Hi all,
First month of 2026 mostly done. How many of us were victimized by the flu (or some other nasty virus) this month? 🤚 🤚 It shouldn’t be possible to get sick if you have a child under 4. It requires too much energy to both parent and heal from illness simultaneously.
Big news this week is that a dear APP friend & community member, Sophia, is celebrating the launch of neighborhood play cafe, Papote, on Friday! Huge congrats to Sophia for filling this huge gap for families in the neighborhood, and with such style 🤩 There will be loads to come with APP x Papote in the coming months, but for now I’m looking forward to heading down to the cafe with (and without) my toddler for some slow, productive mornings.
And of course, shoutout to the members of our sold-out Rijksmuseum Family Tour this past Thursday! While I was experiencing FOMO at home with the flu, I heard glowing reviews from all the participants and a desire to do it again. A bunch of folks also reached out asking for a weekend Rijksmuseum tour — it’s in the works, stay tuned 👀
Papote is opening on Friday!
🗓️ 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
Fri 30 Jan @ 08:30-17:30 — De Baarsjes
The day is heeeeeeeeere! 🎉🎉 Finally, Amsterdam West is getting its very own soft play cafe, starting this Friday. Papote — run by community mom Sophia — is the type of neighborhood place that’s both wonderfully low-key and still feels like a treat. The cafe is free to enter and features lots of adult and child-friendly food and drink. The play area is for 0-7 years olds; you are encouraged to book one of the day’s 3 hour slots in advance for €9. I’ll likely stop by for a bit of coworking (sans toddler) on Friday to support. Say hi if you see me there!
Thu 12 Feb @ 10:00-12:00 — De Baarsjes (location TBA)
APP is hosting an informal meetup of local newborn parents! Join us if your support network skews heavily online and you want to make some in-real-life connections ❤️ We’ll also answer any questions about our upcoming Fourth Trimester Program March cohort.
Center
Thu 29 Jan @ 10:30-11:15 — Jordaan
Join Charlene for an extra special story time at De Kinderboekwinkel during Nationale Voorleesdagen (National Reading Days). She uses her background in theatre and education to create a fun book reading and sing-a-long for families to enjoy and connect with others.
West
Wed 28 Jan @ 10:30-11:05 — Osdorp
This interactive music theatre performance by Katiuscia Principato at Meervart is based on the "Kleine Aap" (Little Monkey) Picture Book of the Year 2026. It's only 35 minutes and little ones can move and react — a good first theater experience.
Fri 30 Jan @ 14:00-17:00 and Sat 31 Jan @ 13:00-17:00
There's a new mom-owned baby & toddler meal business starting in West! Growing Happy Bellies is hosting a pop-up play date where little ones can explore and taste snacks. Parents will have the opportunity to connect and take home pre-frozen meals.
Sat 31 Jan @ 11:00-19:00 — Postjesbuurt
Immerse yourself in the world of tea at the Amsterdam Tea Festival 2026, featuring live music and tastings -- including herbal options for the little ones! -- from over 100 tea vendors. This family-friendly event also includes a unique Tea Rave for late-night fun. Children under 12 attend for free, but do keep in mind that there will be fragile ceramics to contend with.
Sun 8 Feb @ 11:00, 14:30 — Westerpark
De Krakeling's upcoming performance of Snow White is a special one; they've collaborated with Stichting Onbeperkt Genieten to create an accompanying reception designed for audiences with sensory sensitivities 🫶🏻
East
Sat 31 Jan @ 16:00-17:00 — Indische Buurt
Another “Little Monkey” presentation, this time for free at the library! Join OBA for an interactive performance where children aged 2+ can dance, sing, and make music with forest animals and the little monkey herself. Also at OBA Osdorp on 29 Jan. Free, but registration is required.
Tue 27 Jan @ 14:45-15:30 (Weekly on Tuesday) — IJburg
Turnz Amsterdam Gymnastics hosts a weekly program to help toddlers alongside their parents develop fundamental motor skills using all fun of Nijntje. You can try a free trial class, and they host additional Saturday classes on Zeeburgereiland, too.
South
Sat 7 Feb @ 10:30-12:00 — De Pijp
Mimi from Growing Up Multilingual is hosting a workshop on the science, strategies, and soul for families navigating the journey of raising multilingual children with confidence. Geared towards parents of all ages, it offers clarity and connection in their parenting approach to passing on heritage and language.
Online
Krish’s online Postnatal class (0-1 year) and Strong Mama class (1+ years) are great for new mothers who need some motivation and community to rediscover movement after giving birth. She has graciously shared an exclusive
APPYOGAdiscount code for 10% off any classes!Thu 29 Jan @ 19:30-21:00
Birthnest Doula and Raising The Village is hosting an online masterclass with honest insights into who supports you and how the Dutch maternity system works during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This online event is for pregnant individuals, those trying to conceive, or anyone supporting them.
Thu 29 Jan @ 20:00-22:00
The Second Steep invites Asian mothers to an online vision board gathering designed for reflection and creativity. This event helps moms visualize their intentions for 2026, offering a unique opportunity to connect with purpose and community. For adults (mothers), registration is required.
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)
