Dordrecht with kids

A puzzle trail through the old town

The old town is one big playground full of secret gateways, gable stones and harbours. With our city escape tour The Runaway Sheep, a walk becomes an exciting hunt: you solve puzzles on your phone at 12 stops, from the Visbrug to the Voorstraat.

• New: Kids City Escape, created by a 10-year-old from Dordrecht. 9 questions, approx. 1.3 km and only € 5. The proceeds go to a children’s charity. A bit older? Then choose the Family version, for children aged about 7 and up.
• About 2.8 km, no time limit and as many breaks as you like.
• Prefer just to walk? Then follow our free Dordrecht walking route.

Museums made for exploring

Het Hof van Nederland

On the spot where the First Free States Assembly was held in 1572, children discover the history of Dordt with a kids’ tour and a puzzle trail full of secret doors. Hof 6

Huis Van Gijn

Step inside the home of collector Simon van Gijn, as if the family has just popped out. With the activity sheet, children go on a search through the rooms. Nieuwe Haven 29-30

Dordrechts Museum

An art museum with a family trail: find the birds hidden in the collection, each with its own challenge. Museumstraat 40

National Education Museum

What was it like to go to school in the old days? Squeeze into an old school desk and try writing with a dip pen. Burgemeester de Raadtsingel 97

High above the city

The tower of the Grote Kerk has no spire, but it does have a fantastic view. You can climb it from 1 April to 31 October. From the top you can see the rivers, the harbours and the rooftops of the old town. Lange Geldersekade 2

Into the Biesbosch

On the edge of the city lies De Biesbosch National Park. Your starting point is the Biesboschcentrum Dordrecht at Baanhoekweg 53, and admission there is free.

• Walk the Beverbos (Beaver Wood): a short route of about 20 minutes, with a replica beaver lodge you can crawl through.
• Explore the creeks yourself in a silent electric boat.
• Climb and zip-line through the trees at Klimbos Dordrecht. Each route has a minimum height requirement.
• The Merwelanden recreation area has a playground and a small beach.

Outdoor play in the city

• Weizigtpark: a playground and the Weizigt sustainability centre with animals and a greenhouse.
• Wantijpark: room to run and play, right by the water.
• Park Merwestein: the oldest city park in Dordt, with a deer enclosure.

When it rains

No problem: almost all the museums above are indoors. If the kids really need to run and climb, head to indoor play centre Lizz4Kidzz at Baanhoekweg 1, which also has bowling and glow-in-the-dark mini golf. More tips under Dordrecht in the rain.

Good to know

• Opening hours and prices change from time to time, so always check the website of the museum or activity.
• In many museums children get in free or at a discount, and a Museumkaart (museum pass) often saves money.
• After an afternoon of puzzling, treat yourself to a real Dordt delicacy. Did you know the frikandel comes from Dordt?
• Staying the night? See where to stay in Dordrecht.