Culture & Exploration in Delft: Family Friendly Recommendations

As a smaller city, Delft allows families to relax a bit (though you’ll still have to keep your toddlers from jumping into a canal!). If you have time for only one activity in Delft, don't miss the Royal Delft Museum. However, some of our family's fondest memories in Delft were spent simply relaxing with drinks and snacks at the Beestenmarkt.

Sight-Seeing and Activities

Royal Delft Museum: The Royal Delft Museum is a memorable experience for adults and kids alike. Learn about the history of Delft-ware, watch master painters in action and take a walk through the factory floor. End your visit with tea or hot chocolate at the café (all served on Delft-ware, of course!). The museum shop offers a wide selection of Delft-ware. A perfect place to pick out a souvenir you will treasure for years to come.

Vermeer Centrum Delft: Learn about the life and work of Delft’s most famous artist. More than a typical art museum, the Vermeer Centrum provides a chance to learn about Vermeer’s technique and methods and offers unique insight into Delft as Vermeer knew it.

Nieuwe Kerk: Kids will love the sense of accomplishment that comes from climbing the spiral staircase all the way to the highest part of the tower. This is a great activity to do on your first day in Delft as the views will help you get the lay of the land. (Note: kids must be 6 years or older to climb the tower.)

BuytenDelft Waterspeeltuin: This large water playground is a great option for kids who need a break from typical sight-seeing and adults who want a peek into local life. The park features a stream and lots of sand to dig around in. The zipline over the water was a highlight for our kids! Make sure you bring swimsuits or a change of clothes. There is a café at the entrance where you can purchase drinks and snacks.

Rent Bikes: Riding bikes in the Netherlands is always a good idea! It’s a great way to explore the countryside and see things you might miss on foot or by transit. Most bike rental shops are happy to provide advice on the best bike routes. If you’re renting a bike with an attached kid seat, I recommend getting an e-bike to extend your energy!

Shopping

Henri Willig Kaas: Located directly on the Markt (Delft’s central square), Henri Willig offers a wide range of gouda cheese, from aged to specialty flavors. Kids will enjoy having a free taste and are sure to be impressed by the huge, colorful wheels of cheese. Henri Willig offers shipping if you want to take some home. (Or purchase some to enjoy during your stay!)

Van der Burgh Chocolaad: The aroma of chocolate wafts through the air even before stepping inside the shop: need I say more? A great spot to purchase a sweet ending for your next picnic or gifts for friends and family back home.

Dille and Kamille: A beautiful home goods store (mostly kitchen supplies and décor) with great prices. They also have a cute children’s section. In addition to Dille and Kamille, there are a number of unique clothing and home goods boutiques in this area (Burgwal and Brabantse Turfmarkt).

De Candelaer: When production was at its peak, Delft was home to hundreds of factories producing Delft Blue. Although lesser known than Royal Delft, De Candelaer is one of the few remaining producers of authentic Delft-ware (and at a slightly lower price point than Royal Delft). There’s a good chance you’ll get a peek at one of their artists at work. Beware of some other shops on the Markt that sell unauthentic Delft-ware. The real stuff can be identified by its markings, which include the year code and the painter’s initials.

Day trips

Delft is centrally located about halfway between Rotterdam and the Hague, and it takes just 15 minutes by train to visit either.

Rotterdam: Rotterdam’s ultra-modern architecture is quite the contrast to Delft. Older kids might enjoy an architecture walking tour to take in some of Rotterdam’s most famous buildings. Harbor cruises offer a different perspective of the City along with views of the port (one of Europe’s largest). Don’t miss lunch at the Markthal, with its gravity-defying design and 90+ food vendors to choose from.

The Hague: As the home of the Netherlands’ Royal Family and an important governmental center, the Hague is a great history and culture-focused day trip. Visit the Binnenhof and the Peace Palace or continue on through the Hague to the adjacent beach resort towns of Scheveningen and Kijkduin for the beach time. Younger kids are sure to enjoy Madurodam, a theme park with miniature displays of the country’s most famous sites.

Breakfast & Lunch

Brasserie1653: Enjoy lunch served on Delft-ware at the Royal Delft Museum’s café. The café serves lighter lunch options, such as sandwiches and salads. The daily high tea would be a perfect option for a “fancy” experience with elementary-age kids.

Market Day (Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.): Each Thursday, the Markt is filled with vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses and many tasty prepared foods. Spend the morning trying out small portions of traditional Dutch fare (think frites, gouda, herring and stroopwafel) or stock up for a picnic.

Knus: You’d be hard pressed to find a restaurant more family-friendly than Knus. It features a large outdoor seating area with a playground in the center. While the kids play, adults can enjoy standard Dutch-fare and a picturesque lake view. There’s also paddle boat rental from the adjacent dock. (Open into late afternoon, but closed for dinner.)

Anne and Max: Conveniently located near the train station, this is a good spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. Offerings include coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads. I’m guilty of ordering the smoothie bowl multiple days in a row. They have a kids’ corner with a small table and toys.

Dinner & Drinks

De Beestenmarkt: This square’s name originates from its former use as Delft’s livestock market. Now it’s full of restaurants with outdoor seating on the square. It’s a lovely spot to spend a couple of hours people watching and enjoying drinks. There are many restaurant options here, but we enjoyed Bar Sil, due to its proximity to the sandbox (kids play, adults relax: the perfect combo!).

Het Konings Huys: Located right on the Markt, this is another great people watching spot. They have an excellent gin and tonic menu.

De Kurk: Delicious dinner food in a greenhouse-like dining room. They have a decent selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

The Harvest: A good dinner spot if you’re craving something lighter. They offer a variety of specialty grain bowls or you can “build your own” (a great option for pickier eaters).

Bij Harry: A great option if you looking for a something a bit higher end (but still with a kids menu!).