From Rotterdam, it’s just an hour’s drive, and from Utrecht, less than two, to reach the tip of the Schouwen-Duiveland peninsula, home to Burgh-Haamstede and Renesse. As you cross the Brouwersdam or the Zeelandbrug, you’ll be greeted by water and greenery. While it’s perfect for a laid-back beach vacation, there’s also plenty to do, from surfing and boating to climbing, cycling, hiking, and diving.
Accommodation options abound throughout Zeeland, and Schouwen-Duiveland is no exception. Campsites, hotels, and holiday homes line the entire coast.
Top places to visit on Schouwen-Duiveland with kids
Boswachterij Westerschouwen
Located on the westernmost part of Schouwen-Duiveland is ‘de Kop van Schouwen’. Here lies Boswachterij Westerschouwen, the largest forest area in Zeeland. A hundred years ago, this area was largely barren with sand dunes and sparse vegetation. Since 1920, more trees have been planted, transforming it into a fantastic forest where you can hike, bike, and even horseback ride.
There are several marked hiking trails, all well-signposted. The Excursieschuur of Boswachterij Westerschouwen serves as the starting point, offering trail maps and information. Opening hours can be found on the Staatsbosbeheer website. For families, the family trail is a great option. The full route is 8 kilometers long but can be shortened to 3 kilometers.The route takes you through both the dunes and the forest, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some deer along the way!
Beaches of Schouwen-Duiveland with Kids
On the other side of the dunes from the Boswachterij near Burgh-Haamstede lie perhaps the most beautiful beaches in Zeeland. Clean, wide, and rarely crowded, even in peak season. Whether your kids want to build sandcastles, swim, or learn to surf, there’s always a suitable beach.
Burgh-Haamstede boasts several family-friendly beaches, some of which also allow water sports. Speelduin, adjacent to the Boswachterij, and De Punt at the foot of the Oosterscheldekering are ideal for young children. Our favorite beach is De Domeinen, which consists of four beaches interconnected. You’ll also find multiple family beaches near the resort town of Renesse, northeast of Burgh-Haamstede.
Most beaches offer amenities such as beach pavilions, toilets, outdoor showers, and lifeguards. The VVV and their website provide an overview of all beaches on Schouwen-Duiveland, including parking options and regulations.
Klimbos Zeeuwse Helden (Treetop Adventure)
In the woods of Boswachterij Westerschouwen, active children aged 5 and over 1.15 meters, along with their brave parents, can enjoy various climbing courses set up among the trees. For the little ones aged 5 to 8, there’s a special children’s course featuring walkways, nets, and obstacles, reaching a maximum height of two meters. Older children and adults can choose from six courses of varying difficulty levels.
Deltapark Neeltje Jans
Located at the information center near Neeltje Jans, there’s an educational water park that’s been attracting visitors for several years now. Featuring an exciting water playground, an aquarium, and a sightseeing boat, this is a must-visit destination for families exploring Schouwen-Duiveland.
During our weekend in Schouwe-Duiveland, we also took the opportunity to visit Deltapark Neeltje Jans. Here, we learned all about life with, on, and under the water in the Oosterschelde. Our son particularly enjoyed the water playground and the aquarium, while we were impressed by the lifelike simulation of the Watersnoodramp (North Sea Flood). For more details about this fun and educational water park, check out our comprehensive blog on Deltapark Neeltje Jans with children.
Boat Tour of the Oosterschelde National Park
To the south of Schouwen-Duiveland lies the largest national park in the Netherlands: the Oosterschelde. Covering an area of 37,000 hectares, this includes both the water and the areas just behind the dikes. Due to the differences in ebb and flow, as well as the combination of fresh and saltwater, a diverse range of animals thrive here, both above and below the waterline. During our visit to Schouwen-Duiveland, we embarked on a boat tour of the Oosterschelde aboard the MS Onrust, in search of seals and porpoises. It was an unforgettable experience for all of us!
We were fortunate with the tide and the weather. Thanks to the low water levels and the sunshine, many seals were basking and playing on the sandbanks. Two even swam alongside the boat for a while, although they didn’t come too close, which was probably for the best. During the period from January to April, there’s also a good chance of spotting porpoises here, but unfortunately, we didn’t see any.
Along the way, a guide shares insights into the history of the Oosterschelde and the various animals and plants you encounter. In the galley, you can order drinks or snacks, and there’s a play area on the lower deck as well. The cruise lasts approximately an hour and a half and proceeds at a leisurely pace.
Pancake Mill De Graanhalm
Located on the outskirts of Burgh-Haamstede, near Landal Resort Haamstede, stands a large red-and-white windmill amidst lush greenery. While Schouwen-Duiveland boasts several mills, at first glance, there may not seem anything particularly special about this one. However, a visit to this mill is truly worthwhile!
Built in 1847, De Graanhalm has long supplied the Burgh-Haamstede area with flour, milling feed for the island’s cows and pigs as well. Nowadays, the miller grinds locally grown wheat for baking whole grain pancakes, which he claims are the tastiest on Schouwen-Duiveland. A great place to eat with children.
Upon request, visitors can also take a peek inside the mill, where the miller eagerly shares insights. Our son eagerly climbed all the way to the top!
Zierikzee
In Zierikzee, you feel like you’re stepping back in time. With over 500 monuments, this is truly a historic town. There are charming shops, a picturesque harbor, and we could hardly decide which child-friendly restaurant to dine in. Through the tourist information office (VVV), you can take a guided city walk that leads you past all the sights. You’ll also find two delightful museums: the Camera Museum, a small museum about the history of photography and cameras, and the Stadhuismuseum, where children can learn all about the history of Zierikzee through a fun scavenger hunt.
