12-26 Jan: We're back! (#29)

Happy new year, APP Community!

It has been a whirlwind start to 2026, eh? I hope everyone has been enjoying the snow — and staying safe on the icy sidewalks.

This time of year can be challenging for parents of babies and toddlers, as the desperation of “Where can I go??” reaches an all-time high since we can’t simply wander outside with them in the freezing cold. Never fear. As much as I adore summer in Amsterdam, I love what winter has to offer. It’s museum season 😎 We’ll share lots of different stuff to do across the city all season long! (And it’d be great to hear your favorites, too.)

🗓️ What’s happening around town

Looking for something fun to do with your little one? Here's a selection of upcoming activities and events for babies, toddlers, and their parents. Want more? See all events on our Community Calendar.

APP & Friends

• Family tour at the Rijksmuseum (0-4 years)

  Thu 22 Jan @ 09:00-10:00 — Museumkwartier

  Still room left for 3 families ❤️ Explore the Rijksmuseum with your little ones on this flexible family tour by APP and official museum tour guide Paola Bucciol. Discover famous artworks like those by Rembrandt and Vermeer while meeting other local parents with young children. First time we're offering this outside of our Fourth Trimester Program!

• Preparing for Fatherhood course

  Starting 15 Feb — Oud West

  The upcoming edition of the Fatherhood course is pretty special; there are already a bunch of dads signed up who have 1-3 month old babies 🥹 If you’re expecting or are recently postpartum, this 2-day course covers the emotional and practical journeys of early fatherhood in an incredibly supportive and inclusive environment. Use code APP for €20 off.

• DAM Parenting: Easing into the new year as an international parent

  First episode out already; the rest in the series over the next 2 weeks

  Safety, clarity, joy: that’s what January is all about on the DAM Parenting podcast. They’re hosting therapist Rachael Forster, Ellen the Evergreen Coach, and Eva from The Joy Embassy to share gentle, practical ways for parents to ease into 2026 without the overwhelm. Listen on your favorite podcast platform.

North & East

• Kids Yoga Free Trial Special (1.5-4 years)

  Until 31 Jan

  Mukha Kids Yoga invites new yogis aged 1.5-6 years to enjoy a free parent & child trial class this January! The gentle and playful yoga sessions are designed to help parents and children connect and slow down — and they’re hugely popular. Register with code FREECLASS26 when booking one of their weekly classes: for ages 1.5-2.5 (East), 2.5-4 (East), 2-4 (North).

Center

• Mirror floors at the Museum of the Canals

  Until 31 Jan — Grachtengordel-West

  The Andriessenkamer in the Museum of the Canals is transformed into an immersive visual illusion that reflects the room's 17th-century ornate walls and ceiling. Even beyond the installation — all babies are obsessed with mirrors, right? — it's an excellent museum to visit in the center. My toddler loves it!

• Life. Stories: Reading, Music, and Wonder (3-6 years)

  Sat 17 Jan @ 10:30-12:00 — Grachtengordel-West

  Enjoy a special storytime, creative workshop with music, and activities designed to encourage self-discovery, play, and sharing. Complete with snacks for kids and coffee for parents.

South

• Tulip Day Amsterdam 2026

  Sat 17 Jan @ 13:00-16:00 — Museumkwartier

  Celebrate the start of the 2026 tulip season at Museumplein, where a massive garden featuring 200,000 tulips will open to the public. Everyone is invited to pick a free bouquet, celebrating under the theme "United in Bloom." Hopefully it won’t be too frigid, like last year…

• Playdate Morning (0-4 years)

  Thu 15 Jan @ 10:00-11:30 — Rivierenbuurt

  A gentle meeting point for moms to connect and for little ones to play, hosted by WOW Family Center on the new Classitter app. It includes 1 drink and 1 free play for one child.

• Kindertaalcafé – Knuffeldag edition

  Sat 24 Jan @ 10:00-13:00 — De Pijp

  Enjoy multilingual storytime with a focus on 'knuffels' (stuffed toys), a creative workshop for children, and a special session for parents on raising multilingual children. Bring your favorite stuffed animal and connect with Amsterdam's diverse community over coffee, croissants, and a delicious (free!) lunch buffet.

East

• Montessori-Inspired Toddler Playgroup (1-4 years)

  Fri 16 Jan @ 10:00, 11:00 (Weekly on Friday) — IJburg

  Coffee & Kids hosts a weekly drop-in Montessori-inspired toddler playgroup where little ones can learn through play. Kids are encouraged to play alone, while parents can hang out at the cafe in the room over. Perfect for building independence ❤️ 

• Mothering in the City (0-5 years)

  20 Jan-10 Feb (Tuesdays) — IJburg

  This series of free textile art workshops is for mothers with a migration background with children under 6 years old. Participants will create unique hand-stitched artworks to share their experiences of everyday mothering, with all materials, food, and optional babysitting provided. Hosted by Utrecht University in collaboration with Warmi Küyen.

West

• Toddler music class at Belcampo

  Thu 15 Jan @ 09:30-10:30 (Weekly on Thursday) — Oud West

  You’ll sing, dance, and play simple instruments in this beloved class based on the Suzuki method: based on the premise that music awakens and strengthens neural pathways connected with language, empathy, intellect and creativity. Highly recommended by a community parent! The term starts this Thursday at Café Belcampo in De Hallen.

• Damoves Toddler Dance (2-3 years)

  Every weekday except for Sunday — Oud West

  The new season at Damoves just started, and there are still a few spots left. They have 2 year old classes (starting at 09:15) as well as 3 year old classes where they experience a whole hour of structured dance basics and playful movement with a weekly theme. What I like is that you can buy a 2-class trial and cancel if you or your babe aren’t into it, before committing to a whole season (and cost of it).

• Free Clothing Market: Winter Edition

  Sat 24 Jan @ 13:00-15:30 — De Baarsjes

  Join West Kleedt Aan for their Winter Edition free clothing market! This community event at MidWest encourages sustainability and offers pre-loved clothes for all ages. It's a fantastic opportunity for families to find new treasures, and it's all completely free.

North

• Cinemini: Film and Play for Kids (2-6 years)

  Sun 18 Jan @ 10:30-11:30 (Weekly on Sunday) — Overhoeks

  Dive into the magic of cinema every Sunday morning at Eye Filmmuseum with Cinemini! This recurring event features short films and animations for children aged 2-6, followed by interactive play with light and shadow in specially designed tents. Tickets are required and can be purchased online in advance to ensure your spot.

Online

• Understanding Baby Sleep Workshop (4-12 months)

  Tue 13 Jan @ 10:00-10:45

  Join Lara's Little Dreamers for a free online workshop to understand baby sleep for parents of 4-12 month olds. This interactive session provides strategies to improve your baby's sleep, focusing on understanding their development rather than sleep training, all while respecting your unique parenting style.

Did you find an event today? Consider donating to support our work and keep this newsletter free for the community.

Until next time,

Alex from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)