A day out during the autumn school holidays does not need a packed itinerary. Choose an activity the children are keen on, leave room for a walk and decide when you will eat together. Haarlem has some specific museum activities in October 2026 that make a useful starting point for your plans.
When are the Dutch autumn school holidays in 2026?
The recommended dates for the North region are 10–18 October 2026. For the Central and South regions, they are 17–25 October. Schools can use different dates, so check your school’s calendar before booking. The Dutch government’s holiday dates are a starting point; your school’s own schedule is the one to follow.
Autumn activities at Teylers Museum: choose by age
The autumn programme at Teylers Museum runs from 10 to 25 October 2026. Here are a few options to look at with the children:
- Ages 4 and up: Teylers Tekent. Join in with drawing from 11:00 to 16:00 during the autumn holidays; on 25 October, it finishes at 15:00.
- Ages 8 and up: the Hoe dan?! discovery trail. Linked to the Zeker weten? exhibition, this takes around 45 minutes. The museum lists it as available from 10:00 to 17:00.
- Ages 4 and up: help build a marble run. Drop-in workshops take place on 11, 14 and 18 October from 13:00 to 15:30, with entry until 15:00. The Educatief Paviljoen is only accessible by stairs.
Check the museum’s information for tickets and any conditions that apply to your chosen activity, including language suitability. A listed activity does not guarantee an available place. Choose one favourite rather than trying to fit everything into a single day.
Plan a morning or afternoon with a meal break
Breakfast first, then head out. Breakfast at Spaarne 66 starts at 09:00, which can work well before an activity later in the morning. Browse the breakfast menu together and leave enough time between your meal and your museum visit.
Explore first, then stop for lunch. If you have chosen a morning activity, plan a break afterwards. We serve lunch from 12:00 to 16:00. For an afternoon workshop, eating beforehand may work better. Choose a time that fits your plans and take a look at the lunch menu for your visit.
What if it rains during the autumn holidays?
A museum activity gives you time indoors, but you will still be outside between stops. Bring something for the rain and keep the number of places you visit manageable. Our ideas for a rainy day in Haarlem can help you choose an alternative. For suggestions beyond the school holidays, read our guide to Haarlem with children.
If it is dry and everyone still has some energy, add a short walk beside the water. Find inspiration in a day in Haarlem along the Spaarne. A walk can be a pleasant extra without becoming a long route you feel obliged to finish.
Eat together at Spaarne 66
Book a table through our reservation page. Please discuss allergies and other dietary needs with us in advance. Coming with a larger party? Explore our options for groups and send an enquiry; an enquiry is not a confirmed reservation.
Programme and dates checked on 8 October 2026. Check the latest information from the school and museum before setting off.