Step 1: Choose a cycling-friendly destination
When planning your first cycling trip abroad with children, it’s essential to pick a destination that caters to family cyclists with safe and enjoyable infrastructure. The ideal destination should have:
- Well-developed bike paths and dedicated cycling lanes
- A flat terrain for easier navigation, especially for younger riders
- Family-friendly attractions and accessible services
Why Amsterdam? Amsterdam is often considered the best cycling city in the world, with over 800,000 bicycles and hundreds of kilometers of dedicated bike lanes. The city’s flat geography and calm cycling pace make it perfect for families with children, while the abundance of parks, museums, and historical sights add variety to your ride.
Step 2: Preparation before you go
When planning a cycling-focused trip abroad, preparation is crucial. This includes making sure you have the right equipment, understanding local cycling laws, and preparing your children for the experience. Some key steps include:
Researching cycling culture and rules: Every country has different cycling laws. In the Netherlands, for example, cyclists have their own traffic lights, and it’s common courtesy to signal with hand gestures.
Booking family-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels or apartments that provide bike rentals or have storage space for your bicycles.
Getting familiar with the city’s cycling routes: Plan some key routes in advance using maps or cycling apps to avoid busy streets and focus on family-friendly areas.
Packing for success: Bring helmets, water bottles, layered clothing, sunscreen, and rain gear, as Amsterdam’s weather can be unpredictable.
The city’s bike rental shops often provide a wide variety of family-oriented bikes such as cargo bikes, tandem bikes, and child seats. You can reserve these in advance to ensure they’re available during your stay.
Step 3: Create a child-friendly itinerary
When traveling with children, planning an engaging and flexible itinerary is key. Keep the bike rides short to avoid exhaustion and incorporate plenty of breaks and attractions that the kids will enjoy.
Example Itinerary in Amsterdam:
Day 1: City orientation
Start with an easy ride through Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest and most famous park. It’s a safe, car-free zone perfect for kids to get used to biking.
Stop for a picnic and play at one of the many playgrounds.
Visit the nearby Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum, which are accessible and provide engaging experiences for families.
Day 2: Canal exploration
Cycle along the scenic Herengracht Canal for a relaxing ride, taking in iconic canal houses and bridges.
Visit the NEMO Science Museum, a favorite for kids with its interactive exhibits.
Stop at the Artis Zoo for a break from biking and to let the children explore the animal exhibits.
Day 3: Countryside adventure
Take a longer ride outside the city to Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village with traditional Dutch windmills and quaint wooden houses. The flat, countryside route is a great way to experience Dutch culture while cycling through peaceful landscapes.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the windmills and visit the cheese-making factories for a tasty local treat.
By mixing culture, nature, and child-friendly attractions, your itinerary will keep everyone entertained while cycling through the city and its surroundings.
Step 4: Ensure safety
Safety is a priority when cycling, especially in a new city with young children. Make sure your family knows basic cycling rules and how to navigate the local environment. Here’s how you can ensure a smooth and safe trip:
Safety gear: Helmets should be worn by everyone, even though they aren’t legally required in the Netherlands.
Establish ground rules: Teach children basic hand signals for turning and stopping, remind them to stay in designated bike lanes, and always keep them within sight.
Choose the right routes: Stick to designated cycling paths and avoid the busier city center during peak times. Amsterdam’s cycling infrastructure is extensive, but certain areas can be crowded with pedestrians and other cyclists.
In Amsterdam: Cycling in Amsterdam is generally safe, but it’s important to be mindful of the high volume of cyclists, especially near tourist hotspots. Keep to the right, use bike bells when necessary, and be aware of trams and cars in shared spaces.
Step 5: Stay flexible and make it fun
Cycling with children means balancing structure with spontaneity. Be prepared to take breaks, change plans, or let the kids dictate some of the pace.
Stop often for snacks and activities: Incorporate regular breaks into your day. Children are more likely to stay engaged if they know there’s a playground, a park, or ice cream waiting at the next stop.
Let kids lead: Occasionally, let your children guide the way or pick the next destination. This helps them feel involved in the adventure and keeps the mood light.
Don’t overpack your day: Aim for a balance between cycling and other activities. For example, after a long ride, take a relaxing canal boat tour to give everyone a break.
In Amsterdam: The city offers many fun stops, including charming cafés, interactive museums, and beautiful green spaces like Amsterdamse Bos, a large forest park on the outskirts of the city. These stops allow children to run around and recharge before getting back on their bikes.
Final tip: Do it
Your first family cycling trip abroad will be challenging but you can be sure you’ll provide your kids with memories to last them their whole life. So prepare well and have fun whatever destination you end up choosing!
