Spelen bij Beelen is a family play park in Rotterdam-Zuid, located on the former Rivoli site beside the Maashaven. The park is aimed mainly at children aged 0 to 12 and combines playgrounds, climbing areas, water play and physical activities in a low-stimulation environment. This guide covers the attractions, ticket prices, opening hours, food, accessibility and transport options.

What is Spelen bij Beelen?

Spelen bij Beelen describes itself as Rotterdam’s ‘speelhaven’, or play harbour. Instead of focusing on fast rides, screens and elaborate special effects, the park encourages children to run, climb, build, explore and play at their own pace.

The concept is designed as a lower-stimulation alternative to a traditional theme park. There are no flashing lights or loud mechanical effects throughout the main play areas, with more emphasis placed on movement, creativity and social play.

The park is being developed in phases. Its first section opened with approximately 35,000 square metres of the planned 70,000-square-metre site. This initial phase includes more than 20 play activities, together with Gigi’s Klim World and the Beelen Eye Ferris wheel. Further indoor and outdoor areas are planned as the site continues to develop.

Attractions and things to do at Spelen bij Beelen

The main play area contains a mixture of playground equipment and active attractions. Children can use trampolines, slides, swings, a large sandpit, a roller-skating area and water-play features. There are also spaces where children can climb, balance, ride pedal cars and make up their own games.

At Harvey’s Verkeersstad, children can travel around a miniature traffic environment while learning basic road rules. The park also has a separate pedal-car course where children can drive around under adult supervision.

Gigi’s Klim World is centred on climbing and scrambling. The area is intended to encourage children to test their balance and confidence, while some sections can also be explored with an accompanying adult.

Attractions and things to do at Spelen bij Beelen

One of the park’s most recognisable structures is the Beelen Eye. The 45-metre Ferris wheel previously operated at Walibi Belgium and now overlooks Rotterdam-Zuid and the surrounding harbour area.

A major future addition will be the Ark of Noah. Owner Wim Beelen purchased this impressive 122-metre-long replica ship and intends to dock it at the park as a symbol of hope and positivity, although this is still pending municipal approval.

The park continues to add and adjust attractions. Visitors should therefore check the current attraction list before travelling, particularly when visiting for a specific ride or play area. 

Is Miniworld already at Spelen bij Beelen?

Miniworld Rotterdam has been taken over with support from Spelen bij Beelen, but it has not yet moved to the Doklaan site. The announced plan is to give Miniworld a permanent place within the park in the future. Until that move takes place, Miniworld remains a separate attraction at its existing Rotterdam location.

Other proposed additions include indoor play areas, educational play worlds and further recreational spaces. These plans are still being developed and should not be confused with the attractions currently available during a visit.

Tickets for Spelen bij Beelen

Tickets are sold through the official Spelen bij Beelen ticket platform. Visitors select a date and available admission period when booking.

Current admission prices are:

• Adults: €15
• Children aged 2 to 12: €10
• Babies aged 0 to 1: Free

The park may run separate access campaigns or discounted schemes for families from Rotterdam-Zuid. Availability and eligibility can change, so local residents should check the official website before purchasing regular tickets.

After payment, visitors receive an electronic ticket by email. The barcode or QR code is scanned at the entrance. Tickets are valid on the selected date and admission period, and leaving the park ends the right to re-enter on the same ticket.

Tickets are generally non-refundable when a visitor selects the wrong date, time or ticket category. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.

At Harvey’s Verkeersstad, children can travel around a miniature traffic environment while learning basic road rules

Opening hours

The current regular opening hours are:

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 to 16:30
Sunday: 13:00 to 16:30

Opening hours may change during school holidays, special events or later phases of the park’s development. Attractions can also close temporarily because of maintenance, safety checks or extreme weather. Visitors should check the official opening hours shortly before departure. 

Food and drink

Food and refreshments are available through the park’s Eten bij Beelen concept. The menu places a strong emphasis on simple and relatively healthy products for children.

Available products include snack cucumbers, tomatoes, vegetable crisps, currant buns, banana bread, fruit juice, chips and ice cream. Coffee and cappuccino are also available for adults. Some of the vegetables are supplied by a biological farm connected to the organisation in Houten.

Many child-focused food and drink products are priced at €1. Coffee and cappuccino have been introduced at €2. The park also provides reusable cups that can be filled with chilled drinking water free of charge.

Visitors are generally not permitted to bring personal food and drink into the park. Families dealing with allergies, medical diets or other specific dietary requirements should contact Spelen bij Beelen before booking to discuss the available options.

The 'Speeltuin' located in the heart of Spelen bij Beelen

Accessibility and age suitability

Spelen bij Beelen is designed primarily for children aged 0 to 12. Different sections suit different ages, from simple play areas for young children to climbing structures and physical activities aimed at older primary-school children.

The park presents itself as a low-stimulation environment. Its main play concept avoids flashing lights and loud ride effects, which may make the experience more comfortable for children who are sensitive to noise or visual stimulation. The park is still a busy family attraction, however, particularly during weekends and school holidays.

The grounds are described as wheelchair-accessible, and several play features have been developed so that children using wheelchairs can participate. Some water-play controls, for example, can be operated from wheelchair height. Individual attractions, climbing areas and the Ferris wheel may still have age, height, health or mobility restrictions.

Adult supervision is required. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult aged at least 18, and parents or guardians remain responsible for the children in their group throughout the visit.

Much of the current park involves outdoor and physical play. Comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes and a change of clothes for children using the water-play areas are advisable.

How to get there

Spelen bij Beelen is located at Doklaan 40 in Charlois, close to the Maashaven and the southern entrance of the Maastunnel. 

By public transport

Visitors travelling from other parts of Rotterdam can use metro station Zuidplein or Rotterdam Zuid railway station before continuing towards the Doklaan by local bus or tram. Public transport routes and stops may change, so checking the current journey through RET or a public transport planner is recommended.

Walking from Maashaven metro station is also possible, although the final part of the journey takes visitors through the surrounding neighbourhood and industrial harbour area.

By bicycle

Cycling is one of the easiest ways to reach the park from central Rotterdam, Katendrecht, Charlois and nearby neighbourhoods. The site has space for approximately 500 bicycles and cargo bikes.

The Maastunnel cycle route provides a direct connection between Rotterdam city centre and the Doklaan area.

By car

The park has its own parking area with approximately 500 spaces. The current parking charge is €10 for the first four hours. Each additional hour costs €5. Parking availability and prices may change as construction around the park continues.

History of the park

The site has one of Rotterdam’s longest and most unusual amusement-park histories. The Doklaan complex was originally a waste-incineration facility before entrepreneur Hennie van der Most began transforming it into an amusement and entertainment destination in the early 2010s.

The project was first known as Speelstad Rotterdam and was later renamed Attractiepark Rotterdam. Its final name under Van der Most was Rivoli Rotterdam. Plans included rides, restaurants, an indoor camping area, a theatre and several entertainment venues, but announced opening dates repeatedly passed without the complete park welcoming regular visitors.

In April 2026, the property and its leasehold rights were sold at an enforcement auction. Entrepreneur Wim Beelen purchased the complex for €6.5 million and announced a different direction for the site. Several unfinished rides and structures were removed, while the Ferris wheel was retained.

The name Spelen bij Beelen was announced in May 2026. Instead of waiting until the entire site was complete, the new owner chose to open usable sections in phases. The first public section opened on 21 July 2026, finally bringing regular visitors to the Doklaan site after years of postponed plans.

Tucked away in Kralingen, Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum blends nature, culture, and science in a living landscape. With historic trees, seasonal highlights, and a mission rooted in sustainability, it remains one of Rotterdam’s most quietly compelling destinations.

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum: where nature and knowledge meet

Located along the Honingerdijk in the green Kralingen district, Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is both a botanical garden and scientific collection. Spanning approximately eight hectares, the grounds house thousands of trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and succulents. The estate has developed over nearly two centuries, gradually transforming from a private garden into a public arboretum with recognised status and educational value.

Its living collection includes rare specimens and climate-resilient species, such as the Zelkova carpinifolia—a tree selected for its heat-resistance and suitability for future urban climates. “These are trees for the next generations,” curator Jaap Smit noted in 2023, referencing Trompenburg’s long-term vision of sustainability and climate adaptation.

Trompenburg also keeps the gardens lively throughout the year with markets, seasonal festivals and occasional evening programmes, so it is never just a “nice walk”, it is a place where Rotterdam meets around green.

A garden for every season

Trompenburg is designed to reflect and respond to the seasons. In spring, bulb exhibitions showcase daffodils, tulips and camellias. Summer brings out flowering trees and lush borders. Autumn is celebrated with golden leaves and annual fairs. Even in winter, the garden reveals its structural beauty and encourages peaceful walks.

The garden calendar often includes thematic programming: the annual plant market in May attracts growers and garden lovers, while autumn brings nature walks, film screenings, and even birdwatching events. In spring, visitors are invited to take part in family-friendly activities such as bulb planting and informal workshops.

Recent editions of the calendar have included highlights like Trompenburg by Night and recurring spring and autumn markets. In particular, Trompenburg by Night gives the gardens a very different feel as the sun goes down and the paths turn into a gentle evening route.

Plant market at Trompenburg in Rotterdam. Photo credit: Klik Klak Fotografie

Cultural programming in a natural setting

Over the years, Trompenburg has also embraced its role as a cultural space. A recurring feature is De Maaltuin, a pop-up dining concept that merges storytelling, guided walks and fine dining across the garden. Guests follow a narrative route while enjoying a five-course meal inspired by the setting.

Beyond De Maaltuin, Trompenburg regularly teams up with cultural partners across the city, with programmes that range from exhibitions to live music. Musique Botanique is a good example, bringing concerts into the garden setting as part of wider Rotterdam festival line-ups.

In recent years, more artistic and sensory offerings have emerged: audio tours for the visually impaired, botanical exhibitions, and collaborations with musicians and storytellers. These initiatives have expanded the garden’s appeal without compromising its botanical integrity.

Infrastructure rooted in sustainability

In September 2024, Trompenburg unveiled a redesigned entrance and green café terrace. The update was part of an effort to make the gardens more inviting, accessible, and climate-conscious. Rainwater reuse, green roofing, and locally sourced materials played a central role in the development. A new circular footpath now improves visitor flow, and the Flora café offers a modest menu in a verdant setting.

According to city officials, the renovation reflects a broader trend of embedding sustainability into public-facing infrastructure. The café and terrace now serve as a social anchor—particularly for visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle.

Entrance to Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum in Rotterdam

Community and education

Trompenburg’s participation in the “Make it Happen” initiative highlights its commitment to urban engagement. By hosting hands-on workshops, guided plant tours, and open-air lectures, the garden invites Rotterdammers to participate in the city’s broader sustainability goals.

Education is a big part of that mission too: school groups visit the gardens to learn about plants, biodiversity and how urban nature actually works in practice. There are also hands-on workshops that connect the collections to food, soil and seasonal growing.

Special events—such as the Cactus FestivalCactus Festival and the Autumn Fair—offer opportunities for local producers, small-scale gardeners, and botanical enthusiasts to meet and exchange knowledge. Visitors often cite the informal and approachable nature of these gatherings as a welcome contrast to more formal institutions. Another well-loved event at Trompenburg is its annual Christmas market. 

Christmas market at Trompenburg in Rotterdam

A living archive and a refuge for the future

As Rotterdam becomes more densely built, Trompenburg provides both refuge and relevance. The arboretum contributes to national seed banks, climate-resilient landscaping research, and local greening policies. It also serves as a quiet reminder that ecological care must be grounded in long-term thinking.

At the same time, Trompenburg is making its knowledge easier to access, by bringing more of its collection data into digital tools that support learning and exploration. It is another way the gardens function as both a refuge and a working archive.

Whether one visits to explore tree species, attend a seasonal market, or simply take a walk, the gardens offer something more enduring: the chance to observe, reflect and reconnect with a living landscape shaped by both time and intention.

Getting there

Directions and surroundings

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is located in Kralingen, one of Rotterdam’s greenest and most established districts. The garden lies near Erasmus University and can be reached by tram, bus, or bicycle. It is situated just beyond the bustle of the city centre, in an area characterised by leafy streets and calm waterways.

ROTTERDAM, 18 June 2026 – The Euromast reopens to visitors today after months of renovation, earlier than the previously expected date of 1 July. The work on the outside of the tower has been completed, and the renewed Brasserie is ready to welcome guests again.

The reopening brings back the familiar views over Rotterdam, the Euroscoop ride, overnight stays in the suites and the wider visitor experience that has been expanded in recent years.

Rotterdam gets its tower back

For anyone who has missed looking down on the city from 185 metres high, the wait is over. The Euromast is once again open for visits, giving Rotterdam back one of its clearest viewpoints just as summer begins.

The tower had been closed during large-scale renovation work on the exterior. At the same time, the Brasserie was given a full makeover. With both projects now finished, the Euromast is opening ahead of the original July date.

“Wij zijn ontzettend blij dat we onze deuren eerder kunnen openen dan de eerder gecommuniceerde datum van 1 juli. De afgelopen maanden is er hard gewerkt aan de Euromast en we zijn trots op het resultaat. We kijken ernaar uit om bezoekers weer te ontvangen en hen kennis te laten maken met de vernieuwde Brasserie, de bijzondere belevingen en de verhalen die de Euromast vertelt over het kleurrijke Rotterdam van vandaag,” says Menno Noordenbos, managing director of Euromast.

Brasserie returns with city views

The renewed Brasserie is one of the main changes visitors will notice. The restaurant has been redesigned as part of the wider update, bringing food, hospitality and views across the skyline back together inside the tower.

The Euromast is no longer just a quick climb for a photo above the city, although yes, the view still does most of the flirting. Visitors can combine a trip to the observation deck with lunch or dinner, a stay in one of the suites, or one of the tower’s more adventurous experiences.

The Euroscoop also returns, taking visitors up to 185 metres for a higher look across Rotterdam, the river, the port and the surrounding region. The tower’s The Rise of Rotterdam experience remains part of the visit, presenting the city through stories, images and perspectives connected to Rotterdam today.

For thrill-seekers, abseiling from the Euromast is also available again. That particular view of Rotterdam comes with slightly more adrenaline than a table by the window, obviously.

Summer reopening begins

The reopening will have a festive character in the coming weeks. Until the end of June, the Euromast will be specially illuminated, with further details expected through the tower’s own social media channels.

Visitors can reserve for a general visit including the view over Rotterdam, a Euroscoop ride, the renewed Brasserie, an overnight stay in the suites or abseiling from the tower.

More information and reservations are available via https://euromast.nl/

The Euromast has been part of Rotterdam since 1960. With the reopening, the city’s best-known observation tower returns to its usual role: part landmark, part lookout point and part reminder that Rotterdam makes a lot more sense once you have seen it from above.

How to get there

The Euromast is located at Parkhaven, beside Het Park and close to the Scheepvaartkwartier. From the city centre, you can reach it by bike, tram or on foot via the riverside area, while the tower is also a familiar stop for visitors exploring the park, the Maas and nearby historic harbour surroundings.

Fenix in Rotterdam’s Katendrecht district explores migration through art, personal stories, and history, all within a landmark harbour warehouse. The museum invites visitors to reflect on journeys of movement and belonging from Rotterdam and beyond.

Exploring migration at Fenix

Fenix (Fenixloods) in Rotterdam is a museum dedicated to the theme of migration. Through contemporary art, historical artefacts, personal narratives, and interactive installations, the museum examines the many ways people move, settle, and shape new lives. Its exhibitions bring together works by artists from across the world, demonstrating that migration is a constant part of human experience.

One of the museum’s notable features is the Suitcase Labyrinth, constructed from more than two thousand vintage suitcases donated by individuals worldwide. As visitors wander through the maze, they encounter audio stories and personal reflections from suitcase owners, each piece representing a turning point or journey. This installation connects Rotterdam’s long history as a port city to stories of migration from many regions and eras.

Fenix also presents exhibitions such as All Directions: Art That Moves You and The Family of Migrants, which draw on photography, sculpture, and documentary projects to reflect on themes of identity, displacement, and belonging. In addition to the main galleries, the museum offers a large indoor plaza (plein) for community events and cultural gatherings, inviting local residents and visitors to share their own stories.

Museum director Anne Kremers describes Fenix as “a place that gives space to the stories and experiences of people who move – whether by choice or necessity – and helps make migration a subject of dialogue in Rotterdam and beyond.”

The Suitcase Labyrinth at Fenix museum Rotterdam. Photo credit: Iwan Baan

The history of the Fenix warehouse and Katendrecht

The museum is housed in the historic Fenixloods (“Fenix warehouse”), a large industrial building on the Katendrecht peninsula. Katendrecht is known for its layered past as a harbour neighbourhood and entry point for countless arrivals and departures.

The original Fenix warehouse was completed in 1923 as one of the world’s largest storage facilities for port activities. At the time, the area served as a major gateway for emigrants leaving for North and South America, with the nearby Holland-Amerika Lijn building (Hotel New York) serving as a well-known point of departure. The quay also became a first stop for many newcomers, including seafarers, dockworkers, and Rotterdam’s Chinese community, which established one of the oldest Chinatowns in Europe in this district.

During the Second World War, the warehouse suffered significant damage from bombing and fire. It was later rebuilt as two separate structures, named Fenix I and Fenix II, after the mythical phoenix (“fenix” in Dutch) that rises from its ashes—a nod to both Rotterdam’s and the building’s resilience. For decades, the warehouse continued to serve Rotterdam’s commercial port before being repurposed for cultural and culinary initiatives in recent years.

Fenix Warehouse. Photo credit: Rotterdam City Archives

Architecture and transformation

The architectural transformation of the Fenixloods has been led by both Dutch and international designers. The renovation preserved much of the original warehouse structure while adding a dramatic new feature: a twisting stainless steel staircase known as the Tornado, designed by MAD Architects. The Tornado rises through the building and leads to a rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the Rijnhaven and Rotterdam skyline.

The design deliberately contrasts the industrial history of the warehouse with contemporary elements, highlighting movement and transformation—fitting for a museum focused on migration. The restored warehouse retains its robust columns and harbour façades, while the modern atrium and public plaza create open spaces for exhibitions, dialogue, and community events.

Fenix museum Rotterdam's Tornado staircase. Photo credit: Iwan Baan

From vision to museum

The idea for a migration museum in Rotterdam emerged through the efforts of the Droom en Daad (Dream and Deed) Foundation, a local philanthropic organisation. Drawing on Rotterdam’s heritage as a city of arrivals and departures, the foundation worked with city partners and architects to realise a museum where stories of migration are collected, presented, and discussed. The Fenix warehouse was selected for its powerful connection to the city’s port history and its role in countless journeys. The development and renovation process brought together heritage, architecture, and public engagement, ensuring the museum would serve both residents and visitors for generations.

The Family of Migrants overview, Fenix Rotterdam. Photo credit: Iwan Baan

Directions and visiting Fenix

Fenix is located on the Katendrecht peninsula, along the southern bank of the Maas. The address is Paul Nijghkade 5, in the Fenix II warehouse beside Rijnhaven. The museum can be reached on foot from the Rijnhaven metro station, or by water taxi and pedestrian bridges from Wilhelminapier and Hotel New York. The area is also home to restaurants, cafés, and cultural sites, making it a vibrant part of Rotterdam to explore.