Zaandam in 1 Day for Families - Historic windmills at Zaanse Schans
In Collaboration with Guías & Tours. Updated on January 30, 2026.
Fast-paced, family-friendly half-day from Amsterdam to see windmills, cheese-making, fishing villages and a clog workshop. Designed for families with children (0–12) — short walks, rest breaks and a hands-on cheese demo. Optional 1‑hour canal cruise back in Amsterdam.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Guías & Tours, inspired by the tour Tour to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Historic windmills at Zaanse Schans
- Edam’s old square and canals
- Live cheese-making demo & tasting
- Volendam harbour free time and family-friendly snacks
- Storybook fishing village of Marken
- Optional 1‑hour canal cruise in Amsterdam
Itinerary
Day 1
Meeting and departure from the meeting point in central Amsterdam.
Meeting point — De Ruijterkade 151 (meet at bus stop)
Meet your guide at De Ruijterkade 151 (by Aloha Bowling on the riverside). Arrive at least 10–15 minutes before departure. Guides hold a blue umbrella with the company logo.
Tips from local experts:
- This meeting spot is right on the riverside; there are benches and toilets nearby (handy for last-minute stroller adjustments).
- Bring a small daypack with snacks and a water bottle — the bus will keep larger luggage underneath.
- If you have a stroller, fold it and leave it in the bus luggage hold; guides will help store it safely.
Bus transfer: Amsterdam → Zaanse Schans
Private coach transfer to Zaanse Schans. Relax on the drive and listen to an introduction to the day's highlights from your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Seats are assigned first-come, first-served — sit on the side facing west for best morning light for photos approaching Zaanse Schans.
- Use this short transfer time for a restroom break before arrival — Zaanse Schans facilities can be busy.
- Drivers will store strollers and bulky items under the coach; keep essentials with you for quick access.
Zaanse Schans — windmills & wooden houses (family stroll + photos)
Short guided walk past working windmills and traditional wooden houses. Great spot for kids to see how windmills work and for family photos on the riverbank.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths are mostly level and stroller-friendly along the main ring road — keep to the main walkway to avoid muddy sections after rain.
- Restroom and café options are available near the visitor center; grab a hot chocolate for kids if it’s chilly.
- Let children look inside one of the small workshops (where permitted) — guides can point out the easiest, shortest exhibits for little attention spans.
Transfer: Zaanse Schans → Edam
Short coach ride to Edam. Use this time to hear about the town’s cheese history and what to look for at the Edam square.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep jackets handy — spring breezes near the water can be cool even on sunny days.
- Kids often nap on short transfers; have a small blanket handy for comfort.
- Guide may give a quick map of Edam’s walking route to make the 30-minute visit efficient and relaxed.
Edam — quick stroll around Waagplein & canals
Guided walk through historic Edam: visit Waagplein (the old cheese market square), see canals and 17th-century architecture. Designed as a short, stroller-friendly visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Waagplein is compact and flat — easy with strollers and little legs. Look for benches on the square for snack breaks.
- If your child is sensitive to crowds, move away from the canal edge; the guide will point to quieter photo spots.
- Local bakeries near the square offer child-friendly snacks (sandwiches and apple juice) if you need a quick bite.
Transfer: Edam → Cheese farm & clog workshop (near Volendam)
Short drive to the family-run cheese farm and clog workshop where kids can see cheese-making and wooden shoe crafting up close.
Tips from local experts:
- This transfer is short — use it to layer up/strip down kids depending on spring weather and wind on the water.
- Ask your guide about any allergy-friendly tasting options at the farm before arrival.
- Keep small bills ready for souvenir clogs or a tiny cheese wheel — many kids enjoy choosing a small keepsake.
Cheese farm & clog workshop — live demo + tasting
Guided visit to a local cheese producer: live cheese-making demonstration, tasting of Gouda/Edam, and a short clog-making demo. Hands-on and sensory — perfect for curious kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Children usually love the tasting — ask for small sample portions and bread for little ones.
- The workshop area can be slightly uneven — bring sturdy shoes for toddlers who like to run.
- There are often mini-clogs or sticker activities for children; bring a small bag to carry any damp or crumbly samples.
Transfer: Cheese farm → Volendam harbour (short drive)
Quick transfer into Volendam’s lively harbour area for free time and lunch. The guide will point out child-friendly food vendors.
Tips from local experts:
- There is a short walk from the drop-off to the harbour — bring a stroller with good wheels for cobbles.
- Pick a seat-facing table at the harbour cafés so kids can watch the boats while you eat.
- Ask for takeaway portions if kids are restless — many places will wrap fish bites (kibbeling) for easy eating.
Volendam harbour — lunch & free time
An hour of free time to explore the harbour: try kid-friendly herring alternatives (mild fish snacks, fries), shop for souvenirs, or take family photos on the dike.
Tips from local experts:
- For families: try kibbeling (fried fish bites) or a pancake house for picky eaters — many restaurants have kids’ menus and high chairs.
- Restrooms with baby changing facilities are available near the main harbour; ask the guide for the nearest one.
- Keep an eye on the tide and edge barriers near the boats — children should be supervised on the quay.
Transfer: Volendam → Marken (ferry or short drive)
Short scenic transfer. When weather allows, routes often include a brief ferry crossing — kids tend to enjoy the short boat ride.
Tips from local experts:
- If a short ferry is used, keep life-jacket instructions in mind and hold small children on deck for photos.
- Weather can be changeable in spring — pack a lightweight windbreaker for each child.
- This transfer is a great nap window for little ones; bring a neck pillow or blanket for comfort.
Marken — short walk across the village and harbor
A 30-minute guided stroll through Marken’s wooden houses, fishing harbour and the Protestant church — peaceful and storybook-like for kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Marken’s streets are narrow and mostly level; a compact stroller works best — some areas have wooden boardwalks.
- There are quiet benches near the harbour perfect for a toddler snack break and family photos.
- Bring coins for an ice-cream stop — local vendors often sell simple, child‑friendly treats near the pier.
Return transfer: Marken → Amsterdam (coach)
Relaxing coach ride back to central Amsterdam. Expect arrival between 14:45 and 15:15 depending on traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this final coach transfer to let kids rest — stores closed on the bus make it ideal for a quiet snack or short nap.
- If you booked the optional canal cruise, keep swimwear/extra jacket handy for the evening breeze on the water.
- Drivers usually unload at central drop-off points close to public transport — check with your guide if you need a specific stop for connections.
Optional: 1‑hour Amsterdam canal cruise (audio guide) — recommended for families
If selected, end the day with a relaxing 1‑hour canal cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO canals — settles tired children and offers a new view of the city.
Tips from local experts:
- Boarding is stroller-friendly on most family-focused operators; fold lightweight strollers if required and ask staff for assistance.
- Bring a light jacket — canals can be windy even on sunny spring days; families with babies may prefer indoor seating.
- Choose a mid‑boat seat to avoid splash zones; grab the kids’ audio packs or tell simple canal stories to keep them engaged.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 7 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Neighborhood, Experience, Meal |