Pim & Pom Festival lets children enter Fiep Westendorp’s cat world

From 28 to 30 August, the festival at Apeldoorn’s Zwitsalterrein is designed for children through age seven, with a 09:00-16:30 day ticket or 12:30-16:30 afternoon option.

• Westendorp also created the visual identity of Jip en Janneke. Pim and Pom share her clear outlines, movement and everyday mischief, allowing young children to recognise a story without much text.
• Interactive play zones, making, drawing, dancing, character photo moments and a Pim & Pom theatre show shift the child from spectator to someone who completes an action or object.
• The site focuses on ages zero to seven and includes places for parents to sit with coffee. For a toddler with a fixed nap, the afternoon option may beat a nominally better-value full day.
• Use the official shop for live pricing and note that day and afternoon slots differ. Check theatre timing and workshop queues before assuming the full-day ticket adds useful hours.

Hokimi field note: Read one Pim & Pom story or watch a familiar clip before leaving. Recognising the characters as old friends creates more connection than rushing every activity.