What to do in Harderwijk with children?
Anne RitmeesterHarderwijk with children means forest, heath, sand and water, all close together. Cycling through the Veluwe forests together in the morning, building sandcastles or paddleboarding on the Wolderwijd in the afternoon. Everything is a short distance away, so you save your energy for what really matters.
Pedalling together
Cycling with the whole family
From Boekhorstlaan you ride straight into the forest or towards Harderwijk town centre, without crossing any busy roads. For the little ones, choose an electric cargo bike: they sit at the front and see everything, while you pedal.
Children who want to cycle themselves hop on a children's bike, and if you'd rather do it together, take a tandem. There are two: the parent-child tandem, where your child sits at the front and pedals along, and the regular tandem for adults and older children.
The routes run from junction to junction, so you decide how far you go. There are plenty of places to stop for a break along the way.
Discover popular family activities in Harderwijk
Sandcastles and wet feet
Strandeiland and the Wolderwijd
On the Wolderwijd lies Strandeiland Harderwijk, a wide beach where sand, grass and water blend into one another. Children build sandcastles and paddle, while older kids play beach volleyball or grab a SUP.
Paddleboarding on the lake is very doable for beginners too: the water is calm and you'll be standing on your board sooner than you think. Bring a blanket and make an afternoon of it.
Art that children get
Laughing at art in the Marius van Dokkum Museum
The Marius van Dokkum Museum in the heart of the town centre is a good plan, rain or shine. Van Dokkum paints everyday situations with a wink. Children look for the funny details in the paintings while you admire the technique. The museum is compact, so it works well even with short attention spans.
You'll find more information on the website of the Marius van Dokkum Museum.
Nature around the corner
Experiencing the Veluwe with children
The Veluwe begins on the edge of Harderwijk, with forest paths, heathland and the Beekhuizerzand: a stretch of drifting sand that feels like one big playground. Children can run, climb and dig to their heart's content.
The easiest way into the Veluwe is on wheels. On the electric cargo bike or the parent-child tandem you cycle into the forest together, and on a children's bike your child rides from junction to junction by themselves. Park the bikes on the edge of the Beekhuizerzand and let the kids run, while you enjoy the view over the sandy plain.
First pedal, then eat
Refuelling after a day outdoors
Before or after your activity, settle down on the terrace at Outdoor Harderwijk. A cup of coffee in the morning while the kids pick their bikes, and afterwards a lunch with fresh soup and a croquette roll. For children up to 12 there's a kids' menu with chips, a snack, squash and a little surprise.
Coming with a larger group, for example for a family day? Then round things off with a lunch package (from 4 people) or the Outdoor BBQ (from 8 people). You grill the meat yourselves, there's a separate children's BBQ for the kids, and the barbecue always goes ahead: if it rains, it stays dry under the canopy.
Out together: with the electric cargo bike along the water in Harderwijk.
The town centre with children
You can get out and about with children in Harderwijk without wheels too: the historic town centre is compact and easy to walk, so you won't be trudging around endlessly. Stroll through the narrow streets, settle down on a terrace on the Vischmarkt or walk along the waterfront to the town beach. Short distances, lots to see, and always somewhere to sit for a while.
Important information
Everything starts at Outdoor Harderwijk, Boekhorstlaan 1, with free parking right by the door. You book bikes online, and thanks to our own kitchen you can often add a lunch or BBQ up to one day in advance. Vegetarians get meat substitutes, and if it rains the BBQ simply goes ahead under the canopy.
Make a day of it
Cycling through the forest, sandcastles on the Wolderwijd and a kids' menu to finish: a day in Harderwijk with children fills itself. Choose your bikes, pick a date and book online.
Coming with a larger group, for example for a family day? Then send a group request: we'll get in touch within 24 hours. For more inspiration for your visit, see what to do in Harderwijk.
Tell us what you'd like and we'll put together a proposal to suit.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions about Harderwijk with children
From what age can children come along?
The littlest ones ride along in the electric cargo bike, and children who cycle themselves choose a children's bike. On the parent-child tandem, children aged 4 to 8 pedal along at the front, and older children can use the regular tandem. So every age can come along.
What can you do in Harderwijk with children when it rains?
When it rains, the Dolfinarium and the Marius van Dokkum Museum are good options: at one you watch dolphins, at the other children look for the funny details in the paintings. If it's just a short shower, join us at Outdoor Harderwijk for lunch and you'll be back outside in no time.
Is there parking?
Yes, at Outdoor Harderwijk on Boekhorstlaan 1 you park for free, right by the door. From there you're in the forest within minutes, or you can cycle towards the beach.
By Anne Ritmeester
Adventurous and mad about the outdoors. Anne knows the Veluwe and Harderwijk like the back of her hand and is happy to point you to the most beautiful spots and the most fun activities in the area. With a passion for people and more than 6 years of experience in hospitality, she always brings a smile and the best tips for your day out.
Ready for adventure? Discover our activities!
At Outdoor Harderwijk you'll enjoy the most fun outings with friends, family or colleagues. Choose your adventure and make memories.
