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- 9-23 Jun: Plenty for the dads (#15)
9-23 Jun: Plenty for the dads (#15)
Alex Siega
June 09, 2025 • Read time: 7 minutes
Hi, all! Hope everyone is staying dry this holiday weekend ☔️
This is going to be a light newsletter issue with just events and community asks. Visitors plus sickness descended upon our house this past week. When I was trying to push through it, a good friend reminded me that APP is an honest, supportive space to open up about overwhelm and burnout — and that should extend to me, too 😌 We’ll be back next issue with our expert/community profile when my energy has rebounded.
And an early Happy Father’s Day to our dads out there! I hope your day is filled with tiny, tender hugs and something nice just for you.
Take the 1 minute survey to support newborn + NICU parents
🫶🏻 Community asks
Help Adrienne simplify support after birth
Have you needed a village after birth, or during a NICU stay? Or shown up for someone who has? APP member Adrienne is creating a platform to make it easier for families to get help from their network, near or far. Fill out her 1 minute (anonymous) survey to help her out — your insight could ease the journey for others at their most vulnerable point 🥺Help Iza organize a summer community event
Iza from Art Connects New West is hosting an outdoor community event at Natuurkamer this August. She has already secured city funding, she just needs 1–2 people to join her in organizing it. If you’re eager to create summer vibes for local babies and toddlers, you can reach out to her on Instagram @art_connects_new_west.
Want our help with outreach for a community parenting initiative? Get in touch via [email protected].
Father’s Day BBQ happening in Oosterpark
🗓️ 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. See them and many more on your own Google calendar here.
APP events
Sat 28 Jun @ 16:00-17:00 — Nieuwmarkt
What if life after baby wasn’t just about surviving, but about truly thriving? I’m joining this panel with Petra (sleep consultant), Naomi (couples psychologist), and Karla (return to work coach) to talk about transitioning from early postpartum to “life beyond.” I’ll be sharing about preventing burnout through community.
Everywhere
Wed 11 Jun @ 12:00-18:00 — All across Amsterdam + NL
Playgrounds, schools, and more open up their doors for National Outdooor Playday, and often there are special activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. Join for coffee, tea, and play at Hygiëaplein in Oud Zuid from 12:00-16:00, head to De Aker in Osdorp from 15:00-18:00, or search the map for activities in your neighborhood.
Center
13-15 Jun @ 10:00-17:00 — Grachtengordel
A series of canal gardens — some private! — open their doors to the public for Open Garden Days. Bring your kids (free entry under 12 years old) to the classical and contemporary gardens containing centuries-old trees, flowering plants and special garden houses.
Sat 14 Jun @ 11:00-11:30 — Dam Square
Kids under 3 ride free on this 30-minute historic tram ride all through the city center 🚋 It starts and ends at Dam Square, and no reservation is required. Fun for the transportation-obsessed toddlers — mine included!
Story Magic: A Parent-Child Picture Book Theatre
Sat 14 Jun @ 13:30-15:30 — Leidseplein
Step into a world where stories shine and imaginations take flight! NIO House is hosting an enchanting afternoon of picture book magic, where parents and children create, read, and perform together.
Sun 15 Jun @ 10:30-12:30 — Jordaan
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your child’s frequent meltdowns and sensory overloads, A Different Story is hosting this workshop about co-regulation for parents of children with rare conditions and intensive care needs. Free, and with childcare.
West
Fri 13 Jun @ 9:30-10:30 (Weekly) — Delftlandplein
Bring your toddlers to the Fiep playroom in Nieuw-West for this open and free indoor play session almost every Friday. Great running, climbing, and active play, especially on rainy days.
Sat 14 Jun @ 10:00-12:00 — Vondelpark
Dads assemble! Meet other dads at this monthly meetup at Groot Melkhuis; this is the last one before the summer break, and it’s a great pre-game to Father’s Day on Sunday. The meetup is run by Atish, who is also offering a Preparing for Fatherhood course on June 21/27 for all fathers-to-be. €20 off for APP members ❤️
Sat 14 Jun @ 10:00-17:00 — Sloterplas
This children’s festival on the Sloterplas beach is open for kids ages 0-12 and has crafts, face painting, performances, and more.
Noord
Fri 13 Jun @ 9:30-11:30 (Every 3 weeks) — Overhoeks
Meet fellow new parents over coffee, tea, and cappuccinos at this baby-friendly hangout at the midwife practice AmsterMAM’s Noord location.
South
Tue 8 Jun @ 15:30-17:30 (Weekly) — Rivierenbuurt
Head to Robbeburg if you need to get work done while your kids safely play. It’s moderated by a Robbeburg community volunteer and comes with free tea and cookies. Everything you need to be productive!
East
Sun 15 Jun @ 15:30-17:30 — Oosterpark
Celebrate the dads at this Father’s Day BBQ at Hotel Arena. Live music, a large buffet, and a cozy atmosphere for the whole family.
Want to share an event with our community? Email [email protected] to get in touch.
Until next time,
Alex from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)