Spin up excitement at the 10 best theme parks in and near Amsterdam By Julia Jansen
In the bustling city streets of Amsterdam, there are theme parks that offer a mix of relaxation and fun activities for all ages, including spots for picnics and exciting attractions.
They have fairy-tale themes, water activities, and small historical displays, making them enjoyable and interesting places to visit.
That’s why we’ve made it easy by listing the best theme parks in and near Amsterdam, each offering exciting and vibrant activities to make your day trip unforgettable.
1. Efteling
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Website: https://www.efteling.com
Location: Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel
Contact: +31416537777
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Efteling is about an hour away from Amsterdam. It’s a fun place with a charming atmosphere and an exciting setting that captivates visitors of all ages.
You can experience their adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, like the Baron 1898. It’s a popular ride for dive coasters and dramatic drops. The other one is a looping roller coaster called Joris en de Draak.
Aside from rides, it also offers live shows and beautiful gardens. The seasonal event, known as Winter Efteling, is a magical experience featuring festive decorations and vibrant seasonal treats that enhance the park’s charm.
Ticket prices for Efteling vary depending on season and age group. For adults aged 12 and above, the cost is approximately €45 to €50. Meanwhile, for children aged between 3 and 11 years old, the price ranges from €40 to €45, and those under 4 are admitted free of charge.
Pro Tip:
To explore the entire theme park while experiencing popular rides without waiting in long lines, you can download the Efteling app. It allows you to reserve a slot for popular rides.
2. Walibi Holland
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Website: https://www.walibi.nl/nl
Location: Spijkweg 30, 8256 RJ Biddinghuizen
Contact: +31321329999
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Walibi Holland is about 1.5 hours away from Amsterdam. It offers popular rides like Goliath, one of the tallest and fastest. For a unique twist and turn experience, the Lost Gravity ride is ideal.
There are gentle rides in the play areas for young visitors to enjoy. During Halloween, you can experience spooky vibes with their “Walibi Fright Nights” event that offers scary adventures through their haunted house with special twists.
Ticket prices range between €35 and €40 for adults aged 12 and above. Children aged 3 to 11 years are around €30 to €35, and those under 3 can enter for free.
Pro Tip:
Visiting Walibi Holland is ideal during weekdays or off-season to enjoy a more immersive and relaxed experience in the park, avoid long queues, and maximise enjoyment.
3. Duinrell
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Website: https://www.duinrell.nl/
Location: Duinrell 1, 2242 JP Wassenaar
Contact: +31705155255
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Duinrell is located in Wassenaar, about 45 to 50 minutes from Amsterdam. It’s known for its indoor water park, called Tikibad. It’s where you can enjoy various water activities, including water slides, pools, and lazy rivers.
Their family-friendly roller coasters include the Falcon, a fast and smooth ride. Meanwhile, the Dragonfly is known for its gentle twists and turns.
They also offer “Duinrell Nights,” which are summer events featuring extended opening hours. For planning an extended stay, they offer holiday accommodation.
Ticket prices vary by age group. For those 12 years and older, the ticket price is approximately €30 to €35. For children aged 3 to 11, admission costs €25 to €30, while those under 3 can enter for free.
Pro Tip:
For a fun-filled experience with Tikibad and water rides, consider renting a locker to ensure your belongings are safe.
4. Madurodam
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Website: https://www.madurodam.nl/nl
Location: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ Den Haag
Contact: +31704162400
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: €
Madurodam theme park is an immersive miniature park. It takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to travel from Amsterdam. It’s the place where you can explore and discover stories about the Netherlands in one place.
This park features detailed miniature models of various Dutch landmarks, cities, and historical sites, creating an immersive and charming experience for visitors.
It’s a place that combines entertainment and education, as this park also features Dutch history, culture, and innovations that can be shared with both kids and adults.
Adult ticket prices range from €18 to €20, while children aged 4 to 12 pay between €14 and €16. Children under 4 years old can enter for free.
Pro Tip:
For a more immersive and realistic exploration, use the Madurodam app for augmented reality. It brings miniatures to life with fun facts and animations, adding a magical touch to the experience.
5. Toverland
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Website: https://www.toverland.com/
Location: Toverlaan 2, 5975 MR Sevenum
Contact: +31774677050
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Toverland theme park offers a variety of activities, including both indoor and outdoor attractions, ranging from thrilling rides to engaging activities for kids.
For thrill seekers, their multi-launch roller coaster has intense speed, which is “Taron.” Meanwhile, “Fenix” is the wing roller coaster that drops and turns you at high speed.
They also have fun water rides that are great for cooling off on warm days, and that is the Djengu River. While in the indoor area, visitors can enjoy the Magic Forest and Land van Toos, which feature playgrounds and various rides.
The Toverland experience is worth every penny. The ticket prices for adults range from €35 to €40.
Pro Tip:
Arriving at Toverland later in the day means shorter wait times for popular rides, such as Taron and Fenix. You also get to enjoy the park’s magical evening atmosphere as the light comes on.
6. Julianatoren
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Website:https://www.julianatoren.nl
Location: Amersfoortseweg 35, 7313 AC Apeldoorn
Contact: +31553553265
Hours: Monday to Sunday (except Thursday): 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Thursday: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Julianatoren is a popular theme park for families, especially for kids up to 12 years old. It’s approximately 90 kilometres with a travel time of around an hour from Amsterdam.
The theme park features 60 attractions, including gentle rides and interactive activities suitable for kids.
One of the daily shows in the parks stars Jul. It’s the park’s friendly monkey mascot, who entertains families with music and dance. They can also enjoy a charming mini Ferris wheel that is both safe and fun.
Julianatoren also features themed zones, such as the Pirate Cove and Fairy-Tale Forest. These themed zones offer immersive experiences that spark children’s imaginations.
Pro Tip:
Book your ticket in advance to save money and skip the ticket lines. This makes your visit smoother and more enjoyable.
7. Avonturenpark Hellendoorn
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Website: http://www.avonturenpark.nl/
Location: Luttenbergerweg 22, 7447 PB Hellendoorn
Contact: +31548234123
Hours: Monday to Sunday (except Wednesday): 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Pricing: €€
This theme park is located in the city centre of Amsterdam. It offers thrilling attractions and rides suitable for all ages, including various ropes course activities.
Their ticket price starts around €22 for children and 27 for adults, but it can be discounted when you visit the park for families or corporate gathering activities.
They offer ziplines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses. One of its unique features is the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by groups, as well as team-building exercises for families.
Pro Tip:
It’s better to wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, as most activities in Avonturenpark Hellendoorn require agility and grip.
8. Sprookjeswonderland
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Website: http://www.sprookjeswonderland.nl/
Location: Kooizandweg 9, 1601 LK Enkhuizen
Contact: +31228317853
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Sprookjeswonderland is a delightful fairy-tale theme amusement park that can be reached in 1 hour from Amsterdam. It’s suitable for families and young visitors to experience the classic fairy tale come to life.
The park offers an experience with beautifully crafted characters, including Cinderella, Snow White, and Hansel and Gretel. Aside from that, you can also enjoy gentle rides like a miniature carousel, trains, and even boat rides.
Their ticket prices are approximately €18 for children and €20 for adults, with discounts available for online purchases.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to catch and experience the storytelling session before the crowds start to build, making your experience more intimate and magical.
9. Mind Mystery
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Website: http://mindmystery.nl/
Location: Tienrayseweg 10c, 5961 NL Horst
Contact: +31772086088
Hours: Monday to Sunday (except Wednesday): 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: €€
The Mind Mystery is about a 45-minute drive away from Amsterdam. The park offers both thrilling puzzles and mysteries that can be experienced.
It features various attractions, including themed escape rooms where visitors work together to find clues and unlock secrets within a set time limit. It challenges logical thinking, pattern recognition, and teamwork.
The other is an interactive mystery trail where visitors navigate a series of riddles and challenges throughout the park, encouraging critical thinking and observational skills in participants.
To experience challenging and logical activities, tickets are available for €28 for children and €32 for adults.
Pro Tip:
Book your ticket online in advance to unlock a €2 weekday discount, enjoy an immersive Mind Mystery experience, and guarantee your entry, especially during peak times.
10. Adventure Farm Molenwaard
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Website: http://www.avonturenboerderij.nl/
Location: Wilgenweg 3, 2964 AM Groot-Ammers
Contact: +31184784111
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Adventure Farm Molenwaard offers a distinctive blend of outdoor fun, educational activities, and gentle rides for children and families.
The park is interactive, allowing children to experience feeding and interacting with farm animals, including goats, rabbits, and ponies. The park also features tractor rides, a large playground, and other activities, such as pumpkin picking and hayrides.
It also offers pedal boats mini maze that creates an engaging experience for all ages.
Pro Tip:
Visit the park during their seasonal event, such as the pumpkin festival held in October, to enjoy special activities and workshops that are not available on regular days or throughout the year.