How to Plan a Bilingual Birthday Party in the Netherlands That Everyone Enjoys

Plan a Dutch-English birthday party with ease! Tips on invites, games, food & fun that everyone will understand and enjoy.

Why a Bilingual Birthday Party in the Netherlands Matters

Living in the Netherlands means raising children in a wonderfully multicultural and multilingual environment. Whether you're an expat, a Dutch parent partnered with an international, or simply want to create a more inclusive atmosphere, planning a bilingual birthday party is both thoughtful and practical.

With so many Dutch and English-speaking children attending international and bilingual schools in cities like Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Haarlem, and Utrecht, a party that blends both languages shows consideration and makes everyone feel welcome.

Plus, let’s be honest — trying to translate "pin the tail on the donkey" mid-party? Not ideal!

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Dutch-English Birthday Party

1. Set the Tone With a Bilingual Invitation

The invitation sets expectations and ensures guests feel included from the start. You don’t have to write a novel—just keep things clear and friendly in both Dutch and English.

What to include:

• Date & Time

• Party theme (also translated: e.g., "Paw Patrol" / "Paw Patrol Feestje")

• Venue and address

• RSVP instructions (mention preferred language for replies)

  
  

Tools to help:

• Canva templates (make one bilingual version)

• Mini Munchkins also offers customized printed or digital bilingual invites

2. Choose a Theme That Translates Easily

Pick a theme that’s universally loved or familiar in both cultures. Great options include:

• Jungle Safari ("Jungle Avontuur")

• Space Adventure ("Ruimte Avontuur")

• Princesses & Knights ("Prinsessen en Ridders")

• Superheroes ("Superhelden")

• Animals or Pets ("Dierenfeest")

  
  

Stick to themes with simple visuals and language-friendly games so no child feels left out due to a language barrier.

Mini Munchkins Tip: Our teepee parties and custom setups can be labeled in both Dutch and English upon request!

3. Decor That Speaks Both Languages

Decor is a fantastic opportunity to use both languages without needing translation.

Ideas:

• Use banners with "Happy Birthday" and "Gefeliciteerd"

• Food table signs: "Cake" / "Taart", "Drinks" / "Drankjes"

• Thank you signs in both languages

• Custom balloons or name signs in bilingual fonts

  
  

Visual tip: Use one side of the table with English signage, one with Dutch, or alternate the two.

4. Food & Treats All Kids Love

When it comes to food, aim for crowd-pleasers that don’t need much explaining. Avoid anything that might confuse picky eaters or require cultural translation.

Popular bilingual-friendly treats:

• Mini pancakes / Poffertjes

• Cupcakes with toppers labeled in both languages

• DIY sandwich station ("Broodjes" / "Sandwiches")

• Chips and fruit skewers

  
  

Bonus: Offer a mini "menu" or food label cards to help kids with language learning while they snack.

5. Plan Games That Everyone Understands

Games are the heart of any party—but nothing kills the mood like a confusing set of rules. Choose games that are:

• Visual and physical (less talking, more doing)

• Easy to explain with gestures or visuals

  
  

Great bilingual-friendly games:

• Treasure Hunt with clues in both languages

• Freeze Dance with alternating Dutch/English instructions

• Balloon Pop with bilingual tasks inside

• Musical Chairs using a playlist with Dutch and English songs

  
  

Tip: Prepare a game master (older sibling or helper) who can guide in both languages if needed.

6. Entertainment & Performers: Bilingual or Visual

Hiring entertainment? Make sure your performer can speak both Dutch and English OR that their show is visual and doesn’t rely heavily on spoken word.

Examples:

• Bilingual magicians (yes, they exist!)

• Balloon artists or face painters (visual)

• Puppet shows with minimal talking

  
  

Mini Munchkins Tip: We can recommend local performers in Amsterdam and Amstelveen who cater to international families.

7. Songs & Playlist That Feel Familiar

Music brings energy and sets the tone. A playlist that mixes Dutch and English songs keeps things festive and inclusive.

Ideas to include:

• "Kinderen voor Kinderen" hits

• English party favorites like "Baby Shark" or "Happy"

• Instrumental background music during lunch

• Bilingual sing-along songs (with lyrics on screen if inside)

  
  

Create a Spotify playlist in advance to keep the flow going!

8. Bilingual Party Bags

The fun shouldn’t end when the party does. Send kids home with party bags that reflect the day’s bilingual magic!

Include:

• Stickers with Dutch & English phrases ("Bedankt! / Thank you!")

• Coloring sheets with bilingual labels

• A small toy and candy

• A printed thank-you note in both languages

  
  

Mini Munchkins Tip: We create fully customized gift bags that are bilingual, themed, and personalized with each guest’s name.

🚀 Real-Life Example: Sam's Jungle Adventure

Sam’s parents are Dutch-American and wanted to celebrate his 6th birthday with both school friends from the international school and local Dutch neighbors. Here’s how they did it:

• Invites: Printed in both languages with jungle clipart

• Theme: Jungle Safari / Jungle Avontuur

• Setup: Mini Munchkins provided jungle-themed teepees with bilingual name tags

• Games: Treasure hunt with clues in Dutch and English

• Favors: Included jungle animal figures, stickers in both languages, and banana cookies

  
  

The result? Everyone felt included, the language barrier was a non-issue, and Sam declared it the “best party ever.”

Benefits of a Bilingual Kids Party

• Encourages inclusivity and cultural exchange

• Boosts language confidence for children learning Dutch or English

• Welcomes expat, local, and international families alike

• Helps children connect through play, not just language

• Makes everyone—parents and children—feel thought of and seen

  
  

Where to Host a Bilingual Party in Amsterdam or Amstelveen

Venue ideas:

• Home or garden (Mini Munchkins can transform any space!)

• Local parks (like Vondelpark, Amsterdamse Bos)

• Community centers with party rooms

• Indoor play cafés or bilingual daycare centers

  
  

✨ Final Tips for Planning a Bilingual Birthday Party in the Netherlands

1. Don’t over-translate. Keep it simple and clear.

2. Use visuals. Pictures and icons help bridge gaps.

3. Prep helpers. Let adult guests or older kids know in advance what to expect.

4. Keep the vibe light. It’s okay if not everything is perfectly translated—it’s about making kids feel included.

5. Outsource when needed. Services like Mini Munchkins can help customize your party so you don’t have to stress over every detail.

   
   

Ready to Host Your Own Dutch-English Bilingual Party?

Planning a bilingual birthday party in the Netherlands doesn’t have to be hard. With a little creativity and the right partners, you can create a celebration that brings everyone together—no matter the language.

At Mini Munchkins, we specialize in helping international families in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and beyond create personalized, inclusive, and beautiful parties. From themed sleepovers to fully styled park parties, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

👉 Visit www.minimunchkins.nl to get started, or follow us on Instagram at @mini.munchkins.nl for inspiration!

Let’s party in every language!