Top 5 Most Common Things Dutch Families Do During School Holidays

When the month of July arrives in the Netherlands, you’ll notice a change in the air. It’s not just the sunshine that happens more often, but the long-awaited school vakantie or school holidays. And this means time to relax, unwind and make memories with your family. It’s vacation time! Medyo kakaiba po ang summer vacation dito sa Netherlands. And as a Filipino mom raising my kids here, at first I was curious about how Dutch families really spend their holidays. And then after years of observing and experiencing it myself (and of course talk to other parents about it), I can tell you that Dutch families take their holidays seriously — and they do it well. Whether you’re an expat, a Pinay mom like me, or even a local looking for fresh inspiration, here’s a fun and down-to-earth guide to how Dutch families spend their school holidays — and how your family can join in too!

1. Camping: The Ultimate Dutch Summer Tradition
If you’ve never seen a fully packed Dutch car with bikes, tents, and half a Decathlon store on the roof—then you haven’t experienced summer in the Netherlands yet. Camping is hugely popular here, and for good reason. Whether it’s a weekend at a local campground or two weeks in France or Italy, Dutch families love escaping to nature. And when I say “camping,” it ranges from basic tents to luxurious glamping setups with private showers and kitchens. Our family are campers and we stay in the campsite for 2 weeks usually. We once tried a campsite just an hour away, and we have tried driving for 2 days. Both felt like a total getaway!

Why it works for families:


• ✅ It’s budget-friendly

  
• ✅ Kids can roam freely and make instant friends

  
• ✅ It’s simple, slow-paced, and all about family time
  

Even if you’re not the "outdoor" type, there are cozy campgrounds with cabins and holiday homes. You still get the camping experience — with fewer bug bites! 

CHECK OUT ALL OUR CAMPING VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: PINAY MOM'S BLOGS

2. Holiday Parks: Comfort + Fun All-in-One
If camping isn’t your style, but you still want that mix of relaxation and adventure, then Dutch-style holiday parks are your best friend. Think of places like Center Parcs, Landal GreenParks, or Roompot—little villages filled with cottages, indoor pools, playgrounds, and kids' clubs. We’ve tried Center Parcs when our kids were much younger and that worked out for us.

Why Dutch families love it:


• ✅ Everything is in one place—no need to drive anywhere

  
• ✅ There’s entertainment for every age

  
• ✅ Great for both summer and winter breaks
  

Holiday parks are also super inclusive—many have baby-friendly amenities, accessible cottages, and some have pet-friendly options. It’s like your own tiny resort, minus the plane ticket.

3. Beach Days: Sand, Sea, and Stroopwafels
Did you know the Netherlands has over 450 kilometers of coastline? And when the sun is out, everyone heads to the beach. Popular spots like Zandvoort, Scheveningen, and Texel (up north) become lively with families, towels, and ice cream vendors. Even if the water’s a little chilly, the joy of just being by the sea — with frietjes en frikandel (fries and sausages) in hand — is enough to make any day feel like vacation. We’ve made it a tradition to walking along the beaches of Zandvoort some weekends then grab a bit to eat at one of the restaurants. It’s nice family bonding.

Why it’s a Dutch favorite:


• ✅ It’s free and fun

  
• ✅ Easily reachable by bike, train, or car

  
• ✅ Great mix of nature and people-watching
  

Pro tip: bring layers. Dutch beach weather can go from swimwear to sweaters real quick!

4. Theme Parks & Zoos: Big Smiles for Little People
Nothing says "school holiday" quite like a day at Efteling, Duinrell, or ARTIS Amsterdam Zoo. Dutch families love spending a day — or even a weekend — at these well-maintained and creative spots. Efteling is like the Dutch version of Disneyland, but with more trees and fairy tales. Duinrell has a water park AND a roller coaster. And ARTIS has everything from lions to science exhibits, perfect for curious little minds. We've gone to all three of these places many times and we still keep going back for more.

Why it's a top pick:


• ✅ Magical and memorable for kids of all ages
  
• 
✅ Educational without being boring

  
• ✅ Easy to plan for a day trip or weekend stay
  

Many of these parks offer discounted tickets with a Museumkaart or seasonal deals, so keep an eye out!

5. Cycling and Nature Adventures

If there’s one thing the Dutch do not mess around with, it’s cycling. And school holidays are the perfect time for family bike rides, especially to natural parks and reserves, or just your local forest path. Dutch families will pack a picnic, hop on their bikes, and ride through the next forest path like it’s the most normal thing in the world. I am not a fan of cycling myself but when we do go cycling together as a family, I honestly find it so refreshing. We get the exercise, the fresh air and we appreciate nature more.

Why biking rules the holiday season:


• ✅ Totally free (if you’ve got a bike)

  
• ✅ Great for bonding and exploring

  
• ✅ Fits all energy levels—from chill rides to mountain biking
  

Some families even do “fietsvakantie” — bike vacations where they ride from town to town and sleep in small B&Bs.

But Wait — Don’t They Travel Abroad Too?
Of course! Dutch families love to travel. You’ll see them driving caravans to France, flying to Spain, or skiing in Austria during winter break. But for many, especially with younger kids, a staycation or short drive is just as ideal. Traveling abroad is usually planned well in advance, with detailed itineraries, budget-friendly Airbnbs, and road trips packed with family games and beach umbrellas. If your family is new to European travel, start local. Try neighboring Belgium or Germany for a few nights — easy drive, great culture, and plenty of family-friendly options!

What Can We Learn from the Dutch?
As a Filipina mom raising my Filipino-Dutch kids here in Europe, I’ve learned that you don’t need to go far or spend big to have an amazing school break. Lahat po dito nagbabakasyon without spending a lot. Dutch families are experts in:

• ✅ Keeping things simple

  
• ✅ Prioritizing time together

  
• ✅ Exploring what’s right in their backyard

And we can totally embrace that too.

Final Thoughts: Summer is What You Make It
Summer holidays in the Netherlands might not always mean sunshine or flights to far away places, but they do mean time to reset, recharge, and reconnect. Whether you’re biking through tulip fields, camping by a lake, or eating frietjes (fries) on the beach, remember: the magic is in the moment. So pack your bags (or your picnic basket), gather your crew and go try something new this summer break. You might just discover a new tradition your family will look forward to every year. And if you ever need ideas, feel free to check out my Youtube channel for things to do and places to see in the Netherlands and neighboring countries!

Back to HOME

Back to Mom & PARENTING