A day out on the Dutch island of Texel with kids (12 tips!)

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In need of peace, space, beautiful nature and lots of quality time? Then of course Texel is a fantastic place to be! And if you are wondering if there is something to do on Texel with kids, I have good news. Because in this blog article I have collected 12 tips for you for an unforgettable day out on Texel with kids!

The ferry to Texel

And let’s start right at the beginning; the ferry service is already a feast when you go to Texel with kids! And super easy too! You can easily buy your ferry ticket online on the TESO website. You can then scan the QR code at the barrier and before you know it, you’re in your car on the ferry. Or on your bike, camper, or on foot, of course.

What is good to know; you can go upstairs and enjoy the view or buy a small souvenir in the store. But the trip is very short (15 minutes or so).

Visiting the seals at Ecomare

On Lyam’s 2nd birthday, we visited Ecomare. This is a special center that is not only a seal sanctuary, but also houses a sea aquarium, a museum and a bird sanctuary. Here you can see the seals up close and learn all about the Wadden Sea and its inhabitants. And for budding little scientists, there are interactive exhibits that are both educational and fun! Highly recommended in our opinion when you’re in Texel with kids!

Rent a bike

Something that is offered in abundance on Texel are companies that rent bicycles. And not without reason! Texel is a cyclist’s paradise with wide cycle paths that are extremely well paved. Also, the island is not that big, so you can make nice trips with ease.

Explore the beaches of Texel

What is an island visit without a day at the beach on Texel with kids? Texel has miles of sandy beaches where you can fly kites, build sandcastles or just relax while the kids have fun. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot seals sunbathing on the sandbanks.

Texel with kids? Go climbing!

The nature in Texel is beautiful! And what better way to admire it than from a great height? There are several places where you can enjoy climbing. For example at Klimmen EnZo. This is a climbing park where you can swing through the trees at different levels.

Schipbreuk- en Juttersmuseum Flora

Does your family love history? Then visit the Schipbreuk- en Juttersmuseum Flora. Here you will find special objects that have washed up on the beaches of Texel. From ancient shipwrecks to surprising beachcomber finds, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past (and present) of the island. And who knows, maybe it will inspire you to go on a beach quest of your own!

Go on safari in Texel

Super fun if you’re on Texel with kids; taking a Wadden Safari! There are several websites that offer great tours. And with a little luck you will see seals, different bird species and maybe even porpoises. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the island and learn something new about the animals that live there.

Lamb cuddling in spring

We were super lucky! That’s because on Lyam’s birthday (March 27) there were a lot of lambs born on Texel. We visited Schapenboerderij Texel ourselves. Here you can cuddle the sheep and lambs. There are also guinea pigs and chicks that children (under supervision) can cuddle. And there are many more animals to admire (pigs, cows, chickens and goats) and outside there is an incredibly fun playground and children can ride small tractors and cars to their heart’s content. An unforgettable experience for young and old!

Flying in Texel

For the real daredevils (and slightly older kids and teens) there is the Paracentrum Texel where you can do tandem parachute jumping. Yes, you read it correctly, parachuting! An unforgettable experience to have together and enjoy the view over the island!

And if this is a little too intense, there are many more adventures to be had at Airport Texel. For example, you can go gliding or take a sightseeing flight over Texel with kids.

Swimming in Texel

Besides the sea being a wonderful place to swim, Texel also has swimming pools. You can swim for free at Zwembad De Krim (when you stay overnight at Villapark De Koog in Texel) when you are in Texel with kids.

And at the same park you will also find a fairly new indoor play paradise, fine restaurants and a fun outdoor playground.

Sommeltjespad walk

The Sommeltjespad is a children’s hiking trail in the forest near De Koog. Along the 1.5-kilometer trail, children can look for Sommeltjes, which are mythical figurines found along the route.

Fun fact: according to a Texel legend, Sommeltjes are a kind of earthmen who live in the Sommeltjesberg. At night they are living creatures and when the sun rises they are said to turn into stone.

On an adventure in the Texel woods

Besides the Sommeltjespad, there are many more adventures to be had in the Texel woods! For example, you can organize a scavenger hunt, look for gnomes or build the biggest pile of leaves you can. And also fun: at manage de Kikkert you can rent a pony with which you can take a walk in the woods with the kids.

Our little ones loved it. Although I must confess that I doubt whether the horses are treated well. On the way we came across a rider who was followed by a man on a bicycle who shouted loudly: “Give that horse a good whack! Which then happened HARDhanded…. Therefore, I am not sure we will do this again here.

In conclusion…

Texel is an island full of surprises, adventures and relaxation for the whole family. Whether you come for the nature, the animals, the sports activities or the rich history, Texel never disappoints. It is the perfect destination for a family vacation where everyone has a great time. So what are you waiting for? I wish you an unforgettable day out on Texel with kids!

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Do you also love going to Texel with kids? And do you have more tips? Feel free to share them in a comment below this blog article! I’m curious 😀 !