Binnenpad 52
Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus
An authentic Giethoorn farmhouse, a fisherman’s cottage, a boathouse and a film, with audio tour included. April to October daily 11:00–17:00. Adults € 7.50, children 4–12 € 2.50, up to 3 free.
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Giethoorn with kids
Silent boats that anyone can steer, swimming in the lake, the biggest egg in the world and pancakes. Here is how a family day in Giethoorn works.
Giethoorn with children
The boat is the playground
Children love Giethoorn because the village is explored by boat, not on foot. Our electric boats have a steering wheel and a simple forward-reverse handle, so from 12 years old they can steer themselves, under your supervision. No licence needed.
The 6-person boat has a table in the middle for snacks and drawing; the 8-person boat has a sun lounge at the bow. Life jackets for children cost € 4.95 and are added during booking. Your dog can come along too for € 11.95.
- Steer from 12 years old, no licence
- Children’s life jackets € 4.95
- Table in the 6- and 12-person boats
- Free parking next to the dock
On the water
Six things kids remember
Turn the app into a treasure huntThe navigation app marks bridges, photo stops and moorings. Let the kids count the bridges and find the next stop.
Swim in the BovenwijdeSwimming in the lake is allowed in summer. Watch for blue-green algae warnings and keep small children in a life jacket.
Picnic on boardAdd a picnic basket from € 12.95 per person, or bring your own and moor at the little island.
Ducks, swans and reedsThe lake and the side canals are full of birds. Keep to the marked routes in the nature area.
Bring the dogDogs are welcome on board for € 11.95 and may swim in the lake.
Under the bridgesGiethoorn’s wooden arch bridges are low and close together. Ducking under them is half the fun.
Off the water
Museums and activities for children
Binnenpad 43
Museum De Oude Aarde
Gemstones, minerals and fossils, plus the biggest egg in the world: a 32 cm elephant bird egg. March to November daily 10:00–18:00.
Binnenpad 115
Shell gallery Gloria Maris
Free entry, rare shells including two examples of the Gloria Maris, and jewellery. April to October daily 11:00–17:00; closed in winter.
Cornelisgracht 42
HistoMobil & Giethoorn Adventures
A car and travel museum in an old farmhouse, with glow golf, a laser game, an escape room and a pancake farm on the same site. Opening hours vary; call +31 521 361 498.
How long will they last?
Toddlers and pre-schoolers: one hour on the water is plenty. Take the village loop, count the bridges and finish with an ice cream at IJssalon Koppers, a short walk from our cruise dock.
School-age children: two hours. The village canals plus the Bovenwijde lake, with a stop to swim or picnic. Book the 6-person boat with the table.
Teenagers: four hours or a full day (six hours of sailing) with a picnic, a swim and the chance to steer. Start early: the village is busiest between 10:30 and 15:30 in July and August and at all weekends.
Rain? A heated canal cruise with panoramic windows, the museums on the Binnenpad and a pancake lunch fill a wet afternoon.
Pancakes after the boat
Three pancake restaurants in the village and four ice cream parlours, two of them on the water.
Questions from parents
How old do you have to be to steer the boat?
The person steering must be at least 12 years old. Younger children can help under your supervision, but an adult stays responsible.
Do you have life jackets for children?
Yes. Children’s life jackets cost € 4.95 and are added during booking. Say how many children you bring.
Is Giethoorn fun with kids?
Yes. Boats you steer yourself, swimming in the Bovenwijde lake in summer, museums with the biggest egg in the world and pancakes on the canal. Most families rent a boat for one or two hours.
Can children swim from the boat?
Swimming in the lake is allowed in summer; keep an eye on blue-green algae warnings. Not in the village canals, where boats pass continuously.
Which boat is best for a family?
The 6-person boat with the table in the middle, from € 32 per hour. Larger families take the 8-person boat with the sun lounge, from € 40 per hour.
Is there a pram-friendly walk?
The Binnenpad is a 4.3 km footpath along the thatched farms. It has many bridges, so see our accessibility page for tips.
Book the family boat
Rent a 6-person boat from € 32 per hour, add life jackets and a picnic basket in the same form.