This year, the central question is once again ‘How does it work?’ How does the world work? How does falling in love work? And how does energy work?
During the Weekend of Science, visitors will search for answers to big and small questions themselves and discover how science and technology influence our daily lives. More than 300 organizations throughout the Netherlands will open their doors to the public. From universities and companies to museums, libraries, and hospitals: children and their (grand)parents or caregivers will have a unique opportunity to experience science and technology up close or conduct experiments themselves.
The festival is once again supported by four ambassadors: Arjan Dwarshuis, Dietsje Jolles, Rachel Plak, and Koen van der Jagt (Feitjedagelijks), and a committee of recommendation including André Kuipers, Anna Gimbrère, and Robbert Dijkgraaf. Last year, the festival attracted around 120,000 visitors.
Rianne Letschert , Minister of Education, Culture and Science: “I am pleased that the Netherlands will once again be thousands of young researchers richer during the Weekend of Science on October 3 and 4. Children are naturally interested in how things work. And that is exactly where science begins: with curiosity about the world around us. That is why I wholeheartedly encourage young and old to go exploring this weekend and get acquainted with various subjects, whether that be archaeology, language, or technology.”
Highlights of the 2026 program in South Holland:
From wolf droppings to designing your own playground: there is plenty to discover in South Holland again this year.
For example, in The Hague, during Expeditie Binnenwereld, with ambassador Rachel Plak among others, children can go on an expedition inside their own minds. They discover their talents, give color to emotions, and build their own Power Pyramid. At the University Campus Spui, they investigate what their dog is trying to tell them and navigate like a pirate. In Rotterdam, biologist Sterrin Smalbrugge talks at Studio Erasmus about her work with reptiles and nature. Children can also design a playground for their neighborhood themselves at Erasmus University and discover how decisions are made in a district. You can also discover the science behind elite sports during ‘Sportslim’. Hop on a bike, learn more about aerodynamics and air resistance, and race to the finish line in VR at Erasmus MC .
In Leiden, the Science Market is on the program, featuring, among other things, an investigation into real wolf droppings. At Naturalis, children go on a journey through time. How did people view nature 100 years ago, and what can we learn from that today? They can also learn exactly how researchers study nature. At Museon-Omniversum Zuidwest, children can investigate and create sounds themselves in the Sound Lab. In Noordwijk , at Space Expo , they step into the shoes of a detective and solve a mystery surrounding an asteroid. And at IHE Delft, the focus is on water and the science behind our water supply.
Four new ambassadors
This year, four ambassadors are once again dedicating themselves to the Weekend of Science: ornithologist Arjan Dwarshuis , scientists Dietsje Jolles and Rachel Plak , and science influencer Koen van der Jagt (Feitjedagelijks) . During the weekend, they will demonstrate just how multifaceted science is, drawing from their own fields of expertise.
New audience survey: Can I count on you?
In collaboration with Utrecht University, a new public survey is being launched: Can I count on you? Collaborating with someone you know is often taken for granted, but how does that work when you collaborate online with someone you cannot see or hear? Led by Dr. Robert Weijers, researchers at Utrecht University are investigating how people experience collaboration, how much trust they have in their collaboration partner, and what makes people feel connected to one another.
Participants aged 8 and up build a park together with a building buddy in an online game in five minutes. Afterwards, participants immediately see what kind of collaborator they are: are they primarily focused on the result, the process, or are they team players? Furthermore, participants can contribute to a good cause with just one click. More information can be found at www.kanikopjebouwen.nl . The public survey is an annual part of the Weekend of Science.
About the Weekend of Science
The Weekend of Science takes place annually on the first weekend of October and is organized by NEMO Science Museum, commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
For the full program and detailed information about activities, locations, and hotspots: weekendvandewetenschap.nl
Please note – this website and activities are in Dutch
Image: DigiDaan