Not quite familiar with IJmuiden? It’s a town filled with interesting finds and fun activities, enough to spend a lovely day with your children. Below we listed the six reasons why you should visit IJmuiden.
Forteiland IJmuiden
Several events are scheduled throughout the year where the fort is open to public. Hop on a boat at Kop van de Haven which will take you directly to the island. You may opt for a guided tour to visit the fort, bunkers and look-out, but you are also free to explore the island by yourself. A day filled with adventure while learning a bit of history for sure!
Forteiland 10, IJmuiden, www.forteilandijmuiden.com
Speeltuin De Veilige Haven
An old-fashioned playground where kids can spend hours for just €1,-. The playground is well kept and includes well maintained playground equipment. You can also purchase drinks and snacks there.
Zwembad (swimming pool) De Heerenduinen is located next to De Veilige Haven, definitely worth a visit if you like to go for a swim!
Heerenduinweg 6A, IJmuiden, www.deveiligehaven.nl
IJmuider Zee- en Havenmuseum
Located in what was formerly home to an old fishing school, you’ll find the IJmuider Zee- en Havenmuseum. It tells the family history of fishing and shipping in IJmuiden. Experience what it felt like to wear a diving suit, take the steer at the bridge of a ship, find out how to use a compass or send a message using morse code. And don’t forget to join the scavenger hunt! Outside the museum, kids can hop in a real life boat and play in the wheelhouse.
Havenkade 55, IJmuiden, www.zeehavenmuseum.nl
De Heerenduinen
If you enter from the Heerenduinweg, you can explore a beautiful part of the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland. Along a 4,5km walk you’ll find dunes and ancient oak trees. And don’t be surprised if you run into Shetland ponies and Scottish Highlanders.
Heerenduinweg 12, IJmuiden www.np-zuidkennemerland.nl
Bunker Museum IJmuiden
Bunker, the word alone sounds pretty exciting doesn’t it? We found this wartime museum located in IJmuiden aan Zee to be quite suitable for kids as well. The Bunker Museum is an outdoor museum where reconstructions of a bunkhouse of the German soldiers and of a (mini) submarine can be seen and experienced through a diorama. The museum also provides and conducts tours geared specifically towards children. Definitely worth checking out!
Badweg 38, IJmuiden aan Zee, schuin tegenover Camping De Duindoorn, bunkermuseum.nl
Beach
We obviously can’t skip the beach. Kids love to play in the sand and IJmuiden happens to have a few beaches.
Noordpier Strand, for example, is open year-round and is the place to find seashells, walk along the beach, and watch the kite surfers. Or why don’t you walk across the pier, passing fishermen on your way to the lighthouse? Watch the huge ships as they enter the Noordzeekanaal.
The two most childfriendly beachclubs are Aloha and Timboektoe. Also check out Zuidpier, located in IJmuiden aan Zee. Or hop on the trampolines at Beachclub Makai.
There’s enough to enjoy a fun filled day in IJmuiden!
Tekst and pictures by: Eva Cameron-Bakker
Translated by: Fatima Fazli-Vermeulen
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for even more child friendly tips or buy the book MUGJES (in Dutch), with over 100 locations, tips by locals and fun activities in Haarlem (and surroundings) for kids aged 0 to 7.
