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Hello Reader, After making the most of the sunny weather in recent weeks, we can all look forward to a weekend that’s ideal for both outdoor adventures and indoor discoveries. With International Children’s Day reminding us to celebrate curiosity, creativity and the joy of being young at heart, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the family entertained over the days ahead. From community festivals and interactive performances to hands-on workshops and outdoor discoveries, here’s our pick of family-friendly activities happening in and around Amsterdam this weekend. Events Happening This WeekendFestiValk 2026 in Diemerbos Looking for a family-friendly festival with plenty to keep little ones entertained? On 6 and 7 June, House of Bird’s free Festivalk returns to the Diemerbos, transforming the forest into a lively outdoor playground for all ages. Alongside live music, theatre and food stalls, the programme includes face painting, arts and crafts, games, nature activities, birdwatching walks and the interactive Urban Scientist Festival, giving curious young minds plenty to explore. With lots of space to play and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere, it’s an easy-going weekend outing for families looking to make the most of the season. More information and the full programme can be found here. Vlooiencircus: Jeuk in de Jordaan For something a little quirky this weekend, Vlooiencircus: Jeuk in de Jordaan takes over Villa Kakofonie in the heart of the Jordaan on Sunday 7 June. This imaginative children’s theatre performance brings Amsterdam’s neighbourhood history to life through a cast of playful flea circus performers, combining storytelling, mini circus acts and a touch of mischievous magic. Designed to spark curiosity and laughter, the show weaves together tales of old and new Amsterdam while encouraging children to embrace their imagination. More information and tickets can be found here. Keti Koti at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam As part of the lead-up to Keti Koti, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is hosting a special family programme on Sunday 7 June, inviting children to discover the stories, traditions and meaning behind the celebration of freedom. Young visitors can get creative by making their own bracelets decorated with kauri shells — a symbol often seen during the colourful Bigi Spikri parade — while learning more about the history and cultural significance of Keti Koti through hands-on activities. Blending creativity, culture and storytelling, it’s a thoughtful and engaging way for families to explore an important part of Dutch history together. More information can be found here. SoWhat family concert at Het Zonnehuis Music-loving families can head to Amsterdam Noord on Sunday 7 June for a cheerful SoWhat family concert at Het Zonnehuis. Blending classical music, jazz, storytelling and playful audience participation, the performance invites children to clap, dance, sing and join in alongside the musicians. Designed for everyone from toddlers to grandparents, the concert creates a relaxed and interactive atmosphere where curiosity and creativity take centre stage. Families looking for outdoor musical adventures can keep an eye on SoWhat’s free Puur Natuur Tuin concerts, which return in June with nature-inspired performances in a green outdoor setting. More information can be found here. Upcoming Events12 jaar de Ceuvel | De Verjaardag! De Parade – KinderParade From 24 July to 9 August, the travelling theatre festival De Parade takes over Martin Luther King Park in Amsterdam, with its daily KinderParade programme running every afternoon. Children can wander through a playful outdoor festival filled with theatre performances, music acts, creative workshops, painting and building activities, and interactive installations designed especially for younger audiences. Classic festival elements like the swing ride, poffertjes stands and open play areas make it an easy, free-flowing afternoon where kids can explore, try things out and move between activities at their own pace. Find the program and details here. Tolhuistuin – Summer kids programme Throughout July 2026, Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam Noord becomes a playful summer hub for families, with a rotating programme of free and low-cost kids’ activities in the garden. One of the highlights is the Fawaka Zomer Workshops (23–26 July), where children can get hands-on creative and educational making sessions — from cooking their own snacks and making natural beauty products to upcycling old materials into music and crafts. Younger visitors can also join interactive storytelling and discovery games in the garden, including the ongoing Stout Konijn adventure trail, which turns the outdoor space into a playful scavenger hunt full of imagination and nature exploration. Check out more details here. Zomerlab Symbiose at De Muziekstraat Children aged 7 to 12 can kick off the summer holidays at Zomerlab Symbiose, a three-day creative programme taking place from 6–8 July in Amsterdam Noord. Inspired by the connections between people, nature and the world around us, the event combines music, theatre and art workshops in a playful outdoor setting. Throughout the programme, children are encouraged to experiment, create and collaborate, exploring big ideas through hands-on activities and artistic discovery. The three days culminate in a festive presentation where participants can share what they have made with family and friends. More information can be found here . Parents’ CornerBacchus Wine Festival If your ideal child-free outing (although kids are also more than welcomed) involves good food, good company and a special glass wine, the Bacchus Wine Festival is back in the Amsterdamse Bos on 5–7 June and 12–14 June. Set among the trees, the festival brings together hundreds of wines from around the world, alongside food stalls, live music and a relaxed summer vibe. Whether you’re sampling new favourites or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon outdoors, it’s an easy-going way to make the most of the longer evenings. Check out more details here. Open Garden Days Amsterdam For a slower-paced escape from the bustle of everyday life, the Open Garden Days take place from 19–21 June, opening the gates to some of Amsterdam’s most beautiful private canal gardens. Hidden behind historic townhouses and usually inaccessible to the public, these green oases offer a rare glimpse into a quieter side of the city. Spend an afternoon wandering through elegant courtyards, blooming gardens and peaceful urban retreats before stopping for a coffee or lunch along the canals. Get your tickets for a memorable stroll here. We endeavour to include everyone and are happy to mention events connected to all special holidays/festivities. Please email us with events/celebrations you want us to mention. AM will make the ultimate decision on what to publish. A team of volunteers compiles this newsletter, and we would welcome some new colleagues on the team. Are you interested and do you have a few hours to spare every few weeks? Please contact Amsterdam Mamas for more information at info@amsterdam-mamas.nl This Weekend Roundup was compiled by Jackie Liban. The above information is given to the best of our knowledge and ability, but please check the event links to confirm details. These are often events that the Amsterdam Mamas cannot personally recommend from experience but are provided as a starting point to help you find activities that are a good fit for your family. If you have seen any upcoming events that we should know about, please let the newsletter team know by replying to this email. Thanks, and have a good weekend! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. |
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