Getting There and Picking Your Base
Texel sits across the Marsdiep from Den Helder, reached by the TESO ferry from the Den Helder terminal — roughly 20 minutes crossing, with cars queuing hard on summer weekends and during the Roggeveen sailing days in August. From Amsterdam Centraal the drive is about 90 minutes via the A9 and N9; the train to Den Helder takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, then bus 33 to the ferry and the island bus onward. Book accommodation in De Koog for beach access, Den Burg for shops and restaurants, or Oosterend for quiet — expect family rooms to cluster in the middle band in high season, with lower rates in May, June and September.
If you are travelling with young children, I would base in De Koog and rent bikes for the whole stay rather than moving around. The island is only about 25 km long and 10 km wide, the cycle path network is signed and largely traffic-free, and the dunes between De Koog and De Cocksdorp give you short, forgiving rides. Oosterend and the polder villages suit families with older children who want space and dark skies. Skip Oudeschild as a base unless you plan to eat out at the harbour every night — it is pleasant but windier and further from the sand.
Beaches and the Wadden Side
The North Sea beaches at De Koog and Paal 17 are wide, clean and patrolled in summer, with the strandpaviljoens open from roughly April to October. The water is cold even in August and there are strong currents, so most families treat it as a paddling and sandcastle beach rather than a swimming one. The quieter stretches near Paal 9 and the lighthouse at De Cocksdorp are better for kite flying and long walks. On the Wadden side, the mudflats near De Slufter and the polder around Oosterend are the place to look for birds and crabs — supervised, and with old shoes.
Tides matter here more than on most coasts. Check a tide table before any walk on the Wadden flats, and avoid De Slufter's open sea gap when the wind is up. The Ecomare seal and bird sanctuary near De Koog is the single most reliable half-day for children of any age, combining rescued seals with a nature museum; pair it with a walk in the adjoining dunes rather than trying to add a second museum. For a full day out, the Texel Experience or a boat trip from Oudeschild harbour works well, but book ahead in July and August.
Cycling, Farms and Rainy Hours
Bike hire is everywhere in De Koog and Den Burg, including child seats, tandems and cargo bikes; a day's rental for a family of four typically falls in a moderate band, and the ferry-side operators are cheaper than the beachfront ones. A good loop for a first day is De Koog to Den Burg, then out to the Hoge Berg and back through Den Hoorn — about 25 km, flat, with cafes at both ends. The island's sheep, the Texel lamb, are a genuine part of the landscape, and several working farms along the way offer cheese and ice cream stops.
When it rains, the Aviation and War Museum at Deelen is not on Texel — check what is open before you drive. Better bets on the island are the Kaap Skil maritime museum at Oudeschild, which holds children's attention for an hour or two, and the small museums in Den Burg. Plan one indoor option per trip rather than a packed schedule; the weather changes fast and families do better with slack. I would skip the crowded summer fairground rides near De Koog if you have already done a beach day — the island's strength is the outdoors, not the entertainment.
Timing, Food and Where to Book
May, June and September are the sweet spot: the ferry is calmer, the paviljoens are open, and accommodation is easier to find. July and August bring the warmest weather and the fullest car parks at Paal 17 and De Cocksdorp. The island's biggest draw, the Ronde om Texel catamaran race in June, fills De Koog quickly, so check dates before committing. Texel lamb and local cheese are the dishes to seek out, and Den Burg has the widest choice of family-friendly restaurants; Oudeschild's harbour restaurants are good for fish but get busy at peak lunch.
For a hotel, I would book in De Koog within walking distance of the beach and the bike hire shops, then let the island do the rest. Families staying three or four nights get the best value — enough time for Ecomare, two beach days and a cycle loop without rushing the ferry. If you want a quieter stay with older children, look at Oosterend instead. Check the TESO ferry timetable before you fix your arrival time, and reserve the crossing in summer, as foot passengers are easier than cars on peak days.
Questions answered
How do you get to Texel without a car?
Take the train from Amsterdam to Den Helder, then bus 33 to the ferry terminal. The TESO crossing takes about 20 minutes and foot passengers board easily. On the island, bus 28 links the ferry, Den Burg and De Koog, and bike hire at the harbour covers the rest.
What is the best base on Texel for families?
De Koog suits most families: beach, bike hire and restaurants within walking distance. Den Burg works well if you want shops and a wider choice of places to eat. Oosterend is quieter and better for older children who want space, but you will rely on bikes or a car.
When is the best time to visit Texel with children?
Late May, June and September offer open beach pavilions, calmer ferries and easier accommodation than the July and August peak. Summer is warmest but car parks at Paal 17 and De Cocksdorp fill early. Check the June catamaran race dates, which fill De Koog.
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