Top 8 Family-Friendly Activities at Amsterdam Beach
- By: Jane Doe
Amsterdam Beach, located just a short distance from the city center, offers a wealth of activities and attractions for families looking to enjoy a fun-filled day out. From exploring historic towns and nature parks to discovering unique museums and engaging in outdoor adventures, this coastal area has something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll showcase the top 8 family-friendly experiences that await you at Amsterdam Beach, catering to a wide range of interests and ages. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or educational opportunities, you’ll find plenty of options to create lasting memories with your loved ones along the stunning North Sea coastline.
Kraantje Lek and Restaurant Gestrand: Play Areas and Restaurants for Family Enjoyment
Amsterdam Beach offers several delightful play areas and restaurants that cater to families with children. Kraantje Lek, a historic spot nestled between Zandvoort and Haarlem in the dunes, is a prime example. At the foot of a high dune near a hollow tree, children can play for hours in this enchanting setting that once served as a resting point for fisherwomen on their way to the Haarlem market.
Another gem is Restaurant Gestrand in Bloemendaal, where families can enjoy meals and drinks on the spacious terrace while watching their children play in the adventure playground, featuring water activities, an observation tower, and a thrilling zip line. The cozy fireplace inside the restaurant provides warmth on cooler days, making these play areas and restaurants perfect for family outings year-round.
Zandvoort: Exploring Nature and Wildlife in Expansive Parks
Zandvoort, a popular coastal destination near Amsterdam, offers families a unique opportunity to explore two expansive nature parks: Zuid-Kennemerland National Park and the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. These parks are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including majestic Konik horses, graceful fallow deer, robust Scottish Highland cattle, and the awe-inspiring bison, which can be spotted throughout the year.
In October, the sand dunes come alive with the calls of male deer during the mating season. The parks also provide ample opportunities for children to engage in outdoor activities such as climbing, swimming, and building huts. Treasure hunts and multiple playgrounds add to the excitement, making Zandvoort an ideal destination for nature-loving families.
Heemskerk: A Hidden Gem for Family-Friendly Coastal Adventures
Heemskerk, a charming historic town situated just 35 minutes away from Amsterdam by train or car, is a hidden gem along the North Sea coastline. Known for its stunning monuments, churches, and castles surrounded by lush green parks, Heemskerk offers a perfect escape for families seeking a coastal adventure.
A leisurely 20-minute bike ride through picturesque dunes and forested areas, where sheep and Scottish Highlanders graze, leads visitors to the kid-friendly beach. Equipped with all the necessary amenities, including beach chairs, parasols, and rentable windbreaks, along with refreshments available from the beach pavilion, Heemskerk provides an ideal setting for a memorable family day out.
Spaarnwoude Recreational Area: Outdoor Adventures for All Ages
Spaarnwoude recreational area, conveniently located between Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Velsen, offers a wide range of outdoor activities for families seeking adventure and relaxation. This expansive area allows visitors to walk, bike, or skate while taking in the quintessential Dutch landscape. Children can enjoy ample space to play and unwind, while also participating in various exciting activities.
Thrill-seekers can engage in paintball battles, test their skills on the climbing wall, or practice their putting on the green. Those who prefer water activities can explore the area by canoe or take a refreshing swim. The recreational area also hosts several large events throughout the summer, ensuring that there’s always something new and entertaining for families to experience during their visits to Spaarnwoude.
Juttersmu-ZEE-um: Discovering Washed-Up Treasures and Tales
The Juttersmu-ZEE-um in Zandvoort is a must-visit attraction for families exploring the Amsterdam Beach area. This free museum showcases an intriguing collection of objects washed up on the shore, ranging from buoys and bones to shark teeth and even a piece of a rocket. Visitors can let their imaginations run wild as they ponder the stories behind each item, such as letters in bottles that may have traveled across the oceans.
The museum also offers an educational experience, answering fascinating questions like “how long do things last before they perish?” Children will delight in the opportunity to play in a pirate ship complete with real treasure, making the Juttersmu-ZEE-um an engaging and thought-provoking destination for the whole family.
Ruïne van Brederode: Medieval Castle Fun for Young Knights and Damsels
Ruïne van Brederode in Santpoort-Zuid is a captivating destination for families visiting the Amsterdam Beach area. This impressive medieval castle ruin, complete with a moat and dungeon, offers a journey back in time. Children can let their imaginations soar as they dress up as knights or damsels and explore the many rooms and towers of the castle.
The highest turret provides far-reaching views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy traditional wooden games at the ye very olde outdoor café. In June, the annual Knight’s Tournament is a spectacular event not to be missed. Throughout the year, the ruin hosts various events and concerts, making it a lively and engaging destination for all ages.
Bunker Museum and Forteiland IJmuiden: Stepping Back in Time at Historical Military Sites
The Amsterdam Beach area is home to two fascinating historical sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s military past. The Bunker Museum, housed in a German bunker from World War II, consists of six largely underground bunkers and a trench. Visitors can embark on an adventurous walk around the grounds, discovering unique artifacts ranging from a German soldier’s bottle to a two-person submarine.
At the entrance of the North Sea Canal, Forteiland IJmuiden stands as an impressive 19th-century fortress. This former military defense, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Defense Line of Amsterdam,” provides a perfect blend of history, adventure, and relaxation for visitors of all ages.
Buddha Gym: Beachside Kickboxing and Self-Defense for the Whole Family
Buddha Gym, located on Zandvoort beach, offers a unique and invigorating experience for fitness enthusiasts and families alike. What began as a lighthearted idea among friends has grown into a vibrant community where people of all ages and skill levels come together to train against the backdrop of the sea.
The gym’s kickboxing lessons for children are interspersed with Krav Maga self-defense classes, providing a well-rounded approach to physical fitness and personal safety. During the colder months, classes move to a warmer indoor location, ensuring year-round access to this one-of-a-kind training experience. With its stunning beachside setting and inclusive atmosphere, Buddha Gym is a must-visit destination for those looking to boost their fitness while enjoying the natural beauty of Amsterdam Beach.
More useful information about Amsterdam Canal Cruises
- Read on about all type of Amsterdam Canal Cruises.
- How much are tickets, and where can you buy them? Read our guide for Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets.
- Blue Boat Company or Lovers? Check out the top cruise providers in Amsterdam!
- Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise – Read this before you book tickets!
- Sightseeing Canal Cruise in Amsterdam or a Dinner Cruise? Which one suits you?
We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Amsterdam. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising over the Canals in Amsterdam. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Amsterdam Canal Cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more.