Fun things to do in Zandvoort, rain or shine

The sky above the boulevard hangs grey, the wind blows sand right into your face, and that beach walk you had planned is going a bit differently than expected. Sound familiar? Zandvoort is Next Level when the sun is shining, but on a rainy Saturday or a dull Sunday afternoon, you're standing on the Gasthuisplein with your friends, your kids or your date, thinking: now what?

The great thing is that Zandvoort has far more to offer than just beach and dunes. Whether you're out with the family, planning a night out with friends, or simply in the mood for some action yourself, there's always a plan B (which secretly turns into plan A more often than you'd think). This guide will point you in the right direction.

We've lined up the best things to do in Zandvoort for you, from indoor to outdoor, topped by the spot that always delivers when it's raining, windy, or you're simply craving action: Gamestate Circus Zandvoort. Curious why this arcade hall on the Gasthuisplein delivers the most fun things to do in Zandvoort for everyone, from toddlers to hen and stag parties? Keep reading.

1. Gamestate Circus Zandvoort: the number 1 for things to do in Zandvoort 🕹️

Right in the middle of the Gasthuisplein, at number 5, you'll find [Gamestate Circus Zandvoort](/en/circus-zandvoort). Forget the image of a faded arcade with a few dusty cabinets in the corner: this is a fully covered, climate-controlled arcade hall that's open all year round. Rain, storm or blazing sun, inside Gamestate you won't notice any of it.

Something for every age and every mood

What sets Gamestate apart from an average day out in Zandvoort is the sheer range of what's on offer. There's literally something for everyone, from the youngest member of your family to the most competitive group of friends.

- **Racing simulators:** race each other on machines like Mario Kart Arcade GP DX and MotoGP, ideal for siblings or friends who love to win.

- **Virtual reality:** step into Beat Saber or The Walking Dead and experience gaming on a whole new level, also fun for parents who 'just want to watch' (and usually end up joining in anyway).

- **Ticket games and redemption:** skee ball and claw machines for the youngest visitors, with a prize wall full of plush toys, sweets and gadgets as the final reward.

- **Air hockey and basketball:** classics the whole family or entire friend group can play together.

- **Dance games:** such as Pump It Up, perfect for finally burning off that excess teenage energy.

The convenience of the Playcard system

Instead of lugging around loose coins, at Gamestate you play with a rechargeable [Playcard](https://gamestate.com/playcard). Your balance and tickets remain valid indefinitely, so even if you only use half, you simply pick up where you left off on your next visit. Handy for families keeping an eye on the budget, and just as convenient for a group of friends who want to split the cost fairly without any hassle over change.

A tip for anyone who likes to plan smart: join in on [Winners Wednesday](https://gamestate.com/winners-wednesday), when most games are half price. That makes it one of the most budget-friendly things to do in Zandvoort during school holidays.

Opening hours and accessibility

You never need a reservation at Gamestate Circus Zandvoort. Just walk in whenever it suits you.

| Day | Opening hours |

| --- | --- |

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

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

Gasthuisplein 5 is within walking distance of Zandvoort aan Zee station, and there's plenty of parking available in the centre for anyone arriving by car. Within a few minutes you'll be standing dry among the neon lights, even if it's absolutely miserable outside.

2. Beach and boulevard: the classic day out in Zandvoort 🎉

Zandvoort's beach has been one of the most popular things to do in Zandvoort for years, and not without reason. Miles of sand, a lively boulevard full of beach clubs, and plenty of room to walk, paddleboard or simply do nothing at all in a beach chair.

What you can do there

In good weather, you can easily spend half a day here. Think of a walk along the dunes, a kickabout with the kids, or, for the more active visitor, a kitesurfing or paddleboarding session with one of the local watersports schools.

Connection with Gamestate

The great thing about the beach is that it combines perfectly with a visit to Gamestate. Start the day with sun, sand and sea, and once the wind picks up or evening falls, it's a short walk into the centre towards the Gasthuisplein. While the beach empties out by five o'clock, the fun at Gamestate simply carries on into the late hours.

3. Circuit Zandvoort: things to do in Zandvoort for speed lovers 🏆

For anyone who loves speed and adrenaline, Circuit Zandvoort is one of the most special things to do in Zandvoort. The circuit is world-famous for the Formula 1 Dutch GP, but even outside race weekends you can often take a look around, book a tour, or get behind the wheel of a race car yourself.

What makes this outing special

The combination of history and speed is a huge draw, especially for teenagers and adult racing fans. Even a simple walk along the track gives you a thrill, especially once you know which drivers have raced across this very asphalt.

Connection with Gamestate

Just walked the circuit or dreamed of your own race car? Then it's only a short step to the racing simulators at Gamestate. There, you can turn that adrenaline straight into your own time trial against friends or family, no helmet, no waiting list and no separate reservation required.

4. The cosy centre and the dunes of Zandvoort 🍔

Zandvoort also has a village feel that's easy to overlook if you only think of it as a beach town. The centre around the Kerkstraat and the Gasthuisplein is full of small shops, terraces and the weekly market, and the dunes surrounding the village are perfect for a relaxed walk or bike ride.

What you'll find here

A morning of browsing the market, a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, or simply a walk through the dune woods: the centre of Zandvoort offers relaxed things to do in Zandvoort, ideal for easing into the day or winding it down.

Connection with Gamestate

Since the Gasthuisplein sits right in the middle of this centre, the step to Gamestate is a short one. After a bite to eat at one of the restaurants around the corner, you can walk in within minutes, and you can do that deliberately late in the evening too, since Gamestate stays open on Fridays and Saturdays until 01:00, while most terraces and shops have already closed their doors by then.

5. The best things to do in Zandvoort, whatever the weather or time of day ☔

Want to know what the best things to do in Zandvoort are, regardless of the weather or the time on the clock? The answer mostly depends on your company and the situation you find yourself in.

In rain or storm

Beach and dunes quickly fall away as options, and that's exactly the moment Gamestate proves its worth. Fully covered, climate-controlled and with no queue at the door: the arcade hall is the obvious plan B that ends up becoming plan A.

In the evening or over the weekend

Restaurants close, museums shut their doors, and even the boulevard grows quiet after dinner. Gamestate, on the other hand, keeps going until 01:00 on weekends, making it the natural way to round off an evening that would otherwise end early.

For families, couples and groups

- **Families:** combine a morning at the beach or market with an afternoon at Gamestate, and plan for a Wednesday if you can, for Winners Wednesday.

- **Couples:** a round of racing simulators or Beat Saber always works better as an icebreaker than a quiet table for two, no awkward silences involved.

- **Groups of friends:** split the Playcard balance easily among the group and finish the evening with a joint sprint to the prize wall.

Klaar voor jouw bezoek aan Gamestate?

Whether you choose an afternoon at the beach followed by a round on the racing simulators, or head straight to the Gasthuisplein the moment the rain starts: Gamestate Circus Zandvoort at Gasthuisplein 5 is ready for you, whatever the weather or the group you're bringing along. Feel free to combine your day in Zandvoort, and round it off at Gamestate Circus Zandvoort until late in the evening. Check [the location page](/en/circus-zandvoort) beforehand for current opening hours and ongoing promotions, and register your [Playcard](https://gamestate.com/playcard) online in advance for extra benefits on your next visit.