Eindhoven has quite some fun places to visit for adults. (I would invite you to read my article about cheap and free fun activities in Eindhoven.) But how about the little ones? What would be nice to do for kids or families? Let me give you some suggestions in this blog. First of all, I’ll make a distinction between activities just for kids or activities for the whole family. The activities that are just for kids can often be in Dutch. Don’t let that hold you back because kids are flexible and they often manage just fine through the common language of smiles and laughter.
Fun for kids in Eindhoven
DIY Workshops at Praxis
Praxis at Hurksestraat has a lovely builders place (‘Maakplaats’) for kids where they offer workshops. You have to enroll them beforehand and they can build their own birdhouse for example. Check in store for upcoming activities. You find the workshop place right next to the cash registers. Not all Praxis stores have this, so far I’ve only seen it at the Hurksestraat.
Ages: about 7 till 14
Address: Hurksestraat 27, Eindhoven
Kids activities at the Heempark
A lovely hidden park in Eindhoven is the ‘Heempark’. They offer different kids activities, like finding gnomes (activity is called ‘kabouteren’). These activities are often only in the school holidays of kids here in The Netherlands, like now the summer holiday and start again in the fall holiday. Check their Facebook to be updated. The acitivities are in general free but they appreciate a donation. Would also totally recommend to visit this park without any activities, beautiful place!
Ages: kids up till 7 with their parents (!)
Address: Genneperweg 145, Eindhoven
De Splinter
This huge playground offers quite some challenging adventures kids. It’s free from Monday to Saturday for individuals/families. Bigger groups (like organized schooltrips) pay a fee. On Sundays and national holidays, you have to pay 1,50 per person (2018). De Splinter has regular activities besides the playground equipment, building area, mini pool, pirate island and petting zoo. Activities include chess, building robots, computeractivities, crafts, etc. Keep an eye on the activitiy calender on their website (use Google translate) and be up-to-date on what they have going on.
Ages: about 2 till 12
Address: Rode Kruislaan 2, Eindhoven
Defensie Brandstore (temporary)
This promotion center of the Dutch Ministry of Defence is here not only to recruit new employees. It also has a huge floor full of interesting stuff for kids to get familiar with the military. For example a ‘storm track’ where they can practice to train like a soldier, a photobooth to take cool pictures with official uniforms, an escape room, tents, hack and cyber challenge etc. There are many people from the military hosting to tell you more about their jobs. The Defensie Brandstore is open from Wednesday till Sunday (11:00- 18:00) until October 7th 2018.
Ages: 5 till 14
Address: Vrijstraat 11, Eindhoven
De Jonge Onderzoekers Eindhoven (DJOE)
DJOE is a lab for kids where they can experiment and learn in all kind of technical fields (e.g. informatics, chemistry, media, working with wood, 3d printing, etc.). This is a place where kids have to be members, but they can try it out two times for free before they become members. Open Thursdays (16:00-21:00), Fridays (16:30-22:00) and Saturdays (13:00-17:00).
Ages: 10 till 18
Address: Frederiklaan 163, Eindhoven
Makersclubs (also in English!)
This initiative from De Bibliotheek Eindhoven and De Techniekbieb is all about making things. From a website to a lamp, you can do it here. Kids get familiar with working with technical tools like saws, soldering irons, arduinos, programming, etc. Kids need to subscribe and there are limited spots. It costs 2,50 per child per time.
Ages: 7 till 12
Address: Vrijstraat 11, Eindhoven (they share the building ‘Warehouse of Innovation’ where also the Defensie Brandstore is!)
Kinderkunstclub (Children’s Art Club)
This Children’s Art Club at Van Abbemuseum is fun for your little artist! Bonus: your walls stay clean. Themes differ each session. Reserving a spot is recommended as maximum 20 kids can join and the Art Club costs 6 euros per child. Every Saturday from 14:00 till 16:00 (except the third Saturday of the month, then there’s the family art club).
Ages: 6 till 12
Address: Bilderdijklaan 10, Eindhoven
Fun for families in Eindhoven
Mission Eureka
Mission Eureka is a scavenger hunt in the Philips Museum. A nice activity for the whole family, especially on a rainy day since it’s indoors. You have to solve challenges and learn a lot about different Philips inventions that changed society. For example you learn how LED light works and what the effect of X-rays is. Kids under 12 need an adult to help them discover. The game takes about an hour and is available in Dutch, English, French and Spanish! Closed on Mondays, except holidays. You pay the entry fee for the museum and the games costs 5 euro per iPad, max. 4 persons per iPad.
Ages: 8 till 88
Address: Emmasingel 31, Eindhoven
Genneper Hoeve
Learn about food and animals here at the Genneper Hoeve farm. You can see, hear and smell J the animals, buy local food and grab a drink to enjoy on the terrace. A nice place to visit as a family and buy some fresh local goodies. They also offer cheap organized birthday parties for kids!
Ages: 2 till 88
Address: Tongelreeppad 1, Eindhoven
Paviljoen Genneper Parken
This place has a lovely place to chill with the family when it’s sunny: a terrace, midget golf, trampolines and small playground. You can play a family round of midget golf and then the parents can enjoy a coffee or lunch at the terrace while the kids enjoy themselves at the trampolines or playground. The pavilion itself has free entrance, as well as the playground and trampolines. If you want to play midget golf you rent the stick and balls at the restaurant. Closed on Mondays.
Ages: 3 till 88
Address: Antoon Coolenlaan 2a, Eindhoven
Prehistorisch Dorp (Eindhoven Museum)
Go back in time in Het Prehistorisch Dorp. Learn about the people from 6 historical eras up until the middle ages, how life was back then and admire the remains they collected here. They also have regular themed activities. Closed on Mondays, except holidays.
Ages: 6 till 88
Address: Boutenslaan 161B, Eindhoven
Philips van Lenneppark
In my opinion the best and most versatile park for a family day of park fun in Eindhoven. The Philips van Lenneppark has a petting zoo, tennis court (public), playground, cafe, basketball court, skate objects and enough grass to picknick on. Enjoy! 🙂
Ages: any
Address: enter from many sides but Oude Vensedijk is handy for parking.