Nature Reserves near Amsterdam

8 locations
Ages 0–12

Locations

Vlindertuin Mot in Mokum NoordOogstVlindertuin Mot in Mokum NoordOogstVlindertuin Mot in Mokum NoordOogst

Vlindertuin Mot in Mokum NoordOogst

Butterfly House · Ages 3–12

A public 800-square-meter butterfly garden in Amsterdam-Noord where visitors stroll among native Dutch butterfly species and learn habitat creation. Interactive expedition trailer filled with observation equipment, books and posters doubles as an indoor educational hub. Chrysalis house allows visitors to watch caterpillar metamorphosis, with opportunities to release butterflies.
Ouderkerkerplas Strand

Ouderkerkerplas Strand

Beach · All Ages

Serene sand beach on a recreational lake with safe, gradual entry for swimming within buoyed zones. Playground equipment for young children; older kids enjoy sports facilities including beach volleyball. Pavilion restaurant with terrace serves food and drinks year-round.
People sunbathing on grassy lawn with watermelon beach umbrella and lake with trees beyondPeople on grassy lawn with narrow sandy beach next to lake and forestSandy beach with tire tracks next to lake in nature reserve

't Schoorlstrand

Beach · All Ages

One of seven family-friendly beaches at Het Twiske recreation area north of Amsterdam. Sandy shoreline gradually sloping into clean freshwater, with a buoyed shallow section perfect for young swimmers and large grassy lawn perfect for picnics. Wooded nature reserve (Het Smaal) alongside for walking with diverse flora and bird species.
Thijsse's Hof

Thijsse's Hof

Botanical Garden · Ages 3+

The Netherlands' oldest wildlife garden (established 1925), displaying native dune plants and animals in natural settings across 2 hectares. Children can explore diverse ecosystems including woodland, marshland, grassland and a central pond while observing birds, insects and wildflowers; there's a barefoot sensory path and guided tours available. An educational institution emphasizing hands-on nature discovery with seasonal changes bringing different species into view.
ElswoutElswoutElswoutElswoutElswout

Elswout

Nature Reserve · Ages 3+

Historic 17th-century country estate set in romantic English landscape gardens, featuring centuries-old trees, ponds, and winding paths through diverse woods. Two easy walking trails (2.4 km and 1.7 km) wind through French and English gardens with water features, bridges, and opportunities to spot deer. A charming café serves refreshments on the estate.
Bezoekerscentrum De KennemerduinenBezoekerscentrum De KennemerduinenBezoekerscentrum De KennemerduinenBezoekerscentrum De KennemerduinenBezoekerscentrum De Kennemerduinen

Bezoekerscentrum De Kennemerduinen

Nature Reserve · Ages 3+

Gateway visitor centre to the sprawling National Park Zuid-Kennemerland with interactive exhibitions about dune fauna and flora. The building itself mimics a 7th-century dune farmhouse and features a free exhibition that changes seasonally. Kids discover plants and animals through hands-on displays, treasure hunts, and playground time next to the Duincafé terrace overlooking the duins.
Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen BentveldAmsterdamse Waterleidingduinen BentveldAmsterdamse Waterleidingduinen Bentveld

Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen Bentveld

Hiking Trail · All Ages

A sprawling 34-square-kilometer nature reserve with sandy dunes, forests and water channels that supplies drinking water to Amsterdam. Home to the Netherlands' largest fallow deer population, plus foxes, hares and abundant birdlife. Family-friendly: paved paths for prams and wheelchairs, permission to roam freely off-trails, multiple easy routes, play areas for children, guided forest walks with rangers, and educational water programs.
Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen

Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen

Nature Reserve · All Ages

Visitor center gateway to the Netherlands' highest dune area with interactive exhibitions and nature information. Children can explore multiple themed trails including a gnome path, barefoot path, and play forest with water pumps, sand carts, and a 40-meter climbing rope. Starting point for 60+ kilometers of walking and cycling routes through forests, heathlands, and shifting dunes with diverse flora and fauna.

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