The summer holidays are underway: schools are closed and it is time for some fun summer activities

For school holidays, the government divides the Netherlands into three regions: North, Central and South. The summer holidays do not start on the same day everywhere.

Not sure which region you live in? Ask your child's school. You can also check the Dutch government website.

These are the dates for the summer holidays in 2026:

• North Region: From Saturday 4 July to Sunday 16 August 2026. The last day of school is usually Friday 3 July. The first day of school is usually Monday 17 August.

• South Region: From Saturday 11 July to Sunday 23 August 2026. The last day of school is usually Friday 10 July. The first day of school is usually Monday 24 August.

• Central Region: From Saturday 18 July to Sunday 30 August 2026. The last day of school is usually Friday 17 July. The first day of school is usually Monday 31 August.

During the school holidays, schools are closed and your children are free, but you and your partner may have to continue working. In the Netherlands, parents arrange childcare for their children so they are not home alone without adults.

If you have to work and are unable to look after your children, there are various ways to arrange childcare:

Your child can go to after-school care (BSO)

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It is often possible to send your child there several days a week. Even if your child does not normally attend after-school care. Ask at your children’s school about the different types of after-school care available. After-school care costs money, but you can sometimes apply for

You can hire a childminder for your children

Of course, you could also ask friends or acquaintances if your child could spend a day with them now and then. If that is not possible, you could hire a childminder. Perhaps there are other parents in the neighbourhood who know a good childminder.

A babysitter costs money. How much depends on the babysitter's age, the time the babysitter has to come and the work they are expected to do. It is reasonable to pay more if the babysitter is expected to vacuum, do laundry or cook. And if the babysitter has travel costs.

If you choose a school pupil as a childminder, the fee varies depending on the individual. This depends on how many children you have, the childminder’s age, and whether the childminder is required to help with meals and putting the children to bed. You can pay by the hour or agree on a fixed fee.

You can take holiday yourself

Everyone who works in the Netherlands is legally entitled to leave days. You must request these leave days from your employer in advance. You can choose to take your leave in the summer.

In the Netherlands, many working parents take a few weeks off during the summer holidays. Some families go on holiday within the Netherlands or abroad.

Other families stay at home. Even then, there are still plenty of fun things you can do with your children.

For example, you could go to a park, a playground, a swimming pool, a zoo or an amusement park. You could also go for a cycle together, have a picnic or look for a free activity nearby.

Many activities are free or cost very little. So do have a look at the website of your municipality, or your library or community centre. They often list fun activities for children during the summer holidays.

For example, you could do this:

• You can go for a swim somewhere. In a swimming pool or in natural waters. Swimming in natural waters is often free. Please do bear in mind: only swim in places where swimming is permitted and where the water is monitored. You can also read our article on safe swimming in natural waters.

• Go to the library. Many libraries organise free activities for children during the summer, such as story times, craft sessions or language games.

• Visit a museum. In the Netherlands, some museums are free. Sometimes museums are free for everyone. Sometimes they are free for children. For example, children under the age of 18 can visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam for free. Thanks to the Welkom in het Museum initiative

  , refugees can visit many museums in the Netherlands for free.

• Visit a petting farm. A petting farm is often free or inexpensive. For many children, it’s a fun place to spend a few hours. Children can look at the animals and sometimes even stroke or feed them. They also learn more about animals and farm life. Some petting farms organise extra activities, so be sure to check the website of your local petting farm in advance.

• FutureLand Rotterdam. FutureLand is situated on the Maasvlakte near Rotterdam. This is the information centre for the Second Maasvlakte and the Port of Rotterdam. There, you can learn how the port works and how new land was reclaimed for the port. This makes a visit both interesting and educational for children and parents alike. You can visit the information centre. Sometimes there are also extra activities, such as a guided tour, a boat trip or a fossil hunt. Some activities incur a charge.

• Kids Zomervermaak in Assen. In Assen, there is Kids Zomervermaak during the summer. In 2026, it will run from 4 July to 15 August. It takes place in Assen city centre. There are activities for children in various squares. These include sports, games, building, crafts, theatre and other fun activities.

• Zomerfeesten Almkerk. Zomerfeesten Almkerk are village festivals held in Almkerk. In 2026, the summer festivals will take place from 3 to 15 August. The festivals are held in Almkerk, in the municipality of Altena. There are activities for young and old alike, including sport, music, creative activities and evening celebrations.

• Meerpaaldagen in Dronten. The Meerpaaldagen are a huge festival in Dronten. In 2026, the Meerpaaldagen will take place on 13, 14 and 15 August. The venue is Meerpaalplein and the SuyderSee shopping centre in Dronten. There will be music, a fair and children’s entertainment, making it great fun for families too.

• Lumierepark Festival in Almere. The Lumierepark Festival is a multicultural festival in Almere. In 2026, the festival will take place on 9 August. It will be held at the Lumierepark in Almere. There will be music, sporting activities and activities for children. Children can let off steam in the children’s village.

• Auwerwetse Boekelse Oogstdag. The Auwerwetse Boekelse Oogstdag is an old-fashioned Dutch event in Boekel. In 2026, this event will take place on 9 August. It will be held on the grounds at Mutshoek in Boekel. Children can see how people used to work on the land. There will be old machinery, craft demonstrations and activities for children.