Kayaking with children: 5 essential tips for a safe and fun family day on the Maas

Wednesday, 08 October 2025
Kajak Maasland

"Did you know that children who regularly spend time in nature are able to concentrate better and experience less stress?" An adventurous family day on the Maas with Kajak Maasland offers exactly that opportunity. But how do you make such a day as enjoyable and safe as possible when you go on the water with young children? Below you will find five valuable tips that will guarantee your water sports adventure is a success.

1. Choose the right equipment for big and small

Safety begins even before your first paddle stroke. Kajak Maasland provides standard life jackets for all participants – including the smallest adventurers. Make sure the vest fits well, is comfortable, and is suitable for your child's weight and height.

In addition, it is wise to choose practical clothing. Be sure not to forget:

Wear water shoes or old sneakers
Water-resistant sunscreen
Cap or hat for sun protection
Extra set of dry clothes in a waterproof bag (drybags are available at the departure point of Kajak Maasland)

By setting off well prepared, you are all set for a relaxing family outing on the Maas.

2. Make kayaking with children an interactive adventure

Children not only enjoy the paddling itself, but also everything nature has to offer along the way. Make it a playful trip by spotting animals together, discovering interesting things on the banks, and even organizing a short scavenger hunt.

For example:

Create a bingo card with local animals and plants that you can check off during the trip.
Give children their own binoculars or disposable camera to record their discoveries.
Take a picnic break along the way at a beautiful spot by the Maas.

Beleef het Avontuur: Kajakken & Raften op de Maas – Kajak Maasland (België - Nederland)

3. Choose a child-friendly pace

Start early enough. You can arrive at the endpoint until 6 p.m. If you choose to take the bus at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., or 12 p.m. (the 1 p.m. bus is also possible), then there is more than enough time to take breaks and relax along the banks of the Maas. This peaceful journey takes you through beautiful nature reserves where, with some luck, you can even see Galloway cattle and Konik horses grazing.

Keep in mind that with young children you should take more breaks. Take your time to stop at summer bar Maasvalley in Lanaken, so that everyone stays relaxed and fully enjoys themselves.

4. Good guidance increases both enjoyment and safety

Kayaking with children automatically means more responsibility for adults. Make sure there are always enough adults present to maintain oversight and control. Before going on the water, clearly discuss what the rules are, where you will stop, and what each child should do in unexpected situations such as capsizing or strong currents.

Make clear agreements with children and emphasize the importance of listening while on the way.
Always stay close together and keep everyone in sight.
Always let children sit at the front of the kayak so you can see their behavior and emotions.

With clear agreements, kayaking with children becomes relaxing and fun for all of you.

5. Respect nature and set a good example

An important point to teach children from a young age is respect for nature. Kajak Maasland actively supports environmentally conscious recreation, for example with the unique Maas Cleanup Package, which allows you to easily clean up litter along the way.

Teach children during your journey how important it is to leave nothing behind and to treat plants, animals, and other visitors with respect. By setting a good example, you give them a valuable and lasting life lesson.

Kajakken op de Maas: Een Avontuurlijke Rivier die de Vergelijking met de Ardennen (Lesse, Semois, Ourthe) aankan

Ervaar avontuurlijk kajakken op de Maas, vergelijkbaar met de spanning van de Ardennen rivieren Lesse, Semois en Ourthe.