The summer holidays have begun. What are you getting up to? There’s plenty to do in South-East Groningen. Far from home, yet close by; or close by, yet ‘far from home’.
Here are a few tips for a day out, a night away or simply something to do when you’ve got an hour to spare.
Sleeping between the dinosaurs
Experience an unforgettable adventure at Dinopark & Landgoed Tenaxx in Wedde! Imagine sleeping under the stars, surrounded by lifelike dinosaurs magically lit up at night.
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Kittens searching at height
Curious to see what the Groningen landscape looks like from a bird’s-eye view? With ‘Groningen from Above’, you can discover the province in a whole new way. Scan the QR code at one of the locations, stap into a virtual observation tower and float digitally above the landscape. Along the way, you’ll search for a hidden kitten and collect unique badges at various locations.
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A treasure hunt for strange creatures
Set off on an adventure in the Bourtangerveld and discover nature through a new lens! During this treasure hunt, which is about 2 kilometres long, you’ll follow a route using photos and search for the craziest and most unusual ‘strange little creatures’ hiding along the way. Have you found one? Then a fun task awaits you. A playful journey of discovery for curious children and their parents, where keeping a sharp eye is rewarded. This activity takes place on 25 July.
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Festivals and Theatre
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Zummerbühne in de Graanrepubliek
Zummerbühne will be setting up shop in Oostwold, in East Groningen, in the summer of 2026. A vast cornfield and a story that touches your heart. De Graanrepubliek is an epic musical theatre production about the fierce struggle between farm labourers and landowning farmers. Based on the book of the same name by Frank Westerman. Will you let yourself be swept away? This event runs from 5 August to 6 September.
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Bog on the Beach
balmy summer evenings, live music and your feet in the sand: Bog on the Beach brings that ultimate summer feeling to Borgerswold beach in Veendam. Enjoy performances by various bands, sample some tasty treats at the food stalls and settle down on the terrace or in the sand. A relaxed festival where music, conviviality and the waterside atmosphere come together. This event takes place on 10 and 11 July.
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Hongerige Wolf Festival
Earthly. Vast. The Hongerige Wolf Festival offers young, talented professional artists a platform in the fields of music, dance, theatre, film, visual arts and literature. This festival runs from 10 to 12 July.
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Magical stories in a secret garden in Blijham
This summer holiday, a secret garden in Westerwolde will become the setting for a special storytelling performance. Surrounded by greenery, you’ll listen to one of two magical stories, which are performed in turn. Join an inexperienced prince on his journey to Sleeping Beauty, or discover the world of the witches of Westerwolde in a thrilling tale of courage and trust. Both performances will transport you to an imaginative world full of adventure and wonder. This activity runs from 20 July to 9 August.
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Street theatre festival Waterbei
During Waterbei, the centre of Winschoten is transformed into one huge open-air theatre. Be amazed by spectacular acrobatics, colourful parades, music, humour and extraordinary street performances by artists from home and abroad. With performances on every street corner and plenty of entertainment for young and old alike, Waterbei is a festival that never ceases to amaze. This festival takes place on 28 and 29 August.
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Sellingen Open-Air Theatre
Nestled amidst the greenery of Westerwolde lies the charming Sellingen Open-Air Theatre. Take your seat in the stands amongst the trees and enjoy a varied programme of theatre, music and cabaret in the open air. The special location makes every performance a unique experience. Would you like to attend one of the summer performances? The performances take place on various dates in July and August.
“ “This is a great place to swim and play in the open air” ”
On, in and around the water
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Park Borgerswold
Bordering Veendam is the 450-hectare recreational area Borgerswold, created in 1971 as a sand excavation in the peat landscape west of Veendam - Wildervank. It connected to the Sorghvliet residential area.
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Trout fishing
Fancy a relaxing day by the water? At De Slegge Trout Fishery in Ter Apelkanaal, you can experience the thrill of fishing in peaceful, green surroundings. Whether you’re holding a fishing rod for the first time or are an experienced angler, you’re more than welcome at De Slegge.
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Strand de Beetse
Or colloquially The'Beetser koelen' are three large ponds, created by sand extraction since 1938. The Beetser Koele is the largest lake in Westerwolde and the largest in the wider area, covering 61 hectares.
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Kayaking on Oldambtmeer Oldambt
Sun on your face, lapping water all around you and endless views stretching to the horizon. On Lake Oldambtmeer , you can discover Groningen from the water. Stap into a kayak and glide across the province’s largest lake, whilst enjoying the peace, space and sweeping landscape that is so characteristic of the Oldambt. With a bit of luck, you might spot waterbirds along the way that have made this young nature reserve their home. This is available until 31 October.
A brand new play area at Heeresmeer in Nieuwe Pekela.
Children from the region were actively involved in the development. They were given the opportunity to think along about the choice of playground equipment. The cableway was a clear favourite and could not be left out of the design. The result is a dynamic and accessible playground where children can have fun to their heart's content, while parents enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
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Tips for rainy days
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De Leeuwenborg
Indoor Play Paradise De Leeuwenborg is located in a beautiful monumental Oldambtster boerderij from 1864.
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Play Paradise Beerta
If you want to experience a fun and inexpensive day, then 't Speulparadies is excellent! While you enjoy a cup of coffee/tea with apple pie on our cosy terrace, your children play on a fully fenced playground.
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Wedderbergen
With a large water playground, indoor and outdoor pools, professional entertainment, rental accommodation and camping pitches, family-run Camping Wedderbergen is the ideal holiday destination in the North of the country!
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Ter Apel Monastery
Such a large red-brick building in the middle of the deciduous forests is truly impressive. For centuries, people worked, prayed and lived with great dedication in this medieval monastery. And even today, it remains a place where you can hear the silence.
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Veenkoloniaal museum
The Veenkoloniaal Museum tells the story of the golden 19th century. Hundreds of inland and sea ships, plenty of activity along the canal and on land, dozens of shipyards and just as many factory chimneys.
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Museum Oldambt
Come and discover our museum! Museum Oldambt, dedicated to agriculture and the landscape of the Dollard region. The museum is situated in a beautiful spot in the open countryside of Oldambt. It is a unique and fully restored farmhouse of the oldest Oldambt type, dating from 1771.
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Tropiqua
Tropiqua is a subtropical swimming pool offering exceptional swimming fun for young and old alike.
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MOW for kids
Is looking at art boring? Not at all! At MOW Jong, you can discover exhibitions in a playful way. With a special children’s trail, you can explore for yourself and learn more about art, history and the stories of Westerwolde as you go. Along the way, you’ll come across fun tasks and surprising questions that spark your imagination.
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Teepees in the library
There’s plenty to get stuck into at Tipi’s de bieb. Take part in a creative paper art workshop, paint on old photographs, learn to draw or build your own robot. Prefer a game? Then join in the bingo. For our youngest visitors, there are cosy story-time sessions. There’s something fun for every age group, so pop in and discover, create and experience!