8 days in Duirnell too long with a 5 year old?

[luckycat888]

This would be our first time visiting and we want to relax but we don’t want to be bored.

I went years ago with my dc then aged about 9 and 5. We were there for a week and they loved it, plenty to do on site and we went to Amsterdam. And a couple of other places by train/bus.

There are lots of options for day trips nearby, including a large sandy beach.

The water park and theme park are easily four days worth of fun! Cycle rides along the dunes are a must, if you can, trip to Amsterdam or The Hague always lovely! Local beaches are amazing and the local village and area is worth a wander round. You’ll have plenty to do it’s perfect for a 5 year old!

We’ve been twice for five days. You can hire bikes and ride into the dunes on the coast. The little town of Vassemer (Duinrell is on the edge) is so lovely for a mooch, great supermarket and fresh bakeries. We’ve also spend the day in Leiden, great museums and my kids loved the biodiversity one! So you could do all the park stuff for a few days and then base yourself there for trips out and about.

I would say not as there is loads you can do in the area - over 8 days I would get out a few of the days but the park itself has a fair bit on. We used to try and go out for a few hours most days and come back for an hour or two in the park.

If you use it as base - good for public transport - there is loads to do. The beach is great too.

You’re very close to Madurodam - looks like a 20min drive if you have a car, doable on public transport if not. It’s brilliant - I went as a child and have taken my kids twice in recent years, everyone loves it and DS who is now 11 still asks if we’re ever going back!

I'd say that would be a bit long if you only stayed in the park.
We didn't really explore the local area when we went as we'd been in Amsterdam for a few days before so were happy to just chill. I think we were only there for 4 nights anyway.
My kids loved hiring a pedal go cart and pedalling around, plus using the playground in the evenings.

I was disappointed after how much everyone on here lives it. It's in a great place with loads to do within easy distance by public transport which will keep you busy for a week. The park itself has way too many pitches too close together, tired bathrooms and poor food choices.

Yes, Madurodam is brilliant!

We stayed at Duinrell last year and also did:

museum of the human body near Leiden - amazing…you literally take a walk through the human body!

Leiden is very pretty, we preferred it to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam easily accessible and plenty to do and see. Boat trip, Ripley’s museum etc.

Gouda. Go on the cheese market day, it is something else! Make sure you get there for opening as they have a traditional opening ceremony and you can see how they barter. We also did the Gouda experience which included a fun tasting at the end!

Wassemar has some lovely restaurants and ice cream shops.

Thank you all for your advice and tips!