Imagine a place where millions of colorful flowers bloom in perfect harmony, creating a vibrant tapestry of nature’s beauty. This is the Keukenhof Gardens, a floral wonderland which falls perfectly in the “things to do with kids” bucket. This springtime beauty bursts to life from March 21st to May 12th, 2024, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant tulips, cheerful daffodils, and countless other mesmerizing blooms. As a mom seeking a magical adventure for your little ones, Keukenhof Gardens promises an unforgettable experience, weaving together natural beauty, educational discoveries, and cherished family moments.
Getting there
Our enchanting journey began with a comfortable stay at the conveniently located Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam hotel, which offered a seamless shuttle service directly to Schiphol Airport. From there, we embarked on a scenic 35-minute bus ride through the picturesque Dutch countryside, aboard one of the many buses bound for the iconic gardens.
Insider Tip: Aim to arrive at Keukenhof Gardens as early as possible, ideally around 9 AM, to beat the crowds and explore the vast grounds without the hustle and bustle, allowing you and your family to soak in the tranquility and marvel at the floral splendor at your own pace.
To ensure a seamless experience, it’s highly recommended to book your Keukenhof Gardens tickets in advance through their official website (https://tickets.keukenhof.nl/)
Not only will this save you valuable time by avoiding long queues, but you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase combo tickets for additional attractions and enjoy exclusive discounts.
Reaching via Public Transport
Public transportation offers a convenient and comfortable way to reach Keukenhof Gardens swiftly. Simply make your way to one of the departure locations and hop on the Keukenhof Express bus.Planning your trip in advance is made easy with the assistance of the 9292 travel planner, accessible https://9292.nl/en. This tool provides tailored travel advice based on your departure address, ensuring a smooth journey to Keukenhof.
Comboticket Bus
Maximize your convenience and savings with the Combiticket bus, which combines your entrance ticket to Keukenhof with your public transport pass for the day. These tickets are valid for both entry to Keukenhof and transportation to and from the gardens. Departure locations are conveniently situated next to NS train stations, and the bus driver will drop you off directly at the main entrance.
Ticket Prices for Keukenhof Entrance + Bus:
From Amsterdam RAI:
- Adult: €36.50 (includes Keukenhof entrance ticket + Keukenhof Express bus round trip)
- Child (4–17 years old): €17.50 (includes Keukenhof entrance ticket + Keukenhof Express bus round trip)
- Children up to and including age 3: Free
- Bus trip Keukenhof Express round trip (excl. Keukenhof entrance ticket): €17.00
From Haarlem, Schiphol Airport, or Leiden:
- Adult: €31.50 (includes Keukenhof entrance ticket + Keukenhof Express bus round trip)
- Child (4–17 years old): €17.50 (includes Keukenhof entrance ticket + Keukenhof Express bus round trip)
- Children up to and including age 3: Free
- Bus trip Keukenhof Express round trip (excl. Keukenhof entrance ticket): €12.00
With these detailed transportation options and ticketing information, you’re well-equipped to plan your visit to Keukenhof Gardens efficiently, ensuring a memorable and stress-free experience amidst the stunning floral displays.
A Kaleidoscope of Colors
As we walked into Keukenhof Gardens, it was like stepping into a magical world of colors. Everywhere we looked, there were flowers in every shade imaginable — from fiery red tulips to sunny yellow daffodils. It felt like we were walking through a rainbow, and we couldn’t help but be amazed by the beauty all around us.
One of the coolest parts of the gardens was the Beatrix Pavilion. Inside, we found all sorts of exotic flowers, like orchids and anthuriums. They were so pretty, it was like walking through a fairy tale! We also loved the William Alexander Pavilion, which was full of tulips in every color you could imagine. It was like being surrounded by a sea of flowers — we didn’t know where to look first!
Insider Tip: Make sure to check out the Orange Nassau Pavilion. They change the flower displays every week, so you’ll always see something new and exciting!Download the map here for planning well ahead what you want to cover, https://keukenhof.nl/wp-content/uploads/Plattegrond-Keukenhof-2024-950×0-c-default.png
Interactive Experiences
For an immersive and educational experience, consider taking the Keukenhof Gardens Guided Tour (https://keukenhof.nl/en/plan-your-visit/attractions/audio-tour/), which offers insightful commentary and fascinating facts about the gardens’ rich history, horticulture, and the masterminds behind this floral masterpiece.
Fun for the Little Ones
Keukenhof Gardens is a true paradise for kids, with plenty of activities to keep them entertained and engaged throughout your visit. I will share some main highlights which my son truly cherished.
Petting Zoo
My 9-year-old son’s favorite was undoubtedly the delightful petting zoo, where he had the opportunity to interact with friendly farm animals like goats, sheep, and ponies. While children cannot enter the animal enclosures for safety reasons, they can still get up close and personal with these gentle creatures, creating unforgettable memories.
Play Park
The park also features a giant slide, perfect for burning off excess energy and adding an extra dose of excitement to your day. While it can get crowded during peak hours, the thrill of zooming down the slide was well worth the wait for my little adventurer.
Flower Ladies
You’ll spot charming flower ladies dressed in lovely blue attire wandering the gardens, ready to capture special moments with visitors. These delightful characters add a touch of whimsy to your experience, posing for photos and spreading joy with their infectious smiles.
Experience the Dutch Heritage
Immerse yourself in Dutch culture as you encounter men cycling on tall wooden bicycles, a unique sight that harks back to the country’s rich heritage. These towering wooden cycles are a nod to traditional Dutch transportation, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past while delighting visitors of all ages.
Windmill Tour
Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a captivating windmill tour, where you can get up close and personal with these iconic structures. Climb to the top of the windmill for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, offering a unique perspective on the beauty of Keukenhof Gardens and the Dutch countryside.
Souvenir Shops
Explore charming souvenir shops brimming with Dutch pride, featuring an array of unique treasures that capture the essence of Holland. From intricately carved wooden shoes to adorable trinkets and souvenirs, these shops offer the perfect mementos to commemorate your visit to Keukenhof Gardens.
Dining and Exploring
While Keukenhof Gardens offers a variety of tasty options like fries, burgers, and snacks, the prices can be a bit steep. To stay within your budget, consider packing a picnic basket filled with your family’s favorite foods and finding a cozy spot amidst the stunning floral surroundings to enjoy a delightful meal.
For a unique perspective, embark on the 45-minute “whisper boat” tour, which glides along the serene waterways surrounding the gardens, offering breathtaking views of the adjacent bulb fields. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent bicycles near the parking area and explore the colorful surroundings on two wheels, just remember that entering the bulb fields is strictly off-limits to visitors.
Mom’s Top Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes: With vast grounds to cover, ensure your feet stay happy and blister-free by donning a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
- Let the kids play: Encourage your little ones to run, explore, and burn off their energy in the designated play areas, creating lasting memories amidst the vibrant blooms.
- Pack snacks and water: Keep your family fueled and hydrated by bringing their favorite healthy snacks and water bottles.
- Plan for nap time: If your little one still takes naps, pack a lightweight blanket or stroller cover to create a cozy napping spot amidst the beautiful surroundings.
- Bring sunscreen and hats: Protect your family from the sun’s rays by applying sunscreen and wearing hats, especially during peak hours.
- Embrace the adventure: Don’t stress over a perfect day — embrace the moments of wonder, laughter, and exploration that come with exploring a new place with your little ones.
- Create a scavenger hunt: Keep your kids engaged and entertained by creating a fun scavenger hunt, challenging them to spot different colors, shapes, or even specific flower varieties throughout the gardens.
- Take breaks: Remember to take breaks and let your little ones recharge their batteries. Find a quiet spot to sit and soak in the beauty around you.
- Take Your Power Banks: With all the amazing photo opportunities at Keukenhof Gardens, you’ll likely be snapping pictures non-stop. Make sure to bring along your power banks to keep your devices charged up throughout the day. You’ll be so immersed in capturing memories that you won’t even notice when your battery starts to run low!
Priceless Lessons for my son from the Gardens
Appreciation for Nature: Walking amidst the vibrant landscape of Keukenhof Gardens, my son developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the delicate intricacies of flowers.
Resilience of Blooms: Witnessing the resilience of flowers, which endure harsh conditions to bloom into stunning displays, instilled in my son a newfound respect for the natural world and its ability to thrive against all odds.
Admiration for Gardeners: My son gained immense admiration for the dedicated gardeners whose hard work and expertise create the horticultural haven of Keukenhof Gardens. He realized the importance of their meticulous care and attention to detail in cultivating such a vast array of flowers.
Appreciation for Gardening: Through his experience, my son developed a newfound appreciation for the art of gardening and the individuals who make it possible. He learned that gardening is not just a hobby but a labor of love that requires dedication and skill.
Priceless Takeaways: As a mother, witnessing my son’s newfound appreciation for nature and gardening were priceless takeaways from our visit to Keukenhof Gardens. It reinforced the importance of nurturing and preserving the environment, fostering a sense of respect for the natural world and those who work tirelessly to protect it.
Conclusion
Our day at Keukenhof Gardens in 2024 was truly a floral fairy tale, filled with enchanting moments, vibrant colors, and endless opportunities for family bonding. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this horticultural haven is a must-visit destination for families seeking a magical experience amidst the breathtaking blooms of spring. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to create cherished memories at Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands.
Regards,
Gayathri