These are free activities for kids in the Netherlands
Are you looking for fun activities for your child? Or could you use some extra help as a parent? There are several organisations and funds in the Netherlands that organise activities for children and can help you. Read more about them on this page.
If you are new to the Netherlands, there are several ways to find activities or help for your child. Below are some organisations and funds that can help you. If you cannot find it, you can ask your location manager, your child's school or your contact person at VluchtelingenWerk Nederland for help.
Music lessons and sports clubs
Does your child want to play sports or take music lessons? The Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur ensures that your child can participate in various sports and cultural activities, even if you have little money.
Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur
On this page you can see if you can get help from the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur. The website is available in English.Do you have questions or need support with a top sports career for your child? If so, please contact the Yvonne van Gennip Fonds.
Yvonne van Gennip Fonds
On this page you will find more information about financial support for a top sports career of your child. The website is only available in Dutch.
Language lessons, educational games and school supplies
Does your child need school supplies or a laptop? Ask your child's school what the possibilities are. You can also contact Stichting Leergeld and ask about the possibilities.
Stichting Leergeld
On this page you can apply for help paying for activities in the fields of education, sports, culture and welfare. You can translate the page into your own language by selecting your language at the top right of the website.For educational games in Ukrainian, download the Can't Wait to Learn app.
Can't wait to learn
This page provides information on how to download the Can't Wait to Learn app.Do you need help learning the Dutch language? Through the VoorleesExpress a volunteer will visit your location. There will be reading aloud and language games.
Voorlees Express
On this page you can apply for reading assistance from a volunteer. The website is available in Dutch.
Outings, activities and birthdays
Local community centres and neighbourhood teams often offer activities such as painting, cooking workshops and yoga for children.
Sociale kaart in the Netherlands
On this page you can find a community centre near you. The website is available in Dutch.Check with your child's school to see what local activities are available for your child.
Is it your child's birthday? Then you can request a birthday box from the Jarige Job.
Stichting Jarige Job
On this page you can request a birthday box. The page is available in English.The 'Sam&' organisation can help your child with school supplies, sports, music and swimming lessons or a birthday celebration.
Sam&
On this page you can request school supplies, sports lessons, music lessons, theater or dance lessons, an outing or a birthday box.The Time4You project of VluchtelingenWerk Nederland organises crafts and games for Ukrainian children. You can get more information about this from your local VluchtelingenWerk Nederland team leader.
Help with parenting & care
Stichting Mee helps families and children who need support with housing, care and parenting.
Stichting MEE
On this page you can find an MEE near you, for example, for help. Do you prefer to call? Then call 0900- 999 88 88 (You do not have to pay extra for this phone number). The website is available in Dutch.Do you need second-hand toys, furniture or clothes? Then you can find it on RefugeeHelp's Q&A page.
Worried about your child's mental health? Then go to the website of Empatia. Empatia employs Ukrainian-speaking psychologists who can help your child.
Empatia website for mental support
Do you need mental support? You can call the helpline: 0031 10 200 5088 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or visit the website.
Finding local activities for yourself
Almost every municipality in the Netherlands provides city passes for adults and children with less money. With the City Card you can get many discounts on museums, swimming pools and theater performances in your own city/municipality. The City Card also has promotions for food and energy consumption. You can also get discounted visits to the vet for your pet.
Organisations that organise local activities
These are organisations that can help you find activities in the Netherlands:
The Welcome App