7-21 Jul: New fits, food, and fun this Summer (#17)

Happy Monday, APP Community!

While I've spent most of the last few weeks outside chasing a toddler under the sun, I’ve also been busy indoors: connecting with postpartum practitioners and building our Fourth Trimester Program. We finished our first module on newborn feeding strategies, designed and reviewed by a diverse team of experts and a newborn mom. The feedback thus far has been stellar 💕 I’m really excited to bring content to new parents that focuses on the whole family, not just baby health — and tailored to the challenges of expat parenting, too.

Relatedly, did you know that APP’s cofounder, Miriam, co-runs the Pumping Queens WhatsApp group? They’re hosting a Pumping Party at my house next weekend. It’s a great place to connect with other moms who are pumping.

• Pumping Party by Pumping Queens
  Sun 13 Jul @ 15:00-17:00 — De Baarsjes

  Join a cozy group of pumping moms to share experiences, ask questions, and try out different pumps to see which work best for you, all in the comfort of a home. Reply to this email or join the WhatsApp group to RSVP.

🗓️ 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.

Shoutout to community parent Markus, who built us a tool to port our calendar events over to the newsletter! He saved me at least an hour of prep work each issue 🙏🏻

West

• Tamariya Donut Shop: Opening Day
  Starting Wed 9 Jul @ 11:00-17:00 — Oud West
  Bring your baby led weaning journey to this new shop just steps away from Vondelpark, featuring unique Japanese "komeko” rice donuts. The donuts are gluten-free and can be dairy-free and vegan as well. The owner has warned that opening day may get busy, so perhaps best to go later in the week or the week after.

• The Longest Playstreet in Osdorp
  Sat 12 Jul @ 11:00-15:00 — Osdorp
  Fifteen play areas. Fifteen!!! De Langste Speelstraat will have a Lego zone, mini golf, sidewalk chalk, a soft playground, and way more, all for free. I can imagine this will be especially great for (groups of) parents with multiple kids of different ages, including babies and toddlers.

• Vacation activities at the Nature Room
  15-17 Jul @ 12:00-18:00 — Slotermeer
  Kick off school vacations with a range of fun workshops, crafts, and games at the Natuurkamer, designed for all ages.

• Mini Summer Sessions with Alizée
  19-20 Jul — De Baarsjes
  Remember Alizée’s wildly popular Christmas family photoshoot organized with Amsterdam Mama Walks WhatsApp group? She’s now offering summer minis in beautiful Erasmuspark. Bring your family to capture lovely summer memories in a lovely place ☀️

South

• Little Makers: ART CLUB 1-4yo
  Wed 9 Jul & Fri 11 Jul @ 10:00-11:00 — De Pijp
  This art class is designed for confident walkers to engage in messy art activities that stimulate sensory development and imagination. Stress-free and cleanup-free 🙏 

• Vondelpark Open Air Theater: Tiny, Tiny Birdie

  Sat 12 Jul @ 15:00-16:00 — Vondelpark

  This free performance uses acrobatics, hip-hop, and interactive games to tell the story of two brothers who create a rich fantasy world in their backyard. I went to the performance this past weekend with my 1.5 year old and she loved it — and it was also great that you can come and go and there was food onsite 😉 

East

• Children's Clothing Exchange
  Wed 9 Jul (Every other week) @ 10:00-12:00 — Gein
  Refresh your little one's wardrobe at the Gein community free Children's Clothing Exchange! Bring your gently used kids' clothing (all sizes) to swap for new-to-you summer outfits.

• Little Yayao Open Showroom Summer Event
  Fri 11 Jul @ 08:00-16:00 — Overamstel
  Little Yayao is a sustainable preloved boutique for babies and kids run by local mom Diana; you may have seen their flyer at our €2 Sale. They’re hosting an open showroom event for high-quality summer kids clothing, plus food & drinks onsite.

Noord

• Toddler Music Festival
  Sat 12 Jul @ 08:45-12:00 — Overhoeks
  The “city jungle” is transformed into a toddler-friendly world of wonderment with free music, dance, and activities. Hosted by the Music School in Amsterdam Noord.

• Parent & Child Yoga plus Puppet Theater

  Sun 20 Jul @ 10:00-14:00 — IJplein

  Mukha Kids’ popular parent & child yoga session is followed this time by a magical puppet theater show depicting the adventures of Jan Klaassen and Katrijn. Do one or both activities, all free ❤️

Centrum

• Queer Families: Pirates Edition
  Sun 20 Jul @ 14:00-17:00 — Jordaan
  I honestly cannot think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than a pirate-themed 🏳️‍🌈 event. Enjoy games, a bouncy castle, and lemonade all free, hosted by Homomonument. The activities are aimed at 4+, but all ages welcome.

Until next time,

Alex from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)