NL
A nature holiday with children doesn’t need a car. By train you can reach many Dutch nature reserves easily and comfortably, often directly from the station. Children also travel cheaply with the Railrunner ticket and from many stations you can walk straight into the dunes, the woods or the heathland. In this article you’ll find the best tips for exploring nature as a family by public transport.
Why the train works so well for families in nature
The train offers families a practical way to visit nature reserves without car parks or traffic jams. From several stations in the Netherlands you can step straight onto a walking route, so the journey itself already becomes part of the outing. For busy nature areas such as the Veluwe or the dunes this saves stress and time.
Another advantage: you can take breaks on the way without hassle. Children can move around, play or look out of the window during the train journey, while you also get a moment to relax. On a nature holiday by public transport you combine relaxation with conscious travel: fewer kilometres, lower emissions and more calm at the start of your day.
For families who prefer not to plan everything anew each day, the train is straightforward. You know in advance where you’ll get off, how long the walk will take and what facilities are available. That makes it easier to travel with young children. It’s also smoother when you have luggage.
‘ Children often find the sandy paths and views over the coast more exciting than a fenced-off playground. ’
Child-friendly nature destinations from the station
There are several places in the Netherlands where you can walk straight into nature from the platform. That saves the hassle of buses or taxis and makes your day less dependent on complicated connections. Below are a few strong options for families.
National parks and nature reserves with a train connection
The Veluwe is easy to reach via stations such as Apeldoorn, Harderwijk and Arnhem. From Apeldoorn there are buses to De Hoge Veluwe National Park, but you can also walk straight towards the woods around the city. For young children this area offers natural play areas, short walking routes and plenty of opportunities for breaks.
The dunes near Zandvoort, Bloemendaal and Bergen aan Zee are ideal for a day out. From Zandvoort aan Zee station you can walk into the dunes within ten minutes. Children often find the sandy paths and views over the coast more exciting than a fenced-off playground. Do pay attention to the weather conditions: wind can make it less comfortable for the very youngest.
The Oostvaardersplassen can be reached via Lelystad Centrum station, followed by a short bus ride. Here you can walk with views of grazing cattle and horses in a vast nature reserve. The short routes are easy to manage with children from about four years old.
Stations with direct access to walking routes
Some stations are so close to nature that you can start straight from the platform. Examples include Maarn station, where you walk directly into the woods towards the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, and Wolfheze station, on the edge of the Veluwe. Valkenburg station in Limburg also offers direct access to hills and forests, which is especially appealing for families looking for variety.
When choosing this kind of destination, it’s useful to check in advance whether there are toilets, places to eat and drink or a picnic area nearby. That can make the difference between a relaxed day and a tense search for facilities.
Railrunner and other benefits for families
Children between four and eleven years old travel with a Railrunner ticket for only 2.50 euros per child per day, provided they are accompanied by an adult with a valid train ticket. That makes a family day out in nature much more affordable than going by car, especially if you factor in fuel and parking costs.
Make sure you buy the Railrunner ticket in advance. You can do this online, at a service desk or using the ticket machine at the station. One Railrunner is valid for a maximum of three children, so larger families will need more than one. The ticket is valid for the whole day and on all NS trains.
In addition to the Railrunner, there are often regional perks. Some bus operators offer family day tickets that allow you to travel unlimited in a certain region for a fixed price. This is useful for nature reserves such as the Veluwe or the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, where you often cover the final kilometres by bus.
Practical tips for a day or weekend away with children
A successful trip into nature with children calls for good preparation. Start by choosing a destination where the station is close to nature. The shorter the walking distance, the less hassle you’ll have with luggage and tired children.
Plan your route in advance and pick a walk that matches the children’s ages. For toddlers and preschoolers, routes of one to two kilometres are often enough. School-age children can usually manage four to five kilometres, as long as there’s something to see or do along the way.
Take enough drinks, snacks and an extra jumper with you. The weather can change quickly, and children often need a break on the way. A small rucksack with first-aid items, sun cream and insect repellent is also sensible, especially in summer.
Try to choose a route with play areas or water. Children usually enjoy a stream, a climbing tower or an open space to run around in more than walking in a straight line for ages. A little picnic spot halfway can also make the difference between a grumbling walk and an enthusiastic one.
‘ That does mean packing compactly: think lightweight tents, folding chairs and as few loose items as possible. ’
Nature camping and overnight stays from the station
A weekend or longer nature holiday by train is also possible. There are campsites and nature camping areas in the Netherlands that you can reach by train and bus. Examples include spots on the Veluwe and in the dunes of North Holland. That does mean packing compactly: think lightweight tents, folding chairs and as few loose items as possible.
For families with young children, a campsite with facilities often works better than wild camping. Think toilets, running water and possibly a play field. Check in advance whether the campsite is accessible by public transport and how long the final stretch on foot will take. A half-hour walk with luggage and small children can feel very long.
Some campsites offer panniers or handcarts for hire, which makes the journey from the bus stop easier. Ask about this beforehand so you’re not taken by surprise on arrival.
Combine nature with a stopover or rainy-day option
Dutch weather is changeable. That’s why it’s wise to choose a destination with an alternative for when it rains or when the children don’t feel like walking any more. Stations such as Apeldoorn, Arnhem and Haarlem are close to both nature and towns with museums, playgrounds or indoor attractions.
This way you can explore the dunes or the forest in the morning and head to a petting zoo, museum or swimming pool in the afternoon. It makes your day more flexible and less dependent on the weather. For a weekend it also adds more variety, which is especially nice for children who don’t want to walk all day.
Discover more nature holidays and travel inspiration
A nature holiday by train offers families peace, convenience and adventure, without having to rely on a car. Whether you opt for a day in the dunes, a weekend on the Veluwe or a longer camping trip: with the right preparation and a Railrunner ticket in your pocket it’s very doable. On Traveller Tips, an online platform for self-organising travellers, you’ll find many more tips on travelling by public transport, nature destinations and smart planning for your holiday. Discover what else is possible and plan your next trip with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Nature reserves that are easily accessible by train and offer child-friendly activities include the Oostvaardersplassen, where you can enjoy nature walks and birdwatching trips from nearby stations. The Veluwe is easy to reach by train plus a short bus ride, after which you can start walking directly from the stop, build dens and follow wildlife spotting trails. Stations on or close to nature reserves are particularly useful, where you step straight into the woods or onto the heath and can combine short, child-friendly walks with picnics and treasure hunts. For families, compact destinations work especially well, where station, nature and any campsite are close together.
Choose a destination where station, accommodation and activities are close together, so that you don’t have to make many changes or walk far with children and luggage. Reserve seats in a quiet carriage (preferably avoid a silence carriage with lively children), plan set times for meals and play and take plenty of snacks, toys and charging cables. Divide luggage into one large suitcase and separate daypacks with the things you’ll need during the journey, such as nappies, a change of clothes and drawing or play items. Allow generous time for transfers so you have time for toilets, a short break and any delays without stress.
Yes, there are often affordable family tickets and companion discounts available, such as special day tickets or offers where children travel free or with a substantial discount. Season tickets or discount cards (such as off-peak or weekend passes) can also make a train trip to nature much cheaper. It’s smart to travel outside rush hours, book early for international journeys and keep an eye on promotions from rail operators and major retailers. It also pays to choose destinations where station and nature are close together, so you don’t have extra costs for onward transport.
Beautiful train routes with direct access to walking trails and nature parks include routes to the Veluwe (for example via stations such as Apeldoorn or Ede-Wageningen), the Oostvaardersplassen (Lelystad Centrum or Almere Oostvaarders) and other Dutch stations where you can walk straight into woods or meadows. As a family, choose destinations where station, accommodation and nature reserve are close together, so you need few transfers and little extra transport. Plan the day with short walks, clear paths and plenty of breaks, so that children find it fun and manageable. Take light, well-distributed luggage and, if you like, build in a city stopover for bad-weather or play moments.
Choose a destination where the station is within walking distance of the nature reserve, campsite or starting point of walking routes, so you need little extra transport. Pack light, with a rucksack per person, and use packing cubes to keep children’s clothes, rainwear and snacks organised. Plan the journey in manageable stages with enough breaks, and bring entertainment on the train such as games or books. Check walking distances, weather forecast and whether routes are suitable for a pushchair or carrier in advance, so you’re not faced with surprises once you arrive.
