Hello, brave families trying to parent in this depressing cold and rain. I see you. I am you. I think the weather is supposed to get better this week?
This week’s mini newsletter shoutout goes to Sasha, the twin girl mom I met on our local playground. In true “Amsterdam is a village” fashion, she knew APP (still wild to me that this keeps happening!) but also knew really good friends of mine from the tech nonprofit where I used to volunteer. Thanks for the lovely conversation on choosing elementary schools, multilingualism, and everything in between ❤️
💬 Announcing: Amsterdam Parent Groups Directory
For a long time, parents in Amsterdam searching for an online community had one of two options: either you had a friend in the relevant group who could give you the invite link, or you got your hands on a Google Sheet with many groups listed — vulnerable to broken invite links and spammers alike. When the folks who created the sheet moved on and away from the Netherlands a few months ago, the responsibility passed to APP to help centralize the process, keep the invite links protected, and make the information available to all. Thus, the Amsterdam Parent Groups Directory was born!
The Directory had a quiet launch just over a month ago while we were still in "build mode" — or at least, that was the intention. Since then, it has spread to over 91 groups and 275 members (and counting!). Safe to say we’re live now 😅 Here are some highlights:
See all groups and filter by category and platform
“Magic link” access via email: Personal results for you, spammers kept out
Group invite link broken? You can report it directly in the Directory!
For group admins: Claim groups, edit details, and be notified when there’s a report filed for your group
It’s so rewarding to see this resource actually doing the work of connecting us ❤️ If you're a group admin, come add your group! For others, check it out, find your neighborhood crew, and let me know if you have any feature requests — I’m here 😎
There’s a Sheep Shearing Festival in De Pijp coming!
🗓️ 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.
Center
Mon 25 May @ 09:00-10:00, 10:15-11:15 (Weekly) — Grachtengordel
Community mom Carol of Life in Bloom Yoga is launching her new parent-and-child yoga class series! The baby class at 10:15 is from 6 weeks to pre-crawlers, with the toddler class at 9:00 from crawlers to 3 years old. Classes include 45 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes of community time — a lovely blend of physical and community care 🧘🏻♀️ Also in de Baarsjes on Tuesdays!
Starting 29 May (Weekly) — Weteringschans
A new 6-week baby massage course is starting at the Mallow Garden, laying the foundation for parents to bond with their pre-crawling babies through soothing touch. It blends Shantala techniques with the mindful principles of Waldorf and Pikler to support babies' growth and development. The course is led by Bibi, who has created a truly lovely sanctuary for young families in the center of Amsterdam ❤️
West
Fri 22 May @ 09:30-11:30 (Weekly) — Delflandpleinbuurt
Join the weekly open play session for toddlers to run and climb, while parents connect over coffee and get support from local preschool staff. Free to attend!
27 May @ 10:30-12:00 (Weekly) — Overtoomse Veld
This free, 6 week course by the OKT supports parents who may feel overwhelmed, tired, or not quite themselves after the birth of their child. You’ll learn massage techniques and have time to share experiences, with the mental health professionals leading it. Also happening in Slotermeer and other OKT locations!
Thu 28 May @ 12:15-13:15 — Oud West
Agata Wholistic Touch is leading a gentle, sensory-based sound experience designed for parents and their young children to connect, regulate, and explore together.
Sat 30 May @ 10:00-17:00 — Kinkerbuurt
Courtesy of West Begroot, the city is hosting a free neighborhood day with a market (55 stalls!), bouncy castle, live music, and a chess tournament. You can rent out a stall or join the chess tournament by mailing Tom at [email protected].
Sat 30 May @ 15:00-18:00 — Houthavens
After their successful family social trial a few months ago, local nonprofit Amsterdam International Community (AIC) is hosting another one! This free event features games, entertainment, and snacks for kids of all ages — designed to help expat families connect and build community.
South
Fri 22 May @ 16:00-17:00 (Weekly) — Schinkelbuurt
Nippon Do hosts a pilates class for new mothers and babies on Fridays, led by a physiotherapist/pilates instructor and specifically focused on postpartum recovery. It's possible to sign up for a free trial before committing to the class. They also have a prenatal class on Tuesdays!
Sun 24 May @ 15:00-18:00 (Monthly) — De Pijp
The Sunday Good Vibrations Club is a monthly gathering for music, dance, and creative fun aimed at kids — smallest included! This month, they're featuring Mexican music, with a live performance by Fernanda Santoyos and her mariachi, followed by a lively mini disco.
Sat 30 May @ 13:00-16:00 — De Pijp
Kinderboerderij de Pijp invites families to their free Sheep Shearing Festival. Witness live sheep shearing and wool spinning demonstrations, enjoy creative workshops like tile decorating and wool crafting, and let the kids have fun with face painting, a bouncy castle, and petting guinea pigs.
Sat 30 May @ 10:30-12:30 — De Pijp
Navigating school choices in Amsterdam can be complex, but Isabel from Kaleidoscope Consulting offers an interactive workshop to help families understand the system. It covers various topics like international vs. Dutch schools, educational philosophies, and the Amsterdam school lottery system, empowering you to make informed decisions for your child's primary education.
East
Fri 29 May @ 09:15-10:45 (Weekly) — Czar Peterbuurt
Join a 5-week postnatal Pilates course for mothers 4+ months postpartum, focusing on rebuilding strength, confidence, and stability. Classes are held in small groups, and you get an extra gift: a Pilates ball and video lessons for home practice to deepen your progress at your own pace. (There’s also a parent & baby class at 10:45 on Mondays for moms 2-6 months postpartum!)
Online
19-20 May
There's a free 2-day online summit happening to help folks understand burnout, relate to themselves with more compassion, and create change that actually lasts. Beloved local postpartum clinical psychologist (and contributor to Fourth Trimester Program!) Dr. Naomi Gibson will be participating in a talk & panel focusing on burnout in women and parents.
Join María (Mama Maria Coach & organizer of the BBABBY Fair and Journey) for a free monthly online webinar designed to help future and current parents navigate the financial support available from the Dutch government. This session, co-hosted with an independent financial planner, clarifies subsidies and answers your questions, empowering you with confidence and support. The date of the upcoming session is decided by poll in the WhatsApp group.
Mamapreneur Collective has stood up a special May Market, featuring discounts and offers from members of their community. From learning Dutch, to parent & child yoga classes, to career clarity and more, it's a great way to support a local, mom-owned business while taking care of yourself and your family ❤️
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)
