Summer job at the coast or in a theme park: how to land a great holiday job in 2026
For many students the exams are still in full swing, but the summer holidays are approaching fast. And if you want to earn some extra money this summer, you should start looking right now. Two places stand out every year when it comes to fun holiday jobs: the coast and the theme parks.
It's work with a different rhythm than a job in a warehouse or a call centre. You're among people, often outdoors, with colleagues your own age. No wonder a summer job at the seaside or in an amusement park is hugely popular year after year.
In this blog we go over which jobs are up for grabs this summer, exactly how the rules work and how to give your chances of a great holiday job in 2026 a serious boost.
Why the coast and theme parks are eager for student workers
Tourism and recreation are typical seasonal sectors. In July and August, visitor numbers triple on a busy day, while the permanent workforce stays more or less the same. That gap is filled with student workers.
Theme parks such as Bellewaerde, Boudewijn Seapark, Plopsaland and Bobbejaanland hire hundreds of students every summer. At the coast, ice cream parlours, beach bars, shops and hospitality businesses are looking for people to handle the summer rush. That's good news for you: the offer is huge and the bar for getting hired is lower than for a regular job, especially if you're flexible in July and August.
Which jobs are up for grabs this summer?
You have more choice than you think. It mainly depends on what you enjoy and how much experience you already have.
At the coast
The seaside resorts between De Panne and Knokke run at full speed in summer. Popular student jobs at the seaside include:
Waiting tables in a beach bar, brasserie or restaurant
Sales in an ice cream parlour or chip shop
Shop assistant in a supermarket or seasonal shop
Children's entertainment at a campsite or holiday park
Reception and checkout staff at an attraction or swimming pool
Do you enjoy working outdoors and are you a natural talker? Then the coast is an excellent match.
In theme parks and recreation areas
An amusement park is really a small city in itself, with very different roles. Think of:
Ride operator (welcoming visitors and watching over safety)
Staff member in a shop, restaurant or ice cream stand
Checkout and ticketing staff at the entrance
Kitchen or dishwashing staff
Entertainment, mascot work or supporting shows
The best thing about a holiday job in a theme park: you often rotate between different tasks, so you're rarely bored. And if you work the whole season, you can put aside a nice sum for the new school year.
The rules of the game: hours, age and your 650-hour quota
Before you apply, it's best to run through the rules. That way you won't be in for any surprises.
| Rule | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Age | From age 15 (if you have completed the first two years of secondary school), from age 16 without that condition |
| Quota | 650 hours per year at the advantageous solidarity contribution |
| Hours during the holidays | A maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week |
| Break | At least a 30-minute break after 4.5 hours of work |
of advantageous work per year thanks to your student status
Those 650 hours are your most important calculation. If you work full-time all summer, you use up a big chunk of your quota. If you also want to work in the autumn or around the holidays, keep that in mind. Unsure about a specific situation? You'll find most of the answers on the frequently asked questions page.
How to boost your chances of a great summer job
A holiday job at the coast or in a theme park is in high demand. With this approach you'll stand out:
Be early. Many parks and businesses already recruit in spring. In May and June there are still openings, but waiting until the end of June is late.
Be flexible. Employers are mainly looking for people who can work weekends and the busiest weeks of July and August.
Keep your availability clear. State right away which periods you can work, so you're easy to schedule.
Show enthusiasm, not just experience. For many roles your attitude matters more than your CV. Being friendly and reliable opens doors.
Search smart. With an app like AnyShift you can see at a glance which shifts are open in your region.
Want to know what's available near you? Check out the current student jobs or filter by flexi-job and student job locations.
No longer a student? Then a flexi-job is your summer solution
Not everyone who wants to earn extra money this summer still has student status. Already working full-time and keen to do something extra during your leave? Or are you between two things and looking for temporary work? Then a flexi-job is the logical route.
Since the expansion of the flexi-job system, you can flex-work in almost every sector, including tourism and recreation. A flexi-job at the coast or in a theme park is therefore perfectly possible, and what you earn is particularly attractive in net terms. If you want to get started as a jobseeker or career switcher, your best move is to sign up as a shifter.
Conclusion
A summer job at the coast or in a theme park is more than just earning extra money. It's working outdoors, meeting new people and soaking up a holiday feeling while still topping up your account. The offer in 2026 is broad, because the recreation sector is crying out for extra hands every summer.
The most important advice remains: start looking now. Those who apply in May and June have the best choice and the biggest chance of landing the most fun shifts. By the way, you can always find an overview of all the tips and rules on earning extra at all blogs.
Ready for your summer job 2026?
Download the free AnyShift app and discover the available flexi-jobs and student jobs near you.
Find the most fun holiday job in your region!
