There is plenty to do in the Northern Netherlands during the May holiday. Think of a circus show, a wild picking walk, Open Jewish Houses, children’s theater, a shopping route and much more. Have you already planned your outing?
Circus show with acrobats, animals and a lifelike dinosaur
During the May holidays, from April 29 to May 7, Circus Saurus pitches its tent next to the parking lot of the Sprookjeshof in Zuidlaren. Every day at 2 pm Circus Saurus gives a performance of one and a half hours and they take you on a journey through the jungle. With jugglers, acrobats, knife throwers, fire eaters and clowns, the show contains all the classic elements that a circus performance needs.
In addition, there are animals, such as horses, mini cows and llamas. You can also meet a lifelike T-Rex dinosaur.
Jewish Open Houses: Houses of Resistance
The life stories of resistance fighters and Jewish Groningen residents are shared in a place that has something to do with their lives. On April 30, May 3 and May 4, stories and guided tours will be organized in the municipalities of Eemsmond, Groningen, Het Hogeland and Oldambt.
On Wednesday 3 May (together with the Akerk) and on Thursday 4 May there will be activities in Synagogue Groningen as part of Open Jewish Houses-Houses of Resistance. On Wednesday you can take part in a tour of the former Jewish quarter from 1.30 pm. At 3 p.m., Harry de Munck will talk in the Akerk about his grandfather, who was a sexton here during wartime and had people go into hiding. Synagogue Groningen will be open on Thursday from 10.30 am. Many meetings are organized that day because of Open Jewish Houses / Houses of Resistance. For example, in the Rabbinate House, Nathalie van der Hak will tell the life story of her great-grandparents Moritz and Aaltje at 2 p.m.
Fantastic, just like a unicorn
Do you ever think you’re nothing special? While you are clearly as special as a unicorn. Do you ever feel so small that maybe you don’t matter? While the little ones can bring about the greatest things. Do you ever think you’re just everyday? While you are certainly much more special than a fries special? Or do you dream about big things? Do you fantasize about the impossible? Are you going to change the world?
Fantastic is a performance by BonteHond for children aged 6 and older about everyday things; things, people, dreams and goals, which may seem to be the one and may seem nothing special at first glance. But precisely behind that which is not visible at first sight, there is still a whole world hidden. The performance can be seen on Wednesday 3 May at De Lawei in Drachten.
BelleFair along farmyards and picturesque lanes
Start the May holiday with a visit to the BelleFair in the green village of Echten. On Saturday you will find a craft market at this artistic spring festival between the old farms, but also a children’s square with theater and workshops and a series of performances by regional talent. With more than fifty stalls, the fair itself is bigger and more varied than ever.
The route of the market starts and ends on the Brink and runs through (farmers) yards and along picturesque lanes. On the market you will find crafts, regional and global products, home accessories, toys, jewelry, clothing, books, gift items and more.
Sail on the terrace over the Paterswoldsemeer
On the Paterswoldsemeer it is possible to board a very special boat. This boat looks like a floating terrace. Enjoy the view, the water, the surroundings and of course the company. You will be welcomed with a delicious welcome drink and a hospitable captain and sailor. On your own private terrace you sail along a beautiful route, with more than enough tasty snacks and drinks along the way.
On the terrace it is also possible to grab a sup and paddle over the Paterswoldsemeer. In addition, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit; with the swimming ladder you can jump into the water for a refreshing dip. A raincoat is not necessary; Fortunately, if there is a shower, the roof can also be closed. Until October 1, there are four time slots when it is possible to sail: from 12:00 to 14:00, from 14:30 to 16:30, from 17:00 to 21:00 from 19:30 to 21:30. Reserve your time slot at www.thelake.events.
Crafts with Bommel and Tom Poes
The Bommel and Tom Poes museum wants to introduce children to Tom Poes and his friends who used to conquer children’s hearts. Every Wednesday afternoon, the museum organizes a craft and reading afternoon. In the midst of the cartoon characters, the children actively engage with the comic book heroes by making a diorama, coloring, modeling and so on. Crafting is alternated with reading aloud.
Afterwards, the children can buy a comic book with Tom Poes stories from Donald Duck, which have been retold using contemporary language.
War Women, about women in the Second World War
The performance is on Thursday, May 4 Warwomen to be seen in the Stadsschouwburg of Groningen. This performance by Karina Holla is based on The War Has No Woman’s Face by Nobel Prize winner Svetlana Alexievich. She interviewed three hundred women from the former Soviet Union about their experiences as soldiers in World War II.
They fought shoulder to shoulder against this invasion: partisans, fighter pilots, mechanics and snipers. Instead of brides, they became soldiers. They fought like the men, rifle and bayonet at the ready. “A monument to suffering and courage in our time,” said the Nobel Committee.
Touring along the North Frisian Shopping Route
Saturday 29 April it is time again for the North Frisian Shopping Route. Grab the bike or car and go on an adventure along various authentic shops and studios. Along the route of about 60 kilometers you will find shops that all highlight a regional product, from food and drink to handmade jewelry, art or plants. You can start the route at any location.
With a stamp card you will receive a stamp at every location that will yield a nice gift when the card is full. The route can be followed every last Saturday of the month, but can also be driven every Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon. In that case, check the individual opening times.
Everything about the Middle Ages with a children’s castle tour
Dress up as a real knight or damsel and join us on an exciting voyage of discovery through Drenthe’s only castle. A children’s castle tour will start on 2, 5 and 7 May at the Municipal Museum of Coevorden. Imagine… it’s been a thousand years and you live in the castle of Coevorden.
Where do you sleep? And what kind of toys do you have? In the interactive tour of the impressive building you will discover everything about life in the Middle Ages.
Sports in the Frisian Maritime Museum
About 100 years ago, most children played football in the street and girls wore long dresses for gymnastics. In the Fries Scheepvaart Museum you can see during the May holidays how children used to do sports, but you can also do sports yourself. In the main hall there are all kinds of devices and appliances to work on your strength, speed and flexibility.
Train your arms and legs on the rowing machine, make a somersault on the mat and test who can cycle faster, you or grandma or grandpa? The sports hall in the Fries Scheepvaart Museum is open until 7 May.
Spring Festival and Oerrr and Eilander Market
For everyone who can be found on Schiermonnikoog during the May holidays, there is the Oerrr and Eilander Market on Wednesday 3 May. During the spring festival, children can participate in nature activities and crafts. Go on an insect safari, make beeswax candles, craft an insect hotel for earwigs, make plaster paw prints, pop popcorn over the fire, roast a marshmallow and make a mural with sidewalk chalk.
In addition to the children’s activities, you will also find a market with products from Schiermonnikoog. Products are sold on the market that are made, invented or grown by the islanders themselves. Think of knitting, baking, cheese, crafts, art, garden plants, vegetables… The spring party takes place at the work shed of Natuurmonumenten at Knuppeldam 4.
Food from Nature during the May holiday
Hit during the May holidays IVN Westerkwartier eo, the Groninger Landschap and the NDCE join forces for a family activity around the theme Food from Nature. On Wednesday, May 3, you will be looking for wild plants at Landgoed Coendersborg in Nuis, such as nettles, ground trout, ground elder, wild garlic and leaves, including birch and hawthorn.
You can make a delicious meal from all those picked plants and leaves. You can register until May 1 via [email protected].