9 fun autumn outings throughout the Netherlands for a perfect day out

Why do you find so many autumn tips on Your Little Black Book? It's my favorite season! The lead-up to the holidays, the beautiful colors of nature, the rustling of the leaves underfoot, and with a bit of luck: sunny days with a clear blue sky. Almost every weekend in the Netherlands, we do something fun! From a day of shopping to foraging, and even skiing. In this new guide full of autumn tips throughout the Netherlands, you'll find plenty of inspiration for rainy days, too.

9 Days out during autumn in the Netherlands

Oyster picking in the Netherlands

Are you as crazy about oysters as I am? The R is back in the month, which means foraging season has begun! I've gathered oysters in the Netherlands a few times now, and it's truly a lot of fun. In this extensive blog you can read all about the places in the Netherlands where you can collect oystersThere are several places in the Netherlands where you can "pick" wild oysters, as it's officially called. You can collect wild oysters in the Netherlands at these locations, among others: Texel (near De Mokbaai and De Cocksdorp), Yerseke, Wilhelminadorp, De Oesterdam (all in Zeeland), the Waddendijk near Oost-Vlieland, and Lauwersoog in Groningen. You're allowed to collect 10kg of oysters per person. Enjoy!

Oyster picking on Texel

Take a nice autumn walk

In my opinion, nature is at its most beautiful in autumn. That's why I love spending my weekends exploring nature with my husband. Afterward, enjoy a drink somewhere, and you've got a perfect weekend day. Every week we try to visit a new nature reserve, and I've already built up a great list of places for lovely walks and drinks. View all 12 here >> 

 | TIP: read tips for a delicious kid-friendly autumn weekend in Schoorl or book this luxury holiday home in Schoorl.

The dunes near Schoorl

Apple picking in the Amsterdam area

Did you know you can pick apples near Amsterdam at several lovely pick-your-own gardens and apple orchards? It's not only fun, but believe me, that apple pie tastes even better after you've really put in the effort. These are our favorite locations for apple picking in the fall: Fruit garden of West (Amsterdam), Fruit nursery 't Keetje (Lutjebroek)and the Olmenhorst (Lisse).

Go to a Pumpkin Farm

Kids or no kids, a visit to a pumpkin farm will really get you in the mood for fall. Trust me! It's become a tradition here. I'm listing a few pumpkin farms throughout the Netherlands. Before you go, be sure to check when they're open, as this varies considerably. And more importantly: until when their pumpkin season runs (probably the end of October). View all tips for pumpkin farms throughout the Netherlands here >>

Go to an indoor ski hall or ice rink

Did you miss the winter sports season so much? Fingers crossed you can go again this year! With little kids, you really don't have to drive far to experience that ultimate winter sports feeling. You'll find various locations throughout the Netherlands. indoor ski halls These are perfect for practicing your skiing. Then enjoy a hot chocolate and you'll be transported to a different world. These indoor ski slopes are also perfect if you'd like to try winter sports yourself but have never skied before. Ice skating is also a fun day out in the fall. The season for many (outdoor) ice skating rinks throughout the Netherlands is open again! Also great for an autumn date.

Also fun for a date: ice skating

Visit a light art festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival is, of course, famous throughout the Netherlands. But did you know there are many more wonderful light art festivals you can attend? GLOW in Eindhoven, for example, is highly recommended! Because I personally love beautiful lights during dark days, I've compiled a list of the best light art festivals in the Netherlands that you can attend between now and January. View 14 tips here >>

GLOW Eindhoven / Bart van Overbeeke

Go mushroom spotting

Have you spotted them yet this year? During a walk in the nature reserve near Radio Kootwijk, I spotted several fly agarics for the first time this year. It's always special to see this iconic red and white mushroom in person. Your best chance of seeing beautiful mushrooms is after a rainy spell. Especially when the weather is dry, it's a good reason to head to the woods. You'll find the fly agaric mainly near oak, birch, and heathland. Read more tips for spotting the Fly Agaric in the Netherlands here >>

 | TIP: There are several fun gnome trails in the Netherlands that you can walk with the kids. View all tips here >>

Spotting fly agaric

Plan a culinary weekend away

Autumn is also my favorite season in terms of harvest. mushrooms Earthy flavors are my favorite. So, every fall, we plan a culinary weekend getaway! We find a nice hotel, take the little one out, and enjoy a delicious, lavish dinner at the hotel. It's wonderfully relaxing when the hotel has a good restaurant, because after dinner, you can just roll into bed or have a drink at the bar. Some favorite places we've visited in recent years include: Parc Broekhuizen, The Red Copper, At JEF, On East, Heaven & Earth (at The Nox hotel). Still on the wishlist here The Beach Hotel in Cadzand. And also a weekend in Maastricht is always a good idea!

 | TIP: Also check out our shortlist of nice hotels throughout the Netherlands with a good restaurant >>

© Parc Broekhuizen

strolling around the market

There's nothing more enjoyable than browsing stalls overflowing with seasonal produce in the fall. Think pumpkins, stewed pears, artisanal cheeses, and of course, hot drinks. Special autumn markets and regional markets are organized throughout the Netherlands, where you'll find local products as well as handmade goodies and autumn snacks. Often, there's live music or charming stalls for kids. Plan a day out and discover the charm of a real autumn market. Discover the best Sunday markets this month throughout the Netherlands >>

© IJhallen – Nichon Glerum

Have fun planning a wonderful day out! I'm curious to see what fun things you'll plan!

 | TIP: Also check out autumn tips for Amsterdam here: 23 Things to do in Amsterdam this fall >>