Summertime is an amazing time for children, but it can be a long time for parents who may be running out of ideas to keep their children busy in the last few weeks before school starts. Especially after the corona lockdown, you probably want to make sure to avoid too much screen time. We have gathered the following ideas to make the most of the rest of your summer holiday!

1.    Visit the Amsterdamse Bos

The Amsterdam Forrest is located right across our school. With several swimming pools and a big lake, there are plenty of opportunities to cool off or to wander in the cool shade. Why not rent a canoe and discover the Bos from the water?

2.    Picnic in the park

A great way to discover Amsterdam is through its parks. Make some time to eat a traditional Dutch ‘broodje’ (sandwich) in the beautiful green scenery of Amsterdam. There are plenty of places to discover such as Vondelpark, Rembrandtpark, Beatrixpark, Oosterpark and Westerpark. All these parks also have children’s pools in case you’re trying to beat the heat. If you live in Amsterdam South-East, you take your family the water playgrounds at Gaasperpark with the children.

3.    Take a Bike ride through the city centre

Now that the city centre is not packed with tourists, why not try to explore more of Amsterdam with the children using these cycling route maps: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/plan-your-trip/getting-around/cycling/cycle-routes. Did you know that most of our students commute to school by bike just like their Dutch peers?

4.    Visit a museum

Amsterdam has an incredible number of museums you could visit during the next few weeks, but a few really stand out:

- Amsterdam Museum "the Little Orphanage"

Did you know the Amsterdam Museum used to be the City Orphanage for 400 years? In the Little Orphanage (Het Kleine Weeshuis) children and their parents can discover what life was like in a 17th-century orphanage. Suitable for children from 3 years old. 

- Nemo Science Museum

At NEMO Science Museum, all ages can be inspired by the fascinating science and technology exhibitions. Five floors are crammed full of hands-on exhibitions, experiments, demonstrations and workshops.

- Children’s Museum in the Jewish Historical Museum

The Children’s Museum is a museum created especially for younger visitors inside the Jewish Historical Museum. It is part of the Jewish Cultural Quarter. Children can learn about Jewish life and Jewish tradition in an entertaining way. The museum’s interior is set up to resemble a Jewish family’s home.

- Tropenmuseum

Celebrate the summer and visit the Tropenmuseum. They offer creative and educational activities 7 days a week and most activities are included in the entrance ticket.

5.    Do crafts at home

Get creative and make some beautiful artworks you can hang up in your home. For example, why not make a kaleidoscope. This would be fun to do if it happens to rain, or even if you want something different to do with your children. Here is a fun guide to show you how to make one!

6.    Break free from an escape room

If your child is a risk-taker and a big fan of puzzles, why not try out one of the many escape rooms organized around the city. Most of the escape rooms have a special room designed for children aged 9+. An escape room would be a perfect opportunity to trigger lateral and creative thinking skills ready for the start of school again!

7.    Visit a pool

Would you rather dive into a swimming pool? At the Mirandabad, Sloterparkbad or the Flevoparkbad in Amsterdam you can take a plunge, but you can also go to the Meerkamp in Amstelveen or the Amstelbad in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Did you know all our Primary students have regular swimming lessons and the opportunity to gain their swimming diploma?