The Netherlands is a country full of charm, culture, bicycles, tulips, windmills, and one of the happiest populations on earth. It’s also home to incredibly tall people, centuries-old traditions, and a strong sense of community. With Koningsdag (King’s Day) celebrated every year on 26th April, this is the perfect time to explore Dutch heritage with children through fun, creative crafting.

Whether you are a teacher creating a cultural lesson, a homeschooling parent, or simply someone who loves sharing global traditions with your kids, these Netherlands-themed crafts bring art, geography, and history together in a fun and interactive way.

Before we explore the crafts, let’s take a quick look at the festival that inspires many of these creative ideas.

What Is Koningsdag (King’s Day)?

Koningsdag honors the birthday of the current monarch, King Willem-Alexander, and it’s one of the biggest national celebrations in the country. On this day:

• The Netherlands transforms into a massive open-air flea market
  
• People dress head to toe in bright orange, the national color
  
• Festive boats fill the canals
  
• Music, dancing, and games fill the streets
  
• Children participate in playful activities like koekhappen and spijker poepen
  
• Citizens who contribute to society receive royal honors
  

And even if you’re far away from Amsterdam or Utrecht, you can still celebrate with these exciting art projects inspired by Dutch culture.

15 Notable Netherlands Crafts for Kids

Below is a fully rewritten, human-friendly list designed for SEO, without referencing any external craft blogs.

1. Origami Tulip Craft

Tulips and the Netherlands are almost inseparable, even though tulips originally came from Türkiye. Today, the country exports billions of tulips every year and its colorful tulip fields attract tourists worldwide. Kids can fold simple origami tulips using bright papers in red, yellow, or purple. Add green stems and create your own “Dutch tulip field” on a poster.

2. Paper Plate Windmill Craft

Windmills are one of the most iconic Dutch symbols. There are more than 1,000 traditional windmills still standing, with the village of Kinderdijk being the most famous. A paper plate can easily be turned into a charming windmill with rotating blades made from cardstock. This is a wonderful project to introduce children to renewable energy and Dutch engineering.

3. DIY Wooden Shoe (Klompen) Craft

Dutch wooden shoes, known as klompen, were once worn by farmers and laborers and are now a beloved souvenir. Kids can make their own “wooden shoe” craft using paper templates or cardboard cutouts. They can decorate them with Dutch floral patterns, traditional colors, or fun modern designs.

4. Monochrome Delft-Inspired Plate Art

Delft Blue pottery is one of the Netherlands’ most recognizable art forms. Using a plain paper plate, children paint delicate floral or scenic blue patterns inspired by Delft. It’s a perfect introduction to Dutch ceramic history and fine motor skills.

5. Historical Dutch Village Diorama

Create a mini Dutch countryside using cardboard, popsicle sticks, cotton for clouds, and colored paper. Since over half of the Netherlands is covered with farmland, kids will enjoy designing canals, farmhouses, tiny animals, and miniature windmills for their diorama.

6. Dutch Canal Houses Drawing

Amsterdam is famous for its tall, narrow canal houses—many built on wooden poles because the city stands on swampy ground. Children can draw a row of colorful houses along a canal, complete with bridges and boats. Use markers or watercolors for a vibrant look.

7. Netherlands Heart Flag Craft

The Dutch flag, with its red, white, and blue stripes, represents courage, peace, and loyalty. Cut out a large heart and fill it using strips of colored paper or paint. This simple craft is ideal for teaching younger children about national symbols.

8. DIY Delft Canal Miniature House

Using cardboard boxes or small milk cartons, kids can design and decorate their own miniature Dutch houses. Add tiny windows, steep roofs, and white-blue Delft patterns. These little models make beautiful shelf decorations or classroom displays

9. Paper Roll King and Queen Craft

Turn toilet rolls into a king and queen to represent the Dutch royal family. The Netherlands is known for its unique coronation tradition — the monarch is not crowned but sworn in, while the royal crown is placed beside them. This craft offers a simple way to talk about monarchy, heritage, and traditions.

10. Printable King’s Day Crowns

Koningsdag is full of orange accessories—shirts, hats, glasses, even wigs! Kids can create their own orange crowns using printable templates or freehand designs. Decorate with gems, stickers, and the number “2025” for a festive look.

11. Paper Klomp (Shoe for Sinterklaas)

Another beloved Dutch tradition is Sinterklaas, when children leave out their clogs hoping to receive gifts and sweets. Kids can make a clog-shaped paper craft and decorate it with holiday symbols. This activity fits perfectly into a December or cultural celebration lesson.

12. 3D Paper Windmill Model

Build a three-dimensional windmill using cardstock or light cardboard. Kids can assemble the tower, add blades that actually spin, and even create a surrounding garden. As an educational add-on, teach children how the Netherlands uses modern wind power—every electric train runs on wind energy.

13. Tulip Fields Perspective Art

Teach kids basic perspective drawing by creating the famous Dutch tulip fields stretching into the horizon. Use shades of red, pink, and yellow to create rows of flowers, adding windmills or barns in the background.

14. Sinterklaas Steamboat Craft

According to Dutch folklore, Sinterklaas arrives on a steamboat each year. Kids can create a colorful steamboat using egg cartons, cardboard, or paper. Add cotton for steam and small flags for decoration. This craft helps children learn about Dutch holiday traditions.

15. Miffy Paper Craft or Egg Cup

No Netherlands crafts list is complete without Dick Bruna, the creator of the beloved bunny character Miffy. Kids can make a cute Miffy-themed paper craft or egg cup using simple shapes. It’s a great way to introduce children to Dutch literature and illustration.

Why These Crafts Are Perfect for Cultural Learning

These Dutch-themed activities help children:

• Explore world cultures through hands-on creativity
  
• Learn geography, traditions, and historical icons
  
• Appreciate the global influence of Dutch art and innovation
  
• Build fine-motor, drawing, and construction skills
  
• Celebrate Koningsdag with joy and color
  

The Netherlands is also home to some of the greatest artists in history, including Vincent van Gogh and Johannes Vermeer, making this theme even richer for art education.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating Koningsdag, studying European culture, or simply looking for beautiful craft ideas, these 15 Netherlands crafts for kids offer a mix of tradition, creativity, and fun. From tulips to windmills to iconic Dutch symbols, each project helps children better understand the vibrant culture of the Netherlands.