Efteling is a magical theme park resort in the Netherlands. It is one of the best things to do with kids in the Netherlands, and a place where magic and wonders really do come to life.
Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Then read on for everything you need to know about visiting Efteling with kids. We visited just for the day, and are already planning a to return for another visit. If you are heading to the Netherlands with kids, then you should DEFINITELY consider adding Efteling to your itinerary. Read on for our honest Efteling review.
Ad – This article contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission. We were provided with press tickets to visit Efteling during our Netherlands family trip in Augut 2026, however all thoughts and opinions are our own.
The Magic of Efteling
Efteling Theme Park is a magical Theme Park in the Netherlands. The park opened it’s doors in May 1952.
Efteling is often called the ‘Keeper of fairytales’ with the Fairytale Forest the heart of the Efteling Theme Park. The park is deeply rooted in European myths, legends, folklore, and fairy tales by authors like Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. The park features a wide variety of attractions, from family-friendly dark rides like Symbolica and Droomvlucht to major roller coasters like Baron 1898 and Python. It is a highly immersive theme park, and a place where the magic really does comes to life.
Efteling address;
Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
There is plenty of parking available. Parking for motor vehicles costs €15.00 per day and you can purhcase your car parking ticket online or at the park.
Efteling is only one hour and 15 minutes from Amsterdam, and around one hour 30 from our Eurocamp parc Camping De Twee Bruggen.
Efteling Theme Park – What’s the best age for kids to visit Efteling?
The question I was probably asked the most over on Instagram- Was Efteling suitable for teenagers? Based on our experience, I would say Efteling is an awesome place and suitable for all ages, including the big kids (AKA the adults!!) Our children were 9, 12 and 15 at the time of our visit, and it can be difficult to accommodate all of the ages when we head out on our day trips. But honestly there is plenty to entertain the teenagers and tweens here. With rides including Baron 1898, Danse Macabre, De Vliegende Hollander and Joris en de Draak there are plenty of thrills for the teenagers!
Efteling Height Requirements
This is something that we loved about the park; the height restrictions were mostly 120cm and this meant even our youngest adventurer could go on the majority of the rides. We have well and truly introduced him to the joy of theme park rides.
Top tip – If you add your height to the map on the Efteling website it will give you all the information you need regarding the rides and the height requirements.
Rides such a Python, Vogel Rok, De Vliegende Hollander and Danse Macabre all have a minimum height of 120 cm where as Baron 1898 has a minimum height of 132cm (and solo minimum age is 9)
When is the best time of year to visit Efteling?
We visited Netherlands in August 2026 and it was over 30°C on the day we visited Efteling. The Summer months bring longer opening hours, warmer weather, and of course the late-night shows like Aquanura. The Winter months bring a wonderful magical atmosphere with twinkling lights, bonfires, and seasonal treats. Efteling is open all year round and therefore its always a good time to visit!
Where to eat at Efteling?
We travelled over for a day at Efteling and there is a huge selection of places to grab food and drink at Efteling. Whether you are looking for fast food take away, or delicious dinner at a restaurant, there is omething for everyone.
We were also pleasantly surprised that there were plenty of vegetarian offers to choose from too. There were so many amazing deserts and sweet treats to choose from and we can highly recommend stopping for a covered donut and a slice of rainbow cake!
What to Wear at Efteling
Wear comfortable clothing, with good comfortable walking shoes and layers. We arrived at 10 am and at the time it was dry and cool, but but midday it was 30 degrees and very warm. Wear clothes that dry easily so that if you get wet, you are not uncomfortable. IF you are heading to Efteling during the Summer months, pack suncream, a hat and sunglasses as some of the queues are out in the open sun.
Efteling tips – things to think about before you go
If you are visiting Efteling then prepare for your visit by visiting Efteling webite online before your trip.
My first tip and an absolute must…. Download the official Efteling app before the day. This gives you a handy map and will provide all the information about where to eat, what to see, show times, and live queue times.
Book your Efteling tickets in advance for the better discounts.
Arrival early to beat the main crowds. We arrived shortly after the the gates open but it definitely became busier in the afternoon.
Skip the front rides and head straight to the back. We headed straight fo Joris en de Draak and the queues were minimal early in the morning.
Consider staying on site. It is true what they say, one day is not enough, and there loads of rides we didnt get the chance to do. If (or should we say when) we return we would definitely stay on site. Plus the Efteling Park is open half an hour earlier for the guests of the Efteling Grand Hotel, the Efteling Wonder Hotel, Holiday Village Efteling Bosrijk and Holiday Village Efteling Loonsche Land.
Check the height restrictions for the major rides before you go so there are no disappointed people in your party if they don’t meet the height requirements.
Why we LOVED Efteling Theme Park
Efteling theme park is just absolute magic. It is a wonderful family friendly theme park in the Netherlands and is suitable for kids of all ages.
Compared to other theme parks Efteling is affordable. Food inside the park we felt was generally reasonably priced and you can also bring your own food and drink with you. The queues were relatively short. It took us less than ten minutes to get through the security into the park and even when we visited in the height of Summer, queues were around 30-40 minutes for the popular rides. We used the app to guide a route around the park, and for the virtual queues too. It was really hot during the day, but there were plenty of shaded areas around the park.
One day is definitely not enough and we loved the rides ….the immersive dark rides…. the forest walks… and the magic. We walked miles, and wished we could stay longer and do it all over again. We all absolutely loved our day, and left already planning our return.
We would highly recommend a visit to Efteling if you are travelling to the Netherlands. So there you have our Efteling review for travelling with kids of all ages and honestly, we LOVED it!
For more information and to book your tickets (you wont be disappointed!)
Ad – This article contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission. We were provided with press tickets to visit Efteling during our Netherlands family trip in Augut 2026, however all thoughts and opinions are our own.