Westbroekerplas / This place is just perfect for a day away with the kids. A beautiful beach where they can play and signs until where they can swim. On the other side of the lake there is Villa Westend. Here they made a little pool where the smallest ones can play while you are enjoy a nice wine or sandwich. They also rent boats, SUPboards and it is possible to go flyboarding etc. Free parking and green surroundings!
? ? 003123 538 1878
Het Wed / This lake is soooo breath taking because of it’s beauty. It’s right next to the Zeeweg on the road to the beach of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal, but on hot days far less crowded than the beach. It’s situated in the middle of the nature reserve ‘Kennemer dunes’. Very child friendly and with a beautiful view. There is also a toilet and a small café at the visitors center to buy snacks and ice cream etc. For sure you and your kids will love playing and relaxing over here.
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Blijburg / Blijburg aan Zee is possibly the most popular place to swim in natural water in Amsterdam. This beachy escape at the eastern part of IJburg is attracts locals all year around. After sundown, live music and a bonfire will keep you entertained. And if you still can’t bring yourself to leave, there’s even a campsite to pitch your tent.
? ? 0031204160330
Sloterplas / The beautifully spacious Sloterpark is a green stroke in the area ‘Nieuw West’, including a large lake (Sloterplas) in the middle. Locals flock to its urban beach for picnics, family outings and games of volleyball. If you prefer a dash of chlorine in your swimming water, the Sloterparkbad is only a minute away. Drop by at the nearby Hotel Buiten afterwards for a glass of wine on the terrace.
? ? 00316 28837847
Veerplas / This lake is part of recreational area Spaarnwoude near Haarlem city. Your kids can play in the water or on the beach while you’re enjoying a drink at restaurant ‘Het Veerkwartier’. Or your kids can play on the nature playground and built their own treehouse (you have to pay a small entrance fee). Not too busy and really relaxt atmosphere. Free parking and also good to reach by public transport (Train Station Spaarnwoude)!
? ? 0031235834377
Het Twiske / Begin your swim with a scenic bike ride to Zaanstad, where you will find more than 10 different natural places to swim. Take a dive in the water of the ‘Speelsloot’, the ‘Kure Jan Strand’, the ‘Doesstrand’ and many more. You can also rent canoes, row boats and sail boats to head of to your own adventure.
? ? 0031756844338
Gaasperplaspark / We have the construction of the Bijlmermeer to thank for the charming Gaasperplas recreational area. It was created from the sand extraction required for construction of the tower blocks in this neighbourhood. The exquisite nature reserve has a wide beach and a spacious lawn to spread your towel. Best of all, it can be easily accessed by tube.
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Beatrixpark / A modestly-sized park that has an intimate ambiance and is relatively quiet. At the same time it’s big enough to make you feel like you’ve escaped the city for the day. Great for sunbathing, picnics and for wading in the paddling pool with the little ‘uns. Beatrixpark also has a medicinal herb garden.
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Spaarnwoude / Spaarnwoude is a beautiful recreational area with several possibilities to swim. From Amsterdam one can reach the area best by car. Spaarnwoude is very quiet with beautiful trees which offer some privacy. Lay down on your towel on the grass fields and enjoy the sun. Perhaps bring a picnic basket or a barbecue and create a small outdoor party:)
? ? 0031235202828
Het Amsterdamse Bos / Amsterdam’s biggest landscape park is three times bigger than Central Park, it attracts 6 million visitors a year, and has several excellent spots for swimming. There are spots for kids to paddle around safely while parents lounge around on the grass. Amsterdamse Bos also has several low-hanging bridges for older kids (and the young at heart) to practise their diving skills. The options for foods and drinks range from pancakes at Boerderij Meerzicht to a meal with a view at De Veranda.
? ? (0031) 14020
Nieuwe Meer / Next to the Amsterdamse Bos lies a large lake with two official swimming areas. Easily accessible by public transport or bicycle, you’ll find a beach and several private coves along the edges of the lake. The spot is also known for its nudist beach, its gay cruising area, and its Highland cattle. Go to ‘ Brasserie Nieuwe Meer‘ for lunch or dinner.
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De Hoge Dijk / This quiet recreational area near Amsterdam Medical Centre (AMC) is just the place for a peaceful swim. The west of De Hoge Dijk is primarily a golf course, while the east has a large lake with a beach and a designated swimming area. It also has a paddling area for kids, well-equipped changing rooms and parking.
? ? 003120 496 5656
