Cadzand in Zeeland is a hidden gem on the Dutch coast, perfect for a beach holiday, whether you’re a family with young kids or just looking for peace and sea air. In this blog, we share our honest experience during our first trip as a family of four: sun, sea, a baby with chickenpox, and plenty of laughs. We also highlight five great things to do in Cadzand with kids, tips for restaurants and beach bars, and cosy places to stay. Spoiler: we’re already planning to return!
Cadzand with kids: our first family holiday (with tips & hotspots)
Looking for a perfect seaside getaway for families? We considered that when we booked our first family holiday to Cadzand. Initially, we had low expectations of the village—it seemed small and charming, and it is. But it was an ideal spot for a family vacation with young children. The beach is spacious and clean, there are cosy beach pavilions, and everything is within walking or cycling distance. Plus, the weather was unexpectedly sunny! Zeeland truly is the perfect destination for a first holiday with kids.
Despite dealing with chickenpox, sleep deprivation from caring for our 8-week-old baby, and a bit of chaos, we are already planning our next trip to Cadzand. When Amélie is older, Floris won’t have chickenpox, and the weather might even be warmer. Because, despite its quaintness, Cadzand won our hearts!
Cadzand in Zeeland: A Hidden Gem for Families
Cadzand is a charming village in Zeeland, located near the Belgian border, in the western part of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. The town is divided into two parts: Cadzand-Bad and Cadzand-Dorp. Like most visitors, we stayed in Cadzand-Bad, as it’s right by the beach, making it the perfect location for a family holiday. Cadzand-Dorp, on the other hand, is about 5 kilometres inland, away from the coast.
Cadzand-Bad has a cosy centre with a square that might feel a bit faded, but if you look beyond that, you’ll find some great spots, like a fantastic caterer and a lovely ice cream parlour. Recently, chic apartments and hotels have popped up around the square, offering stunning views of the dunes and the sea. A short walk into the dunes reveals a vast sandy beach with beach bars where you can relax and enjoy the view. Cadzand also has a small marina filled with sailboats, adding to the village’s charm.
Whether you’re visiting with kids or just looking for a peaceful escape, Cadzand is worth a visit. The laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beach, and family-friendly activities make it the perfect destination for relaxation and adventure. Bring your bikes or rent a cargo bike and explore the beach, searching for shells or simply soaking in the scenery.
The 5 Best Things to Do in Cadzand with Kids
Looking for fun things to do in Cadzand with kids? Here are five family-friendly activities that make Cadzand the perfect destination for a holiday with young kids in Zeeland!
1. Enjoy the Beach in Cadzand
Naturally, the number one activity in Cadzand-Bad is visiting the beach. The 11-kilometre-long sandy beach offers plenty of space so you won’t feel crowded even on busy days. If the weather isn’t great, you can still enjoy the beach by walking, flying a kite, or searching for seashells.
Cadzand tip: Did you know that Cadzand is one of the few places in the Netherlands where you can find shark teeth? These fossils are part of old soil layers that surface in the area. As a child, I could spend hours hunting for these fascinating treasures!
Along the beach, you’ll find several beach pavilions where you can sit and relax, even on colder days. Many of these pavilions have playgrounds, making them ideal for families. Unlike nearby Knokke, most beach pavilions in Cadzand are open year-round. So, if you’re visiting the coast in winter, you can warm up with a hot chocolate at a cosy beach pavilion after a beach walk.
Cadzand tip for families: Consider a seal discovery boat trip from Cadzand! On this exciting excursion, you’ll sail in search of seals, a common sight in this area. And for the parents, enjoy a glass of champagne while cruising the waters. Click here for more details.
2. Visit the playground Pierewiet near Cadzand
Looking for a fun day out with kids near Cadzand? Playground Pierewiet is one of the best places to visit! This family-friendly attraction offers indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a petting zoo, a mini-golf course, and a craft loft. It’s the perfect spot for children of all ages to play and explore, while parents can relax on the terrace with a drink.
Speelboerderij Pierewiet is just a 10-minute drive from Cadzand in the neighbouring village of Nieuwvliet. Admission for kids is €5.50, and adult entry is free, though there is a mandatory consumption.
3. Visit the fortified town of Sluis
When I told my mother that we were going to Sluis for a morning, she was shocked… Years ago, she had been here too, and there were mainly a lot of sex shops. Fortunately, Sluis has transformed into a charming and atmospheric town, home to unique shops, cosy waterfront restaurants, and plenty of green spaces to explore. And yes, there are still a few stowaways left behind. Can you find the few sex shops that are still open?
Sluis is an excellent destination for a morning or afternoon trip from Cadzand. While there, enjoy a family brunch at restaurant De Eetboetiek. The interior is beautiful, and the food is delicious. Though the prices are slightly higher, the experience is worth it! And if you love the interior decor, you can even take a piece of the restaurant home by visiting the Eetboetiek shop, just 80 meters away.
4. Cycle through the dunes of Cadzand to Breskens, the Zwin & Knokke
One of the best family-friendly activities in Cadzand with kids is cycling through the dunes. High dunes protect the coastline, and on top of them runs a scenic bike path leading to Breskens, Sluis, the Zwin Nature Park, and even as far as Knokke in Belgium. It’s a great way to explore the stunning surroundings at your own pace.
When we visited Cadzand, our daughter was just 8 weeks old—still too young for the bike seat. But we’re already dreaming of our next trip when she’s a bit older and we can rent a cargo bike or a family-friendly e-bike to ride along the coast. For now, we enjoyed a hike through the dunes, which offered beautiful views but didn’t take us quite as far.
Bike rentals are available in the village or sometimes at your accommodation. An electric cargo bike costs around €55 per day, and standard bikes are available from €14 to €18 per day.
Bonus tip: Explore the Zwin Nature Park by bike
The Zwin region around Cadzand is a unique cross-border nature area where salt and freshwater mix. The Zwin Nature Park, located between Cadzand and Knokke, is home to salt marshes, dunes, and rare wildlife. We previously cycled here from Knokke to Cadzand and loved every minute. Along the route, you’ll pass polders, wetlands, and open views, with the option to stop for coffee at The Shelter—an eco-restaurant overlooking Scottish Highlanders and stork nests.
5. Spend a day in Knokke – A family-friendly day trip from Cadzand
Just across the Belgian border lies Knokke, a chic coastal town that makes for a perfect day trip from Cadzand. While Cadzand is small and quiet, Knokke offers a vibrant city vibe with upscale shops, stylish beach clubs, and a long boulevard ideal for strolling or people-watching.
But Knokke with kids is also a great idea! The city has plenty of child-friendly activities: a large outdoor playground, go-karting along the boulevard, and scenic bike routes through the dunes. It’s a fun mix of relaxation and entertainment for the whole family.
Want more tips? We wrote a separate blog post about visiting Knokke with kids, with food, fun, and beach spots recommendations.
Our favourite restaurants in Cadzand with kids
Looking for the best places to eat in Cadzand with kids? Whether you’re craving mussels and fries, oysters, or just a relaxed glass of rosé on the beach, Cadzand has no shortage of cosy hotspots and beach pavilions. Below, we share our favourite family-friendly restaurants in and around Cadzand-Bad.
The 4 best beach bars in Cadzand
Even though it wasn’t mussel season during our visit (a favourite of mine), there were plenty of delicious alternatives in the beach pavilions around Cadzand.
1. De Zeemeeuw – Best Beach View in Cadzand
De Zeemeeuw offers the most beautiful view of Cadzand. It’s near Het Zwin, and the beach is vast and peaceful. Inside, you can cosy up by the fireplace; outside, there are spacious benches to relax on. Prices are slightly higher, but the food is excellent. Click here to find the location of this beach pavilion in Cadzand.
2. De Piraat – Most Child-Friendly Beach Pavilion
De Piraat is the most popular beach pavilion for families. It’s centrally located near the heart of Cadzand, so it’s easy to reach with little ones. There’s a large pirate ship playground right on the beach. The menu is simple but ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Click here for the location of this child-friendly beach pavilion in Cadzand.
3. Brut Sur Mer – Great Value Pavilion
Located in northern Cadzand, Brut Sur Mer offers a straightforward menu at fair prices. The service is friendly, and we enjoyed a refreshing glass of Verdejo with a generous cheese platter. Click here to find the location of this budget-friendly beach pavilion in Cadzand.
4. Woest 17 in Nieuwvliet – Best Beach Bar in the Netherlands
Just outside Cadzand, in Nieuwvliet, you’ll find Woest 17 — one of the cosiest beach bars we’ve visited. Great atmosphere, friendly service, and voted the best beach bar of 2024. It’s a popular spot, so reservations are recommended for indoor seating. Click here to find the location of this beach pavilion near Cadzand.
Nice restaurants & hotspots in Cadzand
5. Brasserie LouLou
This Instagram-worthy brasserie is located in northern Cadzand on the boulevard with a sea view. The menu offers unique dishes compared to most beach bars, perfect for a little variety. Click here to find the location of this restaurant in Cadzand.
6. Traiteur Delica Licious
There’s always a queue at Delica Licious, and for good reason. They serve the best croissants in town, delicious lemon meringue tarts, wines, cheeses, salads, sandwiches, and more. Not cheap, but well worth it. Click here to find the location of this hotspot in Cadzand.
More Hotspots in Cadzand-Bad
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Demain: For fine dining, head to this Michelin-starred restaurant in the STRAND hotel.
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Wijnbar Bachus: Ideal for a good glass of wine.
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La Spezia: The best ice cream in Cadzand.
Recommended restaurants near Cadzand
7. Zilt & Zout in Retranchement – Luxury & Seafood
Between Cadzand and the quaint village of Retranchement lies Zilt & Zout. Known for its fresh seafood and elegant setting, it’s popular, so make a reservation. Despite the upscale vibe, kids are welcome. Click here for the location of this restaurant near Cadzand (10-minute drive).
8. De Eetboetiek in Sluis: breakfast & brunch!
Perfect for a long breakfast, lazy brunch, or cozy lunch. We tried the eggs Benedict and avocado toast with salmon and scrambled eggs — delicious. Click here for this hotspot near Cadzand (15 min drive).
Also, Texel is a nice destination for families with (and without) children in the Netherlands. Please read our blog about the 10 best things to do in Texel! And if you go to Texel, you also want to eat well! That’s why here is our blog with the best restaurants and hotspots in Texel!
Nice Hotels and Accommodation in Cadzand with Kids
Cadzand is a popular holiday destination with plenty of family-friendly accommodations. You’ll find several holiday parks from brands like Roompot, Dormio, and EuroParcs. For our first stay, we chose Noordzee Résidence Cadzand Bad by Roompot, and we were pleasantly surprised.
Noordzee Résidence Cadzand-Bad €€
This was our first time staying at a Roompot holiday park. We usually don’t choose parks, but with a newborn and our 2.5-year-old son, we wanted more space and a garden, and this holiday park was the perfect fit.
We stayed in a 70m² holiday bungalow with two bedrooms and a shared garden. The park is spacious, with small lakes, lots of greenery, and several playgrounds. All houses look well-designed — no ugly concrete boxes. Another plus: it’s quiet and doesn’t focus heavily on loud children’s animation.
We paid €130 per night, though prices vary depending on house size and season.
Other nearby holiday parks include:
- EuroParcs Cadzand
- Roompot Beach Resort Nieuwvliet-Bad (6 km from Cadzand)
- St Pierre Nieuwvliet-Bad (6 km from Cadzand)
- Dormio Resort Nieuwvliet-Bad (6 km from Cadzand)
- Dormio Strand Resort Nieuwvliet-Bad (6 km from Cadzand)
Nice hotels in Cadzand
For us, this was a nice option with children, but if you are not travelling as a family or looking for a fancy hotel room, you can also find very nice hotels in Cadzand. Below are three options.
Hotel de Schelde €€
Just a few steps from the beach is this lovely hotel with an indoor pool and sauna. With a view of the harbour, dunes and the sea. You can sleep here in a beautiful room for €175 per night, including breakfast.
STRANDhotel €€€
This beautiful luxury hotel is located in the most central part of Cadzand. This is truly a luxury location for couples. There are three restaurants, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, Demain! You stay here from €220 per night.
Hotel de Blanke top €€€
This chic hotel is in the dunes outside the city centre and has a sea view. The spacious rooms have a balcony. There is a swimming pool and spa. There is also a restaurant and bar with a terrace. From €260 per night.
Click here for an overview of all hotels in Cadzand!
Have you been to Cadzand with kids? Leave your tips in the comments or follow us for more child-friendly holidays in the Netherlands!
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