Expeditie NEXT lets children work like soil animals inside a dark maze

On 28 August from 11:00 to 17:00, Expeditie NEXT turns Lange Voorhout in The Hague into an outdoor science festival. Entry is free for ages 4-12 and adults, but a ticket is required.

• NIOO, Wageningen University and Bodemdierendagen build the soil-animal maze. Children search and smell in the dark, then investigate outside or paint with soil.
• The maze explains ecosystem services: how small animals aerate soil, recycle nutrients and support plants. It turns soil protection from an abstract slogan into a task the body remembers.
• More than thirty other science stands add real research, mini-lectures and shows. A family gains more by choosing one question each than by collecting something at every stand.
• Free tickets can still fill, so save the registration code. The outdoor site and dark maze may challenge children sensitive to darkness or stimuli; ask about exits and alternatives first.

Hokimi field note: Before leaving, ask the child to name one soil animal and one job it performs, then verify it in a pot or park at home. Bringing the answer into daily life completes the visit.