Zoom through the polders with the wind in your hair, look for beaver tracks in the Biesbosch, or roll up your sleeves during a creative chocolate workshop. You can even take a journey through the universe and end the day with the city’s most delicious poffertjes. Take the plunge and let yourself be surprised by everything Dordrecht has in store for you and the kids. This is going to be a spring you’ll never forget!
Explore Dordrecht on your skates
Skating with your hair blowing in the wind along the quintessentially Dutch polders—with only the sound of your skates to accompany you—is the perfect way to explore Dordrecht. For kids who love speed and action, a special 5-kilometer skating route has been marked out. This route is indicated by blue signs on lampposts and traffic signs. It takes you right through the city and past the most beautiful outdoor spots.
The 5 km route is ideal for children and beginner skaters. Start at the skatepark under the Burg, glide across Energieplein with its small bumps, and take a break at Halmaheiraplein, where a small skatepark invites you to practice tricks. The route takes you along quiet streets and bike paths—perfect for practicing balance and coordination in a playful way while enjoying the open space and the view of the polder. Put on your pads and let’s go!
An Adventure at the Biesbosch Center
Spring is in the air, and that means the Biesbosch is coming back to life! Starting on Easter weekend, April 3 through 6, the recreational season officially kicks off at the Biesbosch Center in Dordrecht. For young explorers, there’s more to do than ever: from exploring nature to getting out on the water. Sitting still isn’t an option!
New this year is the Adventure Beaver Tour. As they glide silently along in a boat, children learn to recognize tracks and discover where the clever beavers have made their homes. “You’ll learn to really look: has a beaver been here? You can tell right away from the gnawed trees and tracks in the mud,” says José from the Biesbosch Center enthusiastically.
It’s not just busy on the water—there’s plenty going on in the air, too. Kids can go on a scavenger hunt for hidden birdhouses and learn all about the birds building their spring homes. Prefer to stay on dry land? Conquer the climbing wall, be amazed by the puppet show, or solve a mystery in the Einstein Escape Room surrounded by nature. If you’d like, you can rent an electric boat or canoe, join an Early Bird Tour, or take a boat trip with the forest ranger. In short: the Biesbosch is at its most beautiful in the spring. Put on your boots and experience it for yourself! For the full program and all activities, visit biesboschcentrumdordrecht.nl.
Build your own dream home at Olala Chocola
A rainy afternoon doesn’t have to be boring at all. At Olala Chocola, kids can build their own 3D chocolate house during a unique children’s party. It’s an outing that’s both educational and creative. The workshop begins with a short and fun story about the world of chocolate. What exactly is it, and how is it made? Then it’s time to get down to business. The kids get to pour, spread, and smooth the chocolate themselves, so they know exactly how their raw material is made!
“The kids are especially excited about the huge amount of chocolate they get, which they can then use to build their very own dream house,” says Gerrald, owner of Olala Chocola Dordrecht. With several large slabs of chocolate in front of them, the young builders have more than enough material to let their imaginations run wild. In about an hour and a half, they build their house step by step using melted chocolate from a piping bag as “glue.” There’s no set template, and anything goes—from a sleek villa to a decorated dream home. Everyone is guaranteed to go home with a smile and an impressive creation. Reservations can be made easily through the website, where you can immediately see which days are still available.
Explore the universe at the Mercurius Observatory
At the Mercurius Observatory in Dordrecht, space really comes to life. The observatory is run entirely by enthusiastic volunteers who use their knowledge and stories to take everyone on a journey of discovery. During themed evenings, children learn all about rockets, planets, and the solar system. They get a short presentation, get to look through the telescope, and explore the planetarium. During the day, you can even look at the sun through the telescope, so a visit isn’t just fun in the evening!
Starting in May, there will also be special children’s workshops on Sunday afternoons. Here, the kids will build and launch their own rockets, combined with a creative activity in the museum. This is also the perfect place for a unique birthday party or customized programs for, for example, gifted children. For a regular visit, you can simply drop by on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but for the themed evenings and workshops, you’ll need to make a reservation through the website. A visit to the Mercurius Observatory sparks curiosity, helps children see further than ever before, and makes science both fun and exciting!
Feast at Pim’s Poffertjes and Pancake House
Want to take the kids out for the day and then enjoy a cozy meal together? At Pim’s Poffertjes & Pannekoekenhuis, you’ll step into a world of warmth and friendliness. The aroma of freshly baked pancakes and melting butter greets you the moment you walk in. In this cozy restaurant, the whole family can enjoy freshly baked pancakes and warm poffertjes in a relaxed atmosphere where young and old alike feel right at home.
As soon as you walk in, the little ones will immediately notice something special: a cheerful little train chugs along the restaurant walls. The selection is huge: paper-thin crepes or poffertjes topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream—everything is prepared with love. The menu features all the classics, and they’ve also catered to special requests: from vegan to gluten- and lactose-free pancakes. For true foodies, they also use real Belgian chocolate.
This is the perfect spot for kids’ parties. The birthday child is put in the spotlight with a decorated table and even gets to decorate their own ice cream with candies and whipped cream in the kitchen! As soon as the sun comes out, it’s also wonderful to relax on the cozy patio behind the shop. Whether you have something to celebrate or are just looking for a tasty break during a stroll through the city, you’ll pull up a chair with a smile at Pim’s Poffertjes & Pannekoekenhuis!
Get the Dordrecht Kids Card!
Tip: Discover the best outings for kids in Dordrecht with the Kidskaart. From playing and soaking up culture to adventures in the Biesbosch, there’s always something to do. For more info, visit indordrecht.nl/kids.
