If you’re planning a beach day with kids, you don’t need “the most photogenic sand” — you need space, easy beach access (especially with strollers), and bathrooms that won’t require a 20-minute detour.
We’re covering the coastline between Wijk aan Zee and Zandvoort, where the train line actually serves the coast. That means you can do a fun day trip without a car, and still have the option of parking close by if you prefer.
How we picked: we focused on (1) easy reach by public transport, (2) multiple practical beach access points (strandopgangen), and (3) family-friendly beach facilities like toilets at beach pavilions and enough room for kids to run.
1. Wijk aan Zee – Village Beach & Station Access
From Amsterdam, take the train toward Zandvoort and hop off at Wijk aan Zee. Then follow the signs to the promenade and choose the nearest beach access point (look for the strandopgang near the village side). The walk is usually straightforward, but the exact route depends on where you enter—so give yourself a few minutes to find the smoothest path for your stroller.
What families usually like here is the combination of open sand and a more relaxed atmosphere than the busiest parts of Zandvoort. In practice, kids can play in wide sections of beach, and adults can keep an eye on them while grabbing a borrel or a quick bite from nearby beach pavilions.
Restrooms: plan around the nearest beach pavilions. Most of them have toilets for guests and visitors, even when you’re just “passing through.” If you’re arriving with small kids, it’s smart to stop for a bathroom break before heading deep into the sand.
Good to know: If your stroller has big wheels, you’ll handle the beach sand better. For easier wheel access, aim for beach entries closest to the promenade/pavilions where the paths are typically better maintained.
2. Bloemendaal aan Zee – Zeeweg Side (Wide Beach + Facilities)
Get there by train to Bloemendaal (or nearby stops along the coast). From the station, walk toward the coastal access points along the Zeeweg/promenade area. You’ll find multiple entrances to the sand; choose the one that matches your mobility needs (stairs vs. ramps can vary by entrance).
For stroller paths: in this area, you’re often walking along the promenade first, then transitioning at a designated beach access. That’s usually easier than trying to cross dunes randomly. When it’s windy, keep an eye on sand blowing across paths—sometimes a different access point a few minutes away feels much easier.
Playground/space: Bloemendaal aan Zee tends to have more room for running and building, especially early in the day. Even when the beach is busy, the beachfront setup (pavilions + open sand) makes it easier to “basecamp” near facilities rather than far away.
Good to know: If you want easier restroom access, plan to stay within a short walking distance of a beach pavilion. Going too far along the coast can turn “quick needs” into a long sand walk.
3. Overveen (Kennemerstrand Area) – Beach Day With a Short Walk From the Train
Take the train to Overveen. From there, follow the coastal signage to the beach entrances. In this part of the coastline, you typically get a clear path from station to the beach area, and then you choose among strandopgangen that lead down to the sand.
Stroller access is your main variable here. Depending on which access point you choose, you might face stairs or a less direct route. For the easiest day with a stroller, look for an entrance that offers the smoothest approach first (even if it’s not the “closest” on a map).
Restrooms and snacks: again, pavilions are your friends. A lot of families set themselves up near the pavilion area because it makes bathroom breaks, changing kids after wet sand, and grabbing a warm drink much simpler.
Good to know: Go a bit earlier than the late-morning rush if you can. Not because “it gets crowded,” but because the easiest beach access paths are usually the ones people claim first.
4. Zandvoort – Main Beach (Zandvoort aan Zee Station Area) + Strand Options
To reach Zandvoort without a car: take the train to Zandvoort aan Zee. From the station, the beach is a walk (generally direct), and there are multiple beach access points along the seafront so you can pick the one that works best for your stroller and your kids’ energy level.
This is a good beach for families who want “we can adjust on the day.” If the kids want to stay near the toilets and snacks, you can base yourself near the main pavilion zone. If they want to run further, you can walk the sand farther once you know the basics are handled.
Parking: Zandvoort has parking options close to the beach, but it can get busy on sunny weekends. If you’re driving, aim to arrive early and be ready for a slower road/parking experience. Public transport is usually the simpler “stress-free” plan when families travel together.
Good to know: With a stroller, the easiest approach is usually to start from the station-side beach access points where paths and crossings are more straightforward. If the main entrance is clogged, walk a few minutes to another access instead of forcing through.
Final tips
- For stroller-friendly beach days, don’t just choose the beach—choose the entrance. Check which strandopgang feels easiest for your wheels before you commit to a long sand walk.
- Restrooms: plan around pavilions near your chosen access point. “Closest toilet” often matters more than “furthest sand.”
- If you want to go without a car, the train to Wijk aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Overveen, and Zandvoort aan Zee is your best base plan. Then it’s a short, manageable walk to the beach.
- When it’s windy, bring a layer and secure items (kid hats, towels, snacks). Wind can change how comfortable stroller paths feel in seconds.
