Luxembourg's Ministry of Education, Children and Youth has announced that it is organising the fifth edition of "Semaine de l'Enfance" (Children's Week), from Saturday 30 May to Friday 5 June 2026.
This year's theme is "Experiencing non-formal education: learning is child's play!" According to the ministry, non-formal education encompasses crèches (nurseries), mini-crèches, "maisons relais" (childcare facilities), "foyers scolaires" (after-school childcare centres), "foyers de jour" (daycare centres) and parental assistants. These educational and childcare facilities support children from birth to the age of twelve outside of school hours.
Non-formal education is considered fundamental to children's development and well-being. It pursues clearly defined educational objectives, and the educational and childcare facilities provide an environment in which children explore the world in a playful and age-appropriate way. They develop social skills as well as key abilities for the future - including cooperation, communication, creativity, autonomy and participation - which enrich and complement formal schooling and form essential foundations for their future educational path.
The "Festival de l'Enfance" (Children's Festival) at Neumünster Abbey in Luxembourg-Grund will launch Children's Week 2026 on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May. Over one weekend, children up to the age of twelve and their families will be able to participate free of charge in more than 60 workshops across 24 exhibition stands.
Among this year's new features are mini-conferences for parents in French, Luxembourgish and English, accompanied by activities for children. A scavenger hunt, street interviews and a quiz will also form part of the programme.
An information stand from the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth will answer visitors' questions about teaching methods, childcare facilities and the childcare service voucher scheme. Visitors will also be able to discuss parenting-related topics with representatives from the "Eltereforum" service.
Food trucks and refreshments will also be available on-site.
According to the ministry, the Children's Festival welcomed more than 13,500 visitors over two days in 2025.
Following the festival, Children's Week 2026 will continue throughout the country until Friday 5 June. A total of 234 educational and childcare facilities will open their doors to the public and offer more than 1,000 activities.
The complete programme is available on semaine-enfance.lu, with activities listed by day, region and target audience (parents, children and the general public). Some activities require prior registration.
