What to do during the summer holidays? 7 fun days out with children in the Zaanstreek
Six weeks of summer holidays sounds heerlijk, but sooner or later that one question inevitably pops up: what shall we do today? Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far for a special family day out. In the Zaanstreek, children can explore biscuit factories, see the insides of working windmills, try their hand at traditional crafts and even follow in the footsteps of a Russian tsar.
These are our favourite cultural outings and events for families during the summer holidays.
Go on a family discovery tour at the Zaans Museum
Are windmills the clean factories of the future? And can only people be artists? During the family tour ‘Smart families and daredevils wanted! ’, children and adults set off on an adventure together.
With a special innovation toolkit, you can discover the world of Zaan pioneers, creators and inventors. Of course, a visit to the Verkade Experience is a must. Standing amongst the machines that are still in operation, it feels for a moment as though you’ve stepped into an old biscuit and chocolate factory.
Good to know: the family tour is suitable for families with children aged 6 and over and is available daily until 31 August 2026. The tour costs €5 per family, excluding admission.
Check out the family tour and the latest visitor information
Experience the power of the wind at Wereld van Windmolens
How do you turn wind into paint, oil or sawn timber? At Wereld van Windmolens , children discover just how important windmills used to be for the Zaan region.
At the Windmill Museum, a multimedia discovery tour awaits, and children can set off on a treasure hunt. Combine your visit to the museum with a trip to a working windmill. When the sails are turning, you can really feel and hear just how much power there is in the wind.
Discover Wereld van Windmolens
Discover Zaandam through the eyes of Claude Monet
Did you know that Claude Monet lived in Zaandam for four months? The famous French painter was inspired by the colourful wooden houses, windmills and boats along the River Zaan. He painted no fewer than 25 pictures here.
At the MonetAtelier, you can view replicas of his works depicting the Zaan region. Afterwards, you can head outside to look for the spots that Monet painted. What has changed, and what do you still recognise?
Good to know: children under 12 can visit the studio for free.
Visit the Monet Atelier
Discover Jisp from both the water and the land
What’s the best way to get to know a historic village in the Zaan region? During ‘Jisp on Foot and by Water’, the adventure begins with a boat trip through the Wormer and Jisperveld. Halfway through, you’ll disembark for a walk through Jisp, guided by someone who knows the village’s stories and history.
A lovely combination of boating, nature and heritage, particularly suitable for families with slightly older children.
Good to know: the activity takes place on 9, 16 and 30 August 2026 and costs €17.50 per person. Meet at the Poelboerderij.
Explore Jisp on foot and by water
Experiment with water at HEMLAB
Pumps, siphons, giant soap bubbles and Archimedes’ principles: at the Water Holiday Lab, children are encouraged to carry out their own experiments. When the weather is fine, activities take place outdoors; if it rains, the programme moves indoors.
Good to know: the Water Holiday Lab is aimed at children aged 7 to 14 and takes place on 14 and 15 August 2026. A ticket costs €14.20. Don’t forget to bring a towel
Check out the Water Holiday Lab
Join the Zaanse Summer Experience for free
Fancy doing something active or creative? During the Zaanse Summer Experience, free activities centred on sport, culture and lifestyle are being organised at various locations across the Zaan region.
The programme runs on weekdays up to and including 14 August 2026. The activities and locations vary from day to day, so be sure to check in advance which activity suits you best.
Follow in the footsteps of Tsar Peter
Right in the centre of Zaandam stands a wooden cottage dating from 1632. It is so fragile that a complete stone building was later erected around it. In 1697, the Russian Tsar Peter the Great stayed here for eight days whilst trying to learn the trade of shipwright in the Zaan region.
At the Czaar Peterhuisje , children can experience how small people’s homes used to be. Take a close look at the walls and windows too: visitors from different centuries have left their names here
Read more about Tsar Peter
Looking for more things to do during the summer holidays?
As well as these tips, there are performances, exhibitions, workshops and other family activities organised throughout the summer. So be sure to check the Zaanstreek’s latest events calendar before you set off.
That way, you’ll discover something new every week of the holidays.