Things to see and do in Zoetermeer

Zoetermeer is perfect for visitors who want a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Unlike tourist-heavy Dutch cities, Zoetermeer provides unique activities like skiing, gaming, and watersports while still maintaining a cozy, small-town feel. It’s a perfect town for expats with families to settle. Want to explore Zoetermeer? Then these two hotels are the best places to sleep for a few nights. First the Hotel – restaurant Hoeve Kromwijk which is perfectly located for people that want to hike or bike through the polders. If you are travelling for business, then the Golden Tulip Zoetermeer is probably the best option.

Top 10 things to do and see in Zoetermeer

As I grew up in Zoetermeer the city has a special spot in my heart. I know every step to the Noord Aa lake and have been crawling home from Spetters numerous times. It was a great city to grow up as it’s safe and has the kickstart package for adolescents and kids.

1. SnowWorld Zoetermeer – The Netherlands’ Indoor Ski Paradise

For an unexpected winter experience in the Netherlands, head to SnowWorld Zoetermeer, one of the largest indoor ski resorts in Europe. Open all year round, this massive facility offers ski slopes, a fun park for snowboarders, and lessons for beginners. The alpine atmosphere, complete with après-ski bars, makes it feel like a mini trip to the Alps.

3. Stadshart Zoetermeer – Shopping and dining hub

For a mix of high-street brands, local boutiques, and cozy restaurants, Stadshart Zoetermeer is the city’s commercial heart. It’s a modern shopping district where you can find everything from fashion to electronics, and it also hosts weekly markets selling fresh Dutch produce. You can also find the theater and cinema here. There are some small clubs and bars like Spetters and Old Pal.

8. Boerderij ‘t Geertje – A traditional Dutch farm experience

This family-friendly attraction gives visitors a glimpse into rural Dutch life. At Boerderij ‘t Geertje, you can pet farm animals, try fresh goat cheese, and even participate in traditional Dutch farming activities. Perfect for a small family trip, I still often go here with my kids!

4. Westerpark – A green escape in the city

Zoetermeer is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the region, and Westerpark is a prime example. With its vast green fields, lakes, and walking trails, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon. Locals enjoy picnicking here, and there are excellent playgrounds for children. It’s also located next to the Nieuwe Driemanspolder where you can find some epic oldschool windmills. From here it’s also just roughly 5 km of biking/walking to Voorburg, Rijswijk and eventually The Hague.

5. Balijbos – Nature and wildlife

A short distance from the city center, Balijbos is a forested area with scenic walking and cycling paths. It’s home to diverse bird species and offers a quiet escape for nature lovers. Don’t expect to much of it as the wildlife in The Netherlands is of course not that wild at all.

6. Adventure Valley climbing and adventure park

For those looking for physical challenges, Adventure Valley (previously called Ayers Rock) is a fantastic indoor and outdoor climbing facility. You can also mountainbike on the trail next to it or have a try at the obstacle courses, ideal for team-building activities or an active day out with friends and family.

7. Nationaal Videogame Museum – A retro gaming paradise

One of Zoetermeer’s most unique attractions is the Nationaal Videogame Museum, where visitors can explore the history of gaming, play retro arcade games, and test out the latest in gaming technology. To my surprise as a decent hardcore gamer they have a serious amount of retro gamesets.

9. SilverDome – Ice skating fun

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, SilverDome offers a fantastic ice-skating experience. It’s a great place to visit during winter, but also hosts sports events and concerts throughout the year.

10. Noord Aa – Watersports and relaxation

For a relaxing afternoon by the water, head to Noord Aa, Zoetermeer’s very own recreational lake. In summer, you can swim, sail, or paddleboard, while the surrounding areas provide beautiful cycling and hiking opportunities. There are also super nice bike lanes all around the lake, roughly 8 km for a roundtrip.

Food and local specialties in Zoetermeer

While Zoetermeer doesn’t have its own traditional cuisine, it offers a fantastic mix of Dutch and international food. Some must-try local experiences include:

  • Dutch pancakes at Pannenkoe Zoetermeer – Enjoy classic Dutch pancakes, either sweet or savory. Not my favorite place but great with kids.
  • Fresh stroopwafels at the weekly market – Try warm caramel-filled waffles made fresh in front of you.
  • Local cheese from Hoeve Biesland – A farm just outside the city near Nootdorp selling fresh organic dairy products.
  • Indonesian food at Toko Bali – The Netherlands has a strong Indonesian influence, and this small shop offers excellent takeaway meals.

Events and festivals in Zoetermeer

Zoetermeer hosts a variety of events, including:

  • Culinair Zoetermeer (August) – A food festival featuring local restaurants and specialties. Great fun with friends and family! Just hope for nice weather and you are set for a great experience.
  • Bevrijdingsfestival (Liberation Festival, May 5th) – A major celebration of Dutch freedom with music and performances. One of the bigger free events in the region.
  • Zoetermeer Blues Festival (June) – A weekend of live blues performances.
  • Winterland Zoetermeer (December) – A cozy winter market with ice skating and festive food.

Living in Zoetermeer – Where to buy as an expat

Zoetermeer is a great choice for expats, offering modern housing, good international schools, and a strong transport connection to The Hague, Leiden, Utrecht and Rotterdam. Expats often choose to live in neighborhoods such as Rokkeveen, Oosterheem, or Seghwaert, as these areas offer spacious homes, good amenities, and family-friendly environments. But to be honest, I would try to find a house in the Leyens or Noordhoven, these places are located near the Noord Aa which is perfect for water activities and some tanning in the summer. Your kids will love it! Also a nice bike ride around the lake and an easy visit to Boerderij ‘t Geertje along the way. My parents still live in de Leyens and I always enjoy visiting them and the neighbourhood.

How to get to Zoetermeer

Zoetermeer is well-connected by train, tram, and road.

  • From The Hague: 15 minutes by train or RandstadRail tram, you can take any of the lines.
  • From Rotterdam: 30 minutes by train or take the RandstadRail and hop over on the Erasmuslijn at Leidscheveen
  • From Amsterdam: 50 minutes by train via The Hague.