Kids (and parents) in Haarlem are counting down to Spring break. With only a few more days to go, it is time to plan some fun activities! Whether you are looking for workshops, kids entertainment, or for activities to keep busy during the break, we’ve got you covered! Below you’ll find a variety of things to do during the upcoming break.
Extraordinary film & theater playlist at the Schuur
The Schuur really outdid themselves this year with an extraordinary spring break program. They have even added a few performances specifically geared towards the younger audiences. ‘Tuimel & Bounce’ is suitable for ages 3 and up. Children 4 years and older can go to the incredible, funny and entertaining ‘Slinger!’ which is inspired by the characters of the famous Annie M.G. Schmidt books. ‘Johannes de Parkiet’ (6+) is a colorful play complete with puppets, music and modern dans.
Other plays like ‘Chef Kanin – Laat zich niet kisten’ (8+), ‘Midsland Oklahoma’ (also 8+), or the sassy ‘Pippi Powerrrrr’ (8+) and ‘Sawdust Symphony’ (10+), are a mix of theatrical entertainment and craftsmanship. The Schuur will also play the animated movie ‘Kleine All’ (6+) as well as the Cinekid Special ‘Kung Fu Leeuw’ (8+) which includes an accompanying workshop.
Info: for dates, times and costs check: voorjaarsvakantiepagina van de Schuur
Location: Lange Begijnestraat 9, Haarlem
Tickets: available at schuur.nl
Discovering, painting & dressing up at the Frans Hals Museum
Kids will have plenty to do this spring break at the Frans Hals Museum located at Groot Heiligland. Have you ever participated in the special kids tour visiting all the highlights at the museum? Or taken part in the art workshop?
Or how about the free scavenger hunt? Or a visit to the virtual Frans Hals Museum on their website,Facebook or Instagram where you can have your kids (and yourself) pose with the life-sized print of Frans Hals himself.
On March 1st, Annemarie Jongbloed will visit the museum and read from her exciting book ‘De Meestervervalser’. You can find her between the paintings at 13:30 and at 14:30pm.
Visiting hours: the museum is open Tues-Sun from 11:00 – 17:00pm.
The special kids tours (ages 6-11) will take place on Feb 26 and 28th and on March 4th at 13:15pm. The painting and art workshops (ages 6-12) will take place during visiting hours at 11:30 – 13:00 and at 14:30 – 16:00pm.
Tickets: €16 for adults, children and museum cardholders enter for free. Special events are mostly included but be sure to double check beforehand. The kids tour and art workshops are €7,50 per person. All tickets can be purchased at the door or at franshalsmuseum.nl.
Location: Groot Heiligland 62 (Hof location), Haarlem.
Fun & Games and a two-day camp at Playground Haarlem
The doors to Playground Haarlem have finally opened! Kids can explore, build, and enjoy endless hours of play and discovery.
During spring break, Playground Haarlem has organized a two-day camp. Developed for kids ages 4 – 12 years of age, the program is filled with fun activities such as washing machine soccer, dancing in the silent disco, a LEGO workshop, a free-run clinic, baking your own bread and roasting marshmallows, an escape adventure and much more!
Visiting hours: Playground Haarlem is open daily from 11:00-17:30pm.
Camp will take place on the following dates: Feb 27 & 28, March 1 & 2, and March 3 & 4.
Info: Entrance fees are €5,50 for kids ages 1 – 3 and €8,95 for kids ages 4 – 14 years old. Entrance fees include a glass of lemonade and an apple. Adults enter for free. Pay by PIN only.
Costs for the two day camp are €120 per child and includes fruit, healthy snacks and drinks.
Location: Woudplein 2A, Haarlem
Reservations: playgroundhaarlem.nl
Survival challenge during the RUIG Day at Scopo Atletico
While you get a few hours of work in or give yourself a well-deserved little break, your child can enjoy themselves on an adventure in the dunes. The Scopo Atletico team are organizing an exciting RUIG day for kids ages 4-12 years. A day full of adventure, going off track, climbing in trees and running through the sand, your little one will be sure to tackle each challenge.
When: the survival day with take place on March 2nd from 10:00 – 15:00pm.
Info: costs are €49 and includes lunch and snacks
Location: Bezoekerscentrum Kennemerduinen
Reservations: via scopo-atletico.nl
Make your own treasure box at Teylers Museum
Minerals, instruments, fossils and paintings. The versatile collection at Teylers Museum is worth the visit with your little one. You may want to try making your way around the Pieter Teylers Huis as well. During spring break, the museum has prepared several exciting activities suitable for the whole family. From interactive drawing boards where you’ll be researching fossils (8+) or scientific instruments (10+). Or take part in the arts and crafts workshop where you can make your own treasure box to take home with you (4+).
While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the museum cafe where you’ll be able to watch a robot in action, as it serves you your drinks.
Visiting hours: During spring break, the museum is open daily from 10:00 – 17:00pm.
The interactive excursions are scheduled on Feb 25 and March 1, 4 & 5 with a duration of 30 minutes.
‘Fossil Fantasies’ starts at 12:30pm,
‘Draw how it works’ at 11:30 and at 13:30pm.
The workshop for making your own treasure box is walk-in and takes place on February 25 & 26th and on March 1, 4 and 5th from 13:00 – 15:30pm.
Info: tickets for the museum are €15 for adults and €2,50 for kids ages 6 – 17 years of age. Kids ages 0-6 as well as museum cardholders may enter for free.
All excursions and workshops are included in the ticket price.
Location: Spaarne 16, Haarlem
Reservations: Tickets can be bought at the door or online at teylersmuseum.nl.
The family musical ‘Jungleboek’ in the Stadsschouwburg
You might know Theater Terra from their long history of family entertainment and musicals. They have been entertaining both domestic and international audiences for over 40 years. During spring break, Theater Terra is back in the Stadsschouwburg Haarlem. Bringing “Jungleboek”, the story of a little boy named Mowgli and all of his adventures in the jungle, to life. After the show there will be an opportunity to get your picture taken with Mowgli.
When: March 1st at 15:00pm
Info: ticket costs are between €12,50 and €22,50
Location: Stadsschouwburg, Wilsonplein 23, Haarlem
Reservations: theater-haarlem.nl
Lots of LEGO at the LOCO Fabriek
For the LEGO fanatics, a visit to the LOCO Fabriek is a definite must.
During spring break, Brick Kids will be organizing a workshop for kids ages 6 – 12 years.
If your little one isn’t a big fan of crowds and would much rather spend an hour building alongside a friend, you might be able to rent the LEGO space for €35 an hour, upon availability. If you are craving some alone time in the city, the LOCO Fabriek has sitters available in the LEGO space to watch your little one. This service is available for kids ages 5+ (with a maximum of 4 kids at a time). Costs for this additional service are €25 for one, and €35 for two hours.
Visiting hours: the Brick Kids workshops are scheduled to take place on February 25th and on March 1, 2, 3 & 4 from 10:00 – 12:00.
Info: workshop fees are €29,95 per child, and includes a drink, snack, certificate and keepsake from the photobooth.
Location: Zijlstraat 54, Haarlem
Reservations: loco-fabriek.nl
In need of more tips? How about ice skating? Or taking a nature walk in the woods or dunes?
Whatever you decide to do, we hope you’ll enjoy Spring break.
Text by: Eva Cameron-Bakker
Translated by: Fatima Fazli-Vermeulen
Cover picture: Eva Cameron-Bakker
Accompanying pictures were taken at various locations.
This blog was written in collaboration with the Frans Hals Museum, LOCO Fabriek, Playground Haarlem, the Schuur, Scopo Atlectico, Stadsschouwburg & Philharmonie Haarlem and Teylers Museum. Interested in collaborating? Click here.
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Or purchase the Mugjes e-book, filled with over 200 locations and activities for children aged 0-7, here.
