Why Is Childcare During the Summer Holidays So Difficult to Arrange?
When the summer holidays finally arrive, there's often a gap where childcare or after-school care (BSO) used to be. If you don't have time to look after your child yourself during these six weeks, it can be hard to find an alternative. Yet there are several options available.
The challenge lies in the gap between school holidays and work holidays. Most parents only have two to three weeks of annual leave, while children are off for six weeks. On top of that, many daycare centers (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) close for one or more weeks in the summer, and BSOs often operate with adjusted opening hours or special holiday programmes that don't always match your work schedule. Demand for childcare peaks, while supply actually shrinks or is organised differently.
What Options Do You Have for Childcare During the Summer Holidays?
Holiday Care Through BSO: How Does It Work?
Many BSO organisations offer an extensive holiday programme during the summer holidays. Your child then doesn't just go in the morning or afternoon, but often for the whole day. Activities range from sports and games to creative workshops and day trips. Some BSOs work with flexible day-by-day registration, while others require a fixed weekly booking. Check carefully whether your child needs to be already enrolled at the regular BSO to participate in holiday care. It's also wise to ask how group allocation works in summer: sometimes children from different schools are put together, which can be exciting for your child but can also lead to new friendships.
Childminder/Host Parent in Summer: More Flexibility?
A childminder/host parent can be a godsend if you need flexible childcare. Childminders determine their own holidays, so not everyone is available. But if you do find one who is open, this often offers more possibilities than a daycare center. You can sometimes choose half or full days, and the care takes place in a homely setting. Note: the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) also applies to summer care with a childminder, provided they are registered in the National Childcare Register. Always ask about availability for the entire holiday period and whether there is backup care if the childminder unexpectedly takes time off.
Alternatives When Regular Childcare Is Closed
If BSO and a childminder are not options, there are still several possibilities. Some daycare centers specially open a summer group for older children, separate from their regular offering. There are also commercial holiday camps and sports weeks, although these are usually more expensive and don't qualify for childcare benefit. Another route is combining annual leave days with arranged childcare: perhaps your partner or a grandparent can cover some days, meaning you only need formal childcare for part of the weeks. Also ask your employer about the possibility of working from home or spreading your hours during the summer months. These have become more realistic options in recent years.
How Do You Arrange Childcare for the Summer Holidays in Time?
The best time to arrange summer care is in spring, and for popular BSO holiday weeks sometimes even earlier. Make an overview of which weeks your child needs care and which weeks you can cover yourself. Then ask your current childcare provider about their holiday offering and registration deadlines. Register immediately when registration opens, because once full, it's full.
If your current childcare doesn't offer summer care, start asking around at other organisations in your area. Some BSOs accept children from outside specifically for the holidays. Also post a message in local parent groups or on social media; sometimes other parents know of a small-scale childminder or flexible childcare that doesn't advertise widely. Do keep quality in mind: check whether a childminder is registered and ask about other parents' experiences.
What Does Holiday Childcare Cost and Do You Receive Benefit?
The costs for summer childcare vary considerably depending on the type of care. For BSO holiday care, a daily rate usually applies that is higher than the regular hourly rate, because your child stays longer and more activities are organised. The maximum hourly price for benefit in 2026 for BSO is €9.98. If the daily rate works out higher than this hourly rate converted to days, you pay the difference yourself.
For childminder/host parent care (gastouderopvang), a maximum of €8.49 per hour applies. The childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) works in summer the same as the rest of the year: the percentage depends on your income, and both parents must be working, studying, or on an integration course. Note: if your child has more hours of care in summer than during the school year, this can affect your benefit calculation. Report changes to the Tax Authority in time to avoid repayments. From 2029, this system will change: then as a working parent you will only pay 4% of the costs yourself, regardless of your income.
How Do You Prepare Your Child for Different Childcare During the Holidays?
A different environment, new faces, and a deviating daily routine can be exciting for young children. Discuss well in advance that something different is on the agenda. Let your child see the location beforehand if possible, or talk about what will happen. Some BSOs offer an introductory day during the holiday period.
Also make clear arrangements about pick-up: who will do it, and at what time? In summer, opening hours are sometimes different, and different pick-up times apply for day trips. Make sure your child knows who is coming to collect them and at what time. Take familiar items to childcare if needed, such as a cuddly toy or favourite book, so your child has something recognisable in a new setting. Ask the childcare provider how they handle children who struggle with transitions, and whether there is a fixed carer who can help your child.
Get Started with Summer Childcare
Start mapping out your summer planning today. Note which weeks you need care, request the holiday offering from your current childcare provider, and set a reminder immediately for the registration date and time. The earlier you start, the greater the chance of finding a place that suits your family. On kiddie.nl you can compare childcare in your region, also for summer care and childminders who are flexibly available.