Day Out on the Water with Kids: Tips for a Carefree Boating Day
A day on the water with the family — it sounds like the perfect outing. And it is, as long as you prepare a little. Because kids on a boat is a different story from kids in the playground.
In this article we share practical tips so you can head out on the water feeling relaxed. From choosing the right boat to what to bring and how to keep the day fun for every age.
Choosing the Right Boat for a Family
Not every boat is equally suitable for children. Here's what to look for:
Sloep — the family boat par excellence
A sloep is stable, has high sides, and offers room to move around. Children can sit, stand (carefully), and walk about without the boat tipping over straight away. There's often a table on board for lunch.
Ideal for: families with children aged 3+, groups with grandparents along for the ride.
Whisper boat — quiet and calm
An electric whisper boat is silent and easy to handle. Perfect for a gentle cruise through the canals. The downside: they're a bit smaller, so with four children plus two adults it gets cramped.
Ideal for: families with 1–2 children, a peaceful cruise.
Canoe — adventurous, but limited
A canoe is great fun for older children (8+) who can help paddle. With young children it's less practical — they have to sit still, and that's not their strong suit.
Ideal for: one parent + 1 child (8+), active family.
What to avoid
- SUP with young children: too wobbly, too wet
- Large motorboat without experience: unnecessarily big and complex
- Canoe with children under 6: too long sitting still
Safety: the basics
Life jackets
Most rental companies have children's life jackets on board or available. Always ask for them — and put them on before you set off. Not "if needed", but as standard.
For children under 6, a life jacket with a collar is recommended — it keeps the head above water if a child falls in.
Sun protection
On the water, UV radiation is more intense than on land. Reflection off the water doubles exposure. Parents often underestimate this.
- Apply sunscreen before departure (at least SPF 30)
- Bring a tube for reapplication
- Hats or caps for everyone
- Consider a sloep with a bimini (sun canopy) in really warm weather
Basic rules for children
Before you leave, agree on three simple rules:
- We stay seated while the boat is moving
- We don't lean over the side
- Only an adult operates the motor
Children who know these rules are calmer on the water. And so are you.
What to bring
Essential
- ☀️ Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and hats
- 🧥 Extra clothing and a towel (children get wet)
- 🥪 Plenty of food and drinks (more than you think)
- 🗑️ Rubbish bag
- 📱 Charged phone (navigation + emergencies)
Useful
- 🎣 Small fishing net — children love catching water creatures
- 🔭 Binoculars — bird spotting keeps them busy
- 🎲 Card game or book — for the journey back
- 🧃 Extra juice boxes — thirst on the water is greater than on land
- 👟 Shoes that can get wet
Don't forget
- Swimwear (when it's warm they'll want to go in)
- Nappies and changing supplies (for the little ones)
- Favourite cuddly toy (for comfort)
Keeping the day fun for every age
For toddlers (2–4 years)
The boat itself is the adventure. Watching the water, feeding ducks (with bread from your own lunch), feeling the wind. Keep the trip short — 1.5 to 2 hours is enough. Any longer and restlessness sets in.
For preschoolers (4–7 years)
Turn it into a scavenger hunt. Look for: a grey heron, a little bridge, a thatched roof, another boat with children. A simple list on a piece of paper turns the cruise into a game.
For primary-school children (7–12 years)
Let them help steer (under supervision). That's the highlight of the day. Give them the map and let them choose the route. Their own camera or phone for photos makes them proud.
For teenagers (12+)
Teenagers find everything "boring" — until they get to steer themselves. Give them responsibility and they're sold. A SUP as an extra option can work wonders for motivation too.
The ideal route with children
Choose a route that:
- Isn't too long — 2 to 3 hours is ideal
- Offers variety — a mix of narrow ditches and open water
- Has a stop along the way — moor for an ice cream, a walk, or simply to stretch your legs
- Doesn't cross large open lakes — waves + children = unrest
A loop from Wanneperveen via quiet canals to Belt-Schutsloot is ideal: varied, calm, and with places to moor.
Frequently asked questions from parents
From what age can children come along? There is no minimum age. Babies can come in a baby carrier or car seat (make sure it's secured properly). From age 2, children consciously enjoy the water.
What if my child gets seasick? On inland waters this is rare — there are no waves like at sea. The calm water of the Weerribben is ideal for this.
Can children swim from the boat? That depends on the location and the rental company. In open water it's often allowed; in canals it's not. Ask in advance.
What if it rains? A shower on the water is an adventure — for children at least. Bring rain ponchos. With a sloep and bimini you stay mostly dry. In a thunderstorm: moor immediately and get off the water.
Summary
- Choose a sloep or whisper boat — stable and room to move
- Life jackets always on, sunscreen always applied
- Bring more food and drinks than you think
- Keep the trip short (2–3 hours) and turn it into a game
- Let children help steer — that's what they'll remember
At Nijenhuis Botenverhuur we have boats for every family — from a quiet whisper boat to a spacious sloep. Children's life jackets are always available. Plan your boating day →