Why Gouda is the perfect day trip destination for families

Gouda is world-famous for its cheese, but did you know this historic city is also full of surprises for families? From interactive museums and city treasure hunts to cozy parks and tasty treats: Gouda is the place where you experience it all up close. Curious what your perfect day in Gouda could look like? Read on!

City treasure hunt for kids

Start your adventure with an active city walk designed especially for children. Armed with an activity booklet, young detectives set off through the historic center of Gouda. Along the way, they’ll discover special buildings, hidden symbols, and funny details that adults often overlook.

The route is suitable for children aged around 6 and up and takes about 1.5 hours. You can pick up the booklet at the tourist office (VVV) on the Markt or order it online in advance. This fun treasure hunt is a great way to explore the city in a playful way while learning about Gouda’s rich history.

Living history at Museum Gouda

Museum Gouda offers an interactive journey through time, specially tailored for families. Children up to 17 years old enjoy free admission, making it a great value family outing.

Kids aged 8 and up can grab a tablet and explore the museum with the help of “Mara.” Historical objects come to life, fun challenges await, and they even get to build their own mini-museum. Complete all the tasks and head to the front desk for a surprise! So put your best foot forward, because there’s a great experience and maybe even a prize waiting for you.

Discover cheese with all your senses at the Gouda Cheese Experience

No visit to Gouda is complete without a trip to the Gouda Cheese Experience. This modern attraction is a treat for young and old alike. Travel from the farm to the cheese warehouse, learn how real Gouda cheese is made, and of course enjoy a taste!

Children can enjoy interactive games, treasure hunts, scent stations, and fun photo ops with life-sized cheese wheels. They can touch, smell, guess and most importantly, have fun! The experience is all about immersion, because the world of cheese isn’t just something you explain, you have to live it!

Bonus tip: Get a combi ticket with the Syrup Waffle Factory for double the fun. You’ll also see how the famous Gouda syrup waffles are made, and taste them fresh from the oven!

Play, run, and relax in Houtmansplantsoen park

After all those impressions, it’s time to relax. Houtmansplantsoen, within walking distance of the city center, is a lovely green park with a playground, open spaces to run, and a petting zoo (open in spring and summer).

In the summer months, there are often children’s performances and free concerts at the open-air theater. The park is a perfect spot for a picnic or a peaceful break. While the kids play, you can enjoy a coffee on a bench under the trees.

Sweet treats at the Syrup Waffle Factory and on the terrace

No family day in Gouda is complete without a sweet treat! Treat the family to a freshly baked syrup waffle at Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle Factory or grab an ice cream from one of the city’s local parlors.

Many restaurants in Gouda are child-friendly and offer a special kids’ menu. In nice weather, it’s extra enjoyable to sit on a terrace on the Markt, overlooking the stunning city hall. Sounds like the perfect ending to a successful day in Gouda, doesn’t it?

Visiting in summer? Don’t miss the cheese market!

From April through August, every Thursday you can visit the traditional Gouda cheese market. Cheese porters in historic outfits, farmers and traders making deals with handclaps and the scent of cheese everywhere: kids will be amazed. Combine your visit with the kids’ treasure hunt or the Cheese Experience for a truly cheese-filled day out!

Make your family outing an experience to remember

Gouda isn’t just for cheese lovers, but also a treat for explorers, curious kids, foodies, and budding historians. With a wide range of educational and fun activities, Gouda is the ultimate destination for a memorable family day out. See you soon in Gouda?