The Netherlands

Amsterdam

There are plenty of options in Amsterdam throughout December. The hands-down favourite with the mamas is the ever-popular Westergasfabriek Funky Xmas Market (doesn’t the name say it all?) on 21 December 2025, showcasing lots of local foodies and homemade crafts in full Amsterdam-style.

For additional information on holiday offerings in the city, check this full list of Amsterdam’s Christmas markets and festivals.

And make sure you don’t miss out on any of this month’s festive happenings for families in Amsterdam by signing up to the Amsterdam Mamas’ newsletter.

Haarlem

One of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands, the Kerstmarkt Haarlem has a guaranteed spot in the seasonal top 5. As a backdrop to the hundreds of stalls in the picturesque square, there are live choirs singing Christmas carols.

If you are available in the weekend of 12 till 14 December and need no further arguments, then just visit the official website to get all the infomation on how to get there: approximately 20 minutes by train or by car from Amsterdam.

The Hague

The tenth edition of The Royal Christmas Fair will once again be hosted at Lange Voorhout from 4 till 23 December. With more than 80 Christmas stalls, a genuine and dedicated children’s fair, thousands of lights and an abundance of heated wine served in pfandbechers this is a Christmas fair that will appeal to the imaginations of both young and old alike.

The Hague is approximately one hour from Amsterdam by car. Regular trains leave from Amsterdam Central station or Schiphol Airport. Check the NS website for details.

Maastricht

Located on the Vrijthof, Maastricht’s charming Christmas market is open from 28 November – 29 December and features plenty of stalls, an ice rink and carousel. With gluhwein and oliebollen galore, you’ll have a great time.

Reaching Maastricht by car takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Travelling by train takes around 2 hours 30 minutes on ICE. Check the NS website for details.

Valkenburg

This charming town in South Limburg offers a unique Christmas experience – markets in caves! Visit the Velvet Cave and Municipal Cave from 14 November till 30 December for all the festive happenings whilst the Wilhelmina Caves are home to the sand sculpture nativity scene.

Valkenburg is a 2.5 hour drive from Amsterdam. It can also be reached by NS train via Maastricht. Valkenburg station is around 15 minutes’ walk from the centre. See the NS website for more details. 

Germany​

Köln (Cologne)

Perhaps the most popular of Germany’s Christmas markets, Cologne offers several different markets spread throughout the city from the beautiful Old Market in front of the Town Hall to the Market of Fairytales on the Rudolfplatz. Cologne attracts thousands of visitors to its markets, so The Mamas advise to visit during the week when it is less busy. The Christmas markets are open from 17 November till 23 December.

Cologne is around a 3 hour drive from Amsterdam. You can also take the ICE train straight through, which takes the same amount of time.

Düsseldorf

From late November until the end of December, Düsseldorf offers a number of charming and atmospheric Christmas markets throughout the city from 20 November till 30 December.

Düsseldorf is around a 2 hour and 40 minute drive from Amsterdam. You can also get there in a little over 2 hours by travelling by ICE train.

Aachen

Aachen offers a more intimate affair around the Market Place and Katschhof. Enjoy mulled wine, ginger bread and spekulatius (spiced biscuits) as you peruse the many craft and food stalls from 21 November till 23 December.

Aachen is a 3 hour drive from Amsterdam. Alternatively, it can be reached by train in 3.5 hours, with 2 changes. Check the NS website for more details.

Osnabrück

Considered one of the prettiest Christmas markets, the Osnabrück Christmas Market offers kids the thrill of meeting St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) every afternoon. Try the local Käsegriller sausage as you wander around the market. It is set around the town hall, Marienkirche and the Cathedral from 24 November till 22 December.

You can reach Osnabrück in 2 hours and 45 minutes by car or in 3.5 hours by ICE train.

Münster

The picturesque town of Münster offers delightful Christmas markets with jewellery, high-quality craftsmanship, toys, lights, delights, and of course, warm, aromatic mulled wine from 24 November till 23 December.

You can reach Münster by car in approximately 3 hours or by train with NS International.

This list has been compiled by our editors from the recommendations of our members on the Amsterdam Mamas Facebook group and has been updated for 2025.

photo credit: Pixabay

The post Our Favourite Christmas Markets 2025 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

ArchiKids

During the art camp children are guided to build imaginary cities, houses, landscapes and many more… The variety of materials and exploration of the nearby park become the starting point of their creative projects. In English.

WOW Family Center 3 in1 Camp

The best of My Little van Gogh, Toddler Sense and Mini Professor all in one place, in Dutch and English.

ARTZUID Art Camp

Work like a mini artist at the ArtZuid camp, studying the masters, making your own work and finishing with an exhibition.

Bikes, Obstacles, Skates

Griffioenoutdoor BMX

Ride BMX bikes and learn the ropes at the Griffioen outdoor centre in Ookmeer.

Cooking, Dance, Music, Theatre

BeatZone Dance Camp

A different style of urban dance every day and a mini performance at the end of the week.

Damoves Summer Camp

Three days of dancing together and working towards a performance on Wednesday afternoon. But also we will do a special kids session on all three days… Kids Yoga, a Reiki session, a kids proof Cacao Ceremonie and a Comedy Musical workshop. Maximum ten kleuters. We also play outside under supervision of two people every day on the playground around the corner.Bring: dance clothes, lunch box. Snacks and drinks are provided.

Kinderkookles

Cooking summer camp: 2025 theme: Amsterdam

Toverknol Theater Camp

Playful theatre workshops with various themes in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Hockey

Panasj Hockey

Four day or week hockey camps at Hockey Club VVV, also suitable for beginners.

Sportways Hockey Camp

Intensive hockey camps at various Amsterdam hockey clubs AH&BC, Athena, HIC, Hurley, Pinoké and Westerpark.

Multisports

Little Star Fitness

Have fun while learning fundamental athletic skills and a healthy lifestyle in this multi sport camp, which has been happening since 2014.

Stichting Manege Waveren

The horse riding school is on the edge of the city, bordering fields and parks. The kids will take care of the ponies and also take them for small excursions.

Outdoor Camps

Sport4Kidz

A variety of water- and outdoor sports activities, held at Watersport Jeugdland in Amsterdam Oost.

Fun Camp

The Base camp of the Outdoor Center borders the Stroombroek recreation area, an ideal place for swimming, beach volleyball and chilling. You will certainly not be bored at the Fun Camp!

Terragon Nature Camp

All-weather activities camp on a 2.5 acre nature reserve in Amsterdam.

UP Events Kids

A wide variety of outdoor fun and games.

Science and Technology

The Science Camp

One full week of experiments, STEAM activities, practicing engineering and outside play. Pure fun!

Sailing & Surfing

Aalsmeer Zeilschool

Learn sailing in Aalsmeer.

Sport4Kidz Sailing

A week of sailing in an Optimist, combined with other fun outdoor activities like campfires or building rafts at Jeugdland.

Surfkamp Zandvoort

Juvigo offers multiple water sports and hockey camps. Perfect place for teenagers to enjoy water sports camps like kite surfing, surfing, and sailing.

Football

Ajax Camps

Football camps and clinics for kids of all ages and levels.

ProCamps

Day and week football camps at various locations.

Tennis

Drive ITT Tennis Linnaeushof

Tennis camps at different levels, combining fun and competition, at the tennis club Linneaushof right in the middle of Watergraafsmeer.

Tennis op Maat

Lots of tennis mixed with other fun and games at various tennis clubs.

School Camps

Amity School Camp

Daily activities vary based on age and are always developmentally appropriate and captivating. Beyond our activities, each week is themed to bring together the supervisors and children in unifying and fun-filled experiences. Also open for children who do not attend Amity.

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What’s Earth Overshoot Day?

Think of it like this: Planet Earth has an annual budget of natural goodies it can regenerate each year- clean air and water, forests, fish, fertile land, you name it. Earth Overshoot Day is the date when humanity, collectively, has used up that entire budget for the year. After that day, we’re basically dipping into next year’s resources and piling up waste like CO2. It’s calculated by comparing our global demand (our “Ecological Footprint”) with what the Earth can supply (its “biocapacity”).

May 5th? Already? The Dutch Overshoot Day

Here’s the surprising part: for 2025, the Netherlands’ Overshoot Day is estimated to be May 5th. That feels like it is early, right? Especially for a country known for being green and innovative. To put that into perspective, this implies that humanity’s consumption rate requires the resources of over 3 Earths to be sustainable for the year. It makes you wonder what’s going on behind the scenes in the Netherlands.

Why So Early for the Netherlands?

It’s a mix of things. Even with great green efforts, the average consumption level per person here is quite high. Plus, the Netherlands is a bustling, densely populated country on a relatively small piece of land. Historically, there’s been a reliance on fossil fuels (though the switch to renewables is happening!), and this is reflected in the footprint breakdown. The Carbon Footprint, mainly from burning fossil fuels for energy, transport, and industry, is the biggest chunk, making up about 60% of the total Dutch Ecological Footprint.

The large and intensive agricultural sector also plays a significant role. The Food Footprint (which includes cropland, grazing land for livestock, and fishing grounds) accounts for roughly 24% of the total footprint. High consumption of meat and dairy contributes significantly to this, and the country also faces challenges with high nitrogen emissions from agriculture. Also, in our globalised world, a lot of what we consume is linked to resources and production happening elsewhere.

You can check the Earth Overshoot days for others countries here:

https://overshoot.footprintnetwork.org/newsroom/country-overshoot-days/

Thinking Bigger: Planetary Boundaries

Earth Overshoot Day ties into a bigger idea called Planetary Boundaries. Scientists have identified nine key processes that keep our planet stable and liveable – things like climate stability, healthy biodiversity, and clean freshwater. These boundaries define a “safe zone” for us. Pushing past these limits increases the risk of major, potentially irreversible environmental changes. Sadly, we’ve already crossed several of these boundaries, which makes reducing our overshoot even more important.

Making a Difference, Amsterdam Style!

The good news? Living in Amsterdam gives us loads of great ways to help push that Overshoot Date back! We can all contribute in many ways:

• Embrace Dutch Transport: Getting around by bike, bakfiets, or public transport isn’t just practical here, it’s a powerful way to lower our carbon footprint.
• Tap into Great Water: Amsterdam’s tap water is excellent! Carrying a reusable bottle is such an easy win against single-use plastic.
• Eat Consciously: Shopping at local markets for seasonal produce and reducing meat consumption are tasty ways to be kinder to the planet.

For more ideas, check out the insights in the Amsterdam Mamas article, “The Circular Path to Sustainability” (https://amsterdam-mamas.nl/articles/the-circular-path-to-sustainability/) and “Keeping it Cool” (https://amsterdam-mamas.nl/articles/keeping-it-cool/).

A Nudge for Earth Day and Every Day

Earth Overshoot Day is like an annual check-up for our planet, reminding us of the goals we celebrate on Earth Day. It shows us where we’re overspending our natural budget. Caring for our planet isn’t just for April 22nd; it’s an everyday thing. The aim is to #MoveTheDate back, year by year.

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ARTZUID Art Camp

Work like a mini artist at the ArtZuid camp, studying the masters, making your own work and finishing with an exhibition.

WOW Camp

Art, Science, Music & Movement are offered in this versatile 3- in-1 holiday camp.

Bikes, Obstacles, Skates

Griffioenoutdoor BMX

Ride BMX bikes and learn the ropes at the Griffioen outdoor centre in Ookmeer.

Cooking, Dance, Music, Theatre

Amsterdam Youth Theatre School’s May Make Days

A variety of day workshops ranging from K-Pop, Filmmaking, Improvisation, Comedy & more

BeatZone Dance Camp

A different style of urban dance every day and a mini performance at the end of the week.

Sterk In Eten

It has become a tradition: during the May holiday “Sterk In Eten” opens the city’s most delightful pop-up restaurant. In two days, the children prepare a complete restaurant menu where everything — absolutely everything — is homemade.

Toverknol Theater Camp

Discover acting in a playful way by attending one of the daily workshops with various themes.

Hockey

Panasj Hockey

Hockey camps at hockey club VVV, also suitable for beginners.

Sportways Hockey Camp

Intensive hockey camps at Amsterdam hockey clubs Athena and AMHC Westerpark.

Multisports

Little Star Fitness

Have fun while learning fundamental athletic skills and a healthy lifestyle in this multi sport camp, which has been happening since 2014.

Stichting Manege Waveren

The horse riding school is on the edge of the city, bordering fields and parks. The kids will take care of the ponies and also take them for small excursions.

VROG Camps

Trampolining, free running, mini football and basketball are all on offer at VROG’s two-day camps near Waterlooplein

Outdoor Camps

Sport4Kidz

A variety of water- and outdoor sports activities, held at Watersport Jeugdland in Amsterdam Oost.

Terragon Nature Camp

All-weather activities camp on a 2.5 acre nature reserve in Amsterdam.

UP Events Kids

A wide variety of outdoor fun and games.

Science and Technology

CoderMinds

AI, Programming, Robotics & Science are the name of the game at this STEM focused camp in Amstelveen

The Science Camp

One full week of experiments, STEAM activities, practicing engineering and outside play. Pure fun!

Sailing & Surfing

Sport4Kidz Sailing

A week of sailing in an Optimist, combined with other fun outdoor activities like campfires or building rafts at Jeugdland.

Surfkamp Zandvoort

Juvigo offers multiple water sports and hockey camps. Perfect place for teenagers to enjoy water sports camps like kite surfing, surfing, and sailing.

Football

Ajax Camps

One day themed soccer clinics for kids of all ages and levels, with special clinics for girls and keepers, at the Ajax facilities next to the famous Johan Cruijff ArenA.

ProCamps

One day themed soccer clinics for kids of all ages and levels, with special clinics for girls and keepers, at the Ajax facilities next to the famous Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Tennis

Drive ITT Tennis Linnaeushof

Tennis camps at different levels, combining fun and competition, at the tennis club Linneaushof right in the middle of Watergraafsmeer.

Tennis op Maat

Lots of tennis mixed with other fun and games at the Kattenlaan tennis park in Vondelpark or Haarlem.

The post May Holiday Camps 2026 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Top Trees

Every year, the conversation around the most sustainable Christmas tree reignites. While artificial trees might seem environmentally friendly due to their reusability, the reality is more complex.

• A real tree, if disposed of responsibly (e.g., chipped for mulch or used as firewood), has a carbon footprint of about 3.5 kg of CO₂ over its lifecycle. If left to decompose in a landfill, this footprint jumps to 16 kg of CO₂ due to methane emissions.
• By contrast, an artificial tree’s production and disposal create a much higher footprint—around 40 kg of CO₂—requiring many years of use to rival the environmental impact of a real tree. Nearly 90% of them are shipped across the world from China and are made with plastic which is toxic and often ends up in landfills.

When sustainably grown (without pesticides) and recycled properly, real trees are the eco-friendlier option. Beyond their low environmental impact, tree plantations also provide habitats for various species.

In Amsterdam, the municipality makes it easy to dispose of Christmas trees sustainably. With 2,000 collection points across the city, residents can drop off their trees between December 27 and January 19. These are then turned into compost, closing the loop on tree waste. Find your nearest collection point on the municipality’s official website.

There are also even more sustainable ways to enjoy a Christmas tree:

1. Potted Trees: Purchase a living tree in a pot and reuse it every year. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but the tree continues to absorb CO₂ throughout its life.
2. Rent a Tree: Services like Kerstboom.nu allow you to rent a tree that is replanted after the holidays.
3. Adopt a Tree: Programs like Adopteer Een Kerstboom provide an option to “adopt” a tree for reuse, combining the joy of a real tree with sustainable practices.
4. Skip the Tree: Create a festive atmosphere using natural, reusable materials—garlands of greenery, handmade wreaths, or even a creative wall display.
5. Use a home plant you already have and decorate it!
6. Forage for an already fallen branch, bring it home and use it as tree. Post Christmas you can return it to the woods and use it again for Easter as an Easter tak.

(Don’t) Shop till you drop

The Holiday season (most often) comes with a frenzy of shopping, but a circular approach can bring meaning and sustainability to your celebrations. If you’re new to these ideas, check out our recent article on The Circular Path to Sustainability, which offers practical tips on adopting circular principles in everyday life. Applying these ideas during Christmas can make your celebrations more meaningful and eco-conscious:

• Second-Hand Items: Surveys show that nearly half of the respondents believe the stigma around second-hand gifting is fading, and that platforms like Marktplaats and thrift stores (kringloop winkels) in Amsterdam offer pre-loved treasures. This approach is also certainly budget friendlier..
• Experience Gifts: If second-hand gifting isn’t your style, consider tickets to a museum like the NEMO Science Museum or an ice-skating pass for the festive rink in Museumplein. An ‘experience gift’, can be shared together and create lasting memories without producing waste.
• Mindful Consumption: Avoid the “buy-now” trap. (Try the documentary The True Cost, to see how overconsumption has hidden environmental and social costs.)
• DIY Décor: Get creative with the kids! Use natural elements like pinecones, dried oranges, and paper chains to craft unique decorations.
• Recycled Lights: Use LED lights, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting, reducing the need for replacements next year.
• Second-Hand Ornaments: Hunt for unique, vintage ornaments in Amsterdam’s thrift stores or markets for make a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree this year!

By rethinking your Christmas trees, Christmas gifts, and Christmas decorations, you can celebrate a Christmas that’s truly giving ‘joy to the world’.

The post I’m dreaming of a ‘green’ Christmas appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Amsterdam Halloween 2024

Join a Halloween Parade!
Amsterdam Mamas Spooktacular is back! On Sunday 27 October gather together in your best costumes and parade around Beatrixpark with fellow ghosts, goblins, wizards and superheroes! Information and tickets available through our website. For the littlest monsters, up to age 8.

Trick or Treat!
What could be more fun for kids than going door to door in costume, with a goodie bag, ringing the doorbell, shouting “Trick or treat!” and (hopefully) receiving candy?

Trick or treating is NOT tradition in the Netherlands so the trick or treating that happens is privately managed. There are neighbourhoods in Zuid, Buitenveldert and Steigereiland Noord in Ijburg that have active trick or treating. Here is a map of homes participating in trick or treating this year. Consider becoming a host home yourself! It is really fun to decorate the house and see all the creative costumes and happy children. Speaking of which…

Dress up and Decorate!
Whether you are hosting trick or treaters or your own Halloween party, here are some popular local businesses ready to supply you with all your Halloween gear:

• Kinderfeestwinkel: This children’s party store in De Pijp has everything you need for a Halloween party or any other party throughout the year. Warning: if your child adores big, flouncy, tutu style skirts you may not leave the store without one.
• Witbaard: Oodles of Halloween stuff – both scary and fun. Check out the huge collection of children’s costumes upstairs! Witbaard is also located close to Duikelman in case you need to visit an amazing culinary supply store for Halloween-themed cookie cutters or sharp knives for carving pumpkins.
• Louis Wittenburg, around since 1901, knows its business and is ready to supply all of the Halloween needs of our Centrum dwelling families.
• Dam in Oost has an incredible array of Halloween and many other holiday items. You can shop in-store or order online.

Carve a Pumpkin!
There are pumpkins in many grocery stores this time of year, as well as in garden centres. Don’t limit yourself to classic orange pumpkins – green, white, and yellow gourds add to the fun. Here are some ideas for beginners and more advanced carvers. Alternatively, for those who prefer not to have pumpkin flesh and seeds on the kitchen floors, consider joining a pumpkin carving workshop for children.

Get a Fright!

Halloween can be enjoyed out on the town as well.

For younger children, The Science Camp is hosting a Haunted House on Saturday 2 November. Adolescents or teens will be thrilled at the Amsterdam Dungeon which has extended hours on Saturday 26 October as well as Halloween itself. Reserve tickets now as they sell fast. Older teens (16+) can try to escape from the Amsterdam Catacombs – this escape room only minutes from Central Station will be sure to give chills and thrills.

Further afield is Walibi, a theme park about an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. During the weeks up to and just after Halloween, Walibi hosts Fright Nights for children over 12 and Spooky Days for children up to 12.

Watch a Movie! My kids are either bored or terrified by the movies I remember from my (admittedly long ago) childhood. Thankfully, there are guides for kid-friendly Halloween movies and where they are streaming. Popcorn, costumes, and a good spooky movie—you’ve got this Halloween covered!

When the kids go to bed, all of you Dutch learners/scary movie aficionados might consider watching the Dutch film The Vanishing (available for rent on Apple TV) based on the story The Golden Egg by native Amsterdammer Tim Krabbé (brother of actor Jeroen Krabbé). It was made into a Hollywood film (with a very young Sandra Bullock) but the original is much scarier – Stanley Kubrick called it the scariest movie he’d ever seen. And it’s good practice for your Dutch!

Halloween Travel in Europe

For many people, Halloween 2024 falls in the middle of Herfstvakantie. If you’re heading out of Amsterdam, consider traveling to some spooky destinations throughout Europe. Amsterdam Mama’s contributor Mary Petiet compiled a list of spooky Halloween destinations all over Europe, including two from here in the Netherlands

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We will have 2 time slots for the parade to accommodate a larger group.
1st Parade : 10:30 – 11:30
2nd Parade : 11:30 – 12:30

We will gather at 15 mins before your chosen timeslot, in front of St. Nicolaaslyceum, Beethovenplein 2, 1077 WM Amsterdam. The parades will start at 10:30 &. 11:30 respectively. We will parade from the St. Nicolaaslyceum to Beatrix Park (by the paddle pool). After a fun-tastic parade, you and your little monsters can enjoy the playground (by the paddling pool in Beatrix Park), play with other families and join our activities.

What’s Halloween without candy?! Don’t forget to bring a mini-collection bag for the little ones to take home their trick-or-treat goodies.

Our wonderful partners WOW Family Centre Amsterdam will organise a spooky activity for the kids.

Want a snack or drink? You can always stop by at Park Kiosk BEA which will be especially open for Spooktacular!

Let’s Go! Dress up in your spookiest Halloween costumes, in fact you can even decorate your strollers, bikes or steps and join us for a fang-tastic time!

Limited tickets available, so don’t miss out !!

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Liberation Day in the Netherlands is a joyous national holiday that marks the end of the German occupation during World War II and celebrates the country’s freedom. Observed annually on May 5, it’s a day of various events like concerts, parades, and ceremonies honouring the sacrifices made for freedom. It’s a day when the Dutch unite to celebrate their past and renew their commitment to peace and democracy, fostering a sense of community and joy. ​

It is a special occasion where Dutch and international artists celebrate freedom through the Liberation Festivals. You can also visit ​Open Jewish and Resistance Homes​ situated in the heart of Amsterdam to hear about personal wartime experiences, watch films and enjoy music. There are Freedom Feasts, where communal meals foster unity, and children’s events are organised to educate them about freedom, providing an enriching and worthwhile experience for the young.

Multiple activities are available in the city to celebrate Liberation Day for families with kids. The complete agenda is available ​here​​ (in Dutch). ​

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Embrace the Orange Spirit Together: During King’s Day, orange isn’t just a colour — it’s a symbol of celebration. Dress your family in orange clothes, hats, crowns, or even face paint to join in the fun and show your enthusiasm for the festivities. It’s a great way to blend in with the locals and create lasting memories together!

Navigating King’s Day: First things first, plan your travel wisely. If you want to reach Amsterdam from outside the city, trains are your best option but keep in mind there won’t be any trains to Amsterdam Science Park and Amsterdam RAI. Since the city centre shuts down and people take over the streets, public transport is nearly impossible, metro and walking are your best bet, leave your bike at home or be prepared to walk with it when required. You can conveniently plan your trip right before leaving by using the planner in the GVB app which is also available in English. Don’t forget public transportation is not free during King’s Day.

Market Magic: The city transforms into a ‘giant market’ on King’s Day. From 6:00 to 20:00, you can join the hustle and bustle of endless street markets, spread across the city (and country) where people sell and buy mostly second hand tidbits, homeware, clothes, toys and so much more! There are also special kid-friendly zones where your little entrepreneurs can shine. In fact, children have already begun to mark out their ‘spots’ in the neighbourhood so they are all booked and ready for them to sell their wares on King’s Day, sans competition.

Vondelpark Adventure: Vondelpark is THE place to be for families on King’s Day. Doors will close at 20.00 the night before and open at 9 am, so arrive early to snag a spot for your kids to sell their toys or entertain the crowd with their talents, such as singing, dancing, playing an instrument etc. Don’t forget to bring some spare change for all the goodies you’ll sell or find!

Vondelpark isn’t the only hotspot for family fun… Explore other kid-friendly areas like Amstelveld, Noorderpark, Rembrandtplein, Artisplein, Middenweg or the Westerpark. And if you want to avoid the crowds, steer clear of busy spots like Westerstraat in Jordaan. Check out the designated areas for children on this website (in Dutch).

King’s Day Festivities: The celebrations aren’t limited to the city centre. Check out in the East/Oost, the Bredeweg Festival for street theatre performances, a free market, music, dance, puppet shows, and live music. This year the festival will also go across the water; the Oranjevrijstraat Square and part of the Oranjevrijstaatkade. Check the times for the performances here: schedule. Or head north to NDSM Vrijhaven for the biggest children’s flea market in Amsterdam, packed with live music, entertainment, workshops, and a variety of food and drink options. Admission is free, so put on your orange outfit and join the fun! If you want a stand for your kid to sell, get a ticket.
For the ‘West crew’, Erasmus Park promises a vibrant atmosphere with a flea market and live music. Throughout the day, visitors can explore the flea market for children and enjoy the live music which begins at noon, check the programma here.

Giving Back: After the festivities, look for kringloop containers throughout the city to donate unsold items to charity shops. It’s a great way to spread kindness and declutter your home at the same time!

Staying Home, Staying Festive: If you prefer to celebrate indoors, don’t worry… Be sure to hang the Dutch flag outside your house or on a window, stock up on some orange tompouce or bitterballen, and watch the King on TV. There are plenty of exciting ideas and activities to keep the King’s Day spirit alive at home. Check out some fun suggestions here.

Fun fact: Traditionally, King’s Day is celebrated every April 27th since Willem Alexander became king. However, in 2025, King’s Day falls on Saturday, April 26, because King’s Day never competes with a Sunday’s festivities!

Take into account that most shops will be closed during the day, but you can expect large and small neighbourhood supermarkets to be open for business.

Get ready to paint the town orange and create unforgettable memories with your family this King’s Day!

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DIY Upcycling: Make Your Own Bird Feeder

One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is by repurposing everyday items to create something new and useful. A simple and enjoyable DIY activity for kids is making their own bird feeders using recycled materials. Not only does this activity teach kids about going green, but it also encourages creative thinking and gives an opportunity for children to connect with nature. Hearing the birds chirping outside is a great way to increase biophilic responses, as nature sounds are found to have positive impacts on our health and wellbeing.

Supplies needed:

• One tin can, clean and label removed.
• Paint of assorted colours (acrylic/water resistant) or decorative paper
• Paint brushes (if using paint)
• Ribbons/ strings
• Bird Seed
• Sturdy stick to act as a perch for the birds.

Instructions to put it together:

• Take the paper off of your tin can and paint the can in the desired colour. Leave it to dry and add another coat of paint if needed. You can also use decorative paper to wrap up the tin can instead of painting.
• If using paint, let the paint dry and add whatever other decorative elements you want using other colours.
• When the paint is dry, cut a long piece of ribbon about 18 to 24 inches long and tie it around one end of the tin can, leaving the two long edges at the top. Tie the two ends together to loop over a branch for hanging.
• Repeat this on the other end of the tin.
• Glue the stick into the can to function as a perch.
• When the glue is set, fill the can about halfway with seed and hang it sideways from a branch.

Your Earth Day craft is finished! Now hang it in the balcony or garden and sit back and watch the birds come in for a snack with your kids! Sometimes it can take a week for the birds to discover and start feeding from this new feeder so be patient.

Books to Inspire Young Environmentalists

Reading together is another wonderful way to introduce children to important environmental concepts and here are four recommended books to read to/with their kids this month:

1. “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss: This classic tale tells the story of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees, and teaches children about the importance of conservation and protecting our natural resources.
2. “Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa” by Jeanette Winter – Based on the true story of Wangari Maathai, this book tells the inspiring tale of how she empowered her community in Kenya to plant trees and restore the environment, ultimately leading to her winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
3. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein: It is a cautionary tale about human exploitation of nature and the consequences of taking more than we give back.
4. “The Earth Book” by Todd Parr: In this colorful book, Todd Parr highlights different ways children can help take care of the Earth, such as conserving water, planting trees, and recycling.

Hope these activities are able to instill appreciation for the earth at a young age and empower our children to become stewards of the earth.

Let’s make every day Earth Day!

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