The May holiday in 2018 offers a fantastic opportunity for family adventures. Whether you're seeking free or budget-friendly activities, we've curated proven tips for outings from April 21 to May 6.
Officially, the May holiday spans April 28 to May 6, 2018. Many schools extend it, starting as early as April 21 or running past May 6. As experienced family outing planners familiar with Dutch school calendars, we've organized these top recommendations by province—perfect for staycations or local explorations.
King's Day on April 27, 2018, brings celebrations across the Netherlands. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima visit Groningen, sparking city-wide events. Elsewhere, King's Nights feature parties and free markets starting late. On the day itself, flea markets overflow with kids' toys, clothes, and bargains. Pro tip from our market-savvy team: check our 10 tips to earn quick cash selling at King's Day.
From April 18-22, 2018, witness 20 stunning floats and 30+ decorated cars in a 40km floral procession, complete with music bands.
When: April 18-22, 2018
Where: Setup April 18-20 at De Leeuw Flowerbulbs, Rijksstraatweg 52, Sassenheim; Noordwijkerhout center (April 20 from 20:00); Procession April 21 Noordwijk to Haarlem; April 22 Gedempte Gracht, Haarlem/Boulevard Noordwijk aan Zee
Time: Full day
Admission: €5 (includes setup, free coffee/tea); Free along route
On April 22, 2018, explore reptiles, spiders, lizards, turtles, insects, and more at this family hit. Buy terrarium gear too. Details here.
When: April 22, 2018
Where: Holiday Inn, Haagse Schouwweg 10, Leiden
Time: 11:00-16:00
Admission: €5; €3.50 (kids to 12 under supervision, 65+)
May 2-6, 2018: Non-stop circus acts at Schouwburgplein. Daytime free; upgrade to evening shows at Rotterdamse Schouwburg or Oude Luxor.
When: May 2-6, 2018
Where: Schouwburgplein, Rotterdam
Time: 11:00-23:00
Admission: Free (paid performances)
April 29, 2018: Beachside stalls transform the boulevard.
When: April 29, 2018
Where: Scheveningen boulevard
Time: 11:00-18:00
Entrance: Free
April 22, 2018: 125+ stalls, cafeteria on-site—bargains galore pre-King's Day.
When: April 22, 2018
Where: Margriethal, Nieuwe Damlaan 5, Schiedam
Time: 09:00-17:00
Admission: €3; Free (kids to 10 with adult)
April 20-29, 2018: 'Vive le Cirque' celebrates 250 circus years with 25 artists.
When: April 20-29, 2018
Where: Johannes Poststraat, Heemskerk
Time: See website
Admission: €17.50 (all ages at box office)
April 28-May 6: Roman cooking, foraging, archaeology, puppet shows at Huis van Hilde.
When: April 28-May 6, 2018
Where: Westerplein 6, Castricum
Time: See website
Admission: €7.50; €4 (5-17); Free (under 5)
April 28-May 13: Epic climbing route over animal enclosures.
When: April 28-May 13, 2018
Where: Barchman Wuytierslaan 224, Amersfoort
Time: 09:00-18:00
Admission: Regular zoo fee
April 28-May 13: Build and decorate at Speelklok Museum.
When: April 28-May 13, 2018
Where: Steenweg 6, Utrecht
Time: 10:00-17:00
Admission: €4 (crafting extra)
May 6, 2018: Stalls, blueberries, straw bales, pony rides.
When: May 6, 2018
Where: Gasselterboerveen 30, Gasselternijveen
Time: 11:00-16:00
Admission: Free
April 27-May 13: Butterflies, lemurs, jungle theater at Orchideëen Hoeve.
When: April 27-May 13, 2018
Where: Oosterringeweg 34, Luttelgeest
Time: 09:00-18:00 (Sundays/holidays 10:00-18:00)
Admission: €14; €8 (4-12); Free (under 4)
April 28-May 6: Survival challenges, archery, treasure hunts.
When: April 28-May 6, 2018
Where: Verlaatweg 2, Almere
Time: See website
Admission: From €9.50
April 29, 2018: 150+ tables of retro/modern games for enthusiasts.
When: April 29, 2018
Where: Abe Lenstra Boulevard 23Q, Heerenveen
Time: 10:00-15:30
Admission: €3; Free (under 12)
April 29: Cycle 20km past 7 farms—see, taste, experience agriculture.
When: April 29, 2018
Where: Stals nursery, Ingelshof, Stijndergeit, De Kruijs, Kemper dairy, Hoeve Lieshout, Breukers, Limburg water board
Time: 10:30-16:30
Admission: Free
May 5-6: Giant kites, kids' crafts, inflatables, candy grabs.
When: May 5-6, 2018
Where: Schafterdijk 9, Valkenswaard
Time: Sat 10:00-23:59 (lit kites); Sun 10:00-17:00
Admission: Free
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*Featured image: Shutterstock
