Car-Free Family Adventure: Exploring Giethoorn's Canals with Kids

While I typically travel solo, last summer I joined my college friend Mark and his family for a weekend getaway to Giethoorn. The journey itself became part of our adventure. From Amsterdam, we caught an early intercity train to Steenwijk (about 75 minutes), then hopped on the convenient Bus 70 for the final stretch. The kids were thrilled by the train ride, but nothing compared to their excitement when we stepped off the bus to find a village with no roads—only footpaths and waterways.

The transition from urban Amsterdam to this serene water village creates the perfect mental reset. As someone who's navigated transportation systems across four continents, I was impressed by how accessible this car-free paradise is via public transport. For families with multiple children or lots of luggage, I'd recommend using a collapsible wagon to transport your belongings from the bus stop to your accommodation. We borrowed one from our B&B host, and it was a lifesaver for carrying both luggage and tired children along the footpaths.

Giethoorn's essence is best experienced from its canals, and there are several family-friendly options for exploring them. After checking into our charming B&B, we headed straight to the boat rental docks. For families with younger children (like Mark's 5 and 7-year-olds), I recommend the electric 'whisper boats'—silent, easy to operate, and perfect for navigating the narrow waterways.

While the larger tour boats offer guided commentary, the freedom of piloting your own vessel creates those irreplaceable moments of discovery. The kids took turns 'steering' under Mark's supervision, their faces beaming with pride. We paid approximately €50 for a three-hour rental, which was ample time to explore the main canals and some quieter side channels.

For families with older children seeking more active adventure, inflatable paddleboards are available for rent at several locations. I've used these on previous trips, and they're surprisingly stable for beginners while offering a unique perspective of the village from water level.

Don't forget to pack a waterproof phone case for those inevitable water splashes and to protect your devices while capturing memories on the water. After an unfortunate incident with my phone in Thailand last year, I never approach water activities without one.

While Giethoorn's waterways are its main attraction, the village offers numerous land-based adventures perfect for young explorers. The network of footpaths and more than 180 tiny wooden footbridges creates a natural treasure hunt environment that kept the kids engaged for hours.

My personal recommendation is to pick up a village map (available at most accommodations) and create a 'bridge counting' game. Mark's children were determined to cross every single bridge in the village—an impossible task for a weekend, but it kept them excited about walking rather than complaining about tired feet.

The Museum 'De Oude Aarde' (The Old Earth) was an unexpected highlight. This small gem houses an impressive collection of minerals and gemstones that fascinated the children. The interactive displays explaining how different stones form kept them engaged while providing educational value—exactly the kind of balance I appreciate when traveling with kids.

For afternoon activities, we discovered a small playground near the southern canals where local and visiting children mingled despite language differences. I've always found that playgrounds offer a universal language for children to connect across cultures. Before heading there, we equipped the kids with water shoes which proved perfect for the occasional puddle-jumping and stream-wading opportunities that presented themselves along the footpaths.

Traveling with children often means frequent snack stops, and Giethoorn offers several budget-friendly options that won't break the bank. Rather than eating exclusively at restaurants (which can be pricey in this tourist destination), we adopted a hybrid approach that saved money while still enjoying local flavors.

My strategy, honed through years of budget travel across continents, was to start each day with a hearty breakfast at our B&B, pack a picnic lunch, and then treat ourselves to one restaurant meal daily. The local SPAR supermarket near the bus stop provided excellent picnic supplies—Dutch cheeses, fresh bread, and local treats like stroopwafels that the kids couldn't get enough of.

For our restaurant splurge, we chose Grand Café Fanfare, which offers a children's menu and outdoor seating with canal views. While the adults enjoyed traditional Dutch pancakes topped with cheese and bacon, the kids were thrilled with their poffertjes—mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar.

One money-saving tip I've used throughout my travels: bring a collapsible water bottle for each family member. The Netherlands has excellent tap water, and refilling bottles saved us at least €20 over the weekend compared to buying bottled water. Plus, it's a practice I try to model for the children—showing how travel can be both economical and environmentally conscious.

Accommodation in Giethoorn ranges from luxury canal-side hotels to budget-friendly B&Bs and vacation rentals. For our weekend adventure, we chose a family-run bed and breakfast slightly removed from the main tourist area—a decision that provided both tranquility and value.

Black Sheep Farm B&B became our home for the weekend, offering family rooms with a private bathroom for approximately €120 per night including breakfast. What made this place special wasn't just the reasonable price point, but the thoughtful family-oriented amenities: a small playground in the garden, board games for evening entertainment, and hosts who provided coloring books and local stories for the children.

For families traveling on a tight budget, I'd recommend looking at accommodations in nearby Steenwijk or even considering the camping option at Camping Giethoorn, where you can pitch a tent for around €25 per night. During my backpacking days across Southeast Asia and South America, I discovered that camping often provides the most authentic local experiences—and children typically love the adventure of sleeping outdoors.

One essential item for family accommodations, regardless of budget level, is a white noise machine. After a full day of exploration, ensuring good sleep for everyone is crucial to maintaining the peace and enjoyment of the trip. I've carried one on my travels since discovering its benefits during a particularly noisy stay in Kyoto years ago.