Extreme Day Trips to Amsterdam — Barbie: The Dream Experience from £98pp

Extreme Day Trips for Kids- Barbie Dream House Experience

This Christmas, gift an experience rather than another toy ! How about a day in Amsterdam at Barbie: The Dream Experience, this is pure magic for little (and big) fans.

With flights from nine UK & Irish airports, and prices from just £76 for flights + Dreamhouse ticket, these extreme day trips are designed to give you the most time in Amsterdam for your day out. I’m obsessed! 

Why go?

Step into life-sized recreations, explore 12 interactive zones, travel through 6 decades of Barbie history, visit the DreamHouse™, take a trip to space, hit the slopes, and finish with a themed treat at the café. It’s a full-on, joyful, photo-ready experience. Plus, you'll have free time in Amsterdam, the ultimate Extreme Day Trip for kids, and the most amazing Christmas gift.

What’s included at the Barbie Experience:

Ticket for Barbie: The Dream Experience 

Access to all 12 interactive zones 

Entry to the Barbie-themed café 

Access to exclusive merchandise at the Barbie Shop 

Use of lockers 

Further Details & Logisitics

Ticket prices for the Barbie Experience: Adults £22.06 (ages 11+), Children £16.76 (3-10yrs)  - use code BUILDABREAK5 for an extra 5% off (you need to download and redeem for via the Get Your Guide App for this discount).

Barbie Experience Location: Meeuwenlaan 88-B, 1021 JK Amsterdam. 

Suggested route from Schiphol Airport: Take the Intercity train to Amsterdam Centraal (around 15 minutes), then Metro 52 (Noordlijn) to Noorderpark — short walk to the venue. 

Things to do in Amsterdam with KIds

The experience lasts around 1.5 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore a little bit of Amsterdam. Here are some low-cost suggestions, which don't need to be scheduled in, leaving you some flexibility.

Dam Square: lively, great for people-watching and street performers, my kids loved it here

Canal strolls & dancing houses: a perfect photo spot without taking up much time. 

Vondelpark: playgrounds and wide open space for kids to run off energy. 

 

Tasty foods to try while you’re in Amsterdam:

Stroopwafels:  best warm from a market stall. 

Poffertjes : mini Dutch pancakes (kid-favourite). 

Frites with mayo: classic street food that’s simple and tasty. 

Duinrell to Amsterdam with kids things to do with kids in Amsterdam Photo of kids by Amsterdam Canal
Is Duinrell Worth it? Our Review of Amsterdam with Kids

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Extreme Day Trip Flights & Booking Links

All totals below use the standard Dream Experience adult ticket price plus an adult airfare. For under 11's the total price will be around £17.50 cheaper than stated due to no Air Passenger Duty on the outbound flight, plus the cheaper Barbie Experience ticket.

For ages 11-16 years, the price should be £12.50 cheaper. The discounted air passenger duty does not apply on the Dublin flights.

Don't forget to use the code BUILDABREAK5 for an extra 5% off tickets when booking via the Get Your Guide App.

 

 

 

 

Is Duinrell Worth it? Our Review of Amsterdam with Kids

As a family of six, over recent years we've become big fans of European Campsite holidays.

Not only are they great value, but they are often near cities, and provide endless entertainment for kids and teens. 

As parents we enjoy sitting out on the deck at night with a wine, knowing the kids are safe, and having a great time too.

Many of the sites are possible to reach without driving, which is a major plus point for us. We live in the north of England and flights are often more cost effective than driving.

all about me a travel blogger on Italy and Calabria

Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and guides.

Is Duinrell Worth It?

If you’re planning a family trip to the Netherlands, you’ve probably come across Duinrell Holiday Park. But one question keeps popping up- is Duinrell worth it? Short answer: yes. But let me show you exactly why.

This guide to Duinrell Holiday Park covers everything you need to know before you go. From the epic indoor and outdoor pools to the onsite theme park and charming local town, here’s my honest Duinrell review. But first we'll start with some practical details.

Is Duinrell Worth it? Our Review of Amsterdam with Kids

Where is Duinrell?

Duinrell is located in Wassenaar, a small town near The Hague in the Netherlands. The site is around a 40 minute drive from Amsterdam.

How to Get to Duinrell

Duinrell by Car

From the UK, you can take the overnight ferry from Harwich or Newcastle to the Hook of Holland.  There are regularly offers from around £69pp and this includes your cabin for the night, and space on board for your car.

From the ferry port, Duinrell is just a 40 minute drive (35km).

Duinrell by Plane

Alternatively for those wishing to visit Duinrell without a car, you can fly to Amsterdam Schiphol airport and then take a taxi, or private transfer to Duinrell.

Duinrell is a 25 min drive from the airport (34km). A bolt taxi will cost you around €88 each way. 

We would recommend taking taxi rather than public transport, especially with luggage. There's quite a few changes via bus and train to reach Duinrell from the airport. 

If you do want to take public transport to the site, then take a train to Leiden, then hop on a short local bus (Bus 43 or 44) that drops you right at Duinrell’s entrance. 

eurocamp duinrell review frog ride at theme park

Duinrell Tikibad Waterpark

One of Duinrell’s biggest draws is the Tikibad waterpark- the largest indoor waterpark in the Benelux area. It’s packed with 21 slides slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and splash zones for little ones. The indoor pool is a lifesaver on rainy days or when you just want to chill in warm water.

There’s also a fab outdoor pool, open in the warmer months, with a beach-style layout, sunbeds, and shallow splash areas. You could easily spend entire days here, especially if your kids are water babies. The outdoor pool is only open to park guests. 

On our trip we preferred the outdoor pools, as the weather was fabulous and it seemed a shame being stuck inside (plus they were cheaper).

It's worth noting that all children under 120cm must wear swim aids, whether they can swim or not. Children over 120cm must hold a swimming certificate or be able to demonstrate they can confidently swim. The lifeguards will check, and you will be sent back to reception to purchase  suitable arm bands or a vest if needed. 

Access to Tikibad depends on how you book. If you book direct with Duinrell, you get free pool access. If you book through Eurocamp, you’ll need to pay a discounted fee to swim, so remember to work this in to your holiday budget. 

The cost of swimming for camping guests is currently €8.50pp for the inside pools and €5 for the outdoor. If you're staying a week, and have children who want to swim daily, this can add up,. Remember to compare Eurocamp vs Duinrell direct prices before deciding who to book with.

For us, having to pay to access the pools seemed unusual in comparison to other campsites we've visited, where swimming is always included. However, the Tikibad is on another level to other sites,  so it seemed justified.

Duinrell Tikibad outdoor swimming pool slides

Free Theme Park Access for All Guests

Another huge bonus of staying here? The theme park is right inside the holiday park, and all guests get free access- even those staying with Eurocamp.

The park has over 40 attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and gentle options for younger children. It’s not as polished as Disney or Efteling, but it has a real charm, and there’s something brilliant about being able to walk back to your caravan for lunch or a nap and head back in later.

The theme park is literally next to the accommodation, so no having to leave the site to get to it. We were lucky in that our caravan was right next to the entrance. 

For families with kids of mixed ages, the flexibility is a dream. No queues to get in, no stress over getting your money’s worth- you’re already in and can ride an unlimited amount of time!

We made so much use of this, and let me tell you, when it was really hot we quite often nipped out to ride the log flume just to cool down!

Duinrell is the perfect Eurocamp for teens as well as smaller kids, as there are thrill rides and pools with amazing slides, that will appeal to older ones.

Is Duinrell Worth it? Our Review of Amsterdam with Kids
Duinrell theme park amusement park rides kids amsterdam campsite

Static Caravan Style Accommodation with Self-Catering Decks

Accommodation is mostly static caravan style, although there are lodges and glamping options too. You’ll find well-equipped kitchens, living areas, comfy bedrooms, and plenty of storage.

What we really loved were the decked terraces with BBQ provided- perfect for winding down with a drink once the kids are in bed. They give you that peaceful holiday moment where you can enjoy being outside, without needing a babysitter or staying cooped up indoors.

It’s relaxed, family-focused, and gives you all the flexibility of self-catering. You can eat when you want, cook what your kids actually like, and avoid expensive meals out every night.

Eating out Duinrell eating scaled

Town Within Walking Distance – And That Ice Cream Shop!

Just a 10 minute walk from Duinrell is Wassenaar, a lovely Dutch town with everything you need. There are bakeries, supermarkets, bike shops, pancake houses and some cute boutiques.

There is also an award-winning ice cream shop that’s popular with locals and visitors alike- every night the queue is literally down the street! There’s nothing better than a post-dinner stroll into town for an ice cream and a wander around.

It’s safe, quiet, and family-friendly—great for those moments when you want a break from the busy park.

ice cream shop near duinrell amsterdam
Wassenaar ice cream shop scaled

Where to Eat at Duinrell

Eating on site at Duinrell is convenient but limited. Most takeaway options are fast food-style- think burgers, sausages, and chips. There’s a small supermarker onsite for basics, but we found it easier (and cheaper) to walk into Wassenaar, where you’ll find larger supermarkets with everything you need for self-catering.

The town also has plenty of restaurants and takeaways. We grabbed a Chinese takeaway on our last night and honestly wished we’d discovered it sooner- the food was great and a welcome break from the limited choices in the park. 

If you’re staying for more than a couple of nights, I’d definitely recommend heading into town for meals or stocking up at the bigger stores.

play parks at duinrell
play parks at duinrell

What Else is There to Do at Duinrell?

Duinrell is a bit different to other holiday parks we’ve visited. There’s no traditional entertainment team or kids’ club programme, so organised activities are more limited. 

You won’t find the usual schedule of crafts, or daytime games run by staff. That said, the theme park and Tikibad more than make up for it—there’s so much to do that we didn’t feel like we were missing out.

Kids can still enjoy bike and go-kart hire, brilliant play parks, a sports bar with bowling, and a mini disco in the evenings, but it’s definitely more of a do-your-own-thing kind of place.

Things for kids at Duinrell scaled

Exploring Duinrell Without a Car

You can walk into Wassenaar, rent bikes to explore the nearby dunes and beaches, or use the Dutch public transport system to get further afield. 

The Netherlands is super bike-friendly, with flat paths and good signage. Most places also accept contactless cards on transport, so you don’t need to faff about with tickets and coins.

There are even beach shuttles in the summer months. We loved the freedom of not driving- it made the trip feel more relaxed.

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How to Get to Amsterdam from Duinrell?

Fancy a city day? Amsterdam is around an hour away. Take the local bus from Duinrell to Leiden Centraal, then hop on a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Trains run frequently and are clean, fast, and easy. You can explore the canals, museums, or do a spot of shopping before heading back in time for dinner on your caravan deck. No need for parking or traffic jams.

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Things to do in Amsterdam with Kids

Amsterdam is packed with family-friendly fun. Take a canal cruise for a relaxed way to see the city, or let the kids run wild at Vondelpark’s playgrounds.

Visit NEMO Science Museum for hands-on experiments or the ARTIS Zoo to see animals up close. The city’s small size makes it easy to explore, with plenty of pancake houses and street snacks to keep everyone happy along the way.

Duinrell to Amsterdam with kids things to do with kids in Amsterdam Photo of kids by Amsterdam Canal

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