Children's Beach

The Children’s Beach is a small sandy lakeside beach in the Lingebos, a recreational forest near Vuren in Gelderland. It is aimed at young families, with a shallow, gently sloping shoreline where toddlers and small children can paddle, splash and build sandcastles in safety. The surrounding lawns provide space for picnics, ball games and sunbathing, and the woods behind give shade on hot days. It is the kind of local recreation spot that works well for an afternoon without needing any planning.

The Lingebos is part of a green zone along the Linge, a river that crosses the Betuwe and flows towards the Merwede at Gorinchem. This is a flat, open region of orchards, dikes and farmland, and areas of woodland and water for recreation are valuable. The lake and beach were created to give local people a place to swim and relax, and they are used by families from the surrounding villages and towns throughout the summer.

Safety is the main reason for the design. The shallow water means that small children can play without going out of their depth, and parents can keep them in sight easily. As with all open water, it is important to supervise children at all times, to check for notices about water quality and to avoid swimming if there are warnings about algae. There may be limited facilities, such as toilets and a refreshment kiosk in the season, but visitors should bring their own water, snacks, sun protection and towels.

The beach is a good partner for the easy loop trail through the forest, which is about four kilometres long and mostly level. A family can walk the loop in an hour, then settle at the beach to cool off. Picnic tables and grassy spots are available, and the forest paths are suitable for pushchairs in many places. Wildlife includes birds, rabbits and the occasional deer.

The nearby town of Gorinchem, a former fortress, has a harbour and ramparts and is a good place for lunch or an afternoon stroll. The beach suits families with young children and anyone looking for a quiet, simple place to cool off. It is best on warm days in summer, and it can get busy at weekends, so arrive early to find a spot.