A city where you can stroll from technology to history in an instant, where your children can make their own memories, run through the green spaces and gaze wide-eyed at robots? Delft is just such a city where all that is possible. Perfect for the autumn half-term, but just as much fun on any random day off.
Morning: technology coming to life
Start your autumn day at the TU Delft Science Centre, because there’s plenty to discover here even during the autumn half-term. In the Techniekstudio, children aren’t just allowed to watch – they can get hands-on too. Building, testing, inventing and experimenting with real materials and ideas from TU Delft researchers: ideal for curious children who love to get stuck in.
Fancy a peek behind the scenes at TU Delft? Then join a Backstage Tour. Guided by students, you’ll discover places that are normally off-limits, hear personal stories and see at close quarters how research, innovation and student life come together. From robots to smart, sustainable solutions for the future: a surprising day out for children and parents alike during the autumn half-term.
The Robots are coming!
And during the autumn half-term holidays, robots will be popping up at various locations across Delft as part of the themed year ‘The Robots Are Coming’. Why not take a look at the Robo Creatures Petting Zoo, where children can discover and interact with unique robotic creatures up close? Or visit Science Day at TU Delft, packed with workshops, demonstrations and surprising experiments centred on science and technology. Prefer to explore the city? Then follow the ‘Robots in the City’ route and spot some unusual robot portraits along the way. Plenty to do for budding inventors and curious parents!
Afternoon: do it yourself and be amazed
After lunch in the city centre, it’s time to get creative. At Royal Delft children step into the world of iconic Delft Blue and can paint their own little tile. A lovely activity for a crisp or rainy autumn day – and you’ll take home a handmade souvenir of Delft straight away.
Fancy creating and discovering even more? During the autumn half-term, Delft will be all about Cultuurbarbaren. At more than twenty locations across the city, children can take part in all sorts of creative activities. From workshops in artists’ studios to foraging and making their own insect hotel. Ideal for children who love to get stuck in.
Recharge your batteries in nature
Time for some fresh autumn air! Put on a warm coat and set off together on the ‘Adventurers of Delft’ treasure hunt. As you stroll through the historic city centre, children will search for works of art and special spots, solve riddles and discover more about famous Delft residents such as Johannes Vermeer and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek.
Fancy a bit of countryside? Then take a trip to the Delftse Hout. Stroll amongst the autumn colours and let the children play outside to their heart’s content. Afterwards, you can Knus sit down for a while to catch your breath.
Afternoon: strolling and discovering
Back in the city, you can wander along the canals and narrow streets. And if you fancy stepping back in time, pop into Winkeltje Kouwenhoven, the city’s oldest shop. Amidst the old-fashioned Dutch sweets, nostalgic toys, classic postcards and old-fashioned oil lamps, it feels as though time has stood still here for a moment.
For a bit of a thrill, visit Het Steen City Prison. During the autumn half-term, you can get the creeps in the old prison and discover who used to be locked up in the small, dark cells. Naturally, the stories of Balthasar Gerards and William of Orange are also covered. History suddenly becomes a lot more exciting here.
Still got some energy left? Round off the afternoon with a stroll along Delft’s canals. With its colourful leaves, historic façades and cosy little streets, the city centre perhaps has that little bit of extra charm in autumn. And if it starts to rain? That’s the perfect excuse to pop into somewhere for a hot chocolate.
Evening: reminiscing together
Round off the day with a bite to eat in the charming city centre. For lunch or dinner, for example, ’t Postkantoor ideal: warming up indoors and enjoying a tasty treat together. In the evening, San Marco and Lakila are perfect for pizza or tapas, ensuring the whole family is happy. Or go for the tastiest pancakes in Delft. Outside, it’s slowly getting dark; inside, it’s warm and cosy. Tired children, happy parents – exactly as you’d hope after a successful autumn day.
Why Delft works so well with children
What makes Delft special is the mix. You switch effortlessly between learning and playing, between bustle and rest. Especially during the theme year The Robots Are Coming, there is extra much to experience in terms of innovation and technology.
Whether you’re visiting during the autumn half-term or at any other time of year, Delft never ceases to surprise. Chances are that after just 24 hours here, you’ll already be making plans to come back again.