A party for children
When the celebration began in 1885 as Princess’s Day, it was all about a five-year-old girl: Princess Wilhelmina. For a long time after that it was mainly a day for children, with games, decorated bikes and parades. Read more in the history of King’s Day.
That is still the case. In many places the local Oranjevereniging (orange society, a volunteer group that organises King’s Day activities) runs games such as koekhappen (biting a hanging piece of spiced cake) and sack races, and at the flea market there are children everywhere with a blanket full of old toys. In Lelystad there have been children’s activities on the Stadhuisplein in recent years. What is on in 2027 is on King’s Night and flea market.
Selling at the flea market
For many children the flea market is the highlight: selling things themselves and earning their own money. Here is how to go about it.
Beforehand
- Let your child choose what can go. Toys, books, cuddly toys and games always sell well.
- Check that puzzles and games are complete. A note saying “complete” helps them sell.
- Agree on prices together. Round amounts are easiest: 50 cents, 1 euro, 2 euros. A box with “everything 50 cents” attracts lots of buyers.
- Bring change in coins and a few 5-euro notes. More and more people pay with a payment request or Tikkie (a popular Dutch payment app); agree whether that is allowed.
On the day
- A blanket or an old sheet is enough. Stalls, trailers and party tents are not allowed at many flea markets, and were not allowed in Lelystad in 2025.
- Marking out or reserving a spot in advance is not allowed in Lelystad. First come, first served.
- Selling food and drink is usually not allowed at the Lelystad flea market. Lemonade and home-baked biscuits are a classic in many other places, but always check the municipality’s rules.
- A sign with prices saves a lot of questions. Let your child make it.
- Agree on what happens to the money. Saving it, buying something new at the flea market, or half and half.
- At the end of the day, take home whatever is left. Usable items can often go to a second-hand charity shop (kringloopwinkel).
Clothes and things to bring
- Orange: a shirt, a little crown or an orange hair ribbon is enough. Face paint works too, but test it on the skin at home first.
- Layers: late April can be warm, but also cold and wet. A rain jacket fits in any bag.
- Sunscreen and a cap: when the sun shines, you are outside all day.
- Ear protection: sound is loud near stages and music. There are ear defenders for small children.
- Food and drink from home. There are queues at the stalls, and hungry children tire quickly.
- Buggy or baby carrier: in a packed city centre a carrier is often easier than a big pram.
Staying safe in the crowds
On a King’s Day with the royal family, tens of thousands of people come to the city. That makes it fun, but children also get lost easily.
- Write your phone number on your child’s arm, or use a wristband with your number.
- Take a photo of your child when you set off. Then you know exactly what they were wearing.
- Agree on a fixed meeting point in case you lose each other, such as a striking building. In Lelystad the orange Agora Theater is hard to miss.
- Teach your child that they can ask a police officer, a traffic steward or a first aid post for help.
- Expect closed roads and full trains. Set off a little earlier and take breaks away from the crowds.
Seeing the royal family
When the royal family visits, many people line the route. Children see little behind a row of adults.
- Arrive in good time. At earlier visits the first people were standing along the route hours in advance.
- Choose a spot along the route, not on the busiest square. Along the route you have a better chance of a good view.
- Bring a small stool or cushion for the wait, if allowed.
- A home-made sign or drawing stands out. Members of the royal family often accept drawings and flowers from children along the route.
- Can your child not wait that long? Then watch the broadcast by NOS (the Dutch public broadcaster) at home or in a café and go to the flea market later.
The family’s arrival time and route are not yet known. They will appear on the Programme page as soon as they are available.
Koningsspelen at school
Primary schools across the country hold the Koningsspelen (King’s Games) every year, usually on the Friday before King’s Day. The day starts with breakfast at school, followed by sports and games. Each year there is a special song with a dance that children across the country do at the same time. Ask your child’s school when the Koningsspelen are in 2027.
On King’s Day itself in Lelystad
With the royal family in town, 2027 will not be an ordinary King’s Day. There will be road closures and more police on the streets. Useful to know for families:
- Come by train: Lelystad Centrum station is right next to the city centre. See Map and travel.
- There is plenty to do around Lelystad if the city centre gets too busy. Think of a walk along the Oostvaardersplassen or a visit to the Aviodrome. See Lelystad.
- Coming from far away? Staying overnight makes the day calmer, because you do not have to set off early.
Frequently asked questions
More practical questions, such as whether shops are open and whether you get the day off, are on the FAQ page.