19x fine lakes and ponds in the Netherlands

1. Vlietland – South Holland

Recreational Area Vlietland calls itself ‘The Riviera of the Randstad’, and with some justification: the area consists of 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 boat and canoe 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 on, 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 not quite Zeeland yet, but at the Brielse Meer recreational lake you are completely outside. There are wonderful water sports, but cycling and walking are also very good, near the lake. Also nice: 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 lakes – 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-kilometre-long asphalted footpath and bicycle path runs around the lake.
Where: between Utrecht and Maarssen.

Read also: 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 a slide and a sandy beach. Or rent a sailboat, also nice.
Where: The Frisian Lakes.

6. Leekstermeer – Drenthe

The Leekstermeer is located in the head 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 Lageveld – Overijssel

Speed ​​demons can fly or hoverboard here. Does your child like to climb? There is a nice play forest near the pavilion. 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 stay here. There are many playground equipment and for something tasty you can go to the kiosk (with a large terrace) on the water.
Where: Eperweg, Nunspeet.

9. Geestmerambacht – North Holland

Between Heerhugowaard, Alkmaar and Langedijk you will find the recreation area Geestmerambacht: 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

Laze in the sun, relax 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 round walk takes you to a quiet area with many water birds. Bring binoculars and your child will have the day 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. The shallow banks make the Veerse Meer ideal for families with children.
Where: Walcheren and surroundings.

13. Henschotermeer – Utrechtse Heuvelrug

In the middle of the woods of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, at 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 playground 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 with wooden footbridges. 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 to do for the children with a football field, basketball court and a play and viewing hill. Sports enthusiasts can run or rollerblade around the pond. There is a TimePoint system so that you can have your lap times measured via a chip.
Where: near the Toolenburg district in Hoofddorp

15. Grevelingenmeer – Zeeland

This lake is the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe. The possibilities are endless: take a dip, 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 vacation 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. For children there is a playground and you will find a kiosk for something delicious.
Where: Houtvester Jansenweg 1, Gasselte

Read also: 4x adventurous water parks in the Netherlands

17. Uitgeestermeer – North Holland

Choose one of the beaches, put 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 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 warm days), but you can also throw out your own picnic blanket. Tip: the beach is shade-free, so apply sunscreen.
Where: Frisian Forests

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. At 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, walking, horse riding or sailing.
Where: Langepad 9, Rotterdam

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