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🇳🇱Arnhem
Arnhem blends WWII history, world-class museums, a top-rated zoo, and beautiful parks into a compact, family-friendly Dutch city that rewards two to three days of exploration.
Your family guide
Arnhem: history, art, and green adventures for your whole family
“Where World War II history, world-class art, and one of the Netherlands' best zoos come together in one compact, walkable city.”
— San & Jo
Arnhem is one of those cities that genuinely surprises you. You might arrive expecting a WWII history lesson, and you will absolutely get that, but you will also find a lush city park perfect for a spontaneous afternoon wander, a zoo that consistently ranks among the best in the Netherlands, and a creative neighbourhood buzzing with design and fashion. For families, that mix is hard to beat.
The city centre is compact and easy to navigate on foot, which is a real win when you are travelling with kids. You can walk from the iconic John Frost Bridge to the water museum in around two hours, stopping for coffee or an ice cream along the way. And when you are ready to stretch your legs further, National Park Veluwezoom and the Kröller-Müller Museum are both just a short drive away.
Most families find that two to three days in Arnhem hits the sweet spot. There is enough here to keep everyone engaged, from toddlers discovering animals at Burgers' Zoo to teens exploring WWII history at the Airborne Museum, without ever feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
GelderlandProvince
April to OctoberBest time to visit
Mid-rangeBudget level
Best things to do
Why we love Arnhem for families
Burgers' Zoo
One of the Netherlands' top-rated zoos, Burgers' Zoo is a genuine highlight for families. The enclosures are large and immersive, giving you the feeling of stepping into real ecosystems rather than looking through bars. Pair your visit with a walk in nearby National Park Veluwezoom for a full day of wildlife and fresh air.
Book tickets online to skip the queue at the entrance
Half day to full day
John Frost Bridge and Airborne Exhibition
The John Frost Bridge is the most famous spot in Arnhem, named after the British commander who led troops here during the 1944 Battle of Arnhem. The free 'Airborne at the Bridge' exhibition tells the story with photos, artefacts, and a stone monument honouring the fallen. The views over the Rhine are beautiful too.
The exhibition is free and open daily, making it a great first stop
45 to 60 minutes
Sonsbeek Park
This lush city-centre park is the kind of place your kids will want to explore for hours. There are hills to climb, forests to wander through, a Belvédère watchtower with views over the city, a beautiful Steile Tuin garden, and sculptures dotted throughout. In summer, markets and festivals bring the park to life.
The Belvédère watchtower is a short uphill walk and the views are worth every step
1 to 2 hours
Nederlands Openluchtmuseum
This open-air museum is one of the most engaging history experiences in the Netherlands for families. Authentic Dutch buildings from across the centuries have been relocated here, and staff in period costume bring daily life from the past to life with demonstrations and activities. Kids who struggle in traditional museums tend to love it here.
Check the programme before you visit as demonstrations change by season
3 to 4 hours
Kröller-Müller Museum
About 20 minutes from Arnhem, this museum houses the world's second-largest Van Gogh collection, with 90 paintings and 180 drawings, alongside works by Picasso. It sits inside a national park with a spectacular sculpture garden. Even kids who are not big museum fans tend to be captivated by the scale of the outdoor sculptures.
Rent bikes at the park entrance and cycle to the museum for a proper Dutch experience
2 to 3 hours
St. Eusebius Church (Eusebiuskerk)
This rebuilt Gothic landmark is one of Arnhem's most recognisable buildings. Inside, you will find a WWII paratrooper memorial and a crypt, but the real draw for kids is the 73-metre glass elevator that takes you up the tower for panoramic views over the city. It is genuinely impressive and a little bit thrilling.
The glass elevator is see-through on all sides, so be prepared for a wow reaction from the kids
45 to 60 minutes
Doorwerth Castle and Airborne Museum Hartenstein
Both of these attractions sit just outside the city centre and are well worth the short trip. Doorwerth Castle is a striking medieval fortress on the Rhine, while the Airborne Museum Hartenstein tells the full story of Operation Market Garden with immersive exhibits that bring the 1944 battle vividly to life.
Combine both in one day with a picnic stop between them
2 to 3 hours each
Rozet Arnhem
Rozet is Arnhem's central cultural hub, combining a library, a heritage museum, and a rooftop Stadspanorama with sweeping views over the city. It is a great spot to duck into on a rainy afternoon, and the rooftop view is one of the best free panoramas in the city.
The rooftop is free to access and a lovely spot for a family photo with the city skyline behind you
1 to 2 hours
Our verdict
How Arnhem scores for families
Kids
Burgers' Zoo, the open-air museum, and Sonsbeek Park give families with children of all ages plenty to get excited about. The city centre is walkable and manageable with a pushchair.
Culture
Between the Kröller-Müller Museum, the Airborne Museum, the Openluchtmuseum, and the Musiskwartier creative district, Arnhem punches well above its weight culturally.
Food
A solid mix of traditional Dutch pancake restaurants, Indonesian cuisine, and local specialities like Arnhemse meisjes. Not a destination food city, but there is plenty to enjoy.
Nature
Sonsbeek Park, Lingezegen Park, and quick access to National Park Veluwezoom make Arnhem a great base for families who love being outdoors.
Budget
The John Frost Bridge exhibition and Sonsbeek Park are free. The zoo and museums add up, but there is a good mix of paid and free experiences to balance your budget.
Planning your visit
How long should you stay in Arnhem?
1
1 day
Quick visit
Hit the John Frost Bridge, walk through Sonsbeek Park, and grab an Arnhemse meisje from Van Asselt bakery. You will get a taste of the city but will need to choose between the zoo and the museums.
sweet spot
2
2 days
Sweet spot
Two days lets you cover Burgers' Zoo, the Openluchtmuseum or Airborne Museum, the John Frost Bridge, and Sonsbeek Park at a relaxed family pace. This is the honest answer for most families.
3
3 days
Deep dive
Three days gives you room to add a day trip to the Kröller-Müller Museum, explore Doorwerth Castle, and cycle through Lingezegen Park without feeling like you are rushing anywhere.
Guides for Arnhem
1 guideFun facts
Things about Arnhem your kids will love to know
Roald Dahl loved Arnhem's biscuits
The Arnhemse meisjes, crunchy sugar biscuits invented by baker Hagdorn in 1829, were so famous that Roald Dahl included them in his Revolting Recipes cookbook. Today, they are only made at one place in the world: Van Asselt bakery in Arnhem.
A bridge too far, literally
The phrase 'a bridge too far' was coined after the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, when Allied forces tried to capture the John Frost Bridge as part of Operation Market Garden. It became one of the most famous military operations in history and inspired a major Hollywood film.
Van Gogh's second home
Just 20 minutes from Arnhem, the Kröller-Müller Museum holds the world's second-largest Van Gogh collection, with 90 paintings and 180 drawings. That is more Van Goghs in one place than almost anywhere else on earth, all sitting quietly inside a national park.
Taste Arnhem
What to eat with your family in Arnhem
Arnhemse meisjes
must tryVan Asselt Bakery
These oval, crunchy biscuits made from yeast dough with a thick sugar crust are Arnhem's most iconic food. They have been made the same way since 1829 and are genuinely unlike anything you will find elsewhere. Pick up a bag at Van Asselt bakery and hand them out as a snack while you explore the city.
Gelderse rookworst
local favouriteLocal markets and traditional eetcafés
This traditional smoked sausage from the Gelderland province has been a regional staple since the 19th century, when farmers smoked pork parts for preservation. Arnhem even hosts an annual national rookworst competition celebrating it. Look for it at local markets and traditional Dutch eateries.
Authentic Indonesian rijsttafel
safe choiceBatavia
The Netherlands has a long history with Indonesian cuisine, and Arnhem is no exception. Batavia serves authentic Indonesian dishes in a relaxed setting. A rijsttafel, a spread of small dishes served with rice, is a fun and sociable meal for families who enjoy trying lots of different flavours.
Dutch pancakes
kids love itTraditional pancake restaurants in the city centre
Dutch pannenkoeken are thinner than American pancakes but thicker than French crepes, and they come with a huge range of toppings from cheese and bacon to apple and syrup. They are a firm favourite with kids and a classic Dutch experience. Several traditional pancake restaurants in Arnhem serve them all day.
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