17 & 18 May 2025
at Neimënster
17 and 18 May 2025 at Neumünster Abbey
The Children's Festival, 17 and 18 May, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parents and their children are invited to take part in 74 workshops, to play, create, search or investigate. Come and discover how children learn through play and become playfully acquainted with the pedagogical approach of non-formal education applied in education and childcare facilities (“crèches”,“mini-crèches”, “maisons relais”, “foyers scolaires”, “foyers de jour” or parental assistants).
Workshops
4 workshops
The magical safari
Welcome to the magical safari, where your imagination comes to life! In this interactive workshop, children discover the green screen effect. What happens when you suddenly find yourself in the heart of the jungle, the Savannah, or the desert? With creative backgrounds and real-time applied techniques, children dive into fantasy worlds. A fun experience for little explorers, with guaranteed wonders!
For children aged 4 and up
Nature playground
The "Natur erliewen" team guides children through the beauty and diversity of our nature and environment. It is about experiencing and understanding nature and the environment together. Children can unleash their creativity and build their own little world using various natural materials.
For children aged 4 and up
"Discover robots!" and "Creative upcycling!"
Discover Robots!
Take your first steps in the world of programming and logical thinking. Discover how exciting programming can be! Children start by controlling the robot on the screen and then program it to help it find its way out of a maze.
Creative Upcycling!
Old textiles, originally meant to be thrown away, are transformed into keychains. Children discover how a sewing machine works and can use it to personalise their own keychain.
For children aged 8 and up
The story of Noah's ark
A wooden ark made from upcycled materials is used with handcrafted animals to talk to children about coexistence and discrimination. Each animal is unique and has different characteristics. A dog may be more liked than a spider, but they all have the same value. Or is one worth more than the other? Through the animals, a parallel can be drawn with humans.
For children aged 6 and up
3 workshops
Direction générale du secteur de l’enfance, Service de l’éducation et de l’accueil (Department for education and childcare) : Information and drop-off point for the completed quiz
The mission of the department for education and childcare is to promote non-formal education, to provide administrative follow-up and to monitor the development and quality of non-formal education and childcare facilities (Maison relais, parental assistants (childminders), crèches, mini-crèches, foyers de jour, foyers scolaires). The department also monitors and develops the funding system for these facilities (Chèque-service accueil) and manages complaints as well as claims.
Feel free to visit our stand to ask us questions or get more information.
Children who have completed the QUIZ on non-formal education with their parents are invited to come and collect a small gift at our stand.
Service Eltereforum (Parent forums)
Parent forums are are welcoming places, where parents are supported and strengthened in every dimension of their parenting.With 9 locations in place, parents now have 9 locations where they can exchange, find information in the form of courses and workshops as well as great activities for parents and children - no matter how old their children are.
The Service for Quality Development in Non-Formal Education Sectors and Child and Family Welfare
This service is committed to quality development, supporting institutions in ensuring high-quality care and education that promotes children's well-being and learning. Through close collaboration between the ministry and the professionals, innovative projects are designed to enhance educational practices. The goal is to provide children with a stimulating environment that fosters their curiosity, autonomy, and development. Families can thus rely on well-trained staff and constantly evolving institutions to ensure a safe and enriching setting in which children can thrive.
3 workshops
Craft and Painting Workshop
In this workshop, children can express their creativity by making colorful masks, drawing with chalk, or designing their own badge. This space not only encourages artistic expression, collaboration, and experimentation with different materials but also enables children to freely express their opinions and make them visible in a creative way.
From the age of 3
Construction workshop
The children build a jungle world using modular elements and special tools. Through this activity, they develop logical thinking, cooperation, and creativity while discovering real construction techniques. Together, they can decide how to shape their jungle world, share ideas, and create a unique environment.
From the age of 6
Puzzle workshop
In this workshop, children explore the fascinating world of codes and secret messages. They can craft a decoding wheel to decrypt messages and also create and solve other coded riddles. A playful activity that enhances logic, patience, and creativity.
From the age of 8
3 workshops
Moving Through Play – An Adventure in the Movement Container
Inside our movement container, a unique adventure space unfolds, where children can explore new ways of moving, enhance their motor skills, and experiment with creative solutions—all through play. With exciting elements like the floating cloth, a thrilling jungle course, versatile multi-belts, a challenging climbing net, and an airy air tunnel, we invite children to climb, swing, and balance, turning movement into an adventure!
This workshop encourages self-directed learning through movement, fostering coordination, teamwork, and self-confidence. In a safe and supportive environment, children can discover their bodies in new ways, test their own limits, and experience the joy of achievement.
For children aged 3 to 12
Carving a gnome from a hazel twig
In this hands-on workshop, children will discover the traditional art of whittling as they carve their own gnome from a hazel twig. Step by step, we’ll guide them through the process, transforming a simple piece of wood into a unique, one-of-a-kind creation. Along the way, they’ll have the freedom to unleash their creativity, shaping their gnome’s features to reflect their artistic vision. Once the carving is complete, they can add the finishing touch by painting their gnome, bringing their whimsical character to life!
For children aged 8 to 12
Dive into a World of Sensations and Experiments!
Dive into a World of Sensations and Experiments! Our sand pool invites children to explore the weight and texture of sand using a variety of fun tools and fun activities.
What is in there :
An exploration table with a balance scale to compare, weigh, and observe weight differences.
Pouring tools – buckets, strainers, spoons, and cups – to experiment with the concept of light and heavy.
Different sand textures (dry, wet) for a rich sensory discovery.
Suggested Experiments:
Pour and transfer: Fill, empty, and compare different quantities to observe weight variations.
Weigh and compare: Test weight differences by placing various sand-filled containers on the balance.
Texture exploration: Play with sifters, strainers, and other tools to feel the difference between dry and wet sand.
Why is it amazing?
Develops fine motor skills
Introduces early scientific concepts about weight and materials
Encourages sensory stimulation and free exploration
A perfect activity to spark curiosity in little explorers while having fun!
For children aged 12 months and older
The "Interactive Water Wall" offers a fun experience with water.
On a large vertical wall, children can observe the water's journey through pipes, funnels, bottles, and other objects. They can experiment by altering the path, playing with flow rates, or creating different routes. Basins at the base of the wall collect the water.
It’s a fun and durable way to understand water circulation and volumes while exploring different pathways and all the recycled materials.
This activity will help you learn about gravity, volume, and improve your coordination—all this while having a great time!
For children from the age of two
Sensory Adventure: Let Your Creativity Run Wild with Water, Earth, and Sand!
Welcome to our scientific space dedicated to sensory discoveries! Here, experimentation reigns: choose your materials, mix them, and observe how they interact to create unique textures and colours.
Materials available:
• Three transparent containers (one for each substance)
• Pipettes and colorants to turn water into a palette of colours
• Small cups, spoons, and funnels for transferring and measuring
Suggested experiments:
Mix and Discover: What happens when you add water to sand? And to earth?
Colour Experimentation: Add colorant to water and watch the surprising transformations!
Measure & Compare: Discover how each substance reacts based on the amount poured and compare the results.
This activity not only develops fine motor skills, but also sparks scientific curiosity by allowing free exploration of the properties of these three essential elements. Come and experience a sensory adventure full of surprises and creativity!
For children from the age of two
Saturday 17 May : Music workshop
Here, children can sing along, discover new songs, and experiment with different instruments.
Sunday 18 May : Arts and craft workshop : Making a wax pendant
Children pour the hot wax from lit candles into a mould. The mould is then placed in a bowl of cold water, where the wax hardens and takes the shape of a pendant. Children can also use coloured candles to create a personalised and unique pendant.
For ages 4 to 12
The Bibliobus-CJF
The Bibliobus-CJF, a resource center, supports parents in fostering their children’s language development. As the primary facilitators of language learning, parents play a crucial role in this process. Every daily moment—whether during meals, playtime, or walks—offers an opportunity to communicate, tell stories, and expand vocabulary. Simple and practical strategies help promote multilingualism and support children’s early language development.
For children aged 0 to 4
Domino
Language: An Essential Tool for Your Child’s FutureBy playing DOMINO, parents discover in a fun way the concept of SEA and the importance of language in their child's development. A high level of language competence enhances expression, comprehension, and academic success.To enrich vocabulary and stimulate oral expression, simply engage in conversation with the child: ask open-ended questions, tell stories, and sing songs. Gestures, miming, and intonations make learning more dynamic. These methods are easy to incorporate into daily life, making learning natural and enjoyable.
For children aged 6 to 12
Memory
By playing the educational Memory game, where one card shows a picture and the other a text, parents explore how language develops in children. This activity illustrates SEA’s approach, based on intuitive learning and play. It demonstrates how these interactions expand vocabulary and support cognitive development. Parents thus gain a better understanding of our educational approach, which focuses on natural learning.
For children aged 4 to 6
The TOTO Bus and its 2025 Tour: "Colorful Plates, Colorful Lives"
The TOTO Bus and its 2025 Tour: "Colorful Plates, Colorful Lives" focuses on children's nutrition and well-being. Through the Tasting Lab, an interactive and sensory space, children explore nutrition, discover new flavors, and become more aware of their eating habits. A fun and immersive approach to spark curiosity, encourage balanced choices, and raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy and varied diet!
For children aged 4 to 12
6 workshops
Snoezelen multisensory workshop
This workshop gives parents and children the opportunity to awaken their senses.
A "Snoezelen tent" will be set up and it is designed to create a space for you to let go and stimulate your senses. You will find a range of fabrics in different colours and textures, a massage kit, balls, sensory bottles and more.
Empathy dolls are also available for everyone to play with.
For children aged 0 to 12
Creative workshop
Give free rein to your creativity. Our creative table, which you may use, features a number of items such as fairly standard craft materials, elements from nature, a mirror, as well as and instructions such as "Represent your mum/dad/granny...".
From 2/3 years old
Exploring art
Books, paintings, objects: come and discover or rediscover famous works of art, while having fun!
For children aged 0 to 12
Physical expression space
In our dedicated space for children's body expression, movement becomes a true artistic language!
Inspired by famous works of art, children explore their creativity through dance, mime, and physical play.
For children aged 0 to 12
Free building
Unleash your creativity using a variety of construction materials!