Scheveningen

The basics

The pier is the focus of Scheveningen Beach and offers plenty of activities for travelers of all ages, from bungee jumping to windsurfing. Highlights include SEA LIFE® Scheveningen, an educational aquarium, and the fun but educational 3D films at Omniversum. Nearby Madurodam is another firm favorite with children, for the models of Holland’s most famous buildings and windmills in miniature.

Art lovers will appreciate the quirky sculptures by US artist Tom Otterness along the promenade as well as Sculptures by the Sea (Museum Beelden aan Zee). It’s worth taking a quick peek at the Panorama Mesdag, a 45-foot (14-meter) high, 400-foot (120-meter) long, 360-degree cyclorama of Scheveningen and its seashore as it appeared in 1881. There’s also a casino, plenty of quality seafood restaurants and bistros, and a thriving late-night party scene.

Things to know before you go

• While Scheveningen seems more like a family destination at first glance, it’s also a great spot to party, particularly in the summer months.
• Wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket, even during the summer, just in case.
• Most attractions at Scheveningen are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. A variety of beach-friendly wheelchairs, chairs, and scooters are also available for rent.

How to get there

Scheveningen is easy to get to from The Hague without needing to take a taxi. Tram lines #1 and #9 and buses #21, #22, and #23 all connect Scheveningen with the center of The Hague. If you're coming from Amsterdam, you can get to The Hague in about 40–45 minutes by train (or car).

When to get there

Scheveningen is a year-round destination, with a different feel depending on when you visit. The summer months see a healthy nightlife take off on the beach, with pop-up clubs and parties most nights. Between mid-November and January the Cool Event takes place in front of the splendid Kurhaus Hotel, featuring an ice rink, skating discos and parties for kids.

Family Attractions Beyond Scheveningen

While Scheveningen is certainly among the most entertaining places around The Hague to bring the kids, there’s plenty for younger visitors even closer to the city center. Good family-friendly options include Drievliet, an amusement park with roller coasters suited to kids big and small, and the Kinderboekenmuseum, dedicated to children's literature. The sprawling Haagse Bos forest park is also fun; you may even spot ducks, geese, and deer.