Enkhuizen with Kids: A Practical Guide to Noord-Holland's Harbour Town

Enkhuizen offers family-friendly museums, harbour walks and nearby beaches – here's how to plan a day or two with children, including where to stay and what to skip.

What to See and Do with Children in Enkhuizen

Start at the Zuiderzeemuseum, which has an outdoor section of historic buildings and hands-on activities that appeal to children. The indoor museum is separate and can be skipped if time is short. Allow three to four hours for the outdoor area. Tickets are available online; check the website for current prices. The museum is a 10-minute walk from Enkhuizen station. For a shorter visit, the Flessenscheepjes Museum displays ships in bottles and takes about 45 minutes. The Dromedaris tower offers harbour views but requires a steep climb, so skip it with very young children.

The harbour and old town are pleasant for a wander, with boats to watch and benches to rest. The Waag building on the Dijk is a landmark, and the surrounding streets have small shops. In summer, the town beach at the Buyshaven is shallow and calm, suitable for paddling. The Sprookjeswonderland theme park, just outside the centre, is aimed at younger children with fairy-tale exhibits and playgrounds. It is a 15-minute walk from the station and opens seasonally from April to October. Combine it with a museum visit for a full day.

Getting There and Around

Enkhuizen is easily reached by train from Amsterdam Centraal; the journey takes about an hour and runs twice an hour. By car, take the A7 motorway and exit at Enkhuizen; from Amsterdam, the drive is roughly 50 minutes outside peak times, but allow 70 minutes during morning rush hour. Parking is available at the station and near the harbour, with charges around €2-3 per hour. The town centre is compact and walkable, but cobblestones make a stroller with large wheels advisable. Bicycles can be rented near the station for about €10 per day, and child seats are available on request.

For families arriving by public transport, the station is a 5-minute walk from the Zuiderzeemuseum and 10 minutes from the harbour. Local buses connect to nearby villages, but services are limited on Sundays. If you plan to explore the region, a rental car gives more flexibility, especially for visiting the beaches at Hoorn or Medemblik. However, within Enkhuizen, walking or cycling is sufficient. Note that many attractions close on Mondays outside peak season, so check opening hours before travelling.

Where to Stay with Children

Enkhuizen has a small selection of hotels and guesthouses, mostly in the old town. Prices for family rooms typically range from €100 to €180 per night, depending on season and facilities. The harbour area offers views and proximity to restaurants, but can be noisier in summer. The streets around the Westerstraat are quieter and still within a 10-minute walk of the museum. For self-catering, consider apartments with kitchenettes, which can be cost-effective for families. Book early for summer weekends, as availability is limited.

I would book a hotel near the station if arriving by train, as it simplifies luggage handling with children. The Hotel Enkhuizen is a 5-minute walk from the station and has family rooms, though it lacks a garden. Alternatively, the Bed & Breakfast De Dijk offers spacious rooms and is close to the harbour. For a more budget-friendly option, the Het Wapen van Enkhuizen provides basic rooms above a restaurant. Avoid hotels on the Dijk during festival weekends if noise is a concern. For beach access, consider staying in Hoorn, a 20-minute drive away, which has a wider range of family-friendly hotels.

Practical Tips for a Family Visit

The best months to visit are May, June and September, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. July and August are busiest, especially during the school holidays, and the outdoor museum can feel crowded. Bring sun protection and water, as shade is limited in some areas. Many restaurants in Enkhuizen are small and may not have high chairs, so check ahead. The town is generally safe for children, but watch for cyclists on the Dijk. Public toilets are available at the station and the museum, but scarce elsewhere.

For meals, the harbourfront has several cafes with simple menus; the streets behind the Waag offer quieter options. A picnic at the beach or in the Wilhelmina Park is a good alternative. Supermarkets are located on the edge of the centre. If you have time, take a ferry to the Zuiderzeemuseum from the harbour, which is a short trip and a hit with children. Avoid the ferry if your children are prone to seasickness, as the water can be choppy. Overall, Enkhuizen is a manageable and enjoyable destination for a day or two with kids.

Questions, answered

Is Enkhuizen suitable for a day trip with children?

Yes, Enkhuizen is compact and easy to navigate with children. The Zuiderzeemuseum and harbour area can fill a day, and the town is reachable by train from Amsterdam in about an hour. Plan for at least four hours to see the main sights without rushing.

What is the best time to visit Enkhuizen with kids?

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are busiest but have the most activities. Check opening times, as some attractions close on Mondays outside peak season.

Are there family-friendly hotels in Enkhuizen?

Yes, several hotels and guesthouses offer family rooms, typically priced between €100 and €180 per night. Book early for summer weekends. Hotels near the station are convenient for train travellers, while those in the old town are closer to attractions.

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