The ul­ti­ma­te gui­de for dis­co­vering Ut­recht with kids

Utrecht is the perfect destination for a family getaway. The city is packed with activities for children of all ages, as well as parents. Whether you are travelling with a baby, toddler or teenager, Utrecht has something for everyone. Embrace the moment, explore at your own pace and create unforgettable memories together.

Day 1

09:32 am— Arrive at Utrecht Central Station

Every adventure starts with good coffee. Just a short walk from the station, you will find Lucas, where you can enjoy excellent coffee, tea and homemade treats. You can also pop by De Koekfabriek, a city bakery known for its delicious cookies. Another great option is Restaurant Jozef, which offers freshly roasted coffee and a playroom with games for the kids. (Tip: their lunch, drinks and dinner menus are equally good!)

10:57 am — Soak up some culture

A visit to the Miffy Museum is an absolute must for families with young children. The world’s most beloved bunny truly comes to life in the interactive play areas. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance.

The Museum District has plenty more family-friendly museums to explore. The Railway Museum, which features an amazing playground, is a paradise for young train enthusiasts. Museum Speelklok offers one of the most musical days out in the Netherlands: kids can make music and join in a thrilling escape game. Curious kids — and their parents — will love the University Museum and its beautiful gardens, the Oude Hortus.

13:10 pm — Lunchtime

Utrecht is brimming with surprising, family-friendly lunch spots. Buurten has four locations across the city (Oost, De Fabriek, De Gaard and De Bieb) and offers kids’ menus, play corners and delicious food and drinks. At De Moestuin, a cosy organic lunch café, you will find a playground, petting zoo and a shop. Or head to Camping Ganspoort, a laid-back waterside spot with fun games and tasty dishes.

If you are looking for something homely, try Mevrouw Peer. It has an intimate living room feel and is right next to Playground de Pan, a fenced-in play area with its own entrance. For just €1, kids can play to their heart’s content.

But there’s more! Urban pancake house ANNA serves fluffy pancakes along with fresh salads, hearty sandwiches and excellent coffee. On the outskirts of Utrecht, Fort de Gagel offers a delicious lunch menu in a unique historic setting, while kids can enjoy a treasure hunt. Right next door, Steck garden centre features a garden café, playground, food forest and pick-your-own farm.

14:49 pm — Ready, steady, action!

After lunch, it’s time for some action. Urban farm Griftsteede, Otter-Beverpark and Noordsepark are fantastic spots for kids to play and explore, while Kloostertuin Ondiep is a hidden green oasis in the city, lovingly maintained by local residents. A little further out, kids can blow off steam at De Bosspeeltuin nature playground.

Looking for more of a challenge? Pick up a treasure hunt for just €1 at the Tourist Information Centre on Domplein. Or try Escape the City, an interactive scavenger hunt in the centre of Utrecht. And at the Jeu de Boules Bar, the entire family can enjoy a fun and active game of boules.

16:38 pm — Time for drinks

On the enclosed terrace at De Rechtbank, you can relax with a well-deserved drink while the kids play. At Smoesjes, discover local and organic bites, including many child-friendly options. And at Café Tilt!, there is a packed games cupboard and an extensive drinks menu — something for everyone.

18:01 pm — Dinner time

Hygge is a bright, spacious restaurant with a children’s corner full of toys, books and craft supplies. Bij Guusjes offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere all day long and a crowd-pleasing dinner menu to boot. At LE:EN, the entire family can sample a variety of Asian dishes, while Landhuis in de Stad lets you relax in a tranquil, green setting. And at De Kleine Baron, you can enjoy tasty, no-fuss food and drinks thanks to the small menu and special children’s menu.

19:47 pm — A good night’s sleep

Utrecht offers plenty of family-friendly accommodation options. Hotel Moxy has family rooms and the added bonus of a late check-out (noon). Right in the heart of Utrecht, you will find the Eye Hotel, a family favourite with spacious rooms and suites in a beautifully restored historic building. Mother Goose is a boutique hotel with family rooms and a fascinating past — it used to be a city castle and then a squat. Or stay at beautiful The Anthony Hotel, a former monastery.

Day 2

09:16 am — Breakfast

Start your day with a generous breakfast buffet at your hotel, or why not explore one of the many breakfast spots in the city? From 9.00 am, you can head to Elize and De Ontdekking to kick off your second day in Utrecht in style. On charming Twijnstraat, you will find KEEK, serving delicious sweet and savoury breakfasts. Petit café Rabarber is another great choice where you can’t go wrong.

10:38 am — Out and about

How about a trip to the theatre? Both Theater Kikker and Kindertheater De Toverknol have fantastic performances for kids all year round — make sure you book your tickets in advance. If you are up for some quiet time with a good book, head to Neude Library. This beautiful library, set in a former post office from 1924, is a must visit. You can join a free guided tour and relax in one of its two lovely cafés (Meneer Potter and NODA). Prefer a bit of shopping? As well as Hoog Catharijne shopping mall, there are plenty of charming boutiques, concept stores and vintage or second-hand shops scattered throughout the city.

13:11 pm — Last lunch

Why not wrap up your visit with a leisurely lunch? Close to Utrecht Central Station, Tijm, Restaurant Broei and Graaf Floris are all excellent choices. Tijm offers an all-day breakfast and brunch menu, Broei serves 100% plant-based dishes and Graaf Floris combines a nostalgic vibe with hearty lunch options. Just make sure you don’t miss your train — and head home with wonderful memories. See you soon!