Happy Father’s Day to the dads out there, and to the partners who support them! Alongside the regular events there’s a Father’s Day section just for y’all — from run club to Afro dance to learning how to do your daughter’s hair. Enjoy ❤️
👩🏼⚕️Your handy guide to the Dutch vaccination system
Ever wondered why you have to go to the GP instead of the CB for your chickenpox vaccine — or that you even could get the chickenpox vaccine privately at the GP? Dam Parenting Podcast — a podcast for international families in the Netherlands — just released an episode on everything you want to know about the Dutch vaccination program, featuring Dr. Marenne van Hengel Budde, a pediatric healthcare physician who works with expat families daily. Some highlights from the episode:
Your GP doesn't run the vaccination program. That's the JGZ/GGD (youth healthcare center). They invite you, schedule you, do the vaccines. Your GP only steps in for private or additional vaccines.
Some vaccines aren’t in your plan by design: Some vaccines are routine, others by invitation (like BCG/tuberculosis), while others aren’t even included at all (like chickenpox). The episode goes over the public schedule, what’s private by design and why, and how to arrange private vaccines like chickenpox.
Moved here with a child already vaccinated elsewhere? You never start from scratch. They'll review your records and build a plan together with you.
Even for those of us “out of the woods” with the first year vaccines, the info is incredibly useful. For example, I learned about how to check my toddler’s full vaccination record online at mijn.rivm.nl — in under 2 minutes. Handy, since I don’t know where her yellow book is 😅
Dads assembling at the Father’s Day BBQ in Oosterpark
🗓️ 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.
APP & Friends
Tue 16 Jun @ 10:00-11:00 — Museumplein
Happening tomorrow, and already almost a full house! Join expert guide Paola Bucciol and APP for this special tour of the Stedelijk Museum, where we’ll learn how to engage your toddlers through art. We'll follow up the tour with a hangout at the cafe to meet other parents.
Thu 25 Jun @ 10:00-11:00 — Museumplein
Paola will be leading us through the sculptures and landscape architecture of the Rijksmuseum Gardens — which is free for all to enter, even those without Museumkaart. We'll follow up the tour with a hangout at the cafe to meet other parents. Happening rain or shine, but let's hope for shine ☀️
28 Jun-12 Jul @ 12:30-16:30 — Overamstel
Want to support a pregnant mom in need? Gossib Gathering is an artistic research project weaving together the histories of the Godsib and the quilting tradition, two ancient practices rooted in care and community. Together, participants will collectively create one large blanket to be gifted to a mother-to-be, while sharing conversations about care, community, history, and the future.
Sign up by 1 July
Y’all!! I’m really blown away by the response on the last newsletter issue introducing Postpartum Post ❤️ We already have 10 parents signed up as Founding Members, and there are 10 spots left at our €5 rate for our first matches going out in July. Moms, dads, parents with bellies, babies, and toddlers up to 4 years old — come meet your new local parent friend in this budding community of parents who want something just a bit deeper 🥹
Father’s Day
Fri 19 Jun @ 15:30-16:15 — De Baarsjes
Maybe this one is more for the partners — but if you get a mug, you’ll know why 😎 Join Papote for a relaxed creative session where you can make a custom mug as a Father's Day gift. I’ll be there, come hang out!
Sun 21 Jun @ 09:30-11:30 — De Baarsjes
Join the community dad run (5k or 10k) followed by a post-run brunch at Papote. Coffee, juice, and cheerful mid-run socializing are included in the ticket — certainly the most energizing way to start the morning.
Sun 21 Jun @ 10:00-12:00 — Transvaalbuurt
The dad & toddler son duo — plus now newborn daughter! — behind the lovely Bakkie Boys Instagram account is doing a community walk in Oost. Start with a coffee (that’s the bakkie 😉) then head out for a stroller or carrier walk with all of the other dads with/out their little ones. Parents who join have a chance to win a free stay at the Social Hub Amsterdam City, too.
Sun 21 Jun @ 11:00-12:00, 14:00-15:00 — Oud-West
Danceout and MOVE Collective are throwing the BEST dance party for dads this Father's Day. There's carrier dancing for dads of babies under 2 at 11:00 and a toddler + dad dance party at 14:00. No dance experience is required, and moms are welcome to relax in the coffee bar during the session. Time for you and your little one to get your groove on 😎
Sun 21 Jun @ 11:15-12:30 — Overhoeks
The beloved parent & child yoga class at Mukha Kids Yoga is getting a special Father's Day theme — yoga games, meditation for you and your little one, a creative moment, and extra time to connect with other parents and kids. A lovely way to center and celebrate your bond 🧘🏽♂️
Sun 21 Jun @ 14:00-15:00 — De Pijp
Are you ready to sway, bounce, and boogie with your little one snug in a carrier? GroovaRoo is a weekly babywearing dance class at Monti’s World — and this edition is just for the dads. Dance, bond, and mingle with your baby and the other dads at the class.
Sun 21 Jun @ 16:30-19:00 — Oosterparkbuurt
Dads 🤝 grills. Celebrate Father's Day at Hotel Arena with a family-friendly BBQ featuring a generous buffet, an ice cream truck, face painting, and balloon figures.
Sun 21 Jun @ 17:45-18:45 — De Baarsjes
Learn how to do your daughter's hair! All hair types, drink included, and you can choose whether to practice on your child or a doll.
Sat 27 Jun @ 09:30-11:00 — Osdorp
Community dad Liam is organizing a special Father's Day edition of Dads Do Art at the OBA Osdorp. Dads can join and get creative with their babies & toddlers in the most welcoming circle for dads around ❤️
Sun 28 Jun @ 10:00-11:30 — Oud West
Wait, dads also do science? 🤔 Liam from Dads do Art has teamed up with The Science Camp for a collaborative morning of hands-on science activities designed for dads and their children to enjoy together. I believe y'all will be doing something car related... 🏎️
West
Thu 18 Jun @ 10:00-12:00 — De Baarsjes
Collective sigh of contentment: MamaSocial brunch is happening again this month ✨ This brunch is open to all mamas, whether you’re on your journey with a toddler, baby, bump, or flying solo — and with or without your little one. Pro tip: If you do bring your little one, there is childcare onsite included with your ticket 😎
Sat 20 Jun @ 13:00-16:00 — Osdorp
It’s a day of creative outdoor fun, including flower crown making, fire lighting, sandwich making, and bread baking. Hosted by the Stadsboerderij Osdorp and Stichting Eigenwijks, this event is free and specifically for kids from 2-6 years old.
27-28 Jun @ 09:30-10:15, 11:30-12:15 — Sloterdijk
The Butterfly Garden is a children's performance at Black Cat Theater that takes you into the wonderful world of butterflies 🦋 There is lots of dance and music for all ages to enjoy as all follow the colorful, mobile and mysterious movements and lives of the butterflies. How many butterflies can you find?
Sun 28 Jun @ 11:00-13:00 — Oud West
At this workshop by Amsterdam Kids Drama & Dance, toddlers explore themes of identity and belonging through dance, play, and reading. Enjoy time together in a fun and creative way and meet other queer families with young kids. Hosted in English and welcoming to all nationalities and shapes of family — you can buy your ticket here.
Center
Starting 13 Jun — Plantage
After 5 years of being closed, the newly-renovated aquarium at ARTIS is open again as of this past weekend! See over 250 species in tanks with a million gallons of water. It might be better waiting a week or two so that the crowds thin out; everyone is very excited!
Fri 19 Jun @ 10:00-17:00 (Daily) — Grachtengordel
Is your little one into secret gardens? Open Garden Days is a chance to explore over 30 hidden private and museum gardens across Amsterdam. Important note: Strollers are not permitted due to the fragility of the garden sites.
South
Sun 21 Jun @ 11:00-17:00 — Rivierenbuurt
A summer day full of live music, food, activities, and a flea market on Maasstraat — and of course, activities for all ages. If you're looking to sell, you can also rent a stall!
Mon 22 Jun @ 11:00-11:45 — De Pijp
There's a free belly dancing session at Mama+ Club designed to help mothers reconnect with their bodies, boost their mood, and connect with other mamas in a supportive space. No dance experience is required, and the little ones are welcome to attend alongside you. You can find the session info in the Mama+ Club WhatsApp group through the Groups Directory.
Sat 27 Jun @ 16:00-18:00 — De Pijp
Motherhood can leave little room to see yourself and your own needs clearly. This art making workshop from Eva at the Joy Embassy is your dedicated time to explore your inner world beyond caregiving so that you can engage with the outer world with more presence and joy. The goal is to leave with at least one insight you can use in your everyday life and a little more connection and self-compassion 💗
Sat 27 Jun @ 15:00-16:00 — Vondelparkbuurt
The Vondelpark Open Air Theater is putting on Meneer Monster: a slapstick performance of the classic story about a little mole searching for the culprit who pooped on his head. This energetic and almost wordless show is perfect for multicultural families with young kids who want to engage in this classic Amsterdam activity together but aren't super comfortable in Dutch!
Sun 28 Jun @ 12:00-17:00 — Stadionbuurt
WOPL!'s sunny terrace will be open for a special, fun-filled afternoon featuring a bouncy castle, games, a hot dog stand, and play sessions.
East
20-21 Jun — Oostelijk Havengebied
Seaport Days (Zeehavendagen) offers a unique behind-the-scenes look behind the harbor and port business in the North Sea Canal area from Friday on. During the weekend Port Festival, you can join free tours, harbor cruises, climb aboard open ships, and see cool demonstrations and entertainment on the water. A must visit for any ship-loving toddler, methinks 🏴☠️
Until 28 Jun — Zeeburg
De Buurtkringloop is hosting a "fill a basket" children's clothing and shoe sale where you can stock up for the summer holidays for just €5 per basket. They are restocking daily until the end, so you'll always be able to find quality stuff no matter when you go!
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)
New in Amsterdam: The Family Table
The Family Table connects traveling families with local families for relaxed dinners at home. Instead of another stressful restaurant outing with kids, families can share a meal, connect with locals, and let children play together in a home environment. Amsterdam host families can now apply to open their table — and get paid for it. Soon you’ll be able to book dinner, too.
