Seek and find
Are you looking for fun outings with children during the May holidays? Then you’ll want to know these tips! The May holidays are the perfect time to do fun things with the kids in the Netherlands. Whether you feel like going to an event together, spending a day at the zoo, or visiting a museum, we have gathered the best tips for the May holidays for you. From tulip routes and castles with scavenger hunts to spectacular theater shows and science, there is a tip to be found for every interest. In this article, you will find the best outings and activities for children during the May holidays throughout the Netherlands. Have fun!
| TIP: A last-minute night away with the whole family? Check here nice family hotels in Amsterdam or for best hotels with children throughout the NetherlandsAlso always good: a night away and staying at the seaside. Or a mini road trip to the Ardennen.
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19 fun outings with children during the May holidays throughout the Netherlands
Staying overnight at Beekse Bergen
Do you really want to get away with the family during the May holidays? Then is beekse bergen The place where you get a mini-safari feeling without traveling far. You sleep with a view of the animals and go on safari through the park in your own car during the day. We can tell you from experience: with children, this is an outing they won't soon forget. Tip: book early, as these unique family-friendly accommodations are popular during the holidays.
Beekse Bergen 1, Hilvarenbeek – beeksebergen.nl
Beekse Bergen © Your Little Black Book
Searching for shark teeth in Cadzand
One of those outings that immediately feels like a treasure hunt to children: searching for shark teeth on the beach in Cadzand. Together, you scour the waterline looking for small finds, from beautiful shells to perhaps that one real treasure: a shark tooth. Of course, you really need to be lucky, but if you are in the area during your vacation, you really shouldn't miss this tip for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen in Zeeland. We had the most success on the beach at the Zwin, near beach bar De Zeemeeuw. Tip: bring a container or bag for all the beach finds that can be taken home for future DIY projects. My favorite hotels in Cadzand are: Hotel de Blanke Top en Beach hotelAre you with a group? Then the residences of the White Top It's also really fantastic, I can tell you.
| The best beach bars throughout the Netherlands: 10 Kid-Friendly Beach Cafés Throughout the Netherlands | 23 X beach bars throughout the Netherlands | 15 Beach Bars in South Holland | 8 Beach Bars in Bloemendaal aan Zee | 6 Beach Bars in North Holland | 7 Beach Bars on Texel | 7 Beach Bars in Egmond aan Zee | 10 Beach Bars in Zandvoort | 6 Beach Bars in Noordwijk aan Zee | 6 Beach Bars in Cadzand Bad | 5 Beach Bars in Domburg | 6 Beach Bars in Bergen aan Zee | 12 Beach Bars throughout Zeeland | 3 Beach Bars in Breskens | 12 Beach Bars in Scheveningen |
Cadzand © Your Little Black Book
Land of Velvet – Wandering Web
Have you heard of Land van Fluwel yet? It is a large outdoor playground with plenty to do, from climbing and scrambling to exploring and playing in nature. Perfect for an active day out during the May holidays. New this year is the Dwaalweb: a unique maze of nets where you not only have to find your way out, but also climb, crawl, and scramble. That is precisely what makes it extra fun, because you never know exactly where you will end up. Children can go exploring on their own and decide whether to find the fastest route or just keep wandering.
Belkmerweg 65, Sint Maartenszee – landvanfluwel.nl
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child
Are your kids (and you) fans of Harry Potter? Then this theatre production is one you really shouldn't miss. In this spectacular show, you step back into the world of Harry Potter for a moment. Expect impressive special effects, magic on stage, and a production that truly immerses you in the story. Good to know: the show is quite thrilling and long, making it especially recommended for teenagers or, for example, children in the final year of primary school.
Where: AFAS Circustheater Scheveningen
For more information & tickets, visit the website: stage-entertainment.nl
More fun outings with children during the May holidays throughout the Netherlands
Best zoos to visit in the Netherlands
A day at the zoo remains a family favorite. Children gaze in wonder, learn all sorts of things about animals, and with a little luck, you might even spot a new resident in the park. Surprisingly many zoos and animal parks can be found in the Netherlands, but a few favorites always remain. ARTIS, Ouwehands Zoo en Burgers' ZooTip: extra activities are often organized during the May holidays, so be sure to check the website beforehand to see what is happening in the park that day. We also share the tips for ARTIS in the extensive May holiday guide for Amsterdam >>
Amersfoort Zoo © Your Little Black Book
A day at the amusement parks
In the mood for a day full of action and excitement? You will find it throughout the Netherlands. amusement parks which are perfect for a day out with children. From large parks such as Wallibi Holland to smaller, manageable options such as Sprookjeswonderland for younger kids. Curious where you need to be? View our shortlist of the best amusement parks throughout the Netherlands here >>
Visiting the castle
A day at a castle remains something magical. Scattered throughout the Netherlands, you will find castles where you can not only look around but also do something really fun. This is how it is Muiderslot It is extra fun during the May holidays (April 18 to May 3) with a program full of activities. Go on a garden safari, help build a LEGO castle, or create your own creations with recycled materials. Everything revolves around spring and discovery.
Herengracht 1, Muiden
Also Castle the hair It is highly recommended if you are looking for a fairytale day. Here you walk through the grand castle halls and gardens, and children can go on a scavenger hunt or play in the maze. Spot the deer in the park and let yourself be transported to another time for a moment.
Kasteellaan 1, Utrecht
| TIP: Even more castles to visit during the May holidays? Check out our list here with: 21 X Most Beautiful Castles in the Netherlands You Can Visit >>
Muiderslot Castle © Your Little Black Book
More fun outings with children during the May holidays throughout the Netherlands
To the museum with the kids
A day trip to a museum, but one where children can actually do something. Think of places where they are allowed to try, feel, and discover for themselves instead of just looking. Precisely those interactive museums make a cultural outing fun for the whole family. During the May holidays, extra activities are often organized, meaning there is even more to experience. Check out our favorite museums to visit during the May holidays throughout the Netherlands below.
NATURAL
Looking for a museum that is anything but boring? Then you've come to the right place at Naturalis in Leiden
This is definitely a hit with kids: from coming face-to-face with T. rex Trix to exploring on your own in the LiveScience Lab. With scavenger hunts and interactive exhibits, you can easily spend a few hours here. Extra fun: there are plenty of activities where children get hands-on. For example, bring a nature find to the 'Nature Consultation Hour' and let experts examine what you have found. In the workshops, you can experiment yourself (touching is mandatory!) and see how animals are prepared. The Discovery Boxes are also highly recommended, where you learn all about seeds, shells, and stones. View the full program on the website.
Darwinweg 2, Leiden – naturalis.nl
Naturalis © Your Little Black Book
Railway animals at the Railway Museum
Trains, trains, and more trains! From historic trains you can look inside to playing and discovering throughout the entire museum. During the May holidays, there is extra much to do at the Railway Museum in Utrecht including a scavenger hunt, creative activities such as making a mask, and fun programs in the garden with a curator.
When: April 18 to May 3, 2026
Where: Railway Museum, Utrecht
For more information, please visit the website: railwaymuseum.nl
the Railway Museum © Your Little Black Book
Between Art and Kids at the Zuiderzee Museum
In the Zuiderzeemuseum Step back in time with children for a moment, but in a way that is anything but boring. At the open-air museum, they discover how people used to live around the Zuiderzee, with old Dutch games, crafts, and activities where they get to work themselves. That is precisely what makes this a great tip for the May holidays. From April 25 to May 3, everything revolves around creativity and doing things together during Tussen Kunst en Kids' WeeksGet to work in the studio with an embroidery card, become a 'designer for a day,' or create a colorful object at the TENTacles project. There are also performances and surprises throughout the museum, such as street theater and an interactive flea circus.
When: April 25 to May 3, 2026
Where: Zuiderzee Museum, Enkhuizen
Learn all about the body in CORPUS
Start in the knee and end in the brain. In Corpus Children take an educational journey through the human body, packed with interactive facts. Suitable for children aged 7 and up.
Willem Einthovenstraat 1, Oegstgeest
Corpus © Your Little Black Book
Watching dinosaurs at the PRESERVATIVE MUSEUM
For kids who are crazy about everything that has to do with dinosaurs, there is of course Dinosaur Experience Park in Gouda or the Dinosaur Forest in Amersfoort ZooLess well known is the Prehistoric Museum in North Brabant. We were here very recently for an overnight stay and WOW, what a fun outing this is. From dinosaur skeletons to a walking route through the forest past 'real' dinosaurs. But what perhaps impressed my son the most was that researchers were working in the lab with real dinosaur bones. He even got to hold one.
Bosscheweg 80, Boxtel – oertijdmuseum.nl
Prehistoric Museum © Your Little Black Book
Family activities at Teylers Museum
During the May holidays, Teylers Museum is in Haarlem A great tip if you are looking for something cultural and interactive with children. There is plenty to do, from family lectures and scavenger hunts to creative workshops. For example, you can participate in a try-out of a science quiz, go on an expedition during a family tour, or see a moving dinosaur up close during a demo. It is precisely this mix of looking, listening, and doing it yourself that makes this museum fun for children.
When: April 18 to May 3, 2026
Where: Teylers Museum, Haarlem
For more information, please visit the website: teylersmuseum.nl
| TIP: Looking for more kid-friendly museums to visit during the May holidays? Check out our list here 38 X Best Museums for Children Throughout the Netherlands, by Province >>
Science Quiz © Family Activities at Teylers Museum
Fenix Museum during a day trip to Rotterdam
Create a A day in Rotterdam With children? Put Fenix on your list and turn it into a mini-adventure by taking the water taxi. That ride alone makes the outing extra fun. Once you arrive in Katendrecht, there is plenty to do on and around the square at Fenix, where interactive programs are regularly organized for children. For instance, the KinderPraatPaal Talk Show on April 26 is highly recommended if you have kids who love to show or tell stories. They can take to the stage themselves to talk, sing, dance, or simply listen to others. It is precisely this open atmosphere that makes it accessible and fun to join in. Every edition is different, so you never know exactly what to expect. On King's Day (April 27), there is Kaapse Koningsdag, and the square transforms into a lively spot with a children's flea market, creative workshops, music, and even a carousel. While the kids play, you can relax on one of the terraces on Deliplein. This way, you effortlessly combine culture, play, and relaxation into a complete day out in Rotterdam.
Paul Nijghkade 5, Rotterdam – fenix.nl
| TIP: Check out our Rotterdam bucket list with 24 things you want to do at least once in your life here >>
More fun outings with children during the May holidays throughout the Netherlands
The Efteling
The Efteling We always really enjoy going there. Walking around together in the Fairytale Forest, where the stories truly come to life, remains special with younger kids. If you go with slightly older children, you can easily alternate that with attractions like Joris and the Dragon or the Baron. Do you want to turn it into a mini-getaway? Then stay overnight in the Efteling Hotel, so that you have plenty of time to explore the park at your leisure and really get away from it all together.
Europalaan 1, Kaatsheuvel – Efteling
Efteling Grand Hotel © Your Little Black Book
Circus City Festival Rotterdam
During the May holidays, Rotterdam transforms into one giant circus spectacle during the Circusstad Festival. Performances, workshops, and shows packed with acrobatics, dance, theater, and humor can be seen at Schouwburgplein and various locations throughout the city. Children can participate in the Circusstad Lab, where they can try out juggling, tightrope walking, or acrobatics.
When: April 29 to May 3, 2026
Where: Rotterdam
For more information, please visit the website: circusstad.nl
More fun things to do with kids during the May holidays throughout the Netherlands
Tulip Festival
Every spring, the Noordoostpolder transforms into a colorful flower paradise during the Tulip Festival. With special driving routes, cycling routes, and walking trails, you can admire the vast tulip fields at your own pace. Along the way, there are fun stops, children's activities, and photo spots. Pack a picnic basket full of treats and take a break along the way for a cozy picnic among the tulip fields. Only during the blooming season, so don't miss this opportunity during the May holidays!
When: April 17 to May 3, 2026
Where: Northeastpolder
For more information, please visit the website: tulipfestival.nl
May Festival – Wijk aan Zee
Wijk aan Zee celebrates spring with the cozy May Festival, where you can easily spend a day with the whole family. Think live music, food trucks, and a relaxed atmosphere right by the beach. Extra fun for kids: on May 17, there is a special Kids Fun Festival featuring the Buurman & Buurman Roadshow and a performance by Woezel & Pip, among others.
When: May 17, 2026
Where: Wijk aan Zee
For more information, please visit the website: meifestival.nl
© May Festival – Wijk aan Zee
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