Amsterdam - Keukenhof

Our last full day excursion was to Keukenhof which is a botanical garden outside of Amsterdam. We were a bit early in the season for tulips but we did see lots of other flowers. The garden was huge!!

 

The kids got to ride a ferry for the first time. We had to get across the river for our bus.

We also got to go through a hedgerow maze!

There was a platform where you could get a good view of the maze after you got through it. Also some good views of the surrounding flower fields.

We discovered this lovely picture frame. Then we found the playground! It was a bit busy - looked like there was a school field trip so about 30 kids were there from a local school.

Then we discovered the zipline!! The kids really enjoyed that too.

Avery found a nice little playhouse in the playground area for littles.

Lots of beautiful colors!

We did not tour this windmill, too many people waiting in line.

Of course another pic in a giant clog! Avery was upset about something, I don't remember what. I have about 8 pics like this and all show her with a frown. 

Next we went inside the Orchid House. There were other flowers as well but mostly orchids.

Random pic of Avery.

Interesting artwork with paper flowers.

More silly selfies!

These were Avery's favorite flowers because they were pink.

Avery trying to direct me on where to go next.

The living arch above the doorway...some kind of groundcover.

The goofballs found a nice chair to relax in.

Lots of interesting sculptures scattered throughout the gardens. This looked like pigs, sheep and goats.

Wishing well next to a little house.

We passed several cat statues like this.

Avery's favorite colors! Pink and purple! 

This was a stone bridge you could walk across.

The pic on the right shows the "lake" and there is a line of people along the edge waiting to walk on the stones that go out into the water. The stones are about an inch underwater and Gavin really wanted to do this walk but the line was super long!

Family selfie!

Another clog pic!

Super fun wooden bridge to run across.

Interesting pipe organ on display with CD's that you could purchase. Here's a short video of the music with Ms. A dancing a bit.

More of the grounds and artwork scattered around.

Then we walked through another building that had various flower arrangements mixed with art.

Had to get a picture by the wings.

Gavin was intrigued by these leg tables and pots.

Both kids loved this flower van!

Cool archway that the kids liked. I am sure it looks nicer when it's filled in a bit more.

One final look at the Keukenhof building. This is the entrance to the gardens.

Last picture with Gavin by a chocolate covered banana. This was at a little shop where we stopped for dessert!

Next up is our trip to Muiderslot Castle!