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- Texel: More than 140 km of cycle paths, fun stops along the way for ice cream or mini-golf.
- Terschelling: Cycle to the forest, the beach or join a pony ride.
- Ameland: 100 km of trails through dunes, forest and village.
What to do on the Wadden Islands with children
What to do on the Wadden Islands with children
As soon as you step onto the boat and feel the wind through your hair, you know: this is where the adventure begins. The Wadden Islands are made for families. With their wide beaches, beautiful dunes, cosy villages and endless nature, they offer space to run, discover, get dirty and, above all, enjoy. Each island has its own character, but all invite you to make memories together. In the sand, on your bike, at the table with sand still between your toes – welcome to the islands.
Sand between your toes and salt in the air
No playground equipment can compete with an island beach. Here, shells, sand mounds and washed-up treasures define the game. Spend hours building sandcastles, making kites dance in the air or collecting the most beautiful finds along the tide line – the beach gives you the space.
On Ameland, the beach is ééone big playground. Children run across the dunes, dig with buckets and shovels and let their imaginations run wild. On Texel, head to Oudeschild, where the beach and a pirate ship close to the harbour provide –n adventures with sand én water. And on Terschelling you zó board the beach bus, ready for a day full of surprises: from blokarting and kite flying to paddling among the waves.
Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog are, on the contrary, wonderfully uncluttered and quiet – perfect for young explorers. Here you look for tracks, sand forms of other children or maybe you will see seals.
Take a picnic and enjoy the view.
Take a picnic with you, throw a ball over, and above all, don't forget to enjoy that cosy moment with sand between your toes and salt in your hair.
Beach fun: the biggest playground of all
Texel
Vlieland
Terschelling
Ameland
Schiermonnikoog
Into the forest
As soon as you leave the beach behind, another world opens up. Forests full of winding paths, playful dune slopes and unexpected clearings invite you to explore. On the Wadden Islands, you don't need to encourage children – nature draws them in by itself.
The Wadden Islands are the place to be for building huts.
Here, hut-building is encouraged, gnomes are never far away and behind every bend lies a new adventure. The forests and dunes are not quiet landscapes, but places where there are whispers of disappearing trails, secret routes and mysterious creatures.
Hiking suddenly takes on a whole new meaning. No endless straight trails, but tracking routes, trails full of assignments and walks where you are allowed to get dirty. Whether you are looking for a short trip for toddlers or an active adventure for older children: on every island there are routes that make hiking itself an experience.
Outdoor adventure - Our tips
Vlieland
Follow the trail of gnomes or stout rabbit in the gnome forest.
Terschelling
Take a nature walk across Boschplaat or look for gnomes along the Gnomes Trail.
Schiermonnikoog
Explore the play forest at Birch Lake and the animal and play meadow.
Ameland
Hike the Krûmeltjewel trail or follow the Backpack Trail with assignments.
Texel
The Sommeltjespad is a fairy-tale scavenger hunt trail in the forest.
Cycling: from village to dune with the wind at your back
Cycling on the Wadden Islands feels like freedom. The paths wind through dunes, past meadows and right through villages, while the salty air and views are ever-changing. Every island offers great cycling.
Ameland has over 100 kilometres of cycle paths – safe, clear and full of places to get off. A playground here, a watchtower there, or just a break on a terrace with ice cream. On Texel you'll cycle through forests and over dykes, with farms along the way where you can cuddle sheep or sample ice cream from fresh milk.
Vlieland is uncluttered and compact: everything can be reached by bike and children easily join in. On Terschelling you will cycle to the forest, the beach or along the Wadden Sea – always with the wind in your hair and views to make you quiet. Also on Schiermonnikoog you can effortlessly discover the island by bike – with plenty of places along the way to stop, play or just take a look.
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- Vlieland: Everything is within cycling distance; combine it with a scavenger hunt.
- Schiermonnikoog: Cycle to the lighthouse or through the National Park.
Biking is the way to explore the islands. Many places offer tandems, cargo bikes or child seats for hire.
Do you prefer not to pedal? Then opt for a covered wagon ride or go horse riding along the beach.
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Seals and the mudflats: into the wilderness with wet feet
Seeing seals in the wild remains magical – especially when you see them lounging up close on a sandbank. Boat trips depart from all the islands where you can look for these graceful animals. Often the skipper will tell you about the mudflats, birds and currents on the way. With a bit of luck, you will see young seals close to the boat.
And then, of course, there is the mudflats themselves: a world full of mud, shells, crabs and seaweed. Tidal flats can be walked with a guide, but for small children there are also special mini-excursions where they go out with a landing net. You will never forget the experience of walking on the bottom of the sea, feeling how the sand moves under your feet and discovering what all lives there.
Go on a seal tour or mudflat excursion, catch crabs with a net or sail on a shrimp boat.
Our Wadden tips
Terschelling
Sea dog tours: cruising on a RIB or educational fishing.
Ameland
Mini-wade excursions especially for children up to 8 years old.
Schiermonnikoog
Educational wadden activities and its own swimming pool.
Texel
Wad walking with Ecomare or sailing along on a shrimp cutter.
Vlieland
Still a long way to go...
What you have read above is just the beginning. Each island is bursting with fun, original and surprising activities for children. Below you will find additional tips for each island – ideal for those who nóg want to discover more. Would you rather wander through a play forest, climb a watchtower or go on a pony ride? Take a quick look at what your island has in store for you.
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6 Bonus tips per island
What if it rains?
Don't panic. On the islands, rain is not a killjoy – it's an excuse to discover something new. On Texel, you can dive into Ecomare, where you will come face to face with seals and learn about underwater life. On Ameland, you can visit the Nature Centre or hit a ball at the Indoor Adventure Golf. Vlieland offers creative outings, go on scavenger hunt at Tromp's Huys or go bowling. And Terschelling? There the list is endless: from Lego Building and Wrecks Museum to watch-movie and splash around in the swimming-pool.
On Schiermonnikoog, even the worst weather is good for an adventure. Visit ééone of the museums on the island or put on a mackintosh and dance among the puddles, or nestle down with a game of Lytje Willem. The kids? They'll entertain themselves.
Do you prefer to stay inside? Each island has something fun for a rainy afternoon:
- Schiermonnikoog – Play the cheerful Schiermonnikoog Goose Board
- Ameland – Capture the island piece by piece with the Ameland Puzzle
- Terschelling – Become a pirate with the family game Rovers on the North Sea
- Texel – Play the Texels quartet and learn about the island through play
Cosy at the kitchen table in your cottage – island feeling guaranteed, even when it's pouring outside.
Discover more by island
Looking forward to all children's activities on a specific island? Click through to our separate pages packed with tips, itineraries and family outings:
👉 Texel with children
👉 Vlieland with children
👉 Terschelling with children
👉 Ameland with children
👉 Schiermonnikoog with children
Tip: staying overnight with children
From campsites with playgrounds to holiday parks with swimming pools – every island offers child-friendly accommodation. After a day romping on the beach, sleep soundly in a box bed, bunk bed or just under the stars.
Let the holiday begin!
Whether you come for a day, stay for a weekend or linger longer – on the Wadden Islands you will experience something special together.
