Summer activities for expat kids and teenagers in the Netherlands 2026
What are some great activities for your children this summer in the Netherlands? As an expat, you are new to the country and all that happens during holidays and festive occasions. We at Dutch for Children get a lot of questions about language activities, children’s or youth camps, and, more specifically, about the city and region people live in.
That’s when we decided to make a short Summer guide for your children about languages or other summer activities in your region. If you miss your area, please let us know a.s.a.p, and we will explore it for you and add it to this guide.
Find three great activities to do with your children in the following cities!
- Summer activities for kids in Amsterdam
- Activities for kids in Eindhoven this summer
- Summer activities for children in The Hague
- Summer Holiday 2026: Activities for kids in Utrecht
- Rotterdam: great summer activities in 2026.
We also give you tailor-made matching language activity tips with every excellent activity for kids. Check them out below.
1. Summer activities for kids in Amsterdam
The school summer holiday is from July 4, 2026, until August16, 2026.
Evenings at ARTIS: Summer Nights at the Zoo
The magical Zoomeravonden are back at ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam! On these special summer evenings, families can enjoy live music, themed tours, and fun activities for all ages—right up until sunset.
It’s a fantastic way to spend a warm weekend evening, surrounded by animals and nature in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. The exact program changes from week to week, so be sure to keep an eye on the ARTIS website for the latest updates. But if you’ve ever been before, you’ll know—it’s always worth it!
👉 Visit the ARTIS site for the full schedule and ticket info.
Language activity at the zoo
- Asking questions in Dutch. You can practise the Dutch names of the animals when walking around. Type of questions you can ask in Dutch:
- Welke dieren hebben we gezien in de dierentuin?
- Waarom zitten ze in kooien?
- Welk dier is gevaarlijk?
- Welk dier vind jij het liefst?
- Vind je alle dieren lief? Welke wel, welke niet?
- Wat doet een oppasser in de dierentuin?
2. Parrot game
This exercise trains your auditory memory. You should also ensure the children pronounce and articulate the words and sentences correctly.
The children will repeat what you say because they have become parrots. There is one clear rule: as soon as you say stop, they are just children again. The reason seems clear to me!
First you only say words:
oppasser – flamingo – artis – kooi – olifant – kameel – beer – vacht – huid – slang – slurf – wolven – voeren – apen – giraf – emmer – woestijn – wilde dieren – krokodil – oerwoud- dierentuin – nijlpaard – vissen – hagedissen – vleermuis – sissen – vel – zwemmen – kruipen.
Then, you can make up sentences with the children. Give them individual sentences to say, and give the longer sentences to the older children.
- De apen gooien met bananen.
- De oppasser maakt het hok schoon.
- Olifanten kunnen heel oud worden.
- De ijsbeer woont in een heel koud land.
- In de dierentuin mag je de dieren niet voeren, etc.
Urban Camping Adventure
Sleep Under the Stars in Amsterdam’s City Parks
Who says you have to travel far for a great camping experience? This summer, families can pitch a tent right in the heart of Amsterdam as eight city parks transform into temporary neighborhood campsites.
It’s a fun, low-cost way to enjoy the outdoors, meet local families, and explore your own city from a new perspective. Everyone is welcome—and at the campsite, it’s all about community and connection. 👉 Check the official site for details and locations!
Language game
Ik ging op vakantie… en nam mee! Follow the link and play this fun Dutch game.
In this exercise, your child will learn to:
- compare the images and the text,
- pay attention to the details in the text,
- retell the text in brief.
Make a Splash This Summer at Jeugdland
If your child enjoys swimming and water adventures, Jeugdland is the place to be this summer! Starting Saturday, July 27, kids can dive into the natural waters of the Nieuwe Diep and participate in exciting water activities, from paddle boarding to canoeing and more.
It’s a fantastic way to stay active, cool off, and enjoy nature. Just a heads-up: a valid swimming certificate is required, and this is a kids-only zone—parents get to watch from the shore!
👉 Discover more on the official site: Sport4Kidz
Language tip: Practice words for expand your Childs vocabulary
|
Dragen (kleren) De kleding Omkleden Passen Het kleedhok |
Aankleden Uitkleden Aantrekken Uittrekken |
De Slipper De Badhanddoek De zwembroek Het badpak De Bikini |
Uitspoelen Kletsnat Afdrogen Droog |
|
Drijven Zinken Bodem Diep Ondiep |
Het zwembad Zwemmen Het diploma De badmeester/juf De zwemles |
De zwembandjes De zwemband De duikbril De snorkel De flippers |
De kant Het startblok De tegels Glad uitglijden |
| Leuk
Plezier |
Eng
Bang |
zwemmen
spetteren |
2. Summer activities for kids in Eindhoven
The school summer holiday is from July 11 until August 23, 2026.
ASML Summer Games 2026
A Fun-Filled Sports Adventure Awaits. Get ready for an exciting summer! The ASML Summer Games are returning in 2025, bringing a week of sports, play, and new experiences to children across the Eindhoven region—including Veldhoven, Helmond, and Geldrop-Mierlo. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids to discover new sports, make friends, and stay active during the holidays.
Mark your calendar: registration opens on June 2nd. Will your child be joining the fun this summer?
👉 Stay tuned to the official website for the latest news and updates! https://asmlzomerspelen.nl/
Language tip
Great word cards to practise a lot of sports: https://www.juf-milou.nl/index.php?g=groep%201/2&m=Themas&t=Sporten&o=Themakaarten
Summer School Eindhoven 2026
Celebrating 10 Years of Learning and Fun. In 2025, the Summer School in Eindhoven celebrates its 10th edition! Once again, children selected by their primary school will be invited to take part in six inspiring sessions during the summer holidays—right in their neighborhood.
This special program combines learning with creativity and play. Children will participate in hands-on lessons from The Inventors, explore at The Discovery Factory, stay active with sports, and enjoy workshops led by Lumens and Playing for Success. Eindhoven Library will also host a storytelling session.
To conclude, students will showcase their projects in a festive End Show at The Discovery Factory on the weekend following the final class.
👉 Click the sections on the website for full details and how it all works!
Which Nature Camp Will Your Child Join This Summer?
Looking for a summer full of adventure, fun, and the great outdoors? The camps Natuurontdekkers organized are about exploring nature, making new friends, and enjoying exciting outdoor activities.
Led by enthusiastic and experienced guides, these camps promise a week your child won’t forget—full of discovery, laughter, and a real connection with nature.
👉 Ready for adventure? Check out the available camps and choose your favorite one.
3. Kids’ summer activities in the Hague
July 18, until Agust 30, 2026 it is summer holiday for children in the Hague.
Big Adventures for little kids at Madurodam
Looking for a fun day out with your little ones? Take them on a journey through the Netherlands—on a miniature scale! At Madurodam in The Hague, children can explore famous Dutch landmarks in miniature, enjoy interactive games, and discover exciting attractions designed just for them.
Young explorers can climb, crawl, and learn through hands-on play in The Dutch Masters Zone, an immersive area inspired by the world of classic painters. For the tiniest visitors, the Miffy Playground offers swings, seesaws, and plenty of sand for castle building.
👉 A perfect day trip for curious kids and families!
A great tip is to look before you go at everything to do for kids.
Explore Nature in the Heart of The Hague: Haagse Bos
Looking for an incredible escape on a hot summer day? Haagse Bos is a beautiful green oasis right in the middle of The Hague. This is a perfect spot for families to unwind, play, and explore.
Children can burn off some energy in the Robin Hood playground, an adventurous play area with zip lines, climbing walls, and fun equipment. Whether walking, picnicking, or just enjoying the shade, this forest offers a peaceful break from the city buzz.
Language tip! Explore this page with your little ones and learn Dutch words about ‘het bos.’
Active Beach Days in The Hague
The Hague’s long coastline is the ultimate playground for an active summer day. Whether your child is a thrill-seeker or just loves the sea breeze, there’s something for everyone.
Think surfing lessons, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and beach volleyball—right on the sand. Prefer to stay dry? Try a round of padel or challenge yourself on a climbing wall nearby.
It’s a fantastic way for kids and teens to stay active, try something new, and enjoy the Dutch seaside!
Jus Sanne has amazing word cards and language games in the theme of the beach and holidays.
4. Summer activities for kids in Utrecht
July 18, until Agust 30, 2026 it is summer holiday for children in Utrecht.
Step into the world of knights at Slot Loevestein
This summer, take a trip back in time at the adventurous Slot Loevestein! Families can explore a medieval camp, attend knight school, and play exciting games inspired by knights and noble ladies.
It’s an interactive experience where children can learn history by living it through play, imagination, and hands-on activities. It’s a perfect outing for curious kids who love castles, swords, and stories from the past.
👉 Ready for a medieval adventure? Follow the link.
Language tip: Practise words with these word cards in the theme of castles:
Splash, play & explore at BatensteinBuiten in Woerden
Looking for a full day of fun in the sun? BatensteinBuiten in Woerden is a fantastic outdoor play park packed with activities for kids of all ages.
There’s a water playground for cooling off, a mini-golf course, ziplines, climbing structures, trampolines, and much more. It’s the perfect spot for children to run, jump, splash, and play to their heart’s content.
Even better? Entrance is completely free! 👉 It is a great budget-friendly day trip for active families.
Summer Camps in Utrecht 2026: Adventure in the heart of the Netherlands
Thinking of going to camp in Utrecht? This centrally located province has plenty to offer! Even though it’s the second-smallest province in the Netherlands, you won’t miss out on great camp options.
Whether you’re into tennis, soccer, or can’t decide, a multi-sport camp is the perfect choice. Our Summer Camps in Utrecht cater to all interests, offering an exciting variety of activities for every child.
👉 A perfect summer destination for active kids!
5. Summer in Rotterdam: kids’ activities
From July 18 until August 30, 2025, there is a summer holiday for children in Rotterdam.
Hop on the Water Taxi for a city adventure by boat
Are you ready for a different way to explore the city? Climb aboard the Cirkellijn—a brand-new hop-on-hop-off water taxi that sails past Rotterdam’s most iconic sights every weekend and on public holidays.
Enjoy a one-hour ride on the water, with the freedom to hop off and visit top attractions like the SS Rotterdam, the Euromast, and Hotel New York. It’s a magical way to discover the city from a whole new perspective—fun, relaxing, and full of surprises!
👉 A must-do activity in the summer for families.
Surfing in the heart of Rotterdam at the world’s first Urban Surf Pool
Who says surfing has to be at the beach? In the heart of Rotterdam, you’ll find the world’s very first urban surf pool—RiF010.
Located at Steigersgracht, this unique surf spot offers two areas: ‘de Baai’ for beginners and ‘het Rif’ for more experienced surfers, right next to the famous Markthal. Experience the thrill of surfing, but in the middle of the city; it is an unforgettable adventure for both newbies and pros!
Language tip: Use this great list to practice surf language and words with your child.
👉 A must-try experience for surfing enthusiasts of all levels.
Summer Camps in Rotterdam 2026 for kids: Adventure awaits!
Looking for the best summer camps? Look no further than Rotterdam! Known for its stunning architecture and modern vibe, this vibrant port city offers an unforgettable summer experience.
Right by the water, kids can try surfing, sailing, or wakeboarding—perfect for those who love water adventures. Join in the fun, make lifelong friends, and discover new activities that will make this summer camp experience truly special!
👉 A fantastic summer destination for young adventurers.
Do you want your child prepared, language-wise, for Dutch summer activities?
Then, this is your time to subscribe to her or him for our tailored lessons. Tailored to their level of Dutch, age, experience, interest and type of activity they will do: we prepare them well! No more embarrassment or anxiety about speaking Dutch. We will teach them the necessary vocabulary and sentences, and practise conversing with peers through scripts and theatre readings.
You can schedule a complimentary meeting immediately to discuss the possibilities for your child via this link.
If you have questions about our online Dutch lessons
This link answers the most frequently asked questions about our online education for expat children. Whether you want to know more about how our classes work or what to expect from DfC, we’re happy to help you get started.
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