Happy, happy Monday!
We’ve got a whirlwind few weeks ahead: with kids home from school due to Meivakantie; King’s Day turning the whole city orange; and Earth Day as our annual reminder of the environment we live in.
Whether you’re planning on buying or selling at the busy Kindervrijmarkt (King’s Day children’s flea market) or slowing down at one of Amsterdam’s local farms this period — we’ve got you. Emotionally, too 🤪
Meet Danielle, a local postpartum doula & community builder
👩⚕️ Expert Spotlight: Danielle Bensky on lowering the bar — and lowering it further — to thrive in early parenthood
According to Danielle, when you’re honest about the messy parts of parenting, you’re helping us all unlearn those perfectionist parenting myths. Good for us, then, that we have her in this Expert Spotlight being her raw, beautiful, wise self — because we all could use a grounding moment to feel seen and supported in all of our chaos.
In this interview, she shares her "in the trenches" perspective: from the private sanctuary of 1-on-1 home visits as a postpartum doula, to the communal joy of her Singing Mamas circles and Fourth Trimester Program facilitation. She’s on a mission to ensure nobody navigates the transition to parenthood alone — and she’s inviting you to learn more and join her ❤️
When a mom feels like she’s failing because she’s overwhelmed, I try to show her that she isn't failing at all; but rather that she herself is trying to do a job that was meant for an entire village.
You can catch Danielle at the following upcoming events:
Sun 10 May @ 14:00-17:30 — Oud West
This Mother's Day, join Danielle from Singing Mamas and Merav from Fluentbody for a Mini-Retreat dedicated to maternal well-being. Enjoy an afternoon of song, somatic movement, and community connection, designed for mothers. Non-crawling babies are welcome, too!
Starting 12 May @ 10:00-11:30 — Rivierenbuurt
Singing Mamas is a warm, supportive space where women of all ages and stages can gather to breathe, sing, and find a sense of community.
The Bredeweg Festival in Oost has King’s Day (and Night) activities for young kids
🗓️ 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
Sat 25 Apr @ 10:00-11:30 — Osdorp
Join Liam for a morning of playful creativity and bonding: completely for the fathers. This workshop encourages (grand)dads to explore art side-by-side with their older babies/toddlers in a relaxed, friendly space. My dad will be attending with my toddler… Rest assured that if you go, you will meet him 🤣
Sat 2 May @ 10:00-12:00 — De Pijp
Mélody of Petit Gourmet Academy wrote our last Dear Dr. Mom on starting solids — and now she’s hosting an in-person workshop to explore the topic together! Designed for parents of babies 4-12 months old, the session covers everything from readiness signs and food introduction to managing allergens and balanced meal ideas.
King’s Day 👑
20-26 Apr — Houthavens
In the lead up to King’s Day, kids can create their own money box at Playhood’s arts & crafts table. Good if you’re planning on setting up at a Kindervrijmarkt (children’s flea market)!
Sun-Mon 26-27 Apr @ 10:00-18:00 — Watergraafsmeer
The Bredewegfestival is a beloved neighborhood celebration in Oost. On King’s Night there is a children’s opera and “Kingsmaal” (meal), where the neighborhood briefly becomes one large dining room. On King’s Day, there’s a full day of free activities for kids including a children's circus, street theater, and workshops. Perfect for families with children under 12 looking for a cozy, community spot.
Mon 27 Apr @ 06:00-20:00 — Vondelpark
Per tradition, children flood Vondelpark with entrepreneurial energy. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy (and sell) second-hand items such as toys, furniture, books, and clothing. Heads up: the Vondelpark market gets incredible busy and atmospheric. And bring cash!
Mon 27 Apr @ 09:00-16:00 — De Baarsjes
For a calmer alternative to busy Vondelpark, Erasmuspark will turn orange once again with the start of the children's flea market in the morning, an Amsterdam rock band around lunchtime, and a Latin Party in the afternoon. I’m told it’s an especially great place for smaller kids, especially if they’re runners 😉
Mon 27 Apr @ 09:00-16:00 — NDSM-Werf
NDSM in Noord is home to the city's largest kindervrijmarkt and a host of creative workshops for kids. From special graffiti art activities at STRAAT Museum, to carnival rides, live music, and sports, there is endless entertainment for children.
Mon 27 Apr @ 09:00-12:00 — De Baarsjes
Papote is throwing a soft rave for the morning parent crew and everyone is invited! It’s showing “sold out” on the website, but that’s only for the play area — there will still be dancing & merriment inside (and outside on the terrace!) for all who come. And you can head to Erasmuspark around the corner afterwards 😎
West
Wed 22 Apr @ 11:00-15:00 — Bos en Lommer
KIEM Lokaal is all about Earth Day, with bee-counting and creative workshops like origami and nature crafts. Activities are free and include a chance to grab local compost!
Sat 25 Apr @ 12:00-16:00 — Osdorp
The Gardens of West are hosting an event for all ages where you can help feed adorable piglets with residual food streams and learn about combating food waste. It’s meant to encourage families to engage with sustainable practices and understand the origin of their food. Just in time for Earth Day 🌎
Sat 25 Apr @ 15:00-16:00 — Slotermeer-Zuidwest
Join Het Kleine Theater for 'Princess on the Pea' at Hal West Amsterdam. Prince Alexander is on a quest to find a real princess with sensitive skin, and on a stormy night, one finally appears…
28-30 Apr — Osdorp
De Natuurkamer has three days of fun May Holiday activities planned: baking bread, pony rides, theater, and workshops. It’s only €2 per activity (or €5 for a passe-partout, free with a Stadspas) — and it’s part of a larger program going on the whole Meivakantie period.
Center
Fri 1 May @ 09:45, 11:45 — Jordaan
Monkey Moves is an integrated, multi-sport movement method that combines fun with development, with locations all over Amsterdam. For the May holiday they’re hosting a special “festival” for the little ones — an open, active morning filled with toddler and preschooler gym activities.
South
Sun 26 Apr @ 11:00-12:00 — Schinkelbuurt
This interactive performance by Joana Almeida & Pedro Ivo at Teatro Munganga introduces toddlers to global rhythms and sounds in a cozy theater setting. Perfect for children aged 2-4 years, but open to all.
Sun 26 Apr @ 14:00-16:00 — Amsterdamse Bos
The open-air theater in Amsterdamse Bos is throwing a free opening party to celebrate the start of the new season! This event is meant for all ages and offers a sneak peek of what's to come at the Bostheater this year.
Sat 2 May @ 18:00, 18:30, 19:00 — Museumkwartier
The Rijksmuseum is hosting a special sensory-friendly family evenings, offering a calm and accessible environment for children and families of all ages who need a low-stimulus experience. Enjoy a quieter visit to the 17th and 19th-century sections of the museum after regular closing hours, with fewer crowds and dedicated quiet spaces.
Everywhere
National Potato Week
Until 26 Apr
As a lover of potatoes (and really, who isn’t?), I feel compelled to mention that this week is “National Potato Week” 🥔 Due to a bizarrely huge harvest, there are 500 million kilograms of perfectly edible potatoes going to waste in the NL. Pick up potatoes from your local farmers market/supermarket, or order an “anti-food waste” box. It’s for the good of the environment — and honestly, what toddler doesn't live on a 90% potato-based diet anyway?Until 3 May
We love a good local parent initiative 🥰 Alison of GoBebop has created a list of May vacation activities across the Netherlands, from outdoor adventures and day trips to hands-on workshops and special holiday programs.
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)
