Looking for the best activities on Ameland with children? The island is one big playground, full of nature, adventure and surprises.
From building sand castles on the beach to an exciting treasure hunt in the forest, there is something for everyone.
Active families can go climbing and supping, while young explorers can search for ticklish critters in the Wadden Sea.
Whether you are looking for a free activity, a low-budget getaway or an adventurous experience, here are 15 great tips for an unforgettable stay on Ameland with children:
On Ameland, you don't have to go looking for a playground – you'll find the biggest one on the beach! The wide, clean sandy beaches offer endless fun. Here, children can build the most beautiful sand castles, fly kites in the wind or search for special shells. The dunes are a natural climbing and clambering spot and with a bit of luck you may even spot a seal in the surf.
The Nature Centre Ameland is the place where children can learn everything about the island, from nature to climate. In the aquariums you can admire fish, crabs and lobsters from the North Sea. But outside, perhaps the best part awaits: the Barefoot Path! This playful path lets children walk barefoot over different surfaces such as sand, wood, gravel and moss. A special way to really feel nature.
Have you ever heard of "krûmels"? These are special boulders that ’come to life at night! At least, according to the legend of the Krûmeltjesspoor in Ballum. During this playful walking route, a wise owl shows you the way and together you go in search of hidden tracks. Along the way, you will encounter mysterious huts and discover all about nature. The accompanying trail booklet (available at the VVV for € 2,-) makes the tour even more fun.
At the foot of the lighthouse in Hollum is a forest full of surprises. Here children can have fun among the hills and pass playgrounds along the way. Extra fun: there is a gnome village! Find the little gnome houses among the trees and meet the inhabitants of the forest.
Fancy a sporting challenge? At Outdoor Ameland, children and adults can enjoy a challenging climbing course. Besides climbing, there are many more tough activities to experience: ziplining, paintballing, archery, supping or just relaxing in a hammock. Almost all activities can be booked from ééone person, allowing you to plan an impromptu day of action.
For the little ones (2 to 8 years old) there is a special mini-Wadden excursion. Together with a guide you will go for a walk on the Wadden Sea and use a landing net to look for shrimps, fish and maybe even a stray starfish! Playfully, children will learn about life in the Wadden Sea, while you enjoy the view and the fresh sea air together.
Looking for action on the beach? At Ameland Adventure you can blokart, powerkiten or take part in exciting beach games. Racing across the sand with the wind at your back or trying to keep a huge kite in the air will get your adrenaline pumping. No experience? No problem! The enthusiastic instructors will help you get started, so that young and old can join in.
A climb of 168 steps will take you to the top of Ameland's lighthouse, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views. Along the way, you will discover all about the history of the lighthouse and the lives of the former lighthouse keepers. Once at the top, you can look out over the Wadden Sea, the dunes and – on a clear day – even the other islands.
With more than 100 kilometres of cycle paths, Ameland is a cyclist's paradise. Rent a bike, (children's) tandem or cargo bike and set off through the dunes, woods and villages. There are plenty of places to stop along the way: a playground, a viewpoint or a cosy terrace for a pancake or ice cream.
Make an ordinary walk extra exciting with a scavenger hunt! Follow clues, solve riddles and discover the island in an interactive way. There are different routes for different ages, through the dunes, forest or villages. An adventurous way to explore Ameland!
Go on a voyage of discovery >>
Hiking becomes an adventure on Ameland – and here you even get 2 tips in 1!
Choose the short Paddenpad, where you will discover nature in a playful way, or go on an interactive scavenger hunt with the Backpack Route, full of assignments and surprises.
Which one suits your little explorer best?
The Paddenpad is a short, adventurous walking route that starts at the Nature Centre in Nes. Along the way, you walk over small bridges, along the water and through a piece of forest. Information boards along the route tell fun facts about nature and the animals living on Ameland. Perfect for a short exploration with children who like to explore and learn!
Want to explore even more? Then opt for the Backpack Route! At the Nature Centre you will be given a backpack full of assignments and materials tailored to your children's age. Younger children (3-7 years) set off with rabbit Sprokkel, while older children (8-14 years) complete tasks with hare Jutter. The route takes you through the Nesserbos, where you are actively engaged in tracking, learning and discovery. Count on a walk full of surprises that takes about’n 2 à3 hours!
A huge play paradise in the middle of nature! At De Vleijen, near Nes, children can climb a wooden castle, cross the water on a raft and slide down a cable car. Surrounding the play area are sunbathing meadows and walking paths, perfect for a relaxing break while the children have fun.
Get on board for a trip across the Wadden Sea in search of seals resting on the sandbanks. During the boat trip, the guide will tell you all about the mudflats and the animals living there. With a bit of luck, you will see the seals yawning, stretching and stretching up close – a unique experience for young and old alike!
A rainy day? No problem! Indoor Adventure Golf is an indoor mini-golf course set in a fantasy underwater world. With 18 holes full of surprising obstacles and colourful decors, a game of minigolf becomes a real experience.
The rarest shells in the Netherlands can be found on the Wadden Islands. Head to the beach, search carefully and uncover the most beautiful specimens.
Ambling together on a dune, peering at the lighthouse or spotting seals from a vantage point? Ameland is full of places where you can see far and children can let their imagination run wild. Climb, scramble and then… wow, dát the view! A great time for a picnic, a binocular competition or just being quiet for a while (if you can manage it).
Discover the most beautiful viewpoints >>
From cosy flats with bunk beds to holiday parks with indoor pools and entertainment: Ameland offers plenty of places to stay that will make children én parents happy. Playground in front of the door, go-karts in the barn or a box bed to crawl into. After a day outdoors like this, you will sleep like a log.
Stay overnight with children on Ameland >>
Dining with children? That works out surprisingly well on Ameland. From crispy pizza’s and fresh scoop ice cream to beach pavilions where you can sit with your feet in the sand while the kids look for shells. There are plenty of child-friendly spots with colouring sheets on the table, playgrounds or even a trampoline attached. You enjoy your cappuccino, they enjoy the adventure. Everyone's happy.
Child-friendly eating spots on Ameland >>
Whether sunny or windy, Ameland is the place for an unforgettable holiday with children. From beach to forest, from adventurous climbs to relaxing treasure hunts – there is always something to do. Whether you explore the barefoot path, take a boat trip to the seals or just spend an afternoon on the beach, there is something for everyone. What's first on your list?
More inspiration
Are you looking for even more inspiration on what to do on Ameland with children? Check out our pages’s about excursions, museums, nature and culture on the island. So you will always find the activity that suits you!
Andne... Is the weather a little less sunny for once?
Ameland offers plenty of fun activities even then! Read our tips here >>
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
15x things to do on Ameland with children - from beach to treasure hunt - VVV Ameland
