Do you know which country is home to the world’s tallest people? Here is a hint: it is the same place where bicycles actually outnumber the human population! If you guessed the Netherlands, you are absolutely right.
This month, the “Dutch spirit” is in full swing as the nation prepares for its biggest national holiday: Koningsdag, or King’s Day. Held on April 27th (celebrated on the 26th if the 27th is a Sunday), this day marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. It is a day defined by vibrant energy, music, and a sea of bright orange.
Whether you are looking to teach your children about world geography or want to join in the “Oranjegekte” (Orange Madness) from home, these 15 Netherlands-themed crafts are the perfect way to explore Dutch heritage.
The Magic of Koningsdag: Traditions to Know
Before we start crafting, let’s look at what makes this day so special for children in the Netherlands:
- The Nationwide Flea Market: Koningsdag is the only day of the year when the Dutch government allows people to sell second-hand goods on the street without a permit or taxes. Kids often set up small blankets to sell their old toys!
- Oranjegekte: Orange is the color of the Dutch Royal Family (the House of Orange-Nassau). On King’s Day, everyone wears orange—from orange wigs and face paint to orange t-shirts.
- Traditional Games: Dutch children love games like koekhappen (trying to bite a piece of spice cake off a dangling string without using your hands) and spijker poepen (trying to lower a nail tied to a string around your waist into a bottle).
15 Fun Dutch Crafts for Kids
1. Classic Paper Windmill (Windmolen)
The Netherlands is famous for its historic windmills, which were used to pump water out of the lowlands.
- The Craft: Cut a square of cardstock, make diagonal cuts toward the center, and fold the corners in. Secure it to a pencil or straw with a thumbtack.
- Educational Angle: Explain to kids that windmills helped create the land they see in the Netherlands today!
2. Egg Carton Tulip Garden
Tulips are the national flower of the Netherlands.
- Method: Cut out individual cups from a cardboard egg carton. Paint them in bright reds, yellows, and oranges. Attach a green pipe cleaner as the stem.
- The Look: Arrange them in a small box to create your very own Keukenhof (the world’s most famous tulip garden).
3. “Delft Blue” Paper Plate Art
Delftware is the iconic blue-and-white pottery from the city of Delft.
- Craft: Give children a white paper plate and a blue marker. Encourage them to draw traditional Dutch scenes like windmills, sailboats, or floral patterns around the edges.
- The Twist: Use a sponge to lightly dab blue paint for a more “antique” pottery look.
4. Cardboard Clogs (Klompen)
Traditional wooden shoes, or klompen, are a staple of Dutch history.
- Steps: Draw a shoe silhouette on a piece of cardboard. Kids can decorate them with traditional floral patterns or bright orange paint for King’s Day.
- Activity: String them together to make a “clog garland” for your room.
5. Orange Crown for King’s Day
Since it is the King’s birthday, every child needs a crown!
- The Design: Use orange construction paper to cut out a crown shape. Decorate it with “jewels” (sequins or buttons) and perhaps a small Dutch flag (red, white, and blue) on the side.
6. The Dutch Flag Heart Craft
The Dutch flag consists of three horizontal stripes: red, white, and blue.
- Method: Cut strips of paper in these colors and glue them onto a heart-shaped base. This is a lovely way to show “love” for Dutch culture.
7. Miniature Canal Houses
Amsterdam is famous for its tall, narrow houses with unique gables.
- Craft: Use small juice cartons or thin cardboard boxes. Paint them dark colors (black, navy, or brown) and use white paint or markers to draw the elaborate window frames and roof shapes characteristic of Amsterdam architecture.
8. Bicycle Spoke Decorations
With more bikes than people, the bicycle is the ultimate Dutch symbol.
- Activity: If you have a bike at home, help your kids make “spoke beads” out of colorful straws or duct tape. For a paper craft version, draw a large bicycle wheel and weave ribbons through the spokes.
9. Orange Ribbon Wands
Embrace the Oranjegekte!
- Steps: Tie several long strands of orange ribbon to the end of a wooden dowel. Kids can wave these during a “King’s Day Parade” in the backyard.
10. Paper Strip Tulips
For a 3D effect, cut four strips of colored paper. Cross them in the middle and glue them together, then bring the ends upward and glue them to create a rounded bulb shape. Add a green leaf at the bottom.
11. Dutch Cheese Shop (Clay Play)
The Netherlands is famous for Gouda and Edam cheese.
- Sensory Craft: Use yellow playdough or clay to form large “wheels” of cheese. Kids can “slice” them and set up a pretend Dutch cheese market stall.
12. Milk Carton Windmill
For a sturdier windmill, use an empty milk or juice carton as the base.
- The Details: Wrap the carton in brown paper and attach large cardboard blades to the top using a brass fastener so they can actually spin.
13. Symmetrical Tulip Finger Painting
Fold a piece of paper in half. On one side, apply thick blobs of orange and red paint. Fold the paper and press down. When you open it, you’ll have a perfectly symmetrical tulip head!
14. Coffee Filter “Stained Glass” Windmills
Use markers on a coffee filter, spray it with water to let the colors bleed, and let it dry. Cut the filter into the shape of windmill blades and attach them to a window to let the light shine through.
15. King Willem-Alexander & Queen Máxima Puppets
Using popsicle sticks and felt, create “Royal Puppets.” Use orange felt for the King’s hair and bright colors for the Queen’s famous hats. Kids can put on a play about the Royal Family visiting different Dutch provinces.
Dutch Traditions Checklist
If you are planning a Dutch-themed day, try to include these elements: | Category | Item | | :— | :— | | National Color | Orange (Everything should be orange!) | | Snack | Stroopwafels (Thin waffle cookies with syrup). | | Activity | A “Vrijmarkt” (Set up a small table to swap toys). | | Greeting | “Fijne Koningsdag!” (Happy King’s Day!). |
Why Study Dutch Culture Through Crafts?
Exploring the Netherlands helps children understand the importance of innovation and environment. The Dutch are world leaders in water management and sustainable transport (bicycles). By building a windmill or a canal house, kids learn how humans adapt to their surroundings.
Additionally, the vibrant “Orange Madness” of King’s Day is a fantastic example of community spirit. It teaches children that national holidays are about more than just a day off—they are about unity, celebration, and honoring history.
Planning Your “Oranjegekte” Celebration
You don’t need much to bring the Netherlands to your classroom or home. A few sheets of orange paper, some blue markers for Delftwa
