13 intriguing things to do in Kinderdijk in 2024

A recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, there are so many things to do in Kinderdijk, a small village in the south of the Netherlands.

If you’re looking for a break from the bustling cities of the Netherlands, Kinderdijk is our top recommendation. Whatever you desire, there are always things to do in Kinderdijk!

Perhaps you’ll cycle beside the water and admire the ingenuity of Dutch water control or take a peek inside a real 17th-century windmill.

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1. Wander around the unmissable UNESCO windmills

Kinderdijk has been a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Why, you ask?

Well, because the windmills at Kinderdijk are some of the most important (and ingenious!) windmills in the Netherlands. 

After the St. Elizabeth flood in 1421, the dikes originally built in the small village were destroyed, and thousands of people drowned. 

READ MORE | Best windmill site in the Netherlands: Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans?

In order to prevent the water from flooding again, the Dutch turned to their trusty invention: windmills. 

Ever since then, Kinderdijk’s windmills have successfully directed the course of the water and kept the land of the village above sea level.

READ MORE | Kinderdijk! That must-visit windmill site in the Netherlands

Out of a disaster rose something beautiful. However, if you do choose to visit, remember that 17 of the 19 windmills are private residences, and no drones are allowed. 🚫

2. Check out the Blokweer Museum Mill

One of the most important things to do in Kinderdijk is to actually look inside the windmills — and Blokweer Mill is one of the two mills in Kinderdijk that remains open to the public.

You can explore inside the mill and take a peek into what life was like in the Netherlands in the 20th century. How? The mill has been built to recreate it! 

READ MORE | 7 great windmills to visit in the Netherlands

Aside from the interesting history of mill life, kids will also love Blokweer for another solid reason; there are goats living by the mill! 🐐 

3. Quench your curiosity in the Nederwaard Museum Mill

The second of the two mills, you can also peek inside. This mill allows an accurate look into what everyday life was like for millers in the 18th century. 

Originally inhabited by the Hoek family as early as 1744, the mill has real items from the millers’ lives, as well as historical photographs. Upstairs, you can even see the old bedroom, in which up to ten children would sleep together. 

4. Rent a bike and enjoy the landscape from the comfort of your saddle

A wonderful way to take in the landscape in Kinderdijk is to rent a bike and cycle the many pathways. 

You can spend a relaxing afternoon with a loved one cycling around the village, admiring the genius of Dutch millers and builders who managed to claim the land by building windmills. 

With a huge selection of different cycling routes, you’re sure to find the path to suit you so you can chat, cycle, and feel like a true Dutchie. 🚵‍♀️

5. Take an inspiring boat tour along two different routes of your choice

Using the same ticket that also grants you entrance to the two mills (and the pumping centre! 😉), you will get a canal tour included in your visit to Kinderdijk.

An opportunity you just can’t pass up, a boat tour around Kinderdijk will allow you to admire the windmills from a very important perspective —  the water. 🌊

READ MORE | Renting a boat in the Netherlands: all you need to know

The tour boats run all day long, and you have your own choice between what routes you would like to take. 

One boat, The Hopper, goes along a fixed route and will take you to the Nederwaard Mill and the Blokweer Mill. 

For the second route, you’ll board The Cruiser, which sails for half an hour along the Lage Boezem of the Overwaard, a section of the river surrounding Kinderdijk. 

Unable to choose? Geen probleem! You can hop onto both of these cruises if you have the time to spare. ⌛

6. Peek inside the Wisboom pumping centre

Got any engineering nerds in need of a bit of excitement? This ancient pumping centre, built in 1868, is one of many wonderful things you can do at Kinderdijk! 

The pumping centre was originally operated by a steam engine, but as modern technology advanced, this engine was replaced by an electrical engine. 

At the pumping centre, thousands of litres of water were pumped through from the polders into the river beyond. 

READ MORE | 17 adventurous things to do in Texel in 2022

Now, you can go inside the centre and have a close-up look into how the engines operated and how the Dutch managed to win the war against water. 

7.  Arrive in style with a waterbus from Rotterdam

What’s the best way to get to Kinderdijk, you ask? 

Well, one way you can get there is to hop on a water bus from Rotterdam. 

Not only that, it will give you a story to tell your friends at home but also some great views! 

READ MORE | 21 epic day trips from Rotterdam: the ultimate guide

Travelling by waterbus not your style? You can also get the bus from Dordrecht and travel with ease on the bus to Kinderdijk.

Got a bike? You can bring it along with you and save yourself the cost of renting a bike once you get there!

8. Check out the floating exhibition at Kinderdijk

Right in front of the Blokweer Mill is the floating exhibition at Kinderdijk. This exhibition is hosted on a barge called ‘Everything has a time.’ The barge has been restored and is now a part of the World Heritage Site. 

On the barge, you can learn more about the St. Elizabeth flood, and get some insight into the kind of challenges that climate change will bring to polders such as those in Kinderdijk. 

READ MORE | 18 charming things to do in Haarlem

9. Bring your good shoes and take a hike

At Café de Klok, you can take part in an organised group hike. The cafe offers a breakfast deal followed by a hike, or, if you’re a late riser, you can opt for an afternoon start! 🚶‍♀️

There are hiking trails winding their way around the village, so whatever your energy level, you’re sure to find a trail to enjoy when you’re in Kinderdijk!

READ MORE | 7 breathtaking places to hike in the Netherlands this winter

Take part in a group tour, or, if you’re the more silent type, take a hike by yourself and let your thoughts wander away…

10. Hop across the water and grab dinner 

While there are many things to do in Kinderdijk, for dinner you’ll have to hop on over to Ridderkerk, a nearby town. 

There, you can have your pick between many different restaurants, though perhaps you could grab yourself some tasty seafood dishes, or even try a few different cheeses and eat like a true Dutchman!

11. Bring a picnic and eat with a spectacular windmill backdrop

If you’re looking to cut down on expenses (we all are during this cost-of-living crisis), one of the cheaper things you can do in Kinderdijk is bring your own picnic and eat while you watch the marvellous sight of the windmills operating. 

Like true Dutchies, pack your own krentenbol for the day, and eat for cheap once you arrive. Then, simply hop on the waterbus home, and make sure you take lots of pictures to show your ever-eager friends. 

12. Do some bird watching

As Kinderdijk is a protected World Heritage Site, not only will you be able to see centuries-old windmills, but you will also spot some very rare birds. 

Inside the bird theatre (the Vogeltheater), you will be guided through the different species of birds (and other protected animals!). Keep your binoculars and camera close because you might just catch sight of something awe-inspiring!

13.  Pop into a café for a coffee and a wonderful view 

To us, there seems no better way to enjoy the view of the majestic Dutch countryside than by grabbing a steaming hot latté and a plate of poffertjes while you visit the windmills. 

What could be a better thing to do in Kinderdijk than relaxing with your loved ones as you recount the day (and ponder all the iconic history you’ve learnt!)

Kinderdijk is an iconic village in the Netherlands, just packed full of history, intrigue and many things to do. 

Will you be heading to Kinderdijk soon? Let us know your plans in the comments below! 👇