Over the May half term, we visited the Netherlands and Duinrell amusement park. Staying on site we had the run of Duinrell theme park for seven days. We has a brilliant time and over the week really got to know all the different attractions on offer. So I thought I would write a guide to the amusement park Duinrell in case you are thinking of visiting. If you are thinking of staying then I have also written about the holiday park and our stay in Eurocamp accommodation. I have tried to answer all the questions I have been asked. But if there is anything I am missing please let me know in the comments below and I will come back to you.
Where is Duinrell located?
Duinrell is located in the Netherlands in the town of Wassenaar, South Holland. It is bordered by the cities of The Hague to the north and Leiden to the south. Duinrell is located in the southern part of Wassenaar, close to the beach and the dunes. The park is easily accessible by car, train, or bus, and is only a short distance from major cities like The Hague and Amsterdam. Making it one of the most popular day trips both for the Dutch but also for tourists visiting the Netherlands.
How do you get to Duinrell theme park?
If you are planning on visiting by car then there is a large car park on-site which costs 15€ a day. You need to purchase a parking coin which is available at the entrance to the park. If you are staying in Amsterdam then the Duinrell theme park is a fifty-minute drive from the centre. To work out your own route you can use the address Duinrell 1, 2242 JP, Wassenaar. I found it easier to search by the postcode when driving around the local area. There is also plenty of bike parking if you are thinking of taking a bike ride to the amusement park.
If you are planning on using public transport then you will be pleased to know that it is really easy. The best option is to take a train or bus to the nearby town of Leiden, and then transfer to a bus that goes directly to the park. It is possible to catch a train to Leiden Centraal station from any major city in the Netherlands. Then from Leiden Centraal, take bus 43 towards Den Haag. Make sure you get off at the Duinrell bus stop, which is located right in front of the park entrance.
Alternatively, you can take bus 90 from The Hague Central Station or bus 444 from Leiden Central Station, both of which stop at Duinrell. You can check the schedules and plan your trip using the Dutch public transport website.
How many rides does Duinrell amusement park have?
When we visited Duinrell amusement park had over 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, family rides, and kids’ rides. As well as the thrilling rollercoasters there are plenty of other fun attractions. This includes many indoor play areas as well which is useful when the weather is not behaving including a variety of shows and entertainment. Plus a huge outdoor play area which the boys loved. Everything you need for a great day out.
When we visited they were currently undergoing some construction work which was removing some of the older attractions such as the trampolines and mini golf course. To replace them with a brand new area which was due to open in July 2023. It will be called De Oude Lijnbaan and will be an old-timer track and part of the new Amsterdam theme area. Which will be where the indoor arcades are currently located.
See the rides in action on my Instagram Reel – 18 rides in 12 seconds.
What rides are there at Duinrell amusement park?
During our visit, we tried to go to all the attractions. I am going to split the most popular rides down by height requirements. The good news is that no matter what you choose to go on the best part is that they are close together and within easy walking distance. As we were staying on site we had free entry to the amusement park throughout our stay. For this reason, we tended to visit in the morning and afternoon.
140cm rides at Duinrell Theme Park
So several bigger rides at Duinrell in Wassenaar in the Netherlands have a height requirement of 140cm. Although Charlie was over 140cm when we visited he was not keen on any of these rides and so did not experience them. I was travelling with the boys on my own and could not leave Harry alone and so did not experience them myself. Although some looked pretty scary!
Mad Mill
Mad Mill is a classic spinning ride featuring a large, circular platform with seats around the outside. The platform spins around as the platform itself rotates and swings from one side to the other. The seats are attached to long arms that extend outward from the centre of the platform, giving riders a feeling of weightlessness as they spin and rotate. The Mad Mill ride offers great views of the park. Definitely one for older children.
Waterspin
We stood and watched this ride several times as Charlie was considering going on it. The ride consists of a rectangular seating area on arms being spun around as the platform rises into the air. Riders sit in the seats and are lifted to a height of 15 meters before being spun around and up and down. The ride features several twists, turns, and drops, as well as a splashdown finale that sends a wave of water over the riders. If you are familiar with Rameses Revenge in Chessington World of Adventures it is very similar.
Rodelbaan (Toboggan Run)
Duinrell amusement park features a toboggan run ride called Rodelbaan. The Rodelbaan ride is a popular attraction that takes riders on a thrilling journey down a winding track and consequently, the queues are normally quite long for this one. So if you can I would suggest making this a ride you do earlier in the day. Consisting of a sledge-like vehicle that is propelled down a stainless steel track by gravity. Riders control their speed using a brake lever on the sledge. Charlie really enjoyed the toboggans. Although Harry was a bit miffed he was too short for it having gone on previous rides with adults. This is not an option at Duinrell.
Lachspiegelpaleis (Bumper Cars)
A classic bumper car attraction where riders can drive and bump into each other in a safe and fun environment. To drive you must be at least 140cm, although passengers are allowed on as long as they are 120cm. This did mean that the boys could ride together, for Harry this was one of the best things he did.
120cm+ rides at Duinrell Theme Park
Wild Wings
This is a great ride and relatively new to Duinrell amusement park! It is a flying swing ride that takes visitors on a thrilling ride through the air. The ride features several rows of seats that are suspended from a rotating arm, which lifts the seats up and spins them around. As the ride rotates, the seats also swing back and forth, giving riders a sensation of flying. You can choose how much your plane moves by using joysticks to control them. Heavier riders can turn them completely upside down. You need to be a minimum of 125cm to ride this and a maximum of 195cm.
The Falcon
This was the boy’s favourite ride, the Falcon, a thrilling roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 70 km/h. I was very surprised that Harry even gave it a go because of the high drop at the start. But he loved it and they went on it several times. The ride features a steel track with several inversions, including a vertical loop, a corkscrew, and a heartline roll. Taking eight riders at a time they have two cars going. Being one of the most popular rides at Duinrell amusement park, expect to queue so I would head there early or late in the day. Photos are available on exit.
Kikkerachtbaan
Looking at it from the outside you would be forgiven to think this is a gentle rollercoaster, so I was initially confused by the 120cm minimum height requirement. There is more to this than it looks. As it loops around through the trees. I much preferred the smooth nature of the Dragonfly. Photos are available in the large barrel building next to the entrance to the rollercoaster.
Splash (water ride)
This is a lot of fun and one of the more popular rides. Boats that seat up to twenty people go up, around and down in a huge splash. A larger version of your traditional long flume. There are two options, a covered boat which normally has more of a queue. Or an uncovered boat which has a plastic sheet with head holes. You really do get drenched on this ride. As do those watching. There is a special screen that has been set up for spectators to hide behind to avoid getting too wet. Only runs during the Summer seasons.
Aqua Swing
We all enjoyed this traditional chair swing ride. The queues for this tend to move quickly. And although there are water fountains underneath you do not get wet. It is one of the larger versions of this type of ride. Hence the minimum height requirement of 120cm.
Aqua Shute
I think because of its location close to Wonderland and so away from the other large rides it tends to get forgotten. The ride takes visitors on a fast and fun ride down a steep slope (18m high), ending with a splashdown into the water. If you do not want to get wet then the suggestion is to sit up straight, reaching speeds of 45km per hour. Lots of fun.
Monorail
I think this is a Dutch theme park thing as we saw similar when we visited Efteling. The reason you need to be 120cm is that you have to be able to pedal around the track. Which takes you across Wonderland. I love an old-fashioned ride and so this was another one of my favourites. Although I did feel the burn after! A popular ride that can get quite long queues due to the nature of the ride. There is a nice place next door for toffee apples and fruit ice lollies.
Schip Ahoi (pirate ship)
Also located in Wonderland Schip Ahoi is your traditional swing back-and-forth boat. The boat is designed to look like a pirate ship, and the ride is decorated with a pirate theme. Although a smaller version than we have seen elsewhere both boys refused to go on it as they don’t like the losing your tummy feeling! Again because of its location it generally seemed pretty quiet and so a good one to head to when the park is busy.
Candle
Located right next door to the Schip Ahoi and so you could easily do these two together. The candle allows you to haul yourself up to see the view across Wonderland. The height is around 9m and rotates at the top.
Rides less than 120cm
Dragonfly Rollercoaster
I was surprised that the minimum height on this is 100cm, probably my favourite out of the three rollercoasters we went on it again and again. The ride takes visitors on a smooth ride through the forest, featuring dips, turns, and curves. The Dragonfly roller coaster ride is designed to offer a fun and exciting experience for the whole family. There is a small viewing area where you can get up close and take videos of your kids on the coaster as they whizz around you. Photos are available on exit.
Bumper Boats
So much fun! We went on these several times during our stay. The minimum height is 100cm and you get a reasonable amount of time in the boat which you can steer and make go by simply pressing a button. It can be a bit of a challenge for the younger visitors to get back to the side once it’s time to leave. We all thoroughly enjoyed this and definitely once for the list especially in the good weather. Likely to get splashed by not drenched.
Nostalgic Carousel
One of my favourites. I love a carousel and this one is so pretty. Due to its age – it was built in Germany in 1864. It is located inside the pancake house. Running throughout the day the children can simply hop on and hop off. It is truly beautiful. And a great opportunity to enjoy some pancakes at the same time.
Ferris Wheel
I love a Ferris wheel although the views of the theme park behind you are obscured by a large tree. You can see elements of the campsite Duinrell, the main plaza and the water slides. To travel alone the minimum height is 130cm.
Climbing Chains
This is a lot of fun and much harder than it looks. You have to climb the chain to ring the bell at the top. Although intended for children there were a lot of adults that thought they could manage it and failed. There are four ladders and we did not have to queue once to give this a go. Neither Charlie nor Harry managed to get to the top to ring the bell, although Harry did get close.
The Harbour
This is designed for those that can swim there is no height requirement. So Charlie and Harry went on, on their own. Turns out it is more tricky than they imagined to navigate a small row boat around a designated area. The area is not large and it’s a beautiful setting with the monorail going overhead and Rick’s castle in the background. Also located close to Wonderland we did not need to queue once for this.
Traffic Garden – Verkeerstuin
Close to the harbour and with a maximum age of eight. A reasonable-sized area with pedal trikes has been set up for children to navigate. The Verkeerstuin is a miniature city designed to teach children about road safety and traffic rules. The garden features several miniature streets, intersections, and traffic signs
Locomotion Choo Choo
This is a Western-style train designed for small children with a maximum height being 140cm no adults are allowed. Going around in a circle it is the perfect introductory ride and was well loved when we visited. Only the boys have now outgrown this and would not even entertain a visit with so many other wonderful things to try out. There are buttons to press that make various noises which add to the interactive nature.
Niagara Superroetsj (undercover slides)
We found this a little by accident. Located behind the bumper cars it is a good place to head if the theme park is getting a bit much or getting busy. Slides with provided sacks to slide down. We found it easier to use hoodies as the bags did not go very quickly. In theory, the maximum height for this is 120cm but there is no one to check and several children and adults over this height.
Mini Train
Also designed for those who at 120cm or under this train goes around in a circuit and through a tunnel where a friendly family of trolls lives. We found that this was only open on the weekends when we visited. Plus it is very close to the area which is currently being redeveloped so I am wondering if this may be being removed to make way for the new area.
What other attractions are there at Duinrell theme park?
The Arcade
I am not a fan of arcades so I left this to the last possible moment. But actually, it turned out to be a rather more pleasant experience than I thought it would be. The machines are spread out and there are lots of different machines to those I have seen in the arcades on the pier. Useful if you want a break from the rides or the weather has turned. Visitors can purchase tokens or use a prepaid card to play the games, and there are also several prize redemption games where visitors can win tickets and redeem them for prizes. It is best to bring cash as the cash point in the arcade has a high minimum withdrawal rate.
Water Fountain
This is extremely popular in the Summer months. Children can run in and out of the jets of water which are played to music. You can have access to this even if you have not brought a Tikibad ticket. The theory is that you can avoid the spray by following the maze around. But in reality, you do get very wet so if visiting for a day then I suggest a change of clothes and a towel. If staying then there is often a water show one night with lights and music.
Schietsalon (shooting gallery)
The Schietsalon is an indoor shooting gallery where visitors can test their shooting skills and compete against each other. The gallery features several targets that move and light up when hit, adding an extra level of excitement to the game. Visitors can purchase tokens or use a prepaid card to play the game, and there are also several prize redemption games where visitors can win tickets and redeem them for prizes.
Wonderland
This also is the home to Rick’s Castle and Rick’s House. Rick is the frog mascot that is attached to the park (in case you were wondering). This was probably my favourite area away from the larger rides. An attraction in its own right. The area is decorated with a fairy tale theme, featuring characters and elements from classic children’s stories. As you wander around the small area you will find various stories. The Manneken Pis was probably the highlight for the boys.
Ricks Fun Factory (indoor soft play)
The maximum height for this is 140cm so we did not visit. But a lot is going on in this indoor play area that contains a unique combination of attractions, bouncing castles and play structures for our smallest guests to safely and freely horse around in. Including a mini carousel, soft play, ball pit and swing wheels.
Ball Lake
Located close to the large playground ball lake is also intended for those under the age of 8. To enjoy a huge ball pit. There is seating for the parents and a nautical theme in this undercover area. Harry enjoyed playing in this area. Unlike the other play areas, it is not open past closing time.
Play areas at Duinrell Theme Park
There are several different play park areas within the amusement park and they have recently added a new one.
The main playground is split into two. With one side having play equipment more suited to young children. While the other side seems to attract the older children especially as there is a twenty-two meter three slide tower. It is very popular during the day but if staying like we did then it quietens down significantly once the park is closed. Making it the perfect place to wind down. It was the first thing the boys visited when we arrived and there is plenty of seating for the parents.
The newest play area is Wauwels Nest. It looked brand new when we visited, the wooden playground equipment consists of several climbing towers. As well as climbing nets at different heights and a slide. It is in the perfect location for any children for whom the Frog roller coaster is just a little too exciting. This is a great idea and shows the management of the park has really thought about its audience.
There is also the kid’s castle which is located next to the giant slides. It has three slides of its own and is also predominately made from wood. Ideal if you want a quieter play area away from the main square.
Volt
I have included this in the play area section. As the boys would have happily gone back and forth on this all day. Located in Wonderland behind the Aqua Shute you can pull yourself across the lake on a wooden platform using ropes and pulleys. It is a popular crossing location, especially for those staying on the Island as we were. A relatively short crossing you do not have to wait long. A lot of the children liked to help each other out pulling the platform as it came across.
Shows at Duinrell Theme Park
During our visit, we did not attend any of the live shows since the boys were much more interested in the rides at Duinrell amusement park. I also think they are intended for younger visitors.
Play Kwek Show
Play Kwek Show features a variety of interactive games, challenges, and performances that are designed to entertain and engage visitors of all ages. The Play Kwek Show is hosted by a team of energetic performers who encourage audience participation and create a fun and lively atmosphere. It is partly in English which makes it a possibility. Held daily at 10.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 1.30 p.m., 2.30 p.m., 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. And at 5.30 p.m. an extra show when the amusement park is open till 6 p.m. The show lasts for 20 minutes and sits 70 so there is plenty of space.
Kwakus Kwebbel Show
This show takes place inside the Wonderland area of Duinrell amusement park. We did stumble upon it by accident but it was completely in Dutch so we did not stay long. From what we could see it was animatronics and puppets telling a story. Kwakus Kwebbel just loves living on the water, but Mollie the Mole thinks it stinks. Insects also live near water and one of them stung his head. Do you know who it was? Held daily 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. There is also an extra show at 5 p.m. when the amusement park is open till 6 p.m. Lasts for 20 minutes and sits at 120.
What age is Duinrell amusement park best suited to?
I felt like the boys were the perfect age to visit Duinrell as Harry over 120cm could go on everything. He is a little adrenaline junkie so I am glad that we waited until he was 120cm otherwise I think he would have been disappointed he could not go on the rides he wanted. Thankfully the 140cm ones were too much for him other than the Toboggan. If you are travelling with older kids then there is enough to keep them entertained for a few hours, depending on the queues. So I would suggest 7-12 would probably be the perfect age.
What food options are there at Duinrell theme park?
There are several different options when it comes to eating at Duinrell theme park. I was very impressed that it wasn’t all fast food and I saw a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables. Something which I think UK Theme Parks could learn a lot from.
- Pannenkoekenrestaurant is probably our favourite. The pancake house is built around a carousel and so is perfect for a pit stop. They offer both sweet and savoury pancakes and although not cheap are perfect for a treat or to share.
- La Place is a self-service restaurant that offers a range of healthy and organic food options, including sandwiches, salads, and hot meals. It also has a bakery section that serves freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes. We did not eat here but it is right next to the play area with lots of outside-covered seating.
- Duinrell Snackbar which is also located in the main play area. Sells a range of fast food options, including hot dogs, burgers, and fries. It also has a selection of ice cream, milkshakes, and soft drinks. Including some self-service machines if the queues are too long.
- We also noticed another snack bar near the Falcon roller coaster which looked like the new addition. It sold a range of soft drinks and a range of Dutch fast food items including bitterballen, kroketten, frikandellen and also burgers and fries.
- Poffertjeskraam which is opposite the pancake house, is a traditional Dutch pancake stand that serves poffertjes. Which are small, fluffy pancakes made with buckwheat flour and served with butter and powdered sugar.
- There are also several places you can buy candy floss, toffee apples, chocolate-covered bananas (yes really) and fruit lollies. As well as Dunkin’ Doughnuts.
What about the Duinrell Water Park?
As well as Duinrell theme park there is also an equally brilliant water park called Tiki Bad located within Duinrell holiday park. You can buy a combined ticket for both (see below). The water park is made up of both an outdoor pool and an indoor water park. Outside you have an outdoor swimming pool and splashdown with some splash slides. As well as hammocks and an outside viewing area.
The Tiki Pool aqua complex has a lazy river, a wave pool in the indoor pool, 21 water slides and a splash-down area. As well as suitable toddler activities. The numerous slides are designed so that there is something for the whole family. Some are very unique slides including a couple with cones and one that looks a bit like being flushed down a toilet. I have written more about Tiki Bad Water Park separately. The Complete Guide to Tikibad Water Park
Duinrell Campsite
The campsite has a wide variety of accommodations, everything from camping pitches to lodge tents to mobile homes. Our Eurocamp holiday home meant that we had unlimited access to Duinrell amusement park as all holiday park guests do. Making it the perfect family holiday. It also allowed a discounted rate for the swimming complex. If you are considering visiting the family campsite and not just the theme park for the day. Then you can read more about our stay at the caravan park – Eurocamp at Duinrell – Everything you need to know before you go.
How long do you need at Duinrell amusement park?
You definitely need the whole day! There is so much to see and do especially if you combine your visit with a trip to the swimming complex. Anything less and you will not do the attraction park justice. As it was we had free access for a whole week and dipped in and out of the park and still when we left there were things we wanted to go on again and again. Unlike UK theme parks it has a nice feel to it
How much does it cost to go to Duinrell Theme Park?
If you are staying at the campsite then you can have unlimited entry during opening times. The play areas also stay open once the main park is shut. If you are planning on visiting for the day then the prices when we visited were 22.50€ per person. Going up to 25.50€ per person at the weekends and during the holidays. You can also buy a combined ticket with the water park. This gives you two hours in the water park, you need to book a time slot in advance. These tickets start at 27.50€ during the week but go up to 32.50€ at the weekends and school holidays. Tickets can be booked online in advance via the Duinrell website.
Top Tips for your visit to Duinrell Theme Park
- There are no fast pass-type options for the rides at Duinrell amusement park so you do just need to turn up and queue. We visited in the May half term. Once the bank holiday was out of the way we found the park to be a lot quieter and the queues shorter not needing to queue for more than about twenty minutes.
- Saying that we did notice that there were a large number of school trips during our stay. At least three of the weekdays had hoards of children appear. In this instance, I would make the most of staying on-site and go early! I also noticed nursery children. So it is really only the big rides that were not affected by this.
- Check out the web app for opening hours. During our stay, I was surprised to find that the park closed at 4 pm during the week. It felt a bit early as the park was still very busy during this time. It stayed open later at the weekend until 6 pm.
- If you want to go to the front of the rollercoasters then all you need to do is to wait at the necessary gate. Since the queues move quickly this is easy to do. Which meant the boys could go either at the front or back of most rides.
- There are free table tennis tables located at the campsite next to the Duinrell pub if you are looking to extend your visit. Once the theme park has closed. Inside there are pool tables and a games room which includes air hockey. Plus free wifi to share your adventures. There are also several places to eat inside the Duinrell Plaza.
You may also be interested in:
If you have enjoyed this post about Duinrell in Wassenaar, Netherlands. Then you may also be interested in some of the other things we got up to. During our stay we did several other things. Including the beautiful town of Wassenaar which is a great place to stop for food if you do not want to eat in the theme park. And only a short walk from the entrance to the park.
- Visit the picturesque canals of Leiden – Things to do in Leiden
- Enjoy the sand dunes at Wassenaar Beach
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderjik
Have you visited Duinrell in Wassenaar, Netherlands ? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
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