The best things to do in Kerkrade: adrenaline to culture

Rain against the window, a Sunday morning with no plan, and three kids on the couch taking turns announcing how bored they are. Sound familiar? Luckily, you don't have to search long for a solution in Kerkrade, because this Limburg city has more up its sleeve than you might think at first glance.

Whether you want a day out with the family, an evening out with your friend group, or simply want to break out of your routine, Kerkrade combines culture, nature and pure action all within a few kilometers of each other. From a zoo full of flamingos to a centuries-old abbey, this city is packed with surprises for young and old.

We've lined up the best things to do in Kerkrade for you, with the number one spot going to the place where action, competition and good times come together: Gamestate Kerkrade. Curious what there is to do in Kerkrade today, this weekend, or during the school holidays? Keep reading, because this list is your complete guide.

1. Gamestate Kerkrade: the best things to do in Kerkrade for every age 🕹️

If there's one place that manages to entertain all three age groups, from young kids to friend groups out on the town, it's Gamestate Kerkrade. Located at Roda J.C. Ring 2D, right in the middle of Kerkrade's buzzing stadium and entertainment district, this is the largest arcade hall in the region. We'll say it with confidence: of all the fun things to do in Kerkrade, this is the place where everyone has fun at the same time, regardless of age or interest.

A game selection for young and old

With more than 90 life-size games under one roof, Gamestate Kerkrade is a paradise for gamers and families alike. There's something for every age, from the very youngest to the most fanatic teens.

- **Racing simulators:** race each other in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX or MotoGP, perfect for siblings and parents who are just a bit too competitive.

- **Virtual reality:** step into Beat Saber or The Walking Dead and feel the adrenaline rush through you, secretly a solid workout for mom and dad too.

- **Ticket games and redemption:** skee-ball and claw machines are favorites among the youngest visitors, who can trade in their tickets at the prize wall afterward.

- **Air hockey and basketball:** perfect for the whole family together, with no age limit attached.

- **Dance games:** Pump It Up brings the energy to the dance floor, popular with teens who want a bit more movement.

The Playcard system: no hassle with loose coins

The Playcard system makes a visit to Gamestate Kerkrade remarkably smooth. You top up the card with whatever amount you like, and the balance stays valid indefinitely, even if you don't come back for another month. For families, this means no more hunting for loose change, and for friend groups, it means no one has to make change or split the bill. A tip for smart planners: [register your Playcard online](https://gamestate.com/playcard) in advance, so you get extra benefits right away and can have your balance blocked if you ever lose the card.

Opening hours and accessibility

Gamestate Kerkrade has remarkably flexible opening hours, especially compared to most museums and attractions in the city.

| Day | Opening hours |

| --- | --- |

| Friday and Saturday | 12:00 to 01:00 |

| Sunday through Thursday | 12:00 to 00:00 |

You never need to make a reservation, which makes this location the perfect plan B on a rainy day or just a spontaneous way to fill your free afternoon. The hall is right by Roda J.C. Ring 2D and is easy to reach by car, with plenty of parking around the stadium complex. From Kerkrade Centrum station, you're also there in no time, ideal if you're traveling by public transport. A tip for budget-conscious visitors: join in on [Winners Wednesday](https://gamestate.com/winners-wednesday), when most games are half price, especially handy during the school holidays.

2. GaiaZOO: fun things to do in Kerkrade among the animals 🦁

Want to swap the arcade hall for nature? GaiaZOO is just a short distance away and attracts thousands of visitors every year with its impressive collection of animals, from flamingos to lions. The zoo is one of the best-known names when it comes to fun things to do in Kerkrade, especially for families with kids between 4 and 12.

Connection with Gamestate

A day at GaiaZOO in the morning and early afternoon combines perfectly with an evening at [Gamestate Kerkrade](/en/kerkrade). While the zoo closes its doors in the late afternoon, Gamestate simply keeps going until 00:00 on weekdays and even 01:00 on weekends. That way, you turn one day into two full outings without the fun stopping the moment it gets dark outside.

3. Discovery Museum: activities in Kerkrade for curious minds 🧪

The Discovery Museum in Kerkrade is an interactive museum where kids and teens get to experiment, discover and build things themselves. It's exactly the kind of activity in Kerkrade parents look for when the kids want to do more than just watch, they want to do.

Connection with Gamestate

After a morning full of experiments at the museum, an afternoon in a neon-lit arcade hall is the logical next step. Where the Discovery Museum is mainly focused on learning, Gamestate is all about play, competition and the fits of laughter that come with it. Both outings reinforce each other, and together they form a complete day out for the whole family.

4. Abdij Rolduc: culture and calm as an outing near Kerkrade 🎯

For those looking for something more relaxed, Abdij Rolduc is an absolute must. This centuries-old abbey is one of the largest monastery complexes in the Netherlands and offers tours through impressive architecture and history. Combine a walk through the Anstelvallei with a visit to the abbey and you've got yourself a relaxing morning or afternoon, ideal for couples or parents who want to enjoy some time of their own too.

Connection with Gamestate

After all that peace and culture, a dose of action is sometimes exactly what you need. End the day at [Gamestate Kerkrade](/en/kerkrade), where you walk in without a reservation and set your own pace. The contrast between a historic abbey in the morning and neon-lit racing simulators in the evening instantly turns your day in Kerkrade into a story worth telling your friends.

5. What to do in Kerkrade when it rains or in the evening: combine your day ☔

Limburg weather, let's be honest, isn't always something you can count on. What to do in Kerkrade if the rain unexpectedly rolls in, or if you're still up for a fun evening? This is exactly where Gamestate Kerkrade shows its added value compared to most other attractions in the city.

The hall is fully covered and climate-controlled, so the weather outside has absolutely no effect on your fun level inside. While museums, the zoo and the abbey are long closed, Gamestate simply carries on. For friend groups planning a night out, this is a strong alternative to the pub or cinema: active, social, and with enough competition for the best stories afterward. For a date, Beat Saber, air hockey and the racing simulators are the perfect icebreakers, you'll always have something to talk about afterward, and thanks to the Playcard system, nobody has to worry about who's stuck with the bill.

Feel free to combine your visit with a bite to eat in the center of Kerkrade, think a terrace, a quick pizza or sushi before or after your visit. Parking around Roda J.C. Ring is plentiful, and Kerkrade Centrum station is within cycling distance, so accessibility is never a barrier, no matter who you're going with. Want to take your night out to the Next Level? Then Gamestate Kerkrade is definitely the place to be.

Ready for your visit to Gamestate?

Whether you choose a day of culture at Abdij Rolduc, a morning among the animals at GaiaZOO, or go straight for pure action, your day in Kerkrade is best rounded off at Gamestate Kerkrade at Roda J.C. Ring 2D. Feel free to combine your day in Kerkrade, and finish up at [Gamestate Kerkrade](/en/kerkrade) until late in the evening. Check the website beforehand for the current opening hours and ongoing promotions, so you know exactly when your night out in Kerkrade begins.