Alternative activities in and near Amsterdam

Are you looking for an active break from studying? In Amsterdam, there's more to explore than just parks and cafes. From forest climbing and kitesurfing to paintball, waterparks and indoor skydiving, Amsterdam and its surroundings offer plenty of alternative activities to clear your head and refuel your energy. 

Let's begin with the activities you can enjoy right here in Amsterdam. Fun Forest in the Amsterdamse Bos (only 8 minutes away from our university by transport!) is a climbing park inside the forest, featuring zip lines, rope bridges, ladders, and various obstacles spread across nine courses, ranging from 4 to 15 meters in height making it the perfect choice for a thrill of adrenaline.

Climbing Park Fun Forest Amsterdam

Next, the perfect getaway for hot summer days is De Mirandabad, a swimming pool that offers both relaxation and entertainment as it consists of numerous indoor and outdoor pools and several water slides. 

De Mirandabad

If you're looking for something more active on the water beyond pools, Amsterdam also offers a variety of exciting watersports. Whether you're into flyboarding, canoeing, eFoiling, or wakesurfing, there's something for every level of adventure-seeker. For more information and a full overview of activities and prices, you can visit their website at Amsterdam Watersports.

Amsterdam Watersports

Although Amsterdam doesn't have natural mountains, if you are into climbing you can still challenge yourself with several indoor and outdoor climbing gyms. These climbing gyms offer impressive artificial walls for all levels of climbers.

Klimhal Mountain Network Amsterdam

For some fun action games, you can visit Archery Tag and Lasergamen Amsterdam,  both located at the same place. It’s an event venue where you can try numerous activities like  Lasergame, Golf clinic, Arcade Hall, Archery tag, Bubble football, VR Experience, Beach volleyball and to experience playing real-life Survivor, making it the ideal destination to have fun with friends. This event venue also offers the option to book an all-inclusive day consisting of 3 activities that you can select from the ones mentioned before. 

Archery Tag Amsterdam

Lasergamen Amsterdam

Bubble football

Before we head outside the city, there's one more exciting activity in Amsterdam worth mentioning: Race Planet. This indoor go-kart track is perfect for speed lovers who want a quick adrenaline rush. Whether you're racing your friends or just trying to beat your own time, it's a fun way to take a break from studying.

Race Planet Amsterdam

For those willing to go a bit further, there are some amazing activities just outside Amsterdam worth checking out. One of the most exciting activities one can find near Amsterdam is indoor skydiving at City Skydive in Utrecht. It's the perfect way to experience the thrill of freefall without jumping from a plane. You'll float in a vertical wind tunnel, guided by professionals, and the best part is no experience is needed!

City Skydive

Another great option just outside Amsterdam, only 23 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal with the Sprinter, is Paintball Jungle in Wormerveer. Located in a wooded area, this outdoor paintball park features several themed fields where you can dive, hide, and play with your team. It's a fun and intense way to spend a few hours, especially if you're looking for some real action in nature. 

Paintball Jungle

If you like water parks, the Tiki Pool in Duinrell near The Hague is a great choice since it's the biggest water park in the area, with lots of slides, a wave pool, and even a lazy river. It's perfect for both relaxing and having fun with friends.

Tiki Pool

If you're looking for more outdoor adventures, consider visiting Parque West in Utrecht. This climbing park features a 22-meter-high tower with 10 different routes, over 100 obstacles, 14 ziplines, and a free fall experience. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.

Parque West Climbing parcour

Last but not least, for a refreshing adventure, consider visiting Cablepark VIEW Almere . Located on the Weerwater lake in Almere, this watersports park offers activities like wakeboarding, waterskiing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kneeboarding, and wakeskating. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, you can enjoy the kilometer-long cable track with various obstacles to practice your skills. After your session you can relax on the terrace with views of the Almere skyline.

Cablepark VIEW Almere

So whether you're into climbing, watersports, racing, or just looking for a fun way to take a break from studying, Amsterdam and its surroundings have something for everyone. Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to step outside the routine and luckily, adventure is never far away!

I hope you enjoyed the blog and remember, there's always a new adventure out there waiting for you!