Dutch weather can get us down sometimes. As soon as it gets gloomy (like, 99% of the time in the Netherlands), our mood can dip.
The most important advice is to stay busy — especially in the winter when the weather is constantly bad. But what should you be doing?
Here are 27 ideas for activities to keep you busy and entertained — even in the worst Dutch weather.
1. Find local concerts in your city (big or small)
It doesn’t have to be a big, expensive Taylor Swift concert (although we also highly recommend that). Instead, head to see local bands playing in music bars in your city or a smaller artist performing in an intimate venue.
It’s a great way to find new local musicians, get out of the house, have a new experience every night, and hang out with your friends (or make new ones).
2. Try an indoor sport
Bouldering, bowling, go-karting, you name it!
READ MORE | 15 international sports you can easily play in the Netherlands
These sports will keep you active and get some adrenaline going — all while you’re out of the rain and surrounded by heaters.
Gather your friends, get creative, and find a way to get moving while staying warm.
3. Host weekly hangouts with your friends
This can be whatever you choose, but there is only one rule: See. Your. Friends. What better way to beat the rainy-day blues than having a good old-fashioned hangout?
Whether it’s a weekly movie night, a rotating dinner with a theme, or a game night, having a regular plan is a sure way to get some good vibes.
4. Go to a pool bar
“I can’t play pool, I can’t aim, my hand-eye coordination is awful.” We get it. We were the same.
But this rainy day activity is so fun regardless of all that. You can go with one person or a whole group, and your friends can teach you (bonus: it’s a charming date idea 😏).
5. Go axe-throwing
Maybe this is a bit niche, but trust us, it’s so fun. Get in touch with that primal, primitive, caveperson side of you and give your brain the satisfaction of going, “Aim, throw, win.”
Truly an underrated activity, and you’ll walk away feeling like the coolest, toughest person in the world after hurling axes at a wall.
6. Make your house extra cosy
Homebodies, don’t worry, we’re thinking of you too. The truth is, there’s no point in wishing it was summer in the middle of winter.
So lean into it with some candles, some fairy lights, and bring your duvet to the sofa.
READ MORE | 7 ways to make your Dutch bedroom feel like home
Make some warm tea and hot chocolate, wear fluffy socks, and enjoy it. You could even build a blanket fort. ⛺️
7. Visit an arcade
If you want to go outside but don’t want to be super active, head to an arcade! This wasn’t just cool 40 years ago; it’s still fun!
Whether you want to tear up the dance floor with Dance Dance Revolution or shoot some zombies, there’s something for everyone.
8. Go to an escape room
Calling all mystery book lovers, riddle solvers, and adventure seekers! This one’s for you.
There’s nothing better than an escape room to escape your rainy-day thoughts. Bring your friends and figure out who’s the best at solving puzzles. 🕵️♀️
9. Have a spa day
Why not treat yourself? Get a massage, wear a fluffy robe, and sit in a sauna to escape the cold.
Okay, maybe a fancy spa day isn’t in your budget. Geen probleem, do an at-home spa!! Enjoy a hot shower with a body scrub and a nice-smelling shampoo, lather on a face mask, paint your nails, and light some scented candles. 🕯
READ MORE | What to do when it’s raining: the ultimate guide to Amsterdam indoors
(Bonus points if you live with someone who you can convince to give you a massage).
10. Go ice-skating
Of course, you have to go ice skating! It’s the quintessential winter activity. Find an ice-skating rink in or near your city and live that winter wonderland dream!
If you’re lucky, you might even find some frozen canals around you!
11. Visit a museum or art gallery
Modern art, Renaissance, or a local designer — viewing any of these can be a fun way to spend your day away from the bad weather.
Also, staring at old paintings and reading the little cards next to them will make you feel cultured and smart — and we could all use a bit of that.
12. Have “remote work dates” with a friend
Maybe you can’t quite escape the workday and do all these fun activities, but you still want to socialise. Kill two birds with one stone and plan a home office day with a friend!
Meet up at one of your houses or a cute café. This is especially nice if you work remotely and miss some social interaction.
13. Join a class to learn something new
Maybe your brain has started rotting from doing little more than the bare minimum. Time for you to expand your brain! 🧠
Pottery, painting, drawing, cooking, whatever you like, find a class in your town and go all in. It’ll hold you accountable for leaving the house and introduce you to some new people.
14. Plan a weekend away with friends or family
Okay, maybe sometimes there’s just nothing to do about it, and the weather sucks. That’s when you get out if you can.
@driplist HahaHha what were you expecting ? 😅😅#livinginthenetherlands #lifeinamsterdam #pov #reizen #winterinthenetherlands #traveltok #wintertijd ♬ original sound – Somi Lynda💕
Hop in a car, bus, or train, and spend three days somewhere in the south of Europe with better weather. No shame in getting some escape from the gloom and hitting the “reset” button in your brain!
15. Get a big, cosy, waterproof, warm coat
If you have to leave the house and weather the storm (pun intended), make sure to have the right armour (made up of goose feathers and impermeable material!)
snoopy in a big puffy coat pic.twitter.com/XDGiOjniw0
— alex ! (@gloompool) November 29, 2021
Trust us: when it’s lashing cold hail onto you while you bike, you’ll be happy to have something to protect you.
16. Call all of your friends until one of them picks up
Sometimes, it’s just too miserable to go outside. We get it. But if you’re feeling a bit lonely or just want some chat — that’s when you call someone!
There are even handy websites that let you stream movies at the same time as someone in another country. Virtual movie night, anyone? 🍿
17. Start a workout challenge or class
Want to take a class, but not much of an artsy person? Geen probleem!
Take up boxing, karate, dancing, or yoga. You’ll get moving and maybe meet some new people!
And if you’re not feeling up for a whole class, go for an at-home challenge. Check out something on YouTube or Google, or challenge yourself to work out every day for a week or a month.
18. Start pet-sitting
It’s truly underrated what a little furry friend can do.
READ MORE | Getting a pet in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide
Whether it’s a hyperactive puppy or a wise old cat, their fluffy little ears will definitely bring some light back into your life.
And what’s better than getting paid to hang out with these little (or big) guys? Surely, someone near you needs someone to watch their cat, dog, hamster, bunny, turtle, gerbil, or fish for a weekend while they’re away.
19. Actually go to your work’s borrel
Look, we know. Not everyone has a super lovely, friendly, welcoming work environment. But hopefully, you have at least one coworker you can latch onto while you sip some beers.
Best case scenario, everyone you work with is nice, and you find out their real-world, outside-of-work personalities.
READ MORE | What is borrelen? The Dutch art of going for a drink with co-workers
Plus, there’s a good chance of a free biertje. 🍻
20. Get really into drinking tea or hot chocolate
This one just makes sense, doesn’t it? It’s chilly out; you’ve got your fluffy socks on, a blanket, and a movie. What’s missing? A nice, warm beverage in a cute little cup.
Maybe this can be the year that you perfect tea or hot chocolate.
You find the best cocoa in town, with the perfect type of milk, add in some whipped cream and maybe even some marshmallows if you’re feeling crazy. No judgment here!
21. Sleep and eat more
Maybe this is controversial. But trust us, it’s especially important in the colder months.
Your body needs more fuel at this time because it uses so much energy to keep you warm. So, if you find yourself hungrier and sleepier, eat and nap away! 🛌
Although, if you like having a monthly paycheck, maybe wait until you’re clocked out.
22. Take an online course
An online course could be about anything. In this day and age, you can learn an astounding amount of skills on the internet, often for free.
Surely, there’s something you’ve been meaning to learn about and have been putting off. Maybe it’s cooking, or perhaps it’s a language, personal finance, history, shoemaking — anything!
23. Rearrange your furniture
Maybe your home got a bit boring after sitting in it all day. Why not shake things up a bit? Switch your sofa and dining table or your bed and your closet.
Maybe you’ll hate it and change it back, or maybe not. Either way, you beat the boredom — and maybe you’ll make your house a little cosier in the process!
24. Knit yourself a sweater
Much like a perfect cup of tea, this one just fits in with the whole vibe. Turn on a series or YouTube video and knit away.
It’s a wholesome, mind-occupying hobby, and there’s nothing cooler than wearing a sweater made by yourself!
25. Get your driver’s license
Let’s face it: gloomy days can get boring. But if you’re bored anyway and looking for something to do, why not get your Dutch driver’s license?
It’s admittedly not the cheapest thing you’ll ever do, but maybe you can use the autumn and winter months to crack down, take some lessons, and gain a new skill. 🚗
26. Buy a onesie, fluffy socks, and a hot water bottle
Rather than wishing for a warmer, sunnier day, you might as well lean into it. Cosy up with the right clothes — and a hot water bottle will change your life.
Just fill it up with water from your tea kettle and hold it to your torso. Soon enough, you’ll be addicted to the warmth and never want to go back.
27. Learn how to play an instrument
Start with something small if you have to, like a harmonica, the tambourine, or a ukulele. Or, if you want to go for the classic, why not try your hand at the guitar?
It’s just as fun as singing (if you like that) but with the extra bonus twist of making your own instrumentals.
When it comes to these gloomy days, we can start feeling quite, well, gloomy. The trick to beat that is to stay busy, socialise, and get out of the house if you can.
Make plans throughout the week, try new things, and get a change of environment to trick your brain away from thinking about how gloomy and dark it is. Can’t get out? Lean into the cosy vibes at home instead.
What are your favourite ways to survive the gloomy Dutch weather? Tell us in the comments below!
