Windmills

Zaanse Schanse is between Alkmaar and Amsterdam, so it is convenient to pair this with a visit to the cheese market.  It's an open-air museum that recreates 17th century Dutch culture along the Zaan River in the town of Zaandijk,  It has several old historic windmills that are still used for various activities including a saw mill.

There's a collection of traditional activities you can experience such as a clog making demonstration and cheese making.  It very much caters to tourists, but it is an easy way to see old windmills still in use which was our main purpose in coming.