Whether you’re looking for somewhere for your little one to burn off some energy, hoping to meet other parents, or simply wanting to get out of the house for a morning, Haarlem has a fantastic range of playgroups on offer.
From the welcoming neighbourhood Buurts speelgroepen held across the city, to the long-established ESP (English Speaking Playgroup) community, there are opportunities for families of all backgrounds to connect, play and build friendships. Some groups are informal drop-ins, while others are volunteer-run communities with regular events and activities throughout the year.
Have a look through the options below and find the groups that feel right for you and your family. You might arrive for the toys and singing, but many parents leave having found friendships that last far beyond the baby and toddler years.
Independent Playgroups*
Playgroups in the local community all put on one map. If you know of any great ones please add to the map!
Buurts Speelgroepen*
“Buurts’ Playgroups are play and meeting places for you and your child. During the Playgroup, we help you with activities with your child. The Playgroups meet weekly at various locations and times in Haarlem. You do not need to register in advance: you are very welcome to just walk in.”
Buurtspeelgroepen are community playgroups run in neighbourhood centres across Haarlem, offering a welcoming and affordable place for young children to play, explore, and socialise. While the sessions are primarily in Dutch, they are very accessible for international families. Children quickly join in through play, songs, and activities, and parents often find it a great way to connect with the local community and become familiar with the Dutch language and culture. With low participation costs, buurtspeelgroepen are an excellent option for families looking for regular, budget-friendly activities.
English Speaking Playgroup*
“Welcome to ESP Haarlem! Join our vibrant community of English-speaking families from all around the world. Connect at our weekly playgroup or seasonal events like Easter, Halloween, and Winter, plus enjoy spontaneous parent nights!”
You can find details of weekly meet-ups organised independently through WhatsApp/Facebook communities you can find on the social media page. These parent-led gatherings are a lovely way to meet local families, discover new play spots, and create the kind of support network that can make life with young children feel a little less overwhelming.