Publication date: 09/17/2025
Located directly on the Markermeer and only a few hours from North Rhine-Westphalia, this marina has quietly become an insider tip for families. Not pretentious, not overcrowded – but relaxed, well thought out and wonderfully uncomplicated.
In this article we show you:
Why Lelystad Haven is ideal for family sailors.
Which facilities make both children and parents happy.
- And what sailing families particularly appreciate.
Ready for a marina where young and old alike feel completely at ease? Then read on.
Marina overview – berths at Lelystad Haven
(Almost) always a berth available for your boat: With 550 berths afloat and 80 berths ashore, the marina offers generous capacity – perfect for anyone who values flexibility and availability.
Safe berths for boats up to 20 metres in length: Larger yachts also find plenty of room here – for boats with a draught of up to 3 metres, with enough space to manoeuvre.
Comfort right at the pontoon: Water and electricity connections at every berth ensure a fully supplied on-board environment – without any effort.
Trolleys and nearby parking: For easy loading and unloading of luggage without heavy carrying.
Family-friendly sanitary facilities: Modern showers, well-kept bathrooms designed with families in mind, and a practical laundry make your stay ashore pleasant and comfortable.
Refuelling made easy – without detours: Thanks to fuel sales directly at the harbour master’s office, you stay flexible and save valuable time when planning your trip.
Safe lifting up to 10 tonnes: Whether storage or servicing, lifting operations up to 10 tonnes ensure smooth and professional handling of your boat.
Wi-Fi included – everywhere in the marina: Whether for navigation, streaming or working from your boat, free Wi-Fi keeps you connected at all times.
Leisure fun for little and big sailors: A playground, bike and dinghy rental, plus a floating restaurant right on site provide variety – ideal for families and active leisure sailors.
Direct access to water and nature: From here you can be out on the Markermeer or in the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve within minutes – perfect conditions for relaxing cruises or exciting excursions.
Blue Flag Award: This international environmental certification stands for the highest standards in cleanliness, safety and sustainability – offering peace of mind with every visit.
Sustainable mobility – also on land: With an e-charging station for your car directly at the marina, eco-friendly travel couldn’t be easier.
“Beautiful harbour with an incredibly friendly, very helpful and cooperative harbour masters; worthy of a compliment!
The sanitary facilities are very clean and the harbour restaurant is excellent. This harbour is definitely to be recommended, and from here it is only 6 nautical miles to Marker Wadden; also well worth a trip.”
Martin
10 activity ideas from Lelystad Haven
Lelystad Haven is not only a great home port – there’s also plenty to do around the marina. Whether in sunshine or typical Dutch weather, families with children will find exciting destinations just around the corner. Here are our top 10 activities guaranteed to keep boredom away:
1. Batavialand – The interactive maritime museum
Just a few minutes’ walk from the marina, children discover the maritime history of the Netherlands.
Operate locks, build dams, pump water
Workshops on knot-tying or shipbuilding
- Exhibitions, simulators and dressing-up stations
2. Aviodrome – Aviation adventure park for explorers
An exciting theme park all about flying.
Sit in cockpits, take off in a flight simulator
- Indoor exhibitions and aircraft-themed playgrounds
3. Belevenissenbos – Adventure forest for active children
A huge natural playground for children aged 6 to 16.
Climbing trails, mud zones, obstacle courses
- Streams and treehouses
4. Swimming Pool De Koploper – for little and big water lovers
An indoor and outdoor leisure pool for all weathers.
Wave pool, water slides, baby and children’s areas
- Outdoor playground in summer
5. Jumpsquare Lelystad – trampoline park with guaranteed fun
Fun and exercise whatever the weather – perfect for rainy days.
Free-jump areas, dodgeball and trampoline games
- Also suitable for birthday parties
6. Schateiland Playground
A large free playground with sand, climbing equipment and picnic areas.
Safe for younger children
- Often seasonal activities or events
7. Go-karting & Bowling
Two all-weather activities for families with older children.
Kartcentrum Lelystad: electric go-karts from 1.30m in height
BowlMore: bowling with bumpers and a play area for little ones
8. Educational Farm De Huif
A family-friendly farm with regular activities.
Petting zoo, pony rides, tractor driving
- Nature experiences for the whole family
9. Toms Creek – Family-friendly fishing
A trip into nature with fishing fun for beginners.
Catch trout or carp
- Hire fishing equipment on site, grill your catch by the water
10. Watersports around Lelystad Haven
Exciting activities for young explorers, right on your doorstep.
Canoeing, stand-up paddling (SUP), swimming
- Children’s sailing courses in protected harbour areas
Comfort for children & parents
A child-friendly marina
For parents, one thing is especially important: the feeling of being able to let their children roam freely. At Lelystad Haven, kids don’t get lost in mega-marinas or among industrial facilities – the marina is manageable, clearly laid out and very quiet in terms of traffic. That gives children freedom, and parents peace of mind to relax.
Everything nearby for a successful family boating holiday in the Netherlands
One of the biggest advantages: the proximity to town. From the marina it’s just a few minutes to the nearest supermarket, pharmacy or snack bar – perfect for forgotten treats, spare sun cream or a spontaneous pizza evening on board. Bicycles can also be easily rented or brought along.
Supermarket: Albert Heijn Warande
Address: Ranonkellaan 1, 8245 HE Lelystad – right on Warande Square.
Opening hours: Mon–Sun: 08:00–21:00
- ➡️ Ideal for quick shopping before or after your trip.
Pharmacy: Service Apotheek Warande
Address: Ranonkellaan 3, 8245 HE Lelystad – right next to Albert Heijn.
Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 08:30–17:30, Sat: 10:00–14:00
Note: Daily lunch break: 12:00–13:00
Family-friendly dining
Whether it’s a fish roll after mooring or an ice cream in between, Lelystad Haven’s promenade offers simple, tasty options that children will love too. Many restaurants have child-friendly menus – and terraces overlooking the playground.
A relaxed environment, friendly neighbours
You won’t meet “luxury yacht snobs” here, but normal crews – young families, experienced leisure skippers, sometimes even the neighbours from the next pontoon sharing an ice cream with the kids. This atmosphere contributes greatly to families feeling immediately welcome.
“Lovely harbour. As a visitor you feel welcome straight away. Nice playground for the children and the sanitary facilities are very clean. You can tell this is a Blue Flag marina. Highly recommended.”
Brianne
Conclusion: If you’re looking for a family-friendly marina in the Netherlands, Lelystad Haven is the right choice
Anyone travelling with children knows: the right marina makes the difference between chaos and relaxation. Lelystad Haven is exactly such a place, where families can breathe easy. Everything is within reach, designed to be friendly, and arranged so that both small and grown-up crew members feel comfortable.
From the playground by the pontoon to the clean sanitary building, from the family atmosphere to the simple organisation – Lelystad Haven convinces not with luxury, but with reliability, atmosphere and genuine everyday comfort.
For many families, this marina has long been more than just a stopover. It is the starting point for shared memories on the water.
Mini-FAQ: Lelystad Haven – family-friendly berths in the Netherlands
Is there a playground near the marina?
Yes – directly at the harbour there is a well-kept playground overlooking the water. Ideal for harbour days or as a little reward after mooring.
How far is the nearest supermarket?
Just a few minutes’ walk. Restaurants, cafés and bike rentals are also close by.
Is Lelystad Haven suitable for a longer stay with children?
Definitely. The peaceful location, good infrastructure and many excursion opportunities make the marina ideal for families who want to stay more than just one night.
