Publication date: 22/10/2025
To make sure your next family adventure under sail is relaxed, safe, and full of joy, we have compiled the best tips, activities, and snack ideas for you.
Tips for stress-free sailing with kids
Sailing with children is not an ocean regatta – it is more like a mixture of adventure holiday, picnic, and improvisation. To make sure the mood on board does not tip (and the boat certainly doesn’t), a few simple but effective strategies can help.
1. Short passages instead of long routes
Children do not think in nautical miles. What adults call a “sporty half-day trip” can quickly become boring or tiring for little ones. Better to sail shorter distances – but stop more often. This way, the day stays varied and nobody gets “seasick from impatience”.
2. Onboard routine with child-friendly rituals
A set “casting-off ritual”, small tasks on board, or the daily harbour ice cream can help structure the day. Children love repetition – and the feeling of being part of the crew.
3. Teaching safety in a playful way
Life jacket? Of course. Safety line? Obviously. But it helps enormously when safety is not only a “must”, but also explained playfully and understandably. Role-playing games, safety quizzes, or a personal children’s logbook can work wonders.
4. Pack like a pro: snacks, books, binoculars
There does not need to be entertainment every day on board – but a few classics make life much easier:
- Favourite snack & water bottle within reach
- Books, binoculars, shell collection bag
- Audiobook in reserve (for calms or rainy days)
5. Do not see harbour days as “lost”
A day in the harbour is not a wasted sailing day – it is often the best for the children. Playground, city stroll, new friends on the pontoon: for little sailors this is almost more exciting than the next tack.
Activities for children on board
Boredom on board? Not necessary! Even without Wi-Fi or a playground, there is plenty to discover on the water:
- Learning and practising knots: With a thick rope or a knot board, seamanship can be taught playfully – even as a small competition. Absolute highlight for children: use edible liquorice laces! If the knot is correct, they get to eat it.
- Pirate or treasure hunt on board: Hide small tasks, draw clues, create a treasure map – suddenly the boat becomes an adventure playground. Do you remember those chewy sweet gold coins? The perfect pirate treasure for kids.
- Drawing or writing a logbook: Children can draw or write down their impressions. This strengthens memories and gives pride. Perhaps draw a treasure map to match the treasure hunt?
- Photo safari: With an old mobile phone or a children’s camera, kids can go on a photo safari: who finds the best pictures of waves, seagulls, ropes, or shells? Afterwards, small collages or memory books can be created.
- Mini board games: Uno, Dobble, card games, or small magnetic travel games take up little space and are fun for adults too. Perfect for shared time in the cockpit or below deck in bad weather.
Activities for shore leave and harbour days
There is also plenty to experience ashore – provided you plan with families in mind:
- Beach days and mudflat walks: ideal to burn energy and explore nature.
- Take or rent bikes: many harbours have rental stations – perfect for short explorations.
- Picnic by the shore: instead of a restaurant visit, simply spread a blanket with snacks and a view – children usually like this much more.
- Museums or aquariums: especially in rainy weather, interactive museums or aquariums are great alternatives.
- Theme parks or playgrounds near the harbour: especially younger children enjoy moving around away from the boat’s deck.
Three clever snack ideas for little seamans
Snacks are worth gold – especially when there is a lull (on the water or in the mood). Here are three quick and practical ideas:
- Fruit skewers with dip: melon, apple, banana on a skewer – with a small pot of yoghurt or nut butter. Practical, colourful, and healthy.
- Mini sandwiches or wrap rolls: filled with cream cheese, chicken breast, or cucumber. Cut small, well packed – perfect for on the go.
- Homemade muesli bars: oats, honey, nuts, dried fruit – once baked they last for several days and give energy when the sea is rough.
Family-friendly marina tip in Lelystad
Lelystad Haven, with around 550 berths, a floating restaurant, playground, and free Wi-Fi, offers the perfect conditions for a relaxed family trip. Especially nice: its location at the junction of the Markermeer and IJsselmeer – perfect for child-friendly trips with a wide range of excursions in the surrounding area.
The marina also has modern sanitary facilities, laundry facilities, and a friendly harbour crew. The surroundings invite varied land activities – from mudflat walks to cycling or scooter rides to relaxed picnics by the water.
Conclusion: sailing with children in Lelystad becomes an unforgettable family adventure with the right tips
Sailing with children is different – but it is also special. It is not just about arriving, but about experiencing together, about trust, about small adventures on the pontoon and big moments at the bow.
For all this to succeed, more than just a safe boat is needed. It requires a marina that thinks ahead. A place where parents can breathe, children can play, and families can enjoy time together. And above all, it needs a bit of creativity and a lot of understanding from parents that sailing for little ones is indeed different from sailing for grown-ups. But with the right tips and tricks, a sailing holiday quickly becomes an unforgettable family adventure!
For that, Lelystad Haven is exactly the right place. Manageable. Quiet. Practical. With a genuine sense for what families need – without fuss, but with heart and reliability. Moor where not only your boat is safe, but your family can also truly relax.
Mini-FAQ: Sailing with children in Lelystad Haven
Is Lelystad Haven really child-friendly?
Yes – the marina is manageable, quiet, and offers, among other things, a playground, clean sanitary facilities, and short walking distances. Ideal for families with young and older children.
Are there special safety precautions?
The harbour layout is deliberately compact: wide pontoons, little vehicle traffic, clearly separated zones. This creates a high level of safety – without feeling restrictive.
Are spontaneous stops with children in Lelystad Haven possible?
Yes – there are sufficient guest berths. In high season we recommend calling ahead or booking online, especially with children on board.
What leisure opportunities are available in the area?
In addition to the playground at the marina, Lelystad offers many excursions: including the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, outlet shopping, museums, and child-friendly restaurants.
