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Summer holidays in Groningen

The summer holidays have begun! Are you looking for a destination where you can experience something truly special? Then come to Groningen. Whether you’re travelling with the family, looking to spend quality time with friends or simply want to find some inspiration, Groningen is the place for you. Here you’ll find both tranquillity and excitement, nature and culture.

Landgoed Nienoord | Endless play

Daily - Sometimes you just want everything at once. Playing, climbing, petting animals, a trip on the steam train and maybe an ice cream in between. At Landgoed Nienoord in Leek, no one has to choose. In Familiepark Nienoord , children can do everything: from large playgrounds and a petting zoo to Expedition Nienoord, where you face obstacles together. And a small steam train travels right through the park, for those who want to take a break from all that adventure. Still got energy left? Next to the park is a subtropical swimming castle, surrounded by greenery. Also beautiful: on the estate itself you will find the historic borg Nienoord, where you walk between the old walls into a story from another time. A summer day here flies by. Literally.

Exhibitions in Groningen | For art and culture lovers

Daily – This summer, there’s plenty to do in Groningen for art and culture lovers. At the Groninger Museum , ‘Bakstain’ tells the story of a quintessentially Groningen icon: the brick. At the Forum, the exhibition ‘Marilyn’ unravels the magic behind the Hollywood icon who, a hundred years after her birth, still fascinates us. Prefer something green? At MartiniPlaza , 25 artists pay tribute to the centenary of Stadspark, and at Museum Het MOW, the exhibition ‘Geworteld’ invites you to discover the hidden world of trees. And for those who love a good story: at Museum Wierdenland , ‘BIER zó’ takes you on a journey through 2,500 years of Groningen’s brewing history. Where will you wander into this summer?

Barefoot path | Out of the shoes, into the mud

Every day – Is it an obstacle course? A footpath? Both. Two things we know for sure: you’ll be taking off your shoes and socks, and you won’t stay clean. On the Blotevoetenpad near Opende, the grass tickles the soles of your feet and the mud creeps between your toes. And if it’s rained, there’s even more of it. Along the way, you’ll climb over tree trunks and crawl across the ditch using a rope, so do bring some extra clothes just in case. The short route, one and a half kilometres long, is suitable even for small children and takes you past most of the play equipment and obstacles, whilst the real die-hards opt for the long version, just over three kilometres. Both routes start and finish at a tea garden, because when you’re covered in mud up to your ears, you’ve certainly earned a treat. Messy fun in the great outdoors, for young and old alike.

Huninga's Heem | Swinging through the garden

Daily - You wouldn't expect an English showpiece garden at a Groningen farm. Yet the rich farmers of Oldambt laid out just such a garden in the nineteenth century: a mini-landscape with unusual trees, water, bridges and winding paths, hence the name meandering garden. At Huninga's Heem , that garden has been restored to its former state and the old farmhouse is now an eatery. And fun for young and old: next door is a pitch&putt course, a kind of mini-golf that you never need to have held a golf club before. Walking around, having some food and hitting a ball by the water, that's all you need for a fun afternoon this summer.

What lives in the ditch?

5 July, 2 and 30 August – Set off on an adventure in Groningen and discover what’s living in the ditch. Armed with a dip net and a bucket, you’ll go in search of aquatic creatures such as tadpoles, snails and perhaps even a water scorpion. Using an identification chart, you’ll find out what you’ve caught – it’s both educational and fun! During this nature adventure, you’ll feel just like Freek Vonk for a while. The afternoon is split into two sessions, so choose your favourite time and sign up quickly. Suitable for children aged 6 and over. Do you have your own landing net? Feel free to bring it along.

Park Day | A celebration in the green heart

11 July – Stadspark celebrates its 100th anniversary with Park Day: a summer’s day full of music, culture, sport and games at the former trotting track. Live music will be playing all day on the main stage, from Bogi Smalls and MARIGOLD to the Blues Gallery, whilst at Club Caravan a DJ will be spinning your favourite tracks. On the food court, packed with food trucks, you’ll find Groningen’s longest picnic table, and folk band Rapalje will bring the atmosphere of Zomerfolk to the park. You can join in the fun all afternoon: play mini-golf for free or take a chance on a hot-air balloon ride over the city. For the kids, there are bouncy castles, a circus, a children’s flea market and homemade picnic blankets. Most activities are free, and everyone is welcome to wander around freely and join in.

Sleeping among dinosaurs | Do you dare?

July and August - This summer holiday, experience an exciting adventure at Dinopark & Landgoed Tenaxx in Wedde. Camp among lifelike dinosaurs that are atmospherically lit up at night. During the day, you and your family will discover a world full of exciting activities: treasure hunts, excavations, workshops and much more. New this year is the possibility of staying not just one night, but a whole weekend to enjoy the full Tenaxx adventure. Sleeping under the stars surrounded by prehistoric giants will make this experience an unforgettable memory.

Groningen 4daagse | Discover every metre more

3–7 August – Following a successful first edition, the Groningen 4-Day Walk returns with a second edition brimming with energy and pride in Groningen. Over four days, participants walk 20 or 40 kilometres daily through the city of Groningen and the surrounding countryside. Blister plasters? Check. Water bottle? Check. But most importantly: a strong will! Each day, the route takes walkers in a different direction, ensuring they are constantly motivated by the beautiful surroundings. Who will you team up with to put on your walking boots?

Coopluydenmarkt Appingedam | Back to when

7 August – On Friday, you’ll travel back to the Middle Ages in Appingedam. During the Coopluydenmarkt, the historic centre is transformed into a bustling festival, with the old buildings and narrow streets providing the backdrop. Amidst the market stalls, you can smell the scent of freshly baked bread and wood fires. And around the Nicolaïkerk, knights cross swords and re-enact life as it was back then. Keep an eye out for the flying witches too. Afterwards, climb the Damster Tower for the view or admire the hangende keukens from the water during a boat tour. And the best bit? Entry is free.

Medieval Ter Apel | With an eye for history

5 and 6 September – During Medieval Ter Apel, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the year 1465. Soldiers, mercenaries, market traders, craftsmen and musicians have set up camp around the Ter Apel Monastery. It was quite a journey, but they have come for the traditional annual festival. Here, people trade, celebrate, but also do battle on the battlefield. It promises to be a spectacular event for young and old alike.