If you're looking for a broader selection, we've already covered the top beaches in the Netherlands, but here are some of the best child-friendly spots where you can build sandcastles, paddle in shallow waters, and enjoy a day of family fun.
The best beaches for children in North Holland
North Holland is home to some of the most picturesque and family-friendly beaches in the country. With soft sandy shores, gentle waves, and plenty of amenities, these beaches provide the perfect setting for a stress-free and fun-filled day with kids. Whether you're looking for playgrounds, shallow waters, or nature reserves to explore, North Holland has a beach that caters to your family's needs.
Zandvoort aan Zee (North Holland)
Location: 52.37593161642205, 4.522803773548745
Zandvoort aan Zee is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam, making it a convenient spot for a day trip. The beach is clean and spacious, with many beach pavilions offering snacks and drinks. The nearby dunes provide opportunities for exploration and nature walks.
Looking for a perfect day out with the kids? Zandvoort is an excellent choice. The beaches are clean and well-maintained, with plenty of space for playing and swimming. You’ll also find the Juttersmu-Zee-um here, where children at the seaside can learn more about this force of nature and the beach. Don’t forget to visit the nearby dunes for an adventurous hike.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Designated swimming areas with lifeguards.
- Nearby playgrounds and mini-golf.
- Nature trails are perfect for little adventurers.
Egmond aan Zee (North Holland)
Location: 52.61900749151452, 4.619077378326355
Egmond aan Zee is located in North Holland, a province in the Netherlands. It is a coastal village situated along the North Sea, near the town of Alkmaar. The village is part of the municipality of Bergen and is a popular destination for beachgoers and tourists.
Why it’s great for kids:
- 5 kilometers of beach with plenty of space for kids to play and explore.
- Lifeguard supervision ensuring safety while swimming.
- Easy access to the beach directly from the village center.
Julianadorp aan Zee (North Holland)
Location: 52.904618482974314, 4.712986067831967
Julianadorp aan Zee is a fantastic destination for families, offering wide sandy beaches and gentle, calm waters—perfect for young children. The beach provides all the essentials, including cozy pavilions with kid-friendly menus and shaded areas for a relaxing break. The stunning surroundings feature vibrant flower bulb fields and scenic cycling and walking trails, inviting you to explore the beauty of the area.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Wide, clean beaches with plenty of space for kids to play and explore.
- Calm, shallow waters ideal for safe swimming and paddling.
- Beach pavilions offering kid-friendly menus and snacks.
Bergen aan Zee (North Holland)
Location: 52.66085314101726, 4.627745242794101
Bergen aan Zee is a peaceful seaside resort with a family-friendly beach that’s perfect for a day out with kids. The sandy beach is wide and clean, with plenty of facilities such as restrooms and dining options. Plus, the beach is located close to Parnassia Park, where children can play to their heart's content while parents relax and enjoy a picnic.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Wide, clean sandy beach offering plenty of space for children to play.
- Convenient facilities including toilets and nearby dining options.
- Parnassia Park nearby, perfect for playtime and picnics.
The best beaches for children in South Holland
South Holland in terms of beaches, offers a great mix of entertainment, nature, and relaxation. These beaches often have well-maintained facilities, safe swimming areas, and fun attractions for kids, making them ideal for a family outing. With designated swimming areas and lifeguards on duty during peak seasons, parents can feel at ease while their little ones enjoy the sea. Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of Scheveningen or the more relaxed charm of Kijkduin, South Holland has a beach that guarantees a fantastic family outing.
Scheveningen Beach (South Holland)
Location: 52.11321068312295, 4.273391332003968
Scheveningen is a classic among Dutch beaches and perfect for families. With lifeguarded swimming zones, soft sandy beaches, and plenty to do, it’s truly a top destination. The boulevard offers a variety of activities, such as a Ferris wheel, Sea Life Scheveningen, and mini golf. And if you want to take a break, there are plenty of beach pavilions where you can relax with the kids.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Shallow waters for paddling.
- Family-friendly attractions like SEA LIFE Scheveningen.
- Lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
Schoorl (South Holland)
Location: 52.71378412239312, 4.6383164904107295
From Bergen and Schoorl, you can cycle through the dune area to the beach of Schoorl. Since the beach is not accessible by car, it remains surprisingly one of the most quiet beaches in the Netherlands even during the summer. On the way to the beach, make sure to stop at the 54-meter-high climbing dune. Here, kids can run and roll in the sand, while you relax with a drink at the foot of the dune.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Unique dune cycling route, offering an adventurous journey to the beach.
- Car-free beach making it peaceful and safe for children.
- Climbing dune where kids can enjoy running and rolling in the sand.
Ouddorp beach (South Holland)
Location: 51.764503372225334, 3.841498947154618
Ouddorp offers a vast beach, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful family day out. The sea is relatively shallow, ensuring safety for young swimmers. In addition, there are playgrounds, and during the summer months, a variety of child-friendly activities are organized, such as sandcastle competitions and treasure hunts.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Shallow waters perfect for young swimmers to safely enjoy the sea.
- Spacious beach offering plenty of room for kids to play and explore.
- Playgrounds for fun and active moments.
Kijkduin beach (South Holland)
Location: 52.07521981393164, 4.222821357681079
Kijkduin offers a quieter alternative to Scheveningen, but it’s just as family-friendly. The beach is clean and spacious, perfect for kids to play. There are charming beach pavilions with special facilities for children, and nearby, you’ll find Kijkduinpark, ideal for a relaxing walk or bike ride. Additionally, there’s an adventure park for kids filled with fun play equipment.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Clean, spacious beach with plenty of room for children to play and explore.
- Beach pavilions featuring child-friendly amenities.
- Quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a family day out.
Noordwijk beach (South Holland)
Location: 52.25187710123937, 4.435616613715477
Noordwijk is a vibrant beach town with exciting activities all year round. Noordwijk with children is a lot of fun, you can let your children truly have a great time in the “little sea” (or "kimmetje," as locals call it). If the weather isn’t perfect, there are plenty of nearby attractions like Duinrell, Madurodam, or Linnaeushof, Europe’s largest playground, all just a short distance away!
Why it’s great for kids:
- Little sea” (kimmetje) offers a safe, shallow spot for kids to play and splash around.
- Duinrell amusement park with thrilling rides and a water park for endless fun.
- Madurodam, a miniature wonderland that’s both fun and educational for kids.
The best beaches for children in Zeeland
Zeeland is known for having some of the cleanest beaches in the Netherlands, making it a fantastic destination for families. With its vast coastline, Zeeland offers plenty of space for kids to run, play, and build sandcastles without the crowds that can be found in other regions. Popular family-friendly beaches such as Domburg and Cadzand are known for their soft sands, shallow waters, and excellent facilities. Many of Zeeland's top beaches also have nearby nature reserves and dunes, perfect for exploring with little adventurers. If you're looking for a peaceful and spacious beach getaway with plenty of fresh sea air, Zeeland is the perfect choice for a family beach day.
Domburg Beach (Zeeland)
Location: 51.56664874081833, 3.4931899177902754
Located in the province of Zeeland, Domburg Beach is renowned for its clean sands and calm waters. It’s particularly popular with families seeking a quieter atmosphere. The town itself is charming, with plenty of ice cream parlors and shops to explore.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Wide beaches with plenty of space for games.
- Safe swimming zones.
- Fun beach activities like kite flying.
Cadzand-Bad (Zeeland)
Location: 51.380598605779824, 3.3860827426390783
Cadzand-Bad is another gem in Zeeland, offering a peaceful and family-friendly beach environment. The beach is known for its fossilized shark teeth, which make for a fun treasure hunt activity with the kids.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Calm and shallow waters.
- Unique activities like fossil hunting.
- Family-friendly beach clubs with play areas.
The best child-friendly beaches in the Wadden Islands
The Wadden Islands offer some of the most unique and unspoiled beaches in the Netherlands, making them an amazing choice for a family adventure. Islands like Texel and Terschelling are home to wide, clean beaches with soft sand, perfect for kids to run and play. These islands are also known for their shallow tidal areas, allowing children to safely wade in the water and discover marine life.
Many of the most beautiful beaches on the Wadden Islands offer fun extras, like nature excursions, seal-watching tours, and even beachcombing adventures. With their peaceful atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and family-friendly amenities, the Wadden Islands provide a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration for parents and children alike.
Texel Beaches (Wadden Islands)
Location: 53.101182914364635, 4.753267591780141
Texel, one of the Wadden Islands, offers a unique beach experience. The island’s coastline is home to several beaches, each with its own charm. Paal 17 is particularly popular among families, thanks to its excellent facilities and nearby attractions.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Shallow, calm waters ideal for young swimmers.
- Ecomare, a seal sanctuary and nature museum.
- Plenty of space for cycling and exploring the dunes.
Terschelling (Wadden Islands)
Location: 53.406456644989895, 5.266793775753571
Terschelling is one of the Wadden Islands in the northern part of the Netherlands. It is located in the North Sea, off the coast of the province of Friesland. Terschelling is known for its natural beauty, wide beaches, and tranquil environment, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities and family vacations.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Spacious, empty beaches perfect for kids to play and explore freely.
- Beautiful natural surroundings, great for outdoor adventures like hiking and biking.
- Family-friendly cycling paths to explore the island’s serene beauty.
Beaches with playgrounds in the Netherlands
For families with young children, beaches with playgrounds offer the best of both worlds—fun in the sand and surf, plus dedicated play areas with swings, slides, and climbing frames. Across the Netherlands, several beaches feature fantastic playgrounds, ensuring kids stay entertained even when they need a break from the water.
From large adventure play areas at Scheveningen to smaller, charming beachside playgrounds in Zeeland and North Holland, these spots are perfect for a full day of family fun. Whether you’re looking for a beach with an obstacle course, or a classic set of swings and slides, these playground-equipped beaches will make your seaside visit even more special.
1. Scheveningen
This popular beach near The Hague has several playgrounds along the promenade, and is a very sought-after beach with playgrounds in South Holland. The beach is family-friendly with lots of activities, including a playground with swings, slides, and play structures.
2. Zandvoort
Zandvoort's beach features playgrounds right on the sand, perfect for little ones to burn off energy. There are also beach pavilions with kid-friendly menus.
3. Noordwijk
Noordwijk has multiple playgrounds along its long beach, making it a great spot for family days out. You’ll find swings, slides, and other play equipment.
4. Egmond aan Zee
This beach offers several playgrounds, including one near the village center, where kids can play safely while parents relax at the cafes nearby.
5. Renesse
The beach here is home to large playgrounds with fun equipment, such as wooden ships, climbing structures, and air trampolines.
6. Bergen aan Zee
A calm beach with spacious playgrounds and natural surroundings for kids to explore. There’s also a lovely park nearby where families can picnic and play.
7. Terschelling
Terschelling is a peaceful island with quiet beaches and multiple playgrounds. The wide open spaces and natural beauty are perfect for children to explore.
The Netherlands may be famous for its tulips and windmills, but its beaches are equally impressive. Whether you’re looking for lively shores with plenty of activities or tranquil stretches perfect for a picnic, there’s a child-friendly beach waiting for your family. So pack your beach gear and head to the coast for a day of sun, sea, and smiles!
Map of the top child-friendly beaches in the Netherlands
To help you easily find the best beaches for families, we've created a map of the top child-friendly beaches in the Netherlands. This map highlights the best spots across North Holland, South Holland, Zeeland, and the Wadden Islands. Whether you're planning a day trip or a beach holiday, this map will guide you to the perfect destination for fun and relaxation with your little ones.
