Mother's Day arrives on Sunday, May 13, 2018. With Ascension Day on Thursday, May 10, extending the weekend for many families, I've handpicked the best free and affordable outings, events, and festivals. Drawing from years of scouting Dutch family activities, these options ensure memorable moments for moms and everyone.
As an experienced curator of Netherlands events, I've focused on diverse, kid-friendly choices nationwide for May 12-13, 2018.
National Mill Day on Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, 2018, features over 900 windmills open across the country. Each offers unique family programs; kids get a free booklet. A delightful, low-cost outing.
When: Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Various locations
Time: See website
Access: Free
No gift yet? Treat her to a picnic on Sunday, May 13, 2018, along the quay or aboard the FutureLand Ferry. Baskets are packed for family lunches.
When: Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: FutureLand, Europaweg 902, Maasvlakte
Time: 11:00–17:00
Admission: €11.25; €8.75 (children up to 11); €20 deposit for basket
Cruise + picnic: €23.20 (90 min), €21.20 (60 min)
Plant enthusiasts: Visit Trompenburg Gardens' market on May 12-13, 2018, amid blooming rhododendrons. Browse plants, bulbs, tools; enjoy terrace cake.
When: Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Trompenburg Gardens and Arboretum, Honingerdijk 86, Rotterdam
Time: 10:00–17:00
Admission: €7.50; Free (children up to 12/Rotterdam Pass/Museum card)
Indulge in a special brunch on May 13, 2018, followed by free park access. Varied menu with kids' buffet from 11:00–13:00.
When: Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Archeon, Archeonlaan 1, Alphen aan de Rijn
Time: 11:00–13:00 (brunch), then full park
Admission: €34.50; €21.50 (ages 4-11)
Food festival May 9-13, 2018: Global cuisines, live music at Westergasfabriek. Free entry for culinary family fun.
When: Wednesday, May 9–Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Westergasfabriek, Pazzanistraat, Amsterdam
Time: 13:00–23:00
Admission: Free
Alternative: May 11-13, 2018, with dishes, kids' activities, music. Burn calories dancing.
When: Friday, May 11–Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Dudokpark, Hilversum
Time: Fri 16:00–23:00; Sat/Sun 13:00–23:00/20:00
Entrance: Free
May 10-13, 2018: Thomas the Tank Engine, sing-alongs, toys for train fans.
When: Thursday, May 10–Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Spoorwegmuseum, Maliebaanstation, Utrecht
Time: 10:00–17:00
Admission: €17.50; €5 (1-3 yrs); Free (annual pass)
May 12-13, 2018: Varied harp music, including Japanese styles.
When: Saturday, May 12–Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: TivoliVredenburg, Vredenburgkade 11, Utrecht
Time: See website
Admission: €25/€45 (both days, excl. fees)
May 13, 2018: Creative market with vintage, food trucks, kids' entertainment.
When: Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Werkspoorkathedraal, Tractionweg 41, Utrecht
Time: 11:00–17:00
Admission: €2; Free (<18/65+)
May 12-13, 2018: 120+ activities, workshops, brunch option.
When: Saturday, May 12–Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: The Gardens of Frederiksoord, Majoor van Swietenlaan 1b
Time: 10:00–17:00
Admission: €7.50; Free (up to 12)
May 13, 2018: 2-hour team challenges, treasure hunt, reward.
When: Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: SEC Survivals, Verlaatweg 2, Almere
Time: 11:00–16:00
Entrance: €9.50 incl. drink/surprise
May 13, 2018: Boat options from motorboats to sailboats. Pre-register required.
When: Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Havenresort Terherne, Kupersleantsje 5–9
Time: 11:00–13:00
Admission: €23.75; €11.75 (up to 12). Min. 6; info@varendfriesland.nl / 0566-652372
May 11-13, 2018: Theater, music, dining, films.
When: Friday, May 11–Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: De Breuly, Breulylaan, Zevenaar
Time: See website
Admission: Free
May 11-13, 2018: Food, cabaret, kids' activities, fair.
When: Friday, May 11–Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Hofshuusterrein, Leemscherweg 24, Varsseveld
Time: Fri 18:00–midnight; Sat 11:00–midnight; Sun 11:00–22:00
Admission: €12.50 (Fri); €15 (Sat/Sun); €25 pass
May 13, 2018: Elements-themed workshops, food.
When: Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Museum Bronbeek, Velperweg 147, Arnhem
Time: 10:00–17:00
Admission: €6; €3 (6-18/CJP/65+); Free (annual card)
May 13, 2018: Bargains for gifts—toys, vintage, antiques.
When: Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Oranje Nassau's Terrain, Kortenburg 4
Time: 10:00–17:00
Admission: €3; €2.50 (65+); Free (up to 12)
May 13, 2018: Bike routes, kids' race, market.
When: Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Park Brakkenstein, Toernooiveld 100, Nijmegen
Time: 08:00–11:00
Admission: €13–18
May 10-21, 2018: 52 rides at €2.50 max.
When: Thursday, May 10–Sunday, May 21, 2018
Where: Grote Markt, Groningen
Time: All day
Admission: Free
May 12, 2018: Expanded art market meeting artists.
When: Saturday, May 12, 2018
Where: Centrum Venlo
Time: 11:00–17:00
Admission: Free
May 10-13, 2018: Gymnastics, fencing, workshops.
When: Thursday, May 10–Sunday, May 13, 2018
Where: Flik-Flak/Maaspoort, Marathonloop 7, 's-Hertogenbosch
Time: Thu/Fri 09:00–20:00; Sat 09:00–22:00; Sun 09:00–16:00
Admission: €5 (view); €15 (participate)
No standout free events found for Overijssel or Zeeland. Share your tips in comments! For breakfast ideas, try a Zeeland-style surprise.
