Happy Monday, and happy March!
I’m back after a recent intercontinental trip with my 2.5 year old toddler to the US. We make the trip once per year to visit family, and each time our strategies for long-haul plane travel have to be completely rewritten as our baby gets older 🥹
I wrapped (old & new) toys as presents to gift her periodically during the long flight
In my desperation, I asked the social media masses on Instagram for tips and tricks on plane travel. In case you missed it, I wanted to share their insights with you here!
Traveling soon with a baby and/or toddler? Check out what the community recommends to keep everyone sane on long flights, cars trips, and train journeys 👇
My toddler loved the animal exhibit at Museum of the Mind!
🗓️ 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
Sun 15 Mar @ 09:30, 11:15 — Rivierenbuurt
Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with Robbeburg International Playgroup! They’ll have activities like face painting, games, and crafts to spread Irish cheer. I’ll be volunteering there, so come and say hi ☺️
Sat 21 Mar @ 10:00-11:00 — Oud West
Certified babywearing expert Zyanya is hosting a Babywearing Dance Class, and you can bet on the music and vibes being 🔥. I went last time with my toddler; while she was one of the older children there, we still had great fun. Zyanya will provide free expert fit checks before class!
Tue 14 April @ 09:30-11:00 — Museumplein
Our Rijksmuseum Family Tour happening this Sunday (15 March) sold out in less than a week 🤩 Given the enthusiasm from y’all, we’re expanding to new museums with our lovely host, Paola. This tour at the Van Gogh Museum is specifically designed for parents with pre-walking babies, roughly up to 1 year old.
At the request of the community, we’re also working on a toddler tour — with activities! — at the Rijksmuseum. We’ll announce it here, but if you want to be the absolute first to know, follow our Eventbrite page.
West
Wed 11 Mar @ 14:00-15:00 — Bos en Lommer
Celebrate Spring at KIEM with this delightful workshop where children can craft beautiful flowers to surprise their mamas 🌸
Sat 14 Mar @ 10:00-12:00 — Kinkerbuurt
Seeking gentle and effective sleep solutions for your family? Julia from Tales of Sleep is leading a MamaSocial mingle focused on holistic sleep support. It's a zero-judgment space for parents to discuss sleep challenges, gain insights, and find practical, connection-focused strategies.
Sat 14 Mar @ 11:00-16:00 — Oud-West
The Play Share Swap & Recycle Festival is happening again at De Hallen. Families can bring outgrown toys and children's clothing (5 pieces of each type) to swap for 'new' treasures. This edition is different than in the past, as free tickets are now required — make sure to grab yours before the event!
Until 15 Mar — Westerpark
The biggest (and most affordable) funfair is coming to Westerpark this week. There’s a wide range of attractions and entertainment, like a ferris wheel where you can see Amsterdam from up high. Go on Wednesday (11 March) for reduced admission!
Sat 21 Mar @ 10:30-13:30 — Rembrandtpark
Help keep Rembrandtpark beautiful and clean! Hosted by the Friends of the Rembrandtpark Foundation, this free event provides coffee, tea, and lunch, along with all necessary cleanup tools. It's a great opportunity for community members of all ages to contribute to their local park; plus, you’ll start at Bouwspeelplaats ‘t Landje, which is an excellent "construction” playground in the park.
East
Daily except for Monday @ 11:00-17:00 — Weesperbuurt
Does your child love animals? This unique exhibition at the Museum of the Mind explores the special bond between humans and animals, featuring iconic cat paintings by Louis Wain and works by other artists. My toddler absolutely loved seeing all the cats and animals on the walls, and then getting to draw her own -- on paper and also on their giant blackboard! It's a really sweet way to spend an hour together.
Sat 14 Mar @ 11:00-13:00 — Watergraafsmeer
If you’re located in East, there’s a new clothing and toy swap close to y’all at the Frankendaelschool. There’s a wide variety of stuff to swap (appropriate from babies to teenagers) and food to enjoy at the fair.
South
Wed 11 Mar @ 15:30-16:15 (Monthly) — Vondelparkbuurt
Vondeltuin hosts a free monthly puppet show featuring Erik van Ophem and the beloved Jan Klaassen & Katrijn. No registration needed, just drop by and join in.
Mon 16 Mar @ 10:00-12:00 (Weekly on Monday) — Stadionplein
New at WOPL! in March: A special Baby Morning every Monday, with free entry for you and your baby under 12 months old.
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)
