Hello, parents of Amsterdam!
Get ready for a period that is chock full of family events in Amsterdam, given the confluence of Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, and Carnival. Fortunately, creating special moments both indoors and outdoors comes up in this week’s advice column… 👀
Dr. Kari and her (newly!) one-year-old baby ❤️
👩⚕️ Dear Dr. Mom: “How can I help myself — and my baby — get through the cold, dark days of winter?”
We’re in February now, so Winter is starting to drag: the cold days, dark mornings and evenings (though it’s getting lighter!), and same 3 baby- and toddler-friendly indoor locations on repeat.
The long winter season takes a toll on our mental health, especially if you’re constrained by parenting a young child. Dr. Kari Leibowitz, a health psychologist specializing in wintertime mindset — and local mom to a newly-minted one year old! — shares her 3 tips for parenting a little one in a country that is cold and dark in winter.
When I go down to the kitchen in the morning, even before I make my one year old his bottle, I light the three taper candles I keep on my dining table. It makes it a little easier to be up in the dark.
From her perspective on embracing the outdoors to enjoying Amsterdam museum season to the fullest, we love the blend of Kari’s expertise as both a PhD psychologist and a local parent ❤️
The Neighborhood Pancake Express is cycling through Stadionbuurt on Valentine’s Day!
🗓️ 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
Thu 12 Feb @ 10:00-12:00 — De Baarsjes
We already have 6 families signed up! 😍 Join local expecting & newborn parents for a casual meetup at Papote, Amsterdam West’s newest kid-friendly café. We’ll gather in the free part of the café, but feel free to book a play spot with your little one ahead of time if you want to try out the baby play area.
Sign up until 1 Mar
Are you (or know someone who is) giving birth in Jan/Feb? We’re searching for 2 more newborn families to join our second Fourth Trimester Program cohort! Curated socials, topic discussions with a local expert, and the structure families need to reduce overwhelm and transition to new parenthood with confidence ❤️
Note: We’d really appreciate you helping to spread the word! If you’re on Instagram, you can share our post here.
Center
12-15 Feb — Dam Square
Instead of cut flowers this Valentine’s Day, design and build your own custom LEGO botanical bouquet 💐 All children under 9 are welcome with a parent, even if the event itself is geared more towards adults.
Sat-Sun 21-22 Feb — Dam Square
Is this more for parents or kids? 😅 Explore a world of flavors with tastings, participate in engaging workshops, and discover exquisite chocolate creations: for all ages.
Sat 21 Feb — Leidseplein
Join Juf Roos and Gijs at the DeLaMar Theater for a heartwarming family musical that encourages kids to sing, dance, and help solve a fun mystery to the soundtrack of all of Juf Roos's popular hits.
East
Sat 14 Feb @ 10:30-11:30 (Weekly on Saturday) — Flevopark
Enjoy beautiful stories read by the fireplace followed by an adventure themed after the book at Jeugdland’s free weekly club gatherings.
Sat-Sun 21-22 Feb — Oosterpark
The Wereldmuseum is hosting a Chinese New Year event celebrating the Year of the Horse! Events are happening all weekend, but for the little ones there is a lantern crafting activity and a chance to make dumplings in the shape of dinosaurs (Sunday only).
South
Wed 11 Feb @ 14:00-16:00 — Rivierenbuurt
Sharing with Kids and Quinnie's are teaming up to host a Warm Children's Clothing Donation Day. Families are invited to donate outgrown winter clothes at Quinnie's Amsterdam, which will get passed on to local families in need.
Sat 14 Feb @ 11:00-12:00 — Museumkwartier
Flo enjoys imitating animal sounds on the piano, while Beth loves to sing and blow bubbles. A fun way to introduce your little one to the piano this Valentine's Day — and remarkably for any family concert at the Muziekgebouw, there are still tickets left!
Sat 14 Feb @ 12:00-16:00 — Stadionbuurt
Join neighborhood residents, the Tiny Buurthouse, and the mobile neighborhood terrace as they cycle through the Stadionbuurt this Valentine's Day. Meet them for pancakes, coffee, and tea, or swing along to live music from Diva Unlimited!
Sun 15 Feb @ 11:00-13:00 — Schinkelbuurt
A morning full of vibrant Brazilian rhythms, dancing, live music, confetti, lemonade, and popcorn. It's perfect for families of all ages looking to celebrate Carnival. Costumes encouraged!
18-21 Feb — RAI Amsterdam
The 9 Months Fair (Negenmaandenbeurs) is Amsterdam's biggest baby fair, offering expectant and new parents the chance to explore over 350 top brands with trendy items for babies, toddlers, and themselves. Tickets are available from 10 euros, which comes with lots of free goodies from the Fair!
Starting 19 Feb (Weekly on Thursday) — De Pijp
A nurturing, all-levels yoga class for parents — including pregnant folks — blending movement, rest, and reflection. Hosted by community mom Carol, the session includes 45 minutes of yoga and 15 minutes for connecting with other parents, with tea and coffee provided. (Also in West starting the week after!)
West
Tue-Wed 10-11 Feb @ 9:30-10:30 — Oud West
It’s Valentine’s at the Science Camp! Toddlers and parents can play in tuff trays filled with themed sensory activities, all while developing their curiosity, creativity, and motor skills.
Wed 11 Feb @ 15:00 — De Baarsjes
Join Papote for a Valentine's Gift-making Workshop, where you'll be decorating a tote bag alongside your little one. You also get a drink included per ticket.
Sun 15 Feb @ 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 — Westerpark
Umi (Sea) is a magical show that celebrates the origin of life through sound and movement. It invites babies, toddlers, and their parents to sing, dance, and play alongside the artists.
Sun 15 Feb @ 15:00-17:30 — De Baarsjes
Calling all the Italian-speaking families: Lo Stivaletto is hosting Carnival! Entertainment for all ages, creative workshops for children aged 2+, a costume parade, and a delicious (of course) buffet.
Sun 15 Feb @ 13:00-17:00 — De Baarsjes
There's a free pilot training session for parents of children with special needs led by Tamara. Drawing on her personal experience and expertise in nonviolent communication, she creates a place for recognition and understanding and to practice difficult situations and conversations. Contact [email protected] for more info.
West & South
Giveaway ends 13 Feb — De Baarsjes & De Pijp
The Workout Lab’s 10-Week Workout Mama Program for pregnant women features weekly group sessions, unlimited classes at their locations in West & De Pijp, expert seminars, and an online course; both in English and Dutch. One winner will receive a free pass to the program.
Online
Thu 19 Feb @ 19:00-20:30
Sophrology expert Delphine’s session focused on harmonizing wellbeing and inner balance through breathwork, relaxation, and meditation. It's designed to help future moms connect with their changing bodies and babies.
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)
