What to do during Ascension Day

Last updated: April 7, 2026.

Thursday, May 14, is Ascension Day. For many, that means an extra-long weekend—the perfect time to get away for a bit. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, culture, a day out with the family, or just good food, we’ve got a list full of fun ideas ready for you. Here’s how to make the most of your days off!

Exploring the city or nature

Want to discover something new, but at your own pace? With the handy walking app from Walk the City, you can take fascinating city walks through the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, such as Utrecht, Leiden, or Maastricht. The app acts as your digital guide and shares fun facts and stories along the way that you’d normally walk right past. Perfect for those who love culture but don’t want a packed schedule.

Looking for something a bit more thrilling? Then The Little Walk of Horrors is a unique experience. This theatrical horror walk takes you on a thrilling journey with actors, special effects, and unexpected twists. Great for a spooky night out with friends or older kids!

Also highly recommended during Ascension Day: explore a new nature reserve or go for a beautiful bike ride through the dunes, the Veluwe, or the Limburg hills. With a well-stocked picnic basket and a relaxed route, you can easily turn it into a mini-vacation.

Whether you’re exploring a city or heading out into nature: comfortable shoes really make your day a lot more enjoyable. Check out Durlinger shoes for inspiration.

Step back in time: experience history

For those who love culture and history, there are plenty of fun outings to enjoy during Ascension Day. At Archeon, you can stroll among Romans, knights, and medieval figures and participate in craft workshops or historical shows. In the Prehistoric Village, you’ll learn what life was like during the Iron Age or the early Middle Ages—all in a super interactive way.

GeoFort is also a must-see: here, everything revolves around maps, climate, technology, and sustainability. Think mazes, exciting games, and experiments that challenge both young and old. History has never been this fun (or relevant)!

Action for all ages

Want to really let off some steam, or do you have energetic kids who could use a challenge? Then Adventure City Rotterdam is the place to be. With zip lines, climbing walls, and a free fall, this indoor climbing park is the perfect spot for adventurers of all ages.

It’s also impossible to get bored at FunVillage. From glow-in-the-dark mini-golf to laser tag, VR experiences, and a cozy café area for parents: the whole family can easily spend an afternoon (or longer) here having fun.

Heading out with the little ones? Then Indoorpretpark Maassluis is an absolute must-visit. Across a whopping 2,400 m², children up to age 12 can let loose in the trampoline park, the indoor playground, on the bowling lanes, or at the glow-in-the-dark golf course. Parents can relax in the spacious seating area while the kids play—and parking is free right outside.

More in the mood for a friendly competition with friends or family? The Boules Club Alkmaar, located in the heart of Alkmaar, is the perfect spot for an unforgettable afternoon or evening. On 10 professional boules courts, everyone can join in—from young to old, from die-hard enthusiasts to those just looking for a good time. And if you’re not so great at throwing balls? No worries! Sing your heart out in one of the private karaoke rooms, play interactive darts, pool, or shuffleboard. The combination of games, atmosphere, and snacks makes this a wonderful day out.

Do you prefer puzzles and excitement? At Escape Room Time in Utrecht, you’ll step into a world of adventure together. With immersive virtual reality experiences, escape games based on popular series, and exciting AR city games, there’s something for every group to enjoy.

Head out on a bike

Head out for a nice family bike ride. In the blog seriesCycling, Hiking, and More in the Netherlands, we provide tips on the best and most scenic bike routes for each province. Challenging for the sporty types among us, relaxed for the less enthusiastic cyclists, and short but fun for the littlest cyclists in the Netherlands. Especially now that the outdoor patios are open again, it’s great fun to take a beautiful bike route and enjoy a drink or a full lunch at one of the lovely patios across the country.

Through the organization Happen & Trappen, you can even book complete culinary bike tours. Select your preferred region on the websitehappenentrappen.nl, and you’ll be presented with several fun and delicious routes.

Are you more culturally inclined and looking for bike routes with a story? Then book a guided bike tour through Baja Bikes. The bike tours are offered in several Dutch cities, including many provincial capitals, as well as Delft, Alkmaar, Eindhoven, Volendam, and Nijmegen. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll experience the city from the heart and discover how locals experience city life and where they like to go.

Stroll through a market or visit a quaint village

Ascension Day and markets go hand in hand—especially on Ascension Day itself, lively annual fairs and street markets are organized throughout the country. From local regional products to flea market finds and live music: the atmosphere is always friendly and typically Dutch.

Make a day of it and combine your visit with a trip to a picturesque village. Consider the fortified town of Elburg, charming Ootmarsum, or the quaint streets of Heusden. Perfect for strolling through, grabbing a table at an outdoor café, and getting away from the hustle and bustle for a while.

Enjoying a meal together

After such a full day, you deserve to treat yourself to a culinary experience. We have some delicious recommendations!

For an atmospheric French bistro experience, head to Bistrot du Bac in the trendy Katendrecht neighborhood of Rotterdam, where you’ll find classics that never get old. Looking for a cozy spot for drinks? At La Petite Soeur, also in Katendrecht, you can enjoy fine wines, delicious bites, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for wrapping up a day out in style. More in the mood for Mediterranean flavors? Then let yourself be surprised by the tapas at Restaurant Destino, where every dish is a little celebration. Ideal for a cozy evening dining with friends or your partner.

At Fouquet in The Hague, you’re in for a treat with a refined lunch or dinner in an atmospheric setting. Chef-owner Raymond Meere prepares fresh, artisanal French-Mediterranean dishes. Ideal if you want to make your day a little extra special.

And then there’s Brazanova in Groningen: a unique Brazilian dining experience where the passadores constantly wander around with delicious meat straight from the Rodizio grill. Pair that with a fresh buffet, a Caipirinha, and the ambiance of Bossa Nova music.

Make Ascension Day a special occasion!

Whether you’re heading out with your family, looking for a fun day out with friends, or just want to take a leisurely stroll: Ascension Day is the perfect opportunity to experience something new together. The Netherlands is full of surprising places and…
…
You can find even more tips for outings, walks, museums, or great food on our blog page,of course. Get inspired and head out! 

Photo credits: www.canva.com