I think today was my favorite day on this trip! I’ve been to my fair share of castles throughout Europe, but the Muiderslot Castle in Muiden was an interactive surprise – especially for the kids!

The day didn’t start off so great. It was a gray and rainy day. Not one of the quick rain showers we’ve had often enough, but pouring down, feet-soaking rain. The wind was blowing pretty hard, too, so our umbrellas were of little use. Add to the mix that you can’t park very close to the castle, so it was about a 15 or 20-minute walk, and I think we were all a little grumbly.

We were greeted by a horn-rimmed owl! Really – there was a woman standing there, with an imposing owl perched on her arm!

As we climbed the steep, time-worn stairs in one of the turrets, there were places to stop at different levels and learn a little more about the castle. But on the way down, the fun really began! We all got to be knights and ladies of the castle! They had fun dress-up opportunities for adults and children alike!

That chain mail was astoundingly heavy! I thought Froggy was faking a little as he slowly drudged over to the fireplace to have his picture taken. But it was really weighing him down!

In the next room, there was a virtual jousting tournament, where two visitors can “mount” a saddle and see who knocks the other off first. Froggy knocked his grandmother down twice! 🙂

There was so much to see and do! Be sure to get the little booklet for the kids. They collect stamps along the way and get knighted at the end! We missed this part, and I’m sorry we did!

There is another tower to climb that allows you to go up along the castle wall. And after you finish storming the castle, there are lovely gardens to enjoy. There is a small cafe, too, but we decided to eat our lunch in town.

We enjoyed the old town of Muiden. On our walk to the castle, the rain let up just enough for us to enjoy a swiveling bridge that opened to let a big boat go through!

The sun had come out when we were walking the gardens. And we decided to have lunch outside in the old town. Among us, we enjoyed tostis, uitsmijter on toast (sunny side up eggs), a smoked eel sandwich, bitterballen (like mini round kroketten), or some even had appeltaart (apple pie) for lunch!

Is it good for kids?

Definitely! I think Hippo was at just the right age (4). I’m not sure I would have taken him last year. And Froggy (age 7) really enjoyed it, too. It’s so interactive, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

What about the cost?

Online tickets for adults are €13.50. Children ages 4 – 11 cost €9. And children 3 and under are free. It is also free with the Museum Card. The children’s quest costs and additional €2. They also offer group prices.

Where is it?