Why is Gouda the ideal destination for a day out with the kids?
Gouda is known worldwide for its cheese, but did you know that this historic city is also full of surprises for families? From interactive museums to scavenger hunts around town and from cosy parks to sweet and savoury treats - Gouda is the place to experience it all up close. Wondering what your ideal day out in Gouda could look like? Then read on quickly!
Children's treasure hunt through the city
Start your adventure with an active city walk especially for children. With a book of assignments in hand, young sleuths set off through the historic centre of Gouda. Here they will discover unusual buildings, hidden symbols and funny details that adults often overlook.
The route is suitable for children from about 6 years old and takes about 1.5 hours. You can pick up the route booklet at the VVV tourist information office on Markt or order it online in advance. This fun treasure hunt is the ideal way to explore the city in a playful way while learning something about Gouda's rich history.
Museum Gouda is not just any museum: it is an interactive time travel through history, specially tailored to families. Children under 17 have free entry, making it extra attractive for an inexpensive family outing.
From about 8 years old, children can use the tablet to explore the museum. Guided by 'Mara', old objects come to life, the kids solve fun tasks and build their own mini museum. Those who complete all parts will be rewarded with a surprise at the box office. So put your best foot forward and who knows, you might not only have a great experience, but also a nice prize!
Discover cheese with all your senses at the Gouda Cheese Experience
Of course, a day out in Gouda is not complete without a visit to the Gouda Cheese Experience. This modern attraction is a treat for young and old alike. You travel from the farm to the cheese warehouse, discover how real Gouda cheese is made and, of course, get to taste it too!
For children, there are interactive games, treasure hunts, smell stations and fun photo corners with life-size cheese wheels. They can feel, smell, guess and above all... enjoy! The Experience is all about experience. Because we can go on and on about how the process from cow to cheese comes about, but you have to experience the world of cheese!
Extra tip: Book a combined ticket with the Syrup Waffle Factory for double the fun. This way you will also see how the famous Gouda syrup waffles are made and taste them fresh from the oven!
Playing, running and relaxing in Houtmansplantsoen
After all those impressions, it's time to relax. Houtmansplantsoen, at walking distance from the city centre, is a lovely green city park with a playground, space to run around and a petting zoo (open in spring and summer).
During the summer months, there are regular children's performances and free concerts at the open-air theatre. The park is an excellent location for a picnic or to catch your breath. And while the kids play, you enjoy a coffee on a bench under the trees.
Feasting in the syrup waffle factory and on the terrace
Of course, a day in Gouda is not complete without a sweet dessert! Treat the family to a freshly baked syrup waffle at the Kamphuisen Siroopwaffle Factory or an ice cream at one of the ice cream parlours in the city centre.
Many restaurants in Gouda are child-friendly and have a special children's menu. When the weather is nice, it's extra enjoyable on a terrace on the Market Square, overlooking the beautiful Town Hall. Sounds like the perfect end to a successful day out in Gouda, right?
Visiting in the summer? Don't miss the cheese market!
From April to August, there is the traditional Gouda Cheese Market every Thursday. Cheese carriers in historic clothing, farmers and traders clapping hands, and fragrant cheeses everywhere: children will feast their eyes. Combine your visit with the children's route or the Cheese Experience for a truly cheese-filled day out!
Make your family outing an experience to remember
Gouda is not only a city for cheese lovers, but also for explorers, sleuths, gourmands and small historians. With a varied range of educational and fun activities, Gouda is the destination for a successful family outing. Will we see you soon in Gouda?
