Recreatiepark De Bosrand

Being so close to the IJsselmeer, it has to be a trip to the coast first surely. Start with the 15-minute cycle to 't Mirnser Klif beach, coming back via the Luchtwachttoren observation tower for sweeping views over the sea and the rest of the landscape. For active seaside days, sign up for windsurfing or kitesurfing lessons at KBC Holland (10 minutes’ drive). Elsewhere around the local area you could take the kids for a fun day out at Sybrandy's Speelpark (five minutes’ drive/10 minutes’ cycle), play a round at Golfclub Gaasterland (five minutes’ drive) or see some classic Dutch design at De Jager windmill (15 minutes). As for the local towns, there are several worth visiting. Joure (half an hour) has a puzzle museum and the Swimfun aquapark, while Sloten (15 minutes) and Sneek (half an hour) – two of Friesland’s ’Eleven Cities’ – are packed with historic buildings and attractions. Traffic-free Giethoorn (45 minutes) is a lovely place for a quiet walk alongside the canals or a boat trip (either taking a cruise or hiring your own craft).