Timeless Dutch Games That Spark Joy and Learning

Discovering a new culture is more fun when you get to play! Dutch children’s games are not only entertaining—they also offer a peek into the values and creativity of the Netherlands. These traditional games have stood the test of time and are still enjoyed by kids across the country today.

Sjoelbakken – The Shuffleboard Showdown
This is one of the most beloved traditional games in the Netherlands. Sjoelbakken, or Dutch shuffleboard, is played using a long wooden board and wooden disks. Players take turns sliding the disks along the board, aiming to get them through four small arches labeled 1 to 4. Each player gets three chances per round. The goal is to collect the highest number of points based on where the disks land. It’s a game that children enjoy, but adults often join in, making it a fun family activity. You’ll often see this game played during birthdays, holidays, or community gatherings.

Kinkkeren – The Marvel of Marbles
Kinkkeren has been a favorite among Dutch children for generations. The game involves shiny marbles and a large circle drawn on the ground. Each player tries to shoot their marble to knock other marbles out of the circle. The last player with marbles remaining in the ring is the winner. Some marbles even have special names—such as a large one called a “giant giant bonk”. This game not only teaches aiming skills but also creativity and friendly competition. Children often trade marbles or customize them, turning Kinkkeren into a social experience as well.

Creative Play, Dutch Style
These classic games don’t require screens or batteries. They encourage kids to move, think, and interact. In a time where digital distractions are everywhere, introducing children to these physical and imaginative games can be a refreshing break—and a cultural lesson rolled into one.

Make Language Learning Fun with Dutch Playtime

To help kids get used to the different ways Dutch is spoken, you can listen to regional music, stories, and cartoons. Watching how people greet each other or how characters in a video use formal vs. informal speech is both fun and educational.

Dinolingo’s Dutch program makes this even easier. With animated lessons, children can hear proper pronunciation and learn new words in context. Whether your child is just beginning or already understands some Dutch, Dinolingo offers tools that encourage natural language use and cultural discovery.

Let your child explore the sounds of Dutch—and maybe even pick up a regional phrase or two!