Family day · three generations on board
Family day on a boat in Zwolle
Finding an activity that a six-year-old and an eighty-two-year-old grandad both look forward to is nearly impossible. A boat trip is the exception.
- Group
- Up to 30 people
- Duration
- 1 to 2 hours
- Own food
- Allowed
- From
- € 250,- per boat
At a family day the problem is never the company, it is the programme. What the kids enjoy is too much for the older generation, and what is calm enough for grandad bores the grandchildren within ten minutes. On a boat that issue disappears: there is something for everyone to look at, nobody has to do anything, and it lasts exactly as long as you agree.
Private boat rental is often the smartest format for a family day. You pay per boat rather than per person, you may bring your own food and drinks, and you decide how long you cruise. For twenty family members and two hours, that works out at eighteen euros per person.
Children are welcome on board. Life jackets in children's sizes are available and the skipper shows everyone their seat at departure.
With children on board
Life jackets. Children's life jackets are available on board and are worn during the cruise. When booking, tell us how many children are coming and how old they are, and we'll have the right sizes ready.
Age. From about four years old, an hour-long cruise works well. For toddlers and babies the sloop is cramped: there is no room to crawl and a pram can't come on board.
Duration. With young children, one hour is enough. After an hour the attention runs out and the boat becomes a waiting room. Two hours works with children from about eight.
What helps: give the children the city map on the on-board table as an assignment, have them keep track of which bridges you pass, or let them watch the skipper. For most children the helm is the highlight of the trip.
With the oldest generation on board
Boarding is from the quay and requires a step up. For someone with a walker or a bad knee that is manageable with help. Let us know in advance: we'll choose a mooring spot with a favourable quay height and the skipper will help with boarding.
A wheelchair can't be placed on the sloop independently. If that applies, contact us beforehand so we can discuss what is possible in your situation.
The sloop has no toilet. With older family members in the group, that is a reason to keep the cruise to an hour, or to agree a short stop in advance.
Sun and wind. There is little shade on an open sloop. Bring caps and sunscreen in warm weather, and an extra coat for the older guests in spring.
Self-catered or fully arranged
With private boat rental you may bring your own food and drinks. For a family day that is often the nicest way: everyone brings something, there are no minimum numbers and you decide what is on board. Two hours of cruising costs € 360,- for the whole boat.
If you'd rather not arrange anything, the packages are easier. Unlimited drinks start at € 32,50 per person for an hour and a half, coffee and cake at € 30,-. These do require payment for a minimum of ten people.
Easy to combine with the rest of the day: the boarding point is on the edge of the city centre, so a walk, lunch in town or a visit to Museum de Fundatie follows on directly.
How to plan it
- Choose the duration around the youngest and the oldest guest. With small children, an hour is enough.
- Tell us how many children are coming and how old they are, so the right life jackets are ready.
- Let us know if any family members have difficulty walking, so we can pick the boarding spot accordingly.
- Compare boat rental with your own food against a package — the difference per person is big.
- Bring caps and sunscreen in warm weather, and extra coats in spring.
Book Family day in Zwolle
Tell us what you have in mind and we'll think along about the duration, the boat and the programme. No obligation, and usually an answer within a day.
Request a tailored quoteWhatsApp +31 6 34274760Or email info@rondjegrachtzwolle.nl
Matching packages
- Private Boat Rental
From € 250,- per boat
Usually the most economical format for a family day: you pay per boat, may bring your own food and there is no ten-person minimum.
- Business Morning Cruise
From € 30,00 p.p.
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and cake without alcohol, ideal when children and older family members are on board.
- Drinks Cruise
From € 32,50 p.p.
If you'd rather arrange nothing yourself and the adults want unlimited drinks at a fixed price per person.
Tailored quote
Calculate the price for family day
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Frequently asked questions about family day in Zwolle
Can children come on the boat?
Yes. Life jackets in children's sizes are available on board and are worn during the cruise. When booking, tell us how many children are coming and how old they are. From about four years old, an hour-long cruise works well. A pram can't come on board.
May we bring our own food and drinks?
With private boat rental, yes — and for a family day that is often the nicest format. With the packages we provide the food and drinks, so there is no need to bring anything.
Can someone with a walker come along?
Boarding is from the quay with a step up, so with help that is often manageable. Mention it in your enquiry and we'll choose a mooring spot with a favourable quay height. The sloop isn't set up for a wheelchair; in that case please contact us beforehand.
Is there a toilet on board?
No, the Sloep Rondje Gracht Zwolle has no toilet on board. With small children or older family members that is worth factoring in: keep the cruise to an hour, or agree a short stop in advance.
What does a family day on the boat cost?
Private boat rental costs € 250,- for one hour and € 360,- for two hours, regardless of the number of people on board up to thirty. For twenty family members that is eighteen euros per person for two hours of cruising, excluding food and drinks.
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