Tips for holidays with kids in Zeeland

Holidays with the kids in Zeeland - at the campsite or in a holiday home - are fun! ‘But what are we doing today?’ It’s a question that can present parents with a headache or two. Fear not! Just for you, we’ve put together a list of ten tips for making your holiday with the kids in Zeeland an unforgettable one!

Discover Zeeland’s outdoors

For kids - young and old alike - Zeeland is one big adventure playground! With its abundance of forests, dunes, polders and lakes, there’s always something special to discover. Why not go mountain-biking? Scale Zeeland’s highest dune at Groot-Valkenisse, explore the forest of Westerschouwen, climb to top of the viewing tower at Burgh-Haamstede, or put your vertigo to the test in the Klimbos. We also have set out a number of fun interactive hiking trails for families.

Water sports

Practising water sports out on the open sea might seem a little nerve-racking, especially with younger children. Fortunately, Zeeland has many inland waters where it’s not quite so choppy: ideal for water-based activities for the whole family! You can discover the Veerse Meer or Grevelingen by renting a canoe, a paddleboard or boat. Fancy something less energetic? There are plenty of courses and workshops for kids to participate in. You can watch from a distance over a nice refreshing drink.

Animal petting

Are your kids mad about animals? If so, Zeeland is the perfect place to be. Kids can ride donkeys (aged 8 and upwards) and alpacas too. Zeeland is home to numerous children’s farms and zoos. Not all for petting, but you can watch the animals too, or go wildlife spotting (including flamingos!) If you prefer a bit more action, you can enjoy Zeeland’s coastline on horseback with a guide.

Playgrounds

A fun outing with the children doesn’t need to cost a lot. For example, Zeeland has many playgrounds which are either free or have a nominal entry price. Visit Hof Poppendamme with over 500m2 of adventure for kids, in Grijpskerke - ideal in all weathers! Then there is Klok ‘Uus, the largest indoor and outdoor play area in the whole of Zeeland.

Swimming

With so much water, you can imagine there are plenty of opportunities for the kids to swim. And in addition to the sea and Zeeland’s inland lagoons there are many other places to go swimming. There are tropical (indoor) pools, for example, or open-air baths which provide hours of fun and where parents can keep a watchful eye. Interested to find out more about the best swimming spots?

Attractions

What could be more fun that riding an old-fashioned steam train in Goes? Or sending yourself dizzy the Mini Mundi fun park in Middelburg. Familiarise yourself with the local wildlife and Zeeland’s landscape interactively at Terra Maris. Play crazy golf at Glow in the dark or simply enjoy the outdoors. At Berkenhof Tropical Zoo you can enjoy watching the animals or clambering about. With so many options, you’re spoilt for choice! Read more ideas about day outings in Zeeland!

Museums for kids

A museum visit doesn’t necessarily come at the top of everyone’s list, but there are so many interesting ones for children in Zeeland. Kids can discover things for themselves hands-on and take part in interactive tours, for example, at Sjakies Chocolademuseum in Middelburg! Or do your kids prefer a bit of action? Try the Gevangenismuseum (prison museum) in Zierikzee. Or discover the secrets of the sea at MuZEEum in Vlissingen. Interested to find out more about children’s museums in Zeeland?

Childproof restaurants

Of course, on holiday in Zeeland you can experiment cooking for yourselves with the kids, but there are many child-friendly restaurants in the province, for dinner as well as lunch. There are places where you can not only enjoy a gourmet meal, but where the kids can have fun too. Take De Jonge Johannes, a pancake restaurant in Vrouwenpolder. Or Het Kaslokaal in Oostkapelle. Other good choices include Five Star Farm in Kamperland, 't Krekeltje in Eede or 't Klok 'uus near to Goes.

Flower-picking

If your children like picking flowers, Zeeland is home to many pick-your-own gardens, for example, at Kruiningen, Ellewoutsdijk, Tholen, Aagtekerke, Nieuwvliet and Cadzand. These are just several of many. In Noord-Beveland you can pick wild flowers throughout the season in the flower verges which have been specially designated for this purpose. To do this, you must first buy a voucher from Natuurvereniging St. Akkerleven.