Our glorious Amsterdam Summer decided that it was done, I guess? ☔️
It’s just a short issue today, as my husband’s family was visiting last week — an extra 3 adults & 2 kids in our apartment! — and I’m still processing it all 😅 It’s one of those days when I’m so grateful to be here in Amsterdam, but also confronted with the reality of living far away from family. Have you felt that, too? What’s the best (and perhaps hardest) part of family visits for you?
Tour Fiep Westendorp at the Rijksmuseum with us! There’s a play lab in the exhibit, which my toddler loved.
🗓️ 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
Starting 1 Sep
We're assembling a lovely crew of local families with babies under 1 year old for our whole family support group in September ❤️ If you're eager to meet new families (dads and partners included!), explore the city with the babies, and receive personalized coaching and guidance from Amsterdam’s experts without the high cost of private consultations, this program is for you. We have room for 2-3 more families and would love to welcome you into our cozy circle 🌱
Fri 28 Aug @ 14:30-16:00 — De Baarsjes
Want to spark and inspire your little one's creative side? Papote Café is turning into a kids’ art gallery, and APP is joining in on the fun! Little artists 0-7 years old can submit their artwork for a chance at winning in one of three categories: most passionate, most unique, and craziest piece of art. Prizes include Papote goodies as well as a chance at a free Postpartum Post subscription 💌
Thu 10 Sep @ 10:00-11:00 — Museumplein
The Rijksmuseum's exhibition of Dutch children's book illustrator Fiep Westendorp closes mid-September — and we've planned a special tour for toddlers to experience it! Westendorp's illustrations accompany some of the most beloved Dutch children's books out there, from Jip and Janneke to Pim and Pom. Our resident family museum expert Paola Bucciol has crafted a tour of exploring the exhibit plus a reading circle afterwards, in the play lab 📖
West
27-30 Aug — Bos en Lommer
Circusbende is back! If you missed it a few weeks ago in Noord, it's coming for its last hurrah in Erasmuspark. This annual theater and circus celebration has tons for all ages — search for "Alle leeftijden" in their agenda linked above. For example, the Electric Circus features the Glowing Pickle Bar, with a bespoke automated miniature theater that makes music with analog machines and creates animation without a screen. Or head to Kiki on Wheels for an explosion of color where you can get your portrait drawn and listen to live music. At 12:00 on Sunday is the children's show Lolobaki.
Sun 30 Aug @ 14:00 — Oud West
Two of my favorite postpartum providers (Danielle from Singing Mamas and Merav from Fluentbody) are coming together to host a mini-retreat focused on the collective power and healing of voice and song 💪🏻 Open to women, it creates space for guided somatic movement, vocal harmony, and deep relaxation — so you leave feeling lighter, with the true nervous system reset we're all chasing.
Wednesdays and Fridays — Bos en Lommer
De Theaterij is starting their new season of dance, theater, and musical classes for toddlers at the Wachterlied Paviljoen. They happen in the mornings on Wednesdays (9:00am) and Fridays (9:30am). A new term just started, but my understanding is that you can hop in if there's space — and if not, there's a second term starting on 7 October you could sign up for now!
South
Tue 25 Aug @ 14:30-15:30 (Monthly) — Rivierenbuurt
Join local mom Carol from Life in Bloom Yoga for a monthly parent and child yoga class hosted at Robbeburg! This session is tailored for little ones from crawling age up to 36 months and is open to all caregivers regardless of yoga experience. Then you can jump in the ball pit afterwards 😎
Sat 5 Sep @ 11:00-21:00 — Rivierenbuurt
It had to be rescheduled due to the extreme heat, but it's back on 🙏🏻 Join the Maasstraat neighborhood for a vibrant street festival featuring a flea market, live music, workshops, and circus fun for all ages. Such a cute part of town — it's sure to be a delight!
Sat 19 Sep @ 10:30-12:30 — De Pijp
Finding the right school for your child in Amsterdam can feel overwhelming — as I know from personal experience 😅 In this interactive workshop, you'll get a clearer understanding of how the system works, covering topics like school types, educational philosophies, the school lottery system, and questions and tips for school tours. I'll be there, as we have to select a school for my not-so-little toddler soon 🥺
Center
Wed 9 Sep @ 09:00-12:00 — Grachtengordel
After capturing some incredible moments of motherhood over the past months, Mothers on Film — a collaboration between photographers and birth worker Lua & Holly — are launching a physical studio in the heart of Amsterdam's canal district! They're hosting a morning of coffee, connection, pastries, and film portraits to celebrate. Come solo, with your bump, with your kids, or with a friend to explore this new space devoted to capturing the essence of motherhood.
East
Sat 29 Aug @ 14:30-16:30 — Oosterpark
Michelle from MamInfo is hosting a Spanish Mom Picnic for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community for Spanish-speaking mothers living in Amsterdam. Come meet babies born this summer, say goodbye to summer in good company, and start the school year with a new network of fellow Spanish-speaking parents!
North
Sun 30 Aug @ 13:00-20:00 — Noorderpark
The biggest annual neighborhood celebration in Noord is back! It's a true community event: showcasing and attended by, well, all in Noord 😎 Hosted in Noorderpark and featuring music, theater, kids activities & crafts, a second-hand market, and a family kitchen. If you're chasing gezelligheid, good chance you'll find it here.
Daily starting at 12:30 — Overhoeks
Right at the NDSM ferry stop, you can hop on a 75-minute cruise of the IJ with unlimited pancakes and a ball pit aboard. I just did this with visiting family (including a 7, 4, and 2.5 year old), and it was a big hit with young and old. Need I say more? Oh, kids under 3 are free 😎
Online
Tue 8 Sep @ 20:00-21:30
You've started solids, and all of a sudden after their first birthday "under 1 is just for fun" becomes... "Wait, should my baby just eat solids now?" Pediatric dietitian (and Dear Dr. Mom contributor!) Mélody from Petit Gourmet Academy is giving a live workshop on navigating toddler nutrition after the age of 1. She'll talk about nutrition, picky eating, bottle weaning, meal routines, and more — so you can transition fully to solids with confidence.
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)
