languages. BOOK A TOUR HERE!
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We had coffee and Waffles while the kids played on the playground
The Petting Zoo had chicken, sheep, a peacock & goats!
How to Rent a Bike at Keukenhof
Renting and riding bikes around the Tulip fields is a MUST. Do not skip this part. Honestly, I would suggest renting bikes and going for a ride OVER going into Keukenhof Gardens. It was one of the highlights of our entire 21-day European trip.
Originally I was a bit confused about renting bikes at Keukenhof. I was under the impression you could bike around the gardens, but you can not. Keukenhof allows strollers, but not bicycles.
These kids are HEAVYYYY, but the views are incredible.
The kids getting some snacks on a pit stop during our bike ride
HOWEVER, there is a Rent-A-Bike Van Dam kiosk in the parking lot. You do not have to reserve bikes in advance, but if you're wanting specific types of bikes or kid accommodations, then it is suggested. Book in advance HERE. We rented bikes at the last minute and were able to get a 2 seater kid wagon and 4 adult bikes with no problems. (but we did get the LAST wagon)
COST to Rent Bikes at Keukenhof 2024: (For a 3 hour rental)
One adult bike: € 11,00
One Cargo Bike: € 25,00
Child Bike Seat (attached to bike): € 3,00
Adult Bike + Kid Car: € 25,00
All of us at a pit stop during our self-guided bike tour of Lisse
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Additional Tips for Visitng Keukenhof
We bought some food, but we also brought lunch for the kids -- PB&J with Fruit!
Get there as early as possible
Wear Sunscreen
Wear comfortable clothes/shoes
Book your bike rental in advance
If you're sticking to a budget, pack a lunch and have a picnic in the gardens
Check a map before going and figure out where you want to go first
Bring a stroller (the gardens are HUGE & the bike rental kiosk will store your stroller while you ride)
Ask the workers at the entrance to stamp your hand when you leave the gardens; this gives you the ability to re-enter for free if you want after your bike ride
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We stayed 2 nights and 1.5 days in Amsterdam. I wish we could have stayed longer. The Dutch countryside is some of the most gorgeous landscapes I have ever seen. Not to mention the friendly locals, easy public transportation and delicious food. If it isn't on your list yet, be sure to add Amsterdam, Lisse & Keukenhof to the top.
