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Hello Reader, We’ve certainly had an eventful week when it comes to the weather! From a historic Code Red to dramatic thunderstorms, it’s safe to say we’ve experienced it all! After a week of extremes, we’re all ready for the predictable unpredictability of a typical Dutch summer. Whatever the forecast has in store, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and make the most of the season. This week’s newsletter is packed with wonderful events, from lively neighbourhood festivals and family-friendly outdoor activities to hidden gems and cultural favourites. Whether you’re planning ahead for the biggest summer events or simply looking for a relaxed day out, we’ve got plenty of inspiration to fill your calendar. Events Happening This Weekend Festival TREK at Amstelpark If you are searching for an exciting summer event, Festival TREK is well worth adding to your calendar. From 3 to 5 of July, Amstelpark transforms into a lively open-air festival filled with colorful food trucks, live performances, and plenty to keep children happily entertained—all with free entry. While parents sample delicious street food, younger visitors can settle in for children’s theatre performances, hop aboard nostalgic fairground rides, and be amazed by roaming entertainers, musicians, dancers, and street performances. One of the biggest perks? The festival takes place in Amstelpark, meaning families can easily combine their visit with the park’s much-loved playgrounds, petting zoo, maze, and miniature train for a full day of summer fun. It is the perfect recipe for a relaxed family outing where everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—will find something to enjoy. Check out the full details here. Carnaval der Dieren at Kinderboerderij ‘t Brinkie Summer Adventures at Muiderslot If you are looking to add a little medieval magic to your weekend, Muiderslot is kicking off its summer programme in style! From 3 July, families can enjoy creative workshops in the castle atelier, including making your own seed paper and water-themed crafts. On 5 july families can settle in for the delightful family theatre performance Stories of King Ape. Between activities, children can climb castle towers, wander through the historic gardens, and explore one of the Netherlands’ most enchanting castles, making it an easy day out for the whole family. Check out the full weekend programe and all the activities happening throughout the summer here. If your family enjoys getting creative together, this hands-on workshop at Museum Het Schip is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. On 4 July, children and adults will discover the beautiful decorative tiles that made the Amsterdam School architectural style so distinctive before rolling up their sleeves to create their own unique clay tile. Families can choose to make individual designs or work together on a larger tile tableau, creating a special keepsake to collect once it has been fired in a ceramic kiln a few weeks later. Check out all the workshop details and book your spot here. Ongoing & Upcoming EventsFamily Performances at Vondelpark Openluchttheater If you are looking for an easy summer outing in the heart of Amsterdam, the Vondelpark Openluchttheater offers a wonderful season of family-friendly performances throughout the summer. From playful theatre adaptations of classic stories to music, dance, and comedy under the open sky, the programme is designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Families can settle in on the grass, bring a picnic, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere as children are swept up in imaginative live performances in one of the city’s most iconic green spaces. Check out all the performances and the full summer programe here. Family Adventures at Forteiland Pampus If your family is in the mood for a real island adventure, Forteiland Pampus is a brilliant day out just a short boat ride from the city. This historic fortress island is filled with tunnels, cannon rooms, and interactive spaces, with summer-long adventures and activities specially designed for curious young explorers. Children can set off on playful treasure hunts through the fort, crack secret codes with a blacklight torch, and explore hands-on installations where history is brought to life through games and discovery. With plenty of open space to roam and play, it is an easy mix of fresh air, imagination, and adventure. Check out all the activities and plan your island adventure here. Kids Pride Festival at Theater De Krakeling On 8–9 August, Theater De Krakeling transforms into a joyful, inclusive space for Kids Pride, a theatre festival celebrating love in all its forms. Families are invited into a playful world of storytelling and performances that highlight rainbow families and the idea that every family is unique. Alongside the shows, children can enjoy creative workshops, music, storytelling, and hands-on activities, from crafting to reading and playful exploration in the theatre foyer. It is a warm and welcoming day out where imagination and inclusion take centre stage. Check out all the activities and plan your visit here. ARTIS Summer Nights & Family Tours On select summer Saturdays, ARTIS Amsterdam Zoo transforms into a magical evening destination during the ARTIS Summer Nights. As the sun sets, families can explore the zoo in a completely different light—watching animals become more active at dusk while the park fills with a relaxed festival atmosphere. Alongside live music and food stalls, there are special family-guided tours designed for children, helping young explorers discover fascinating animal stories and hidden corners of the zoo in an engaging and playful way. It is an easy, atmospheric evening out where nature, learning, and summer vibes come together. Check out all the activities and plan your visit here. Parents’ CornerWonderfeel Festival There is something special about a summer weekend where music, nature, and slow living all come together in one place. That is exactly the spirit of Wonderfeel Festival, a three-day classical music festival set in a stunning natural landscape just outside the city. Families are warmly welcomed, with a relaxed, open-air atmosphere where you can wander between stages, picnic on the grass, and discover everything from intimate chamber music to playful, accessible performances designed to spark curiosity. It is less about formal concert halls and more about experiencing music as part of a full summer day outdoors. Check out more details here. KZ’s BIG 5 – Jazz Events Amsterdam There is something irresistible about a weekend where live music, swing dance, and community all come together under one roof. KZ’s BIG 5 is exactly that—a full celebration of Lindy Hop culture, featuring live bands, DJ sets, and world-class musicians creating the kind of music you cannot help but move to. Alongside the concerts, there are Lindy Hop workshops with internationally renowned teachers Ari & Simon, designed to help dancers deepen their connection to rhythm, musicality, and partner work. And once the music kicks in, the floor opens up for social dancing, where Lindy Hop and authentic jazz take over and the whole space turns into one big, joyful dance floor. It is less of a spectator event and more of a full-body experience—listen, dance, connect, repeat. You can check the agenda 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 Arina Pricop. 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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