How family-friendly is Groningen?

In the Netherlands in 2026, the city of Groningen has long ceased to be the domain of students and cyclists. While the “City of Light” Eindhoven and the port city of Rotterdam have their own unique appeal, Groningen is increasingly profiling itself as one of the most family-friendly cities in Northern Europe. But what makes “City”, as the people of Groningen affectionately call it, really the ideal place for a growing family in 2026?

From green parks to innovative education and relative peace compared to the Randstad: we dive into the factors that make Groningen a top choice for parents in 2026.

Safety and mobility: The city tailored to children

In 2026, Groningen will be known worldwide for its traffic policy. The city is almost car-free, which has a direct impact on children's freedom of movement.

• Back to school safely: With the “Safe to School 2024-2030” approach, the municipality of Groningen has invested heavily in safe cycling routes. By 2026, children in most neighborhoods will be able to cycle to school or the sports club independently, without parents having to worry about heavy through traffic.
• Compact structure: Everything in Groningen is within cycling distance. For a family, this means less time stuck in traffic and more time together. The “15-minute city” idea was fully implemented here in 2026.

Green and recreation: A playground around the corner

Groningen will be greener than ever in 2026. In recent years, the city has invested heavily in transforming grey zones into vibrant parks.

• The Noorderplantsoen: This iconic park will serve as the city's backyard in 2026. With countless playgrounds, ponds and child-friendly restaurants, it is the meeting place for young families.
• The city park: For bigger adventures, the City Park offers an extensive petting zoo and one of the largest playgrounds in the Northern Netherlands. In 2026, a “nature playground” was also opened here where children can experiment safely with water and sand.
• Kardinge and Hoornse plas: These locations are indispensable for sports and water recreation. In 2026, De Hoornse Plas will be the place to be for summer days, with shallow swimming areas and extensive facilities for toddlers and preschoolers.

Education and future opportunities

In 2026, Groningen will be a hub for innovative education. In addition to the University of Groningen (RUG), the city offers a wide range of primary and secondary schools with various profiles.

• International education: Due to the growth of the tech sector in the north, the International Primary School Groningen will be a popular choice in 2026 for both expats and Dutch families who want to raise their children bilingual.
• Prosperous neighborhoods: Through the National Program for Quality of Life and Safety (NPLV), additional investments will be made in schools in neighborhoods such as Selwerd and Lewenborg in 2026, so that every child, regardless of the neighborhood, has access to top quality education.

Living in 2026: New construction for families

The housing market in Groningen is tight, but the municipality has taken control with the Public Housing Plan “Building Groningen Living Happiness”.

• Family-friendly neighborhoods: In 2026, locations such as Meerstad and De suiker zijde will be the showpieces for families. Meerstad offers waterfront living with schools and sports facilities in its own neighborhood, while De Suikerzijde creates a modern, urban family environment just a stone's throw from the center.
• Affordability: Although prices are rising, you will often still benefit from more square meters for your money in 2026 than in the Randstad. With the starter exemption of up to €555,000, many family homes in the neighborhoods around the center are still accessible to young parents.

Comparison of family facilities in Groningen (2026)

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Supply                                        Supply in Groningen                                                                            Rating (1–10)

Parks & Nature                      Noorderplantsoen, Stadspark, Kardinge                               9

Road safety                           Car-free center, separate bike lanes                                     9

Culture for kids                     Forum Groningen (Storyworld), Groninger Museum            8

Sports facilities                     Kardinge (ice rink / swimming pool), many clubs                 8

Housing supply                     Focus on Meerstad and district renewal                               7

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Culture and entertainment: Not just for students

In 2026, Groningen will have a cultural offer that is specifically aimed at young explorers.

• Forum Groningen: This architectural masterpiece will be the city's living room in 2026. With Storyworld (the museum for comics and games) and a special children's cinema, there's always something to do on a rainy day.
• Events: From the Meikermis to the children's shows at the Stadsschouwburg, the 2026 event calendar is full of activities suitable for the whole family.

The gist: Why Groningen is the place for your family

Groningen in 2026 is a city that found the perfect balance. It offers the facilities of a big city, high-quality education, excellent care and rich culture, but maintains the safety and clarity of a village.

For parents, living in Groningen means less stress about traffic and more chances of finding a home in a green environment. For children, it means a city where they have the space to explore, play and grow up safely. Whether you fall for the modern villas in Meerstad or the characteristic houses in the Helpman neighborhood, Groningen will welcome families with open arms in 2026.

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