19x fine lakes and ponds in the Netherlands

A holiday in the Netherlands is not that bad: pay a visit to one of these lakes or puddles and you can forget about that snow-white bay in the Maldives.

1. Vlietland – South Holland

Recreational area Vlietland calls itself ‘The Riviera of the Randstad’, and with some justification: the area covers three lakes totaling 130 hectares. There are forests, creeks and sunbathing areas, and in the summer there is a spectacular water park, which you can use for a fee. Of course you can also surf, pedal boats and canoe here to your heart’s content. Or just watch it from one of the catering pavilions.

Where: between Leidschendam and Leiden.

2. Dune Lake Het Wed – North Holland

Het Wed is located just outside Haarlem, in the middle of the dunes. In terms of summer atmosphere, the beach is hardly inferior to the North Sea beach a little further, but it has a few major advantages. It is sheltered, there is no dangerous current in the water, and it is bursting with children in the summer. One drawback: there are no beach bars on the lake, so you have to bring your own picnic basket.

Where: Bloemendaal

3. Brielse Meer – South Holland

It is just not yet Zeeland, but at the recreational lake Brielse Meer you are completely outside. It is wonderful water sports, but cycling and walking are also very good, near the lake. Also nice: just a stone’s throw away is the fortified town of Brielle, with one of the best-preserved fortresses in the Netherlands.

Where: near Europoort.

4. Maarsseveense Plassen – Utrecht

Spacious sunbathing areas, sandy beaches and a water play island with a slide and snake wall: children can have fun in Utrecht. Fancy a walk around the beach? A 5 kilometer long asphalted foot and cycle path runs around the lake.

Where: between Utrecht and Maarssen.

Also read: 11x child-friendly city beaches

5. Tjeukemeer – Friesland

The Tjeukemeer is one of the quietest lakes in Friesland with a beautiful nature. There are swings, a sandbox, a climbing house with slide and a sandy beach. Or rent a sailboat, which is also fun.

Where: The Frisian Lakes.

6. Leekstermeer – Drenthe

The Leekstermeer is located in the top of Drenthe and is the largest lake in this province. You can walk, sail, sail and within cycling distance is the Nienoord family park with various slides, climbing castles, bouncy castles and merry-go-rounds.

Where: Northfield.

7. The Lowveld – Overijssel

Speed ​​demons can fly or hoverboard here. Does your child like to climb? Near the pavilion is a nice play forest. Fun water activities are also regularly organized.

Where: Vriezenveenseweg 57, Wierden.

8. Zandenplas – Gelderland

This is not only a nice lake for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and swimmers, children can also enjoy themselves here. There are many playgrounds and for something tasty you can go to the kiosk (with large terrace) on the water.

Where: Eperweg, Nunspeet.

9. Geestmerambacht – North Holland

Between Heerhugowaard, Alkmaar and Langedijk you will find the Geestmerambacht recreation area: a large lake where you can swim, sunbathe and surf. Or light your barbecue on the designated field.

Where: Klaregroetweg 1, Noord-Scharwoude.

Also read: These are the best water outings in warm weather

10. Duynenwater – North Brabant

Lazing in the sun, relaxing on the beach or on the sunbathing lawns: Duynenwater (formerly the E3 beach) is a unique place with its clear white sand. Various (dance) festivals are held in the summer, so arrange the babysitter in advance.

Where: Buivensedreef 10, RN Eersel.

11. Zevenhuizerplas – South Holland

In this area you will find plenty of water sports, but you can also just enjoy the lake. A walk around takes you to a quiet area with many water birds. Bring binoculars and your child will have the time of his life.

Where: Rotterdam / Zuidplas.

12. Veerse Meer – Zeeland

Once a turbulent estuary, now a water sports paradise for surfers, canoeists, sailors, water skiers, divers and fishermen. Because of the shallow banks, the Veerse Meer is ideal for families with children.

Where: Walcheren and surroundings.

13. Henschotermeer – Utrecht Hill Ridge

In the middle of the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, near the Henschotermeer, you can enjoy yourself for hours. Float on an air mattress or play a game of beach volleyball on the elongated sandy beach. For children there are wooden play equipment such as a pirate ship and various playing fields and hills. Also nice: in the middle of the lake is an island that is connected to the beach by wooden foot bridges. Enough to discover!

Where: Heygraeff 2, Woudenberg

14. Toolenburgerplas – Hoofddorp

At this recreational lake you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and water sports. There is also plenty for the children to do with a soccer field, basketball court and a play and view hill. Sports enthusiasts can run or rollerblade around the lake. There is a TimePoint system available so that you can have your lap times measured via a chip.

Where: at the Toolenburg district in Hoofddorp

15. Grevelingenmeer – Zeeland

This lake is the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe. The possibilities are endless: take a dive, float on your air mattress or go surfing, supping, canoeing or sailing. But you can also take a lovely walk to the lighthouse or the harbor of Bommenede.

Where: between the islands of Goeree-Overflakkee and Schouwen-Duiveland

16. Hemelriek – Drenthe

The tropical colored water makes you feel like you’re on holiday here. Hemelriek is located in the middle of the Hondsrug nature reserve in Drenthe and is a wonderful place to enjoy yourself for a few hours. There is a playground for children and you will find a kiosk for something tasty.

Where: Forester Jansenweg 1, Gasselte

Also read: 4x adventurous water parks in the Netherlands

17. Uitgeestermeer – North Holland

Choose one of the beaches, lay down your towel and enjoy. At this lake you can also take surfing and sailing lessons or rent a boat. Children from the age of six can receive special lessons in a Kindervalk, a small boat. Will you stay there all day? Then consider a barbecue on one of the beaches. From the waterfront you have a beautiful view of the boats on the water.

Where: Lagendijk 33, Uitgeest

18. Spokeplas – Friesland

The ideal place to go with the whole family, because there is plenty of fun for young and old. For drinks and a snack you can go to the kiosk (on hot days), but of course you can also throw out your own picnic blanket. Tip: the beach is shade-free, so apply well.

Where: Frisian Woods

19. Kralingse Plas – South Holland

The Kralingse Plas, adjacent to the Kralingse Bos, is a wonderful recreational area within cycling distance of the center of Rotterdam. With over 200 hectares, this is the largest recreational area in the area and there is plenty to do for children: from swimming and running to skating, hiking, horseback riding or sailing.

Where: Langepad 9, Rotterdam

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