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Tips for the autumn holidays

The autumn half-term is just around the corner. The trees are turning orange and red, and mushrooms are springing up everywhere. It’s the perfect time to get out and about with the whole family. Fancy an adventure in the great outdoors, something creative or perhaps a cultural outing? There’s plenty to do for young and old alike.

On the farm in Midden-Groningen

10 October – Farmers , market gardeners and local shops in ‘ Midden-Groningen ’ are throwing their doors wide open. Meet the people and animals behind our food, take part in workshops, sample delicious local produce and be shown around by the producers themselves. Following mapped-out routes, you’ll go from farmyard to farmyard and spend a day taking a look behind the scenes of the Groningen countryside. Informative, fun and enjoyable for young and old alike.

Discover the secret word in Appingedam

From 30 September to 10 October – During this treasure hunt, children will search for letters that, when put together, form a secret word. But watch out: the letters are well hidden. Some only appear when you shine the special light on them. Search amongst the bookshelves, look in every nook and cranny, and don’t let anything go unnoticed. This turns a visit to the library into an exciting quest full of surprises.

On a mushroom hunt in the Metbroekbos

14 October – Put on your sturdy shoes and join the one-and-a-half-hour Mushroom Expedition in the Metbroekbos. You’ll use all your senses: you’ll look, feel, smell and listen to what the forest has to tell you. Along the way, you’ll learn all sorts of things about the different species and their special role in nature. And the best bit? You can get your clothes nice and dirty.

Cinekid films in the Forum

12–16 October – Cinekid is the largest film and media festival for children in the Netherlands. From comedy to animation and from documentaries to fantasy films, there’s something fun for everyone. And it doesn’t stop there. The Cinekid Festival also organises all sorts of activities to complement the films. Visit the MediaLab with its cool digital artworks and games, or take part in a creative workshop on vlogging, face painting or making flipbooks. A perfect day out for a day of bad weather, when you fancy staying indoors.

The land behind the dyke

13 & 16 October – Have you always wanted to know what the land behind the dykes in Groningen really looks like? Join the covered wagon ride and salt marsh excursion in Pieterburen, and discover everything there is to see behind the dykes. From various plants to the creatures that live in the mud, the guides will tell you all about it.

Mushroom Festival at the Estate Ennemaborg

18 October – Every year, more than 250 species of mushrooms are spotted on the Ennemaborg estate. How special is that? Come and discover them all at the mushroom festival in Midwolda. It’s a free children’s event, but parents are also very welcome. From baking your own bread to dissecting pellet droppings: there’s something to do all day long. You can join in with the activities or set off on your own to explore the woods. It promises to be a lovely day.

Mega Indoor Bouncy Castle Festival in MartiniPlaza

13–16 October – Are your children bursting with energy? Then head to the Mega Indoor Bouncy Castle Festival at MartiniPlaza. Spend the whole afternoon enjoying the many bouncy castles, slides and obstacle courses. There are also climbing towers, a rodeo bull and various football games at this festival. There’s plenty of space to play safely and have fun. Parents can relax whilst the children let off steam. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Nature craft afternoon on the Coendersborg estate

14 October – What one tree sheds becomes your next work of art. During this craft afternoon, children can get creative using materials they’ve found themselves. Collect leaves, twigs and chestnuts around the ‘ Coendersborg ’, an estate just a 10-minute cycle from the centre of Groningen, and create beautiful works of art. There is space for 15 participants aged between 6 and 12. Don’t hesitate – sign up now for this free afternoon full of craft fun!

On an adventure with the steam train

11, 14 & 18 October – The autumn half-term is a real treat for rail enthusiasts. Children aged 12 and under can travel for free on the steam train at Museumspoorlijn STAR. The train runs between Veendam and Stadskanaal. Take part in a railway quiz during the journey and go on a bear hunt on the train and at the stations! Be sure to visit the museum too, where you’ll learn about how trains used to run in this region.

Bird watching trail Lauwersmeer

Daily – Grab your binoculars and set off along the Bird Experience Trail in National Park Lauwersmeer. This 1.5-kilometre route has been specially designed for children aged 6 to 12. Pick up the activity booklet at Activiteitencentrum Lauwersnest and follow the yellow markings through the countryside. There are 8 nesting boxes hidden along the way, but you’ll need to keep your eyes and ears peeled to find them all. A fun task awaits at each nesting box. And who knows, you might even spot an owl along the way.

October Children's Month

Celebrate autumn during October Children's Month in Groningen. In this month, fun, adventure and creativity take centre stage. Children between 4 and 13 years old can enjoy all kinds of fun activities.

Ghost tour at the Halminghshoes
Ghost tour at the Halminghshoes
Thursday 15 October , Onstwedde

With children
Get started at Universiteitsmuseum!
Get started at Universiteitsmuseum!
until 18 October , Groningen

With children
Autumn half-term in Familiepark Nienoord
Autumn half-term in Familiepark Nienoord
until 18 October , Leek

With children
Experience Groningen as a treasure hunt
Experience Groningen as a treasure hunt
until 31 December , Groningen

Walking tour
Autumn crafts for children at the Gasterij
Autumn crafts for children at the Gasterij
Friday 16 October , Onstwedde

With children