TrieBios Baby & Mama

Spring is the perfect season to explore the breathtaking Schoorlse Duinen, the highest, widest, the most diverse and stunning natural areas in the Netherlands. With its rolling sand dunes, fragrant pine forests, and interactive family-friendly activities, this nature reserve offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled hike with your children or engaging educational activities, Schoorlse Duinen has it all.

Discovering the Schoorlse Duinen

The Schoorlse Duinen is the highest and widest dune areas in the Netherlands. With dunes reaching heights of up to 54 meters, dense forests, and blooming heathlands, the landscape is a testament to the country’s natural beauty. Spring breathes new life into this area, with flora and fauna awakening after the winter months, making it an ideal time for exploration. In addition, the interplay of drifting sand and seawater has created a fascinating landscape that countless people enjoy every year.

Family-Friendly Hiking Trails

One of the best ways to immerse your family in the beauty of the Schoorlse Duinen is by embarking on one of its many hiking trails. The trails are well-marked and vary in difficulty, ensuring that families with children of all ages can find a suitable route. Here I would like to pick 2 most suitable routes for family.

Family Route Around Dunes and Village (4.4km)

This 4.4 km walking route offers a mix of nature and village scenery, making it perfect for families who want a balanced adventure. One of the most exciting parts of this route is the digital animal card game, designed for children aged 7 to 12 years old.

Highlights of the Family Route Around Dunes and Village:

• Interactive Digital Animal Cards: Using the Perfect Earth Animals app, children can search for hidden digital animal cards along the route, unlocking fun facts about wildlife.
• Scenic Views: A blend of dunes, forests, and village landscapes makes the walk visually diverse.
• Perfect for Young Explorers: Engages children with nature in a fun, educational way.

The North Sea Walk: A Scenic Exploration for the Whole Family (10km)

If your family is up for a slightly longer adventure, the Forest Ranger Path North Sea Walk is a fantastic option. This 10 km trail takes you through a mix of sea, dunes, forests, and heathland, providing an immersive experience of everything Schoorlse Duinen has to offer. While it is a longer route, older kids and active families will love the variety of landscapes and the breathtaking views from the highest dune in the Netherlands.

Highlights of the North Sea Walk:

• Climb the Highest Dune in the Netherlands: Start the trail with an exciting climb that rewards you with a panoramic view of the reserve.
• Bird Watching at the Bird Lake: Spot skylarks, grebes, and even sand lizards during the warmer months.
• Fragrant Pine Forests & Blooming Heathlands: Springtime brings fresh evergreen pine trees and the early bloom of heathland flowers.
• Beachside Refreshments: Between March and September, enjoy a break at Strandpaviljoen Paal 29 with a cup of coffee or tea by the sea.
• All-Season Beauty: Whether you visit in spring or winter, the trail offers a different but equally magical experience.

Educational Activities for Kids in Schoorlse Duinen

Schoorlse Duinen isn’t just about scenic trails—it’s also packed with engaging and educational activities for kids. If you’re looking for fun ways to spark your child’s curiosity about nature, here are some exciting experiences that blend adventure with learning.

The Kabouterpad (Gnome Trail)

Ever wondered if gnomes live in the dunes? The Schoorlse Duinen might just hold the answer! As you follow this magical 1-kilometer trail, you’ll spot tiny footprints, wheelbarrow tracks, and even gnome-sized “treasures” hidden in the sand. Children (aged 3-7) can wear a pointy hat and complete fun gnome-themed challenges along the way. At the end of the trail, they can create a nature painting to take home as a souvenir. A charming adventure for the youngest explorers!

Children’s Theatre in Schoorlse Duinen

Step into a world of storytelling with the puppet shows at Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen. These performances are designed especially for kids and bring the natural world to life through engaging stories inspired by the seasons and local wildlife. A perfect indoor activity for little nature lovers!

Easter Egg Hunt in the Dunes

Every Easter, the Schoorlse Duinen transforms into a giant playground for eager egg hunters. The Easter Bunny has been spotted hiding chocolate eggs, and before the search begins, kids can craft their own Easter baskets to collect their treasures. A fun and festive way to celebrate spring in the heart of nature!

Elf Door Route

Did you know that elves also call the dunes home? On this magical adventure, children set off with a real “magic wand” and search for hidden elf doors scattered throughout the forest. Each door holds a special task, and completing the challenges lets them collect “magical” animal friends. It’s an enchanting way for young children (ages 2.5+) to explore nature through imaginative play.

Play Forest Zandspoor

Let the kids run wild at Speelbos Zandspoor, a dedicated nature play area where children can climb fallen trees, splash around in the water play zone, and move sand using a mini-train. Whether they’re building hideouts or testing their jumping skills against a fox’s tracks, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun here!

High Dune Trail Adventure

For kids aged 7-12, the High Dune Trail is an exciting outdoor challenge. Armed with a compass, they navigate through the highest dunes in the Netherlands, completing team-based tasks and hands-on nature challenges along the way. The adventure even leads them through the play forest, where they can build huts and experiment with sand and water. And yes, they get to keep the compass as a souvenir of their adventure!

The Barefoot Trail

Sometimes, the best way to connect with nature is to feel it—literally! The Barefoot Trail lets kids and adults alike walk through a sensory-filled path featuring different textures like sand, pinecones, shells, and bark. Balancing beams along the way add an extra challenge, making this a fun activity for all ages.

These interactive experiences make Schoorlse Duinen more than just a hiking destination—it’s a place where kids can learn, explore, and create lasting memories with their families.

Tips for Parents: Making the Most of Your Visit

• Pack Smart: Bring a picnic, plenty of water, and extra clothes for kids who love getting messy.
• Dress for the Weather: The dunes can be windy, so layering is key. In summer, don’t forget sunscreen and hats!
• Timing Matters: Mornings are quieter, making it a great time to enjoy the trails without the crowds.
• Engage with Nature: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and let kids collect leaves or pinecones for a mini nature journal.
• Combine Play & Learning: The Perfect Earth Animals app and the Elf Door Route are great ways to make hikes more interactive and exciting.
• Fuel Up: Stop by Brasserie IJgenweis for a cozy meal or visit Strandpaviljoen Paal 29 (open March-September) for a drink with a sea view.

Schoorlse Duinen is the ultimate family-friendly destination, offering a mix of adventure, play, and learning in a breathtaking natural setting. Whether you’re climbing dunes, spotting digital animals, or following the trails of gnomes and elves, every visit is a new experience. With so many exciting activities for kids of all ages, it’s the perfect spot for a springtime family outing. So lace up your walking shoes, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the magic of Schoorlse Duinen!