Some days just come together perfectly. The sun is shining, the kids are excited, and everything is so well organized that all you have to do is enjoy it. That’s exactly how it was for us last Sunday during our day out in Volendam. Rent & Event  had arranged a full program for us, packed with variety and fun stops for the whole family. From dressing up in traditional Volendam costumes to cycling along the Gouwzee and visiting an authentic cheese farm — it was a day to remember.
In this blog, I’ll take you step by step through our day, share helpful tips, and show you why a day trip to Volendam with kids is absolutely worth it. And the best part? You can easily book everything through Rent & Event  — perfect if you don’t feel like planning every detail yourself but still want a carefree and memorable family experience.
Morning in Volendam – traditional costumes, cycling, and lots of cheese
We started our day in Volendam under a bright, sunny sky and took a relaxed walk from the parking lot at Slobbeland, just outside the town center. From there, it’s only a few minutes to the lively dike — the perfect way to begin, with views of the harbor, souvenir stalls, and the sweet smell of freshly baked stroopwafels in the air.
Our first stop was Fotograaf Volendam, where we had our photo taken in traditional Volendam costumes. Dresses, wooden clogs, lace bonnets, and of course a backdrop of fishing nets, flowers, or a typical Dutch living room. Within minutes, we were fully dressed and ready to pose. It was funny, slightly chaotic (as it tends to be with kids), and above all, a really fun way to kick off the day. And the result? A cheerful family photo that already has a spot on our mantel at home.
After that, we picked up our fatbikes at Rent & Event , the company that had organised our entire day. Everything was ready and waiting for us: two sturdy fatbikes with seats for the kids on the back — comfortable and stylish all at once. If you prefer something else, they also offer electric bikes, cargo bikes, and e-choppers. It’s great how Rent & Event really thinks along with you, especially when you're traveling with children.
We pedaled at a relaxed pace toward Katwoude, where we visited the Henri Willig cheese farm. You can wander around freely here, watch the cows being milked, and taste an endless variety of cheeses. From young to aged, with herbs, mustard, fenugreek or even lavender — dozens of bite-sized samples were waiting for us. Even the kids wanted to try everything (and they’re usually not big fans of cheese!).
With a bag full of our favorite cheeses and a camera packed with new photos, we continued our ride toward Monnickendam. Time for lunch and some playtime fun!
Lunch and playtime in Monnickendam
After visiting the cheese farm, we cycled on at a relaxed pace to Monnickendam. This charming little town is about a twenty-minute ride from Volendam and just as full of character. Picture narrow streets with historic facades, little bridges over canals, and that cozy village feel everywhere you look. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the surroundings.
Upon arriving in the town center, we took a seat on the sunny terrace of Brasserie De Waegh, beautifully located by the water. For guests of Rent & Event , there’s a specially curated lunch menu — a very pleasant surprise. We enjoyed a generous lunch with fresh sandwiches, salads, and something tasty for the kids — just what we needed after an active morning. The staff was friendly and laid-back, and we had all the time we needed to unwind and soak up the atmosphere.
After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the center of Monnickendam. The mix of canals, boats, and historic buildings gives this town a truly unique charm. It almost feels like stepping back in time — just with an ice cream shop on the corner.
A little further on, we found the playground — a spacious, green area where kids can run wild. There are play structures for different age groups, and plenty of space for parents to sit or walk around. Good to know: the playground isn’t always open, so it’s worth checking the opening hours in advance. We were lucky and got to hang out while the kids burned off some energy.
After an hour of play, we hopped back on our bikes, ready for the next adventure: a scenic ride along the dike toward Marken.
Cycling to Marken – past water, villages, and tiny beaches
After lunch and playtime in Monnickendam, we got back on our bikes for the final stretch of the route: heading toward Marken. Normally, you’d cycle along the 10-kilometer-long Zeedijk, right by the water, with stunning views over the Gouwzee. But during our visit, part of the dike was closed. No problem at all — thanks to the clear directions from Rent & Event, we followed an alternative route through Zuiderwoude and Uitdam, which was just as scenic.
This scenic detour led us along winding roads, green meadows, small bridges, and idyllic villages that made us feel like time had stood still. We cycled past grazing sheep, lily-filled canals, and the occasional church bell ringing in the background. It added a special touch to the ride — a beautiful contrast to the open landscape of the dike.
Before we turned off onto the alternative route, we passed a small beach just outside Monnickendam. It’s a lovely spot to stop on a sunny day — to dip your toes in the water or simply sit and relax. We skipped it this time — not because it didn’t look inviting, but simply because we’d been taking things at such a relaxed pace that we’d slightly lost track of time.
After a peaceful ride, we arrived in the picturesque village of Marken, with its charming wooden houses and cozy little harbor. It’s the kind of place where you’d happily linger a bit longer — but our next adventure was already waiting: the boat ride back to Volendam.
Back to Volendam – boat ride, stroopwafels, and one final stop
From the harbor in Marken, we took the boat back to Volendam — a fun change of pace after all the cycling, and a perfect moment to relax. Bikes are allowed on board, so no need to worry about that. Along the way, we enjoyed the view over the water, with the little houses of Volendam slowly coming back into sight. The kids had a great time standing on deck, spotting seagulls flying alongside the boat.
Once back on land, we cycled the final stretch to Rent & Event  to return our bikes. Everything was handled quickly and smoothly — and we could head straight to our last stop. What a luxury to have everything arranged for us: from the bikes to the route, lunch, and even the final treat…
…which was a visit to Woltjes Stroopwafel Bakery. Here we got a short demonstration of how the famous Dutch stroopwafels are made — and then, of course, we got to taste them! You can choose between a warm stroopwafel or a sugar waffle, both freshly baked and deliciously gooey. A perfect ending to the day, especially with the smell of caramel still in the air and a warm waffle in hand.
We decided to end the day with a relaxed bite to eat at one of the cozy restaurants along Volendam’s harbor. As the evening sun lit up the boats and terraces, we looked back on a day full of great memories. Everything just worked: the weather, the variety, the route — and most of all, how effortlessly it all came together.
Practical tips for your day out in Volendam
Book everything through Rent & Event: They’ll make sure your day runs smoothly with a custom program for families.
Boats run all day, but be sure to check the departure times so you leave yourself enough time in Volendam.
Bring sunscreen and a power bank: You’ll be outside and on the move all day.
Leave space in your bag for cheese and stroopwafels — trust me, you’ll want to take some home.
This day out in Volendam was an absolute hit. Thanks to the great organization by Rent & Event , we didn’t have to worry about a thing and could simply enjoy all that the region has to offer — from costumes to cheese, cycling to sailing, and playtime to sweet treats. A varied, relaxing, and family-friendly outing — just how you want to spend a day off. I’d recommend it to any family looking for a fun day close to home.
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