Happy Monday, everyone!
The sun is shining, the kinderbadjes are hopping, I got to celebrate my birthday on the worst day of the heatwave… Wishing everyone a happy start of Summer, even if it began with a bit of a scorcher 😎
There are a lot of Dear Dr. Mom topics on the proverbial APP Desk, and I’d love your input on which we should tackle next:
Potty training: When and how to navigate potty training with Evgenia (@thepottydoula).
Co-regulation with your baby: A series with Inge Oldeman about connection and the nervous system underneath your baby’s sleep, crying, and overstimulation.
Behind Postpartum Post: How Postpartum Post went from “idea while lying in bed” to a fully-functioning product in 3 weeks — and why I believe 1:1 connection is the missing piece of postpartum support.
Just click on a topic to vote! And while those posts are cooking, we have a treasure trove of advice and stories from the local parent & expert community ❤️
Why is this issue unicorn themed, you ask? My toddler has been asking me to tell her multiple unicorn stories every night, and there’s a Unicorn Boat Parade on the Sloterplas next week. So that’s where my head is at these days 🦄
I can’t wait to tell my toddler that unicorns can swim. Maybe that’ll help with the swim lesson motivation.
🗓️ 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 30 Jun @ 20:30-21:30 — Online
Learn how to start your baby on solids with confidence in this free webinar led by Growing Happy Babies and Mélody from Petit Gourmet Academy — the pediatric dietitian who wrote our previous Dear Dr. Mom post on starting solids. They will cover meal options, safety, and practical tips for parents.
Sat 4 Jul @ 10:30-12:00 — Vondelpark
Are you a program alum, waiting for your cohort to start — or just in the thick of pregnancy or newborn parenthood and searching for community? Join our casual whole family hang at Groot Melkhuis to meet other expecting and newborn families, as well as the people behind the Fourth Trimester Program: organizers, experts, and participants alike. I'll be talking about the big, exciting changes to the program coming in September ❤️
South
Tue 30 Jun & Thu 2 July @ 13:00-14:30 (Every Tue/Thu) — De Pijp
At the playroom, you'll find a calm, Montessori-inspired indoor & outdoor play space for babies to explore independently. Included in your ticket is free coffee, tea, and snacks for caregivers, as well as a €5 discount in the store. An early parenting hack: Go to the playroom to see what toys your baby actually likes playing with, before you invest in fancy wooden toys your baby never touches 🤔
Wed 1 Jul @ 14:30-16:30 (Monthly) — Rivierenbuurt
Every first Wednesday of the month, dive into sensory and nature-inspired craft projects at Robbeburg, led by House of Craftivities. Heads up: Unlike Robbeburg's regular playgroups, it is necessary to register for Art Club ahead of time to ensure there are enough supplies for everyone.
Wed 1 Jul @ 10:30-12:00 — Vondelpark
If you are looking for a way to fill your own cup, connect with other women, and enjoy the sunshine while your little ones play freely in nature, this is your invitation. Danielle is hosting a Singing Mamas session in the park designed to support maternal well-being through the power of song. No singing experience required! If Vondelpark is too far, she’s hosting in a bunch of parks throughout the city this summer — check out the full schedule here.
Wed 1 Jul @ 11:00-12:00 (Weekly) — Vondelpark
There's a new weekly walking club for moms in Amsterdam. Every Wednesday, they meet in Vondelpark for a relaxed stroll with babies and toddlers. It’s a chance to get outside, connect with other mothers, and enjoy some fresh air together.
3-5 Jul — Buitenveldert
Festival Trek brings international street food and family-friendly entertainment to Amstelpark — specifically children's theater and a fairground. A good mix of adult and kid satisfaction 😋
North
Wed 1 Jul @ 13:00-17:00 (Weekly) — Noorderpark
Sip a coffee or herbal tea on the terrace while your little ones explore the Speelbos — a free-roaming play forest with cable car, slide, swing, and balance trail, all designed from the wishes and ideas of children in the neighborhood. Wednesdays have a drawing station all afternoon; Sundays have a creative kids' program from 14:00-16:00.
Wed 8 Jul & Sat 11 Jul @ 11:00-14:00 — Buiksloterham
Make and play instruments, romp around outside, pick local herbs, and eat homemade campfire pizza at this perfect Summer day event at the Noordpool. It's run by the same organization behind the Sint Maarten parade in Vondelpark, so I imagine there will be much merriment to be had 🎺
Sun 12 Jul @ 14:00-16:00 — Buiksloot
A community disco specifically for toddlers? Yes please! Head on over to Buurthuis De Rietwijker for an afternoon of music, dancing, games, and fun. The kids are encouraged to come in their favorite costumes.
East
Sat 4 Jul @ 10:30-11:30 — Flevopark
Every Saturday morning, local families with toddlers gather at Jeugdland to read and go on adventures in nature together. Free, and the coziest way to start your weekend.
Sun 5 Jul @ 10:15 — Watergraafsmeer
Every first Sunday of the month, a group of families gathers for a Montessori walk outside — and this month's theme is insects! The walk features a meditation, book reading, and a creative paper-craft session at the playground, all around the theme. Join the WhatsApp group Monthly Montessori Walks via the Groups Directory for details.
Center
Wed 1 Jul @ 11:30-12:00 (Weekly) — Grachtengordel-West
De Kinderboekwinkel is hosting a parent & toddler summer yoga series focused on relaxation and gentle movement with Zahra from Mosh Yoga. Only €5 per child!
Sat 11 Jul @ 16:30-18:00 (Weekly) — Plantage
Every Saturday afternoon, tiny theater curtains open for a classic Jan Klaassen and Katrijn puppet show at ARTIS during their special Summer Evenings series. This show is about Buurman Mol who is trying to have a nice picnic, but everything keeps disappearing... hey, is that a gnome over there?
West
1-5 Jul — Bos en Lommer
Magic Circus is setting up at Erasmuspark right next to Terrasmus, an excellent local family hotspot with good food and a great play area. They're currently showing 'BOLA' — acrobatics, comedy, and more — between July 1-5 (except for 2 July).
Fri 10 Jul @ 16:00-20:30 — Osdorp
Join the Unicorn Boat Parade for a magical protest and celebration focused on visibility for women+ and the LGBTQIA+ community. Hosted by Stichting OndersteBoven, this free event invites everyone to watch or sail the Sloterplas together in solidarity and joy. If you’re sailing, make sure to register — otherwise, join me and my unicorn-loving toddler on the shore 🦄
Everywhere
Starting 5 Jul
Het Vrije Vogel Festival — the Free Bird Festival — is playing 'Jessie en de Tijdgeest' at community centers across the city. The performance is open to all ages and is free, but you're welcome to make a reservation to guarantee a spot.
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)
