Smit Giethoorn (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Smit Giethoorn?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Children can help pedal or spot ducks in a safe electric boat and enjoy ice cream afterwards, yet no playground, no kids’ menu and required constant supervision lower suitability.
Positives:
- Free parking: Smit Giethoorn offers free parking close to all boat rentals.
- Free restrooms: Clean, no-cost toilets are available on site.
- Route map included: Every rental comes with a free canal map to plan your trip.
Challenges:
- No children’s menu: The restaurant does not offer a kids menu; bring snacks or picnic items.
- Low bridges: Some canal bridges are low; kids must duck or hold their heads down.
- Variable weather: Wind off the water can cool you quickly; dress in layers.
What is Smit Giethoorn?
- A waterside pavilion on the banks of Giethoorn’s canals and the Bovenwijde lake
- A boat rental provider offering a fleet of silent electric boats, traditional punts, canoes and kayaks
- A restaurant pavilion featuring a terrace bar with panoramic views over the village waterways
What is so special about Smit Giethoorn for with kids?
- Glide through Giethoorn canals on a quiet electric boat tailored for families.
- Kids steer or pedal on canoe and waterfiets rentals for hands-on fun.
- Free route map helps plan trip lengths that suit your children’s stamina.
- Pause at the ijs-loket for affordable ice-cream treats.
- Free parking and restrooms make logistics easy for parents.
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 2–3 hours gives kids enough time to boat, explore, and rest without fatigue.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Smit Giethoorn
Fluisterboot rental:
Rent a silent electric boat and steer through narrow canals at your own pace.
Tip: Book online in advance to secure a family-sized boat.
Canadese kano:
Paddle together in a stable 3-person canoe with an older child.
Tip: Let your older child help with paddling to keep them engaged.
Waterfiets ride:
Hop on a two- or three-seat pedal boat and cruise the wider waterways.
Tip: Choose pedal boats when kids want hands-on fun and exercise.
Ice-cream break at IJs-loket:
Stop for a scoop or two of ice cream at the on-site kiosk.
Tip: Try local flavors and budget €2.50 per scoop for each.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Smit Giethoorn
- Reserve boats early: Book your fluisterboot online before your arrival to avoid sold-out times.
- Plan short routes: Use the free map to pick a route length that fits your kids’ energy.
- Bring snacks and water: Pack drinks and snacks since on-site food options are limited.
Reviews of Smit Giethoorn
Juntos Em Rota
We are a Brazilian family 🇧🇷 We travel the world by motorhome @JuntosEmRota If you're coming to see the city by motorhome, this is the right place! They have a huge parking lot, we slept without any problems and were able to enjoy everything before the tour buses arrived!! Beautiful and peaceful place. We rented the boat and had lunch at the restaurant. Delicious food! The ribs are the best we'v...
Catherine Orendain
Was excellent. Very accommodating. Pls take note during the peak season it has long queue but was tolerable. Stuffs is so helpful & they're trying their best to help everyone.
ATRIN
We rented a boat from here and had a wonderful experience 🚤🌞 Although we arrived about 10 minutes late for the return ⏰, the staff was very kind and professional 🤝. They gave us great instructions on how to safely operate the boat 🧭💡. It was a fun and memorable experience 🎉 I’d definitely love to be their customer again 🙌. Also, we booked through their website 💻, so we didn’t have to wai...
Renee Weilers
It was a beautiful day. The boot was lovely and I loved Giethoorn. I'm very glad that it's still nice and "gezellig".
Shubhrangshu Mukherjee
They have good quality boats including long boats with mouthpiece to guide a big group of. The people there were young, energetic, knowledgeable and smiling. They are just next to parking 3. They have their own private parking space. Since this is outside of the central part, less congested. There is a nice restaurant from where you can take food inside the boat and enjoy while riding through the ...
When is the best time to visit Smit Giethoorn (Giethoorn, Netherlands)?
Spring: pack a light rain jacket for sudden showers. Summer: bring sun hats and refillable water bottles. Autumn: layer up as canal breezes can be cool. Winter: call ahead to confirm boat availability.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Fluisterboot rental (day) | EUR 95 |
| Ice cream (4 scoops) | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 105 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Smit Giethoorn
Address: Zuiderpad 58, 8355 CC Giethoorn, Netherlands
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About Smit Giethoorn
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+31 521 361 62510 BEST nearby Activities
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