Some kids beg for more screen time. Others just want to know why the volcano fizzed over, and won’t stop asking until they’ve done the experiment themselves. If that’s a kid you know, you should know about The Science Camp, an Amsterdam outfit that turns curious questions into actual hands-on experiments.
Who’s behind it
The Science Camp has been running since 2017. It was founded by Linda, who studied social work and has spent years working in the disability sector and with children more broadly. That background shows in how the programs are built: the goal is to make science accessible and enjoyable for every child, not just the ones who already raise their hand in class.
All programs are led by teachers, run in English, and were created by a scientist, so the activities are pitched properly for children in groups 1-8 (ages 5 to 10), not just dumbed down worksheets. Beyond the science itself, kids get to make friends with others who share their interests, and build confidence through team activities.
Three ways to try it
After-school science club
A one-hour after-school session that’s fun, interactive, and educational rather than just extending the school day. Coding programs are on offer too, alongside the experiments. The Science Camp is already running in several schools across Amsterdam and keeps adding more, if you want it at your child’s school, the easiest route is to call or email them directly to check whether they’re already there or can be.
Birthday parties with real experiments
Instead of the usual entertainer, a birthday party built around cool experiments, kids still get their cake, snacks and playtime, just with some genuinely wowed reactions mixed in. Parties run for 3 hours, cover up to 10 children, and include a minimum of 3 experiments plus 1 teacher. The default location is De Pijp, but they’ll discuss a custom location if that suits you better.
Holiday camps
Running throughout the school holiday periods, these camps pull in kids from all over Amsterdam. The activities are hands-on and designed to go home with your child, meaning you’ll be hearing about that experiment for weeks after camp ends. Camp hours are 9am to 3pm, and while it’s set up as a full week, you can also book individual days if a whole week doesn’t fit your schedule. If you’re weighing this up against other holiday day camps for kids in Amsterdam, it’s worth comparing what’s hands-on versus what’s just supervised play.
Why hands-on science is worth seeking out
Kids generally remember what they build and break more than what they’re told. Letting a child mix, measure, and mess something up themselves tends to stick longer than a diagram ever will, and it gives less academically confident kids a way to shine that isn’t tied to reading or writing. It also takes the pressure off parents to have the right answer on hand, a proper experiment usually explains itself. That’s the general case for this kind of activity, and it’s exactly the gap The Science Camp says it set out to fill.
How to book
The Science Camp runs holiday camps throughout the school holiday periods, check their holiday camps page for current dates and availability. For everything else they run, see thesciencecamp.nl, or browse other upcoming events for families in Amsterdam if you’re planning further ahead.
Quick questions
- What ages is it for? Children in groups 1-8, roughly ages 5 to 10.
- What language are sessions in? English, led by teachers, with the content created by a scientist.
- Where do birthday parties happen? At their location in De Pijp by default, though a custom location can be arranged.
Getting in touch
To ask about school programs, birthday parties, or holiday camps, email [email protected] or call/WhatsApp 0641823432. They’re also on Instagram (@thesciencecamp) and Facebook (facebook.com/thesciencecamp), or you can subscribe to their newsletter on the website.
Looking for more ways to fill the school holidays or a free afternoon? Browse kid-friendly places in Amsterdam for more ideas. And if you run a kids’ business in Amsterdam and want to be featured like this, see how to get listed on Amsterdam Kids.
