The Netherlands is a cycling paradise, known for its flat terrain, well-maintained bike paths, and bike-friendly infrastructure. It’s the perfect destination for family cycling trips, offering routes that cater to all ages and skill levels. From picturesque countryside trails to scenic city routes, there’s no shortage of family-friendly cycling options in the Netherlands.

Whether you're cycling along canals, through lush forests, or across charming villages, the Netherlands provides a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences that make cycling a fun and memorable activity for the whole family. In this blog, we will explore some of the best family-friendly cycling routes in the Netherlands, each offering a combination of fun, adventure, and beautiful landscapes for both parents and kids.

1. The Amsterdam Canal Loop

Distance: 10-15 km

Difficulty: Easy

Best for: City exploration, culture, and iconic landmarks

Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and it’s an ideal place for a family cycling adventure. The Amsterdam Canal Loop is a relaxed and easy route that lets you experience the city’s unique charm while cycling along its iconic canals. With its flat terrain, well-maintained bike lanes, and numerous places to stop along the way, it’s perfect for families with young children or those looking for a leisurely ride.

Highlights of the Route:

• The Canals: The canals of Amsterdam are UNESCO-listed and are a beautiful sight to behold as you cycle through the city. The route takes you along the historic Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals.
• Vondelpark: A stop at Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest park, provides an opportunity to rest, have a picnic, and let the kids play in the designated playgrounds.
• Anne Frank House: Along the route, you can visit significant landmarks, including the Anne Frank House, offering an educational stop that’s both moving and insightful for older children.

This route is perfect for families who want to explore Amsterdam's culture, history, and scenic beauty in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

2. The Hoge Veluwe National Park Cycling Route

Distance: 30-50 km (depending on the route you take)

Difficulty: Moderate

Best for: Nature lovers, wildlife, and outdoor adventure

The Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest and most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands. It offers a fantastic cycling route that takes you through diverse landscapes, including heathlands, forests, and sand dunes. With its well-marked bike paths, it’s a great choice for families who enjoy being outdoors and want to experience the natural beauty of the Netherlands.

Highlights of the Route:

• De Hoge Veluwe Park: This 55-square-kilometer park is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and birds. The park has a network of paved cycling paths that make it easy to explore with kids.
• Kroller-Muller Museum: A cultural stop in the park, the Kroller-Muller Museum features an impressive collection of Van Gogh paintings and sculptures. It’s a great educational stop that’s suitable for older children.
• The Kröller-Müller Sculpture Garden: Explore one of the largest sculpture gardens in Europe. Kids will love the open space, and there are plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

This route is great for families with children of all ages, offering an exciting combination of cycling, nature, and art. The park also offers free bikes to use for visitors, making it even more convenient for families.

3. The Zaanse Schans Windmill Route

Distance: 15-20 km

Difficulty: Easy

Best for: Dutch heritage, windmills, and traditional villages

The Zaanse Schans Windmill Route is an easy, family-friendly cycling route that offers a glimpse into Dutch history and culture. Located just outside Amsterdam, the Zaanse Schans area is famous for its traditional windmills, wooden houses, and craft workshops. It’s a delightful route for families who want to experience the authentic side of the Netherlands.

Highlights of the Route:

• Zaanse Schans: Cycle through this picturesque village, where you’ll pass by working windmills that date back to the 17th century. Stop to watch traditional crafts such as wooden clog making and cheese production.
• The Windmills: Don’t miss the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans, including the De Kat windmill, where you can learn about the history of windmill-based industry in the region.
• Canals and Nature: The route also takes you through scenic canals and fields, providing a peaceful cycling experience in the Dutch countryside.

This route is perfect for families with young children, offering a relaxed pace, cultural immersion, and plenty of interesting sights to keep everyone entertained.

4. The North Sea Coastal Route (Noordzeeroute)

Distance: 580 km (or shorter segments)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Best for: Beach lovers, coastal views, and family-friendly cycling

For families looking for a longer cycling adventure with a mix of coastal views, charming villages, and beautiful beaches, the North Sea Coastal Route (Noordzeeroute) is a fantastic choice. This cycling route stretches along the Dutch coastline, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea, sand dunes, and coastal towns. You can choose to cycle shorter segments of the route, making it adaptable for families with varying levels of cycling experience.

Highlights of the Route:

• Scheveningen Beach: Start the route at Scheveningen, one of the Netherlands’ most famous beach resorts, where families can enjoy the beach, promenade, and cycling paths.
• The Dunes: The route takes you through the Dutch dunes, a natural beauty with sandy paths, tall grasses, and incredible coastal views.
• Historic Towns: Cycle through quaint towns like Haarlem and Hoorn, where you can stop for a coffee, explore cobbled streets, and visit museums.
• Wildlife and Nature Reserves: The route also passes through nature reserves such as Het Zwin, perfect for a family wildlife-watching stop.

The Noordzeeroute is ideal for families with older children who are up for a longer cycling journey. However, with various places to stop and shorter sections of the route to explore, it offers flexibility for families of all types.

5. The Giethoorn and Weerribben-Wieden National Park Route

Distance: 25-30 km

Difficulty: Easy

Best for: Tranquil cycling, picturesque villages, and nature exploration

The village of Giethoorn is often referred to as the "Venice of the North" because of its charming canals and idyllic atmosphere. Cycling through this region, particularly around Weerribben-Wieden National Park, is perfect for families seeking a peaceful and picturesque cycling experience in a natural setting.

Highlights of the Route:

• Giethoorn: The quaint village of Giethoorn is best known for its canals, where there are no cars, and the primary mode of transport is by boat. Families can enjoy cycling along the canals, through lush meadows, and past thatched-roof houses.
• Weerribben-Wieden National Park: The park features wetlands, marshes, and small lakes, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including birds and amphibians, perfect for a family wildlife adventure.
• Boat Tours: You can combine cycling with a boat ride through the canals of Giethoorn or take a stop for a short boat tour to admire the village from a different perspective.

The Giethoorn and Weerribben-Wieden National Park route is perfect for families who enjoy peaceful, easy rides through stunning landscapes, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching and enjoying the tranquility of the canals.

6. The Friesland Cycling Route

Distance: 200 km (or shorter segments)

Difficulty: Moderate

Best for: Polder landscapes, historical towns, and countryside cycling

Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands, is famous for its wide-open spaces, quaint towns, and rich culture. The Friesland Cycling Route offers a family-friendly cycling experience through the province’s picturesque countryside, charming towns, and polder landscapes.

Highlights of the Route:

• Leeuwarden: The route starts in Leeuwarden, the provincial capital, where families can visit museums, explore historic buildings, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.
• Dikes and Polders: Cycling through Friesland means passing through flat farmland and alongside dikes, with spectacular views of the countryside and vast fields.
• Historic Villages: Stop at traditional villages like Bolsward and Sneek, where you can learn about Frisian culture and enjoy local food and drink.

The Friesland Cycling Route is perfect for families who want to enjoy leisurely cycling while experiencing rural Dutch life. The relatively flat terrain and charming towns make it an enjoyable route for families with children of all ages.

Conclusion

The Netherlands offers some of the best family-friendly cycling routes in Europe, making it an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts of all ages. With its flat terrain, excellent bike infrastructure, and picturesque landscapes, cycling through the Dutch countryside, cities, and coastal regions is an experience that both parents and children will cherish. Whether you’re cycling through historic canals, peaceful nature reserves, or along the coastline, the Netherlands provides a variety of routes for families looking to explore the country on two wheels. So, grab your bikes, pack your bags, and get ready for a cycling adventure that your whole family will enjoy!