Registering your Children in Holiday Camps

When schools close for Easter, summer, autumn, and other holiday periods, many families in Leuven rely on holiday camps ("vakantiekampen") to provide children with fun, structured activities. Leuven offers a wide range of camps, including sports, creative arts, outdoor play, language learning, STEM, and childcare-focused programs.

For international families, navigating registrations can feel overwhelming. Popular camps often sell out quickly, and many programs operate primarily in Dutch. However, these camps can also be a fantastic opportunity for children to make local friends, gain confidence, and immerse themselves in Dutch language and Belgian culture.

This guide is updated annually and focuses on the most popular holiday camps and childcare options available in Leuven.

By
International House Leuven
27 August 2026

Quick Overview: Kids' Holiday Camps in Leuven

CampAge RangeLanguageFocusTypical Registration Period
KleuterKuren2.5 to 6 yearsDutchPreschool activities, play, crafts, sportsJanuary
Speelpleinen (Playgrounds)3 to 15 yearsDutchOutdoor play, games, social activitiesJanuary & Spring
ReTTeKePReT4 to 12 yearsDutchCreative workshops, sports, musicJanuary
Tofsport Camps3 to 18 yearsDutchSports campsJanuary
Sporty3 to 16 yearsMainly DutchSports and creative activitiesDates vary
STEAM Camps (International School Leuven)4 to 12 yearsEnglishCoding, science, arts, technologyThroughout the year
Clip Language Camps6 to 12 yearsEnglish, French, DutchLanguage immersionThroughout the year

Holiday Camp Registration Dates (2026)

Attention Important: Registration for many City of Leuven camps opens in January, and places fill up quickly. Mark the dates in your calendar and register as soon as bookings open.

ProgrammeRegistration Opens
KleuterKuren25 January 2026, 10:00
Speelpleinen (Easter)25 January 2026, 10:00
Speelpleinen (Summer)26 April 2026, 10:00
ReTTeKePReT25 January 2026, 10:00
Tofsport Camps25 January 2026, 10:00
SportyCheck provider website
STEAM CampsCheck provider website
Clip Language CampsCheck provider website

Annual update note: Review and update this section each January as registration dates are published.

KleuterKuren (Ages 2.5 to 6)

KleuterKuren is one of Leuven's most popular holiday programs for preschool-aged children. Activities are built around weekly themes and include crafts, music, movement, sports, and free play.

Ideal For

  • Preschoolers
  • First-time camp participants
  • Children who enjoy creative and play-based activities

Location

School Holidays Covered

  • Easter Break
  • Summer Break
  • Autumn Break

Cost

Pricing depends on:

  • Leuven residency
  • UITPAS status
  • Family size
  • Number of registered days

A typical five-day camp week for Leuven residents starts at approximately €37.50.

Speelpleinen (Playground Camps) (Ages 3 to 15)

The Speelpleinen are among the most affordable and popular holiday programs in Leuven. Children spend much of the day outdoors participating in games, challenges, creative activities, and neighbourhood adventures.

Ideal For

  • Active children
  • Families seeking affordable holiday childcare
  • Children who enjoy making local friends

Locations

  • Heverlee (Easter)
  • Heverlee, Kessel-Lo, Wilsele (Summer)

Good to Know

  • Children must be toilet trained.
  • Activities are primarily conducted in Dutch.

Cost

Pricing structure is similar to other city-run camps and depends on residency and discounts.

ReTTeKePReT (Ages 4 to 12)

ReTTeKePReT combines creative expression, sports, music, games, and discovery activities in a structured camp environment. Activities are adapted to different age groups.

Ideal For

  • Children who enjoy varied activities
  • Families looking for a balanced mix of sports and creativity

Location

  • Leefschool De Grasmus
  • Leuven

Available During

  • Easter Break
  • Summer Break
  • Autumn Break

Cost

Similar pricing structure to other Leuven city holiday camps.

Tofsport Camps (Ages 3 to 18)

For sporty children, Tofsport offers one of the widest selections of holiday camps in the Leuven area. Organised in partnership with multiple sports clubs, children can choose from a broad range of activities and sports.

Examples of Activities

  • Football
  • Dance
  • Tennis
  • Gymnastics
  • Martial arts
  • Multi-sport programmes

Age Range

3 to 18 years

Pricing

Approximately €40 to €277 depending on the programme and duration. You can find all of the offers, prices, and locations via this link.

Best For

Children looking to develop sports skills while staying active during school holidays.

Sporty Camps (Ages 3 to 16)

Sporty is a well-established non-profit organisation offering both sporty and creative camps throughout the year.

Locations

  • Kessel-Lo
  • Wilsele
  • Heverlee

Activities

  • Sports
  • Outdoor play
  • Creative workshops
  • Team activities

Registration

Subscribers can usually access early registration periods. Check Sporty's website regularly for the latest dates.

English-Language STEAM Camps (Ages 4 to 12)

For international families seeking English-language holiday programs, the STEAM Camps at the International School of Leuven are one of the most popular options.

Activities Include

  • LEGO coding
  • Science experiments
  • Robotics
  • Art
  • Music
  • Baking
  • Yoga
  • Outdoor activities

Language

English

Daily Schedule

9:00-16:30

Half-day options are typically available.

Cost

Approximately €200 per week, with sibling discounts available.

Best For

Families seeking an international environment and English-language instruction.

Clip Taal Vakanties (Ages 6 to 12)

Clip Taal Vakanties focus on language immersion through fun activities and projects. They are particularly attractive for multilingual and international families.

Languages Offered

  • English
  • French
  • Dutch

Cost

Typically between €180 and €200 depending on the language programme selected.

Best For

Children looking to improve language skills while participating in holiday activities.

Additional Holiday Childcare Options

Childcare Database

If you cannot find a suitable camp, Leuven's childcare database is an excellent place to search for:

  • Holiday childcare
  • Camp providers
  • After-school care
  • Flexible childcare solutions

You can filter by:

  • Age
  • Location
  • Opening hours
  • Type of care

Cokido Parent Cooperative Childcare

Cokido is a cooperative childcare model where parents participate in organising care together.

This option may be particularly useful for:

  • Families with younger children
  • Parents working part-time
  • Families seeking affordable childcare
  • Newcomers looking to meet other families

Understanding UITPAS

If you plan to participate regularly in activities in Leuven, obtaining a UITPAS card is highly recommended.

Benefits

  • Earn points when participating in activities
  • Redeem points for discounts and rewards
  • Access reduced rates for eligible families

Cost

Under 26: €2

26+: €5

Other inspiration for kids' activities during the school holidays

30CC for kids

Use the family filter on 33CC’s website to find family-friendly theater and music programs

Leuven library (De Bib)

You can find a variety of offers for kids at De Bib here.

Final Tip for International Families

If your child is comfortable participating in activities conducted mainly in Dutch, local holiday camps can be one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways to build friendships, develop language skills, and become part of the local Leuven community. Many international families report that these camps are an excellent introduction to Belgian culture and everyday life.

Helpful Dutch Terms for Parents

Many registration websites and camp descriptions are only available in Dutch. These phrases can help.

DutchEnglish
VakantiekampHoliday camp
InschrijvenTo register
Vrije plaatsenAvailable places
WachtlijstWaiting list
KleuterPreschool child
SpeelpleinPlayground camp
Uitverkocht / VolzetFully booked
DagopvangDaycare
SportkampSports camp
VakantieopvangHoliday childcare

Sources and More Information

This article was written to provide a sneak preview of many more available activities and camps, all well explained in Dutch via the catalogue “Activiteiten voor kinderen 0 tot 15 jaar: voorjaar & zomer 2025”. You can find that catalogue from the City of Leuven via this link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do children need to speak Dutch?

Not always. Many city-organised camps operate primarily in Dutch, but children often participate successfully with little or no Dutch knowledge. Check directly with the organiser regarding language expectations.

Which camps are easiest for non-Dutch speakers?

English-language STEAM Camps and Clip Language Camps are generally the most accessible for newly arrived international families.

How far in advance should I register?

As early as possible. Many popular camps fill up shortly after registration opens.

Are discounts available?

Yes. Discounted pricing may be available through UITPAS, Leuven residency benefits, or family-based reductions depending on the provider.

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This page was last updated on: 27 August 2026