There is a good range of fitness clubs and sports facilities in Rotterdam. Outdoor activities such as football, tennis and gymnastics are popular with expatriates with children. Expatriates who wish to play golf but are not members of a golf club in The Netherlands will need to take a competency test to play and/or join a golf club. A good listing of the sports facilities in Rotterdam is available here but the website is in Dutch only.

There are a number of swimming pools ('zwembad pagina') and water parks (both indoor and outdoor) in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is a very child-friendly city and throughout the city, you will find playgrounds and parks for children. Dutch football is big in Rotterdam – football fans are often spilt between supporting Rotterdam's local team and Amsterdam's. Nature buffs will love the Rottemeren Reserve in Bileswijk.

Thanks to the large student population residing in Rotterdam, Rotterdam's night/bar scene is bustling. Rotterdam has a good range of restaurants, and a good share of theaters, concerts and cinemas. There are also festivals and events held in Rotterdam throughout the year. Check out the entertainment listings in the local newspapers. For an online source in English, try this one.