Houseboat holiday with children

Houseboat with children: key facts

• Age: especially suitable for children from around six years old. Younger children should never be left unattended, particularly in the outdoor areas.
• Safety: the boats are inspected, suitable children's life jackets are available. Railings and non-slip decks provide extra grip.
• Minimum crew: for the Woma D13 bungalow boats, three adults, or two adults and one capable teenager. Young children don't count towards this. Other operators' rules are shown on the boat page.
• Skipper: licence-free driving from age 18, after a briefing of around three hours at the marina.
• Prices: In 2027, a week on a houseboat costs €1,152 to €3,192 in rental, depending on season and boat size, plus extra costs. 3 nights on a WOMA houseboat start from €634.
• At the marina: public playground and bathing spot, each 100 m from Marina Röblinsee.

Which route suits children?

Keep the legs short. We generally recommend daily legs of around 25 km, but with children less is often more. Himmelpfort on the Stolpsee is only about 1.5 hours from Fürstenberg, and its monastery and Christmas post office make a good shore trip. The Schwedtsee has several gently sloping shore areas and is a few minutes from the marina, which makes it a good place for a first swimming stop.

On the way north you pass the Steinhavelmühle lock, which is easy to operate, even for first-timers. Allow some time, as there can be waiting times in high season.

What keeps children busy on board?

Older children can help with the mooring lines and fenders, or follow the route on the map. Between legs there's swimming, stand-up paddling, canoeing and shore trips, which also keep teenagers entertained. Watching for ospreys, kingfishers and wild geese is part of the day on these lakes.

What families should clarify before booking

• Number on board: please state the exact number when you enquire, including adults, children and their ages.
• Crew: if you are two adults with younger children, ask us which boat fits before booking. The minimum crew on the Woma D13 boats would not be met.
• Cabins: compare the sleeping arrangements on the boat page, as they differ by boat.
• Trip length: some boats can be booked from three nights, a good way to try it out with children.

Why book with Bootado?

• Personal advice: our team is based at Marina Röblinsee in Fürstenberg/Havel, knows the boats and the area and helps you choose boat and route by phone or WhatsApp.
• WOMA houseboats can be reserved for 7 days free of charge and without obligation.
• Boats from other charter companies are requested directly, confirmation follows within 3 days.
• Live prices and availability from several charter companies on one site, so you can compare size, equipment and price.