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Hello Reader,
Autumn has well and truly arrived in Amsterdam. The days are getting shorter, the jackets are coming out, and suddenly an indoor activity doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. Luckily, there’s plenty happening around the city to keep the whole family entertained this weekend.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite family-friendly events for 2–5 October, with a focus on special one-off activities worth leaving the house for. From science experiments and live music to bats in an old fort, there’s a little something for every kind of weekend mood. Take a look at our picks below!
Call for Volunteers: Amsterdam Mamas Spooktacular Parade
The Amsterdam Mamas Spooktacular Parade is back, and we need your help to make it a special day!
Date: Saturday 24th October
Time: 10:00 AM – 15:00 PM
Location: UJ Klaren Park (Tweede Weteringsplantsoen)
We’re looking for volunteers to:
Help set up and take down the venue, distribute candy, guide families, and keep the spooky vibes flowing through the park
Volunteer perks:
1 free adult ticket, 1 free child ticket.
Join us in bringing this magical community event to life! Costumes are optional, but enthusiasm is a must.
To sign-up: Spooktacular volunteer sign-up 2026
Events Happening This Weekend
Wetenschapsdag Amsterdam Science Park
For curious kids (and equally curious parents), Amsterdam Science Park opens its normally behind-the-scenes laboratories on Saturday, 3 October. Families can experiment with static electricity, X-ray scanners and holograms, play retro games and meet scientists working on everything from microscopic materials to enormous particle detectors. The programme runs from 12:00 to 17:00 and all activities are free—science apparently does come without a price tag sometimes. More information can be found on the Amsterdam Science Park event page.
Muziekfestival 2026 – Music, Dance & Theatre Day
On Sunday, 4 October, children aged 4 to 13 can spend the morning singing, dancing, making music and trying their hand at theatre in Amsterdam Slotervaart. Organised with Muziekschool Aslan, the festival includes a mix of creative workshops, games and crafts, followed by a final performance for parents and family at 14:00. A full morning of making noise, but this time it’s officially encouraged. Registration and details are available on the Muziekfestival 2026 website.
OERRR Herfstpret at Fort bij Spijkerboor
Just outside Amsterdam, Fort bij Spijkerboor hosts a special autumn family day on Sunday, 4 October. Children aged around 6 to 12 can explore the historic fort, hunt for hidden bats and other winter residents, get creative and hear stories about the animals settling into the fort for the colder months. It combines nature, crafts and an old fortress—which is already a fairly strong starting point. Plan your visit via Natuurmonumenten – OERRR Herfstpret.
SoWhat Family Concert: Snip, Ritsel en Plop
On Sunday morning, 4 October, Het Zonnehuis in Amsterdam Noord hosts Snip, Ritsel en Plop, a playful family concert exploring the many sounds hidden inside jazz. Instead of sitting quietly, children are invited to listen, sing, clap and move along as the musicians experiment with everything from gentle rustles to plop, krak and boem. In other words, one of the rare concerts where making a little noise is part of the plan. Tickets and event information can be found through Het Zonnehuis.
Ongoing & Upcoming Events
Yayoi Kusama Autumn Programme at the Stedelijk
From 10–18 October, the Stedelijk Museum is putting on a special autumn holiday programme for families inspired by the wonderfully colourful world of Yayoi Kusama. Alongside exploring her famous dots and immersive artworks, children can join special creative activities and workshops around the museum. Admission to the Stedelijk is free for everyone under 18, making this a particularly easy one to add to a day around Museumplein. See what’s planned here.
TCS Amsterdam Marathon Kids Run
The Amsterdam Marathon isn’t only for people willing to run 42 kilometres. On Saturday, 17 October, children aged 4 to 12 can take part in their own Kids Run at the Olympic Stadium, with distances adapted for different ages. Afterwards, the Kids Arena keeps things going with face painting, a magician, music and food stalls—plus, importantly, a medal at the finish. Find more information here.
Nationale KinderTheaterWeek
From 10–18 October, several Amsterdam theatres hand over a little more of the building than usual to their youngest visitors for Nationale KinderTheaterWeek. Children aged 2 to 12 can catch family performances as well as explore workshops, treasure hunts, backstage tours and other special activities. Amsterdam venues include De Krakeling, De Brakke Grond and Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam, so there is plenty to choose from across the week. Browse the programme on the Nationale KinderTheaterWeek website.
Family Rave Day – ADE Special
Amsterdam Dance Event gets a family edition on Wednesday, 21 October, when Fabrique des Lumières hosts an afternoon rave designed for children aged 5+ and their grown-ups. Expect DJs, live musicians, dancing, balloon drops and plenty of immersive projections, with the sound levels adjusted for younger ears. Finally, an ADE event where getting everyone home before dinner is entirely realistic. Find tickets and details on the Family Rave Day event page.
Parents’ Corner
Thuishaven w/ IOSIO – 10HRS
Sunday, 4 October calls for a daytime dance session at Thuishaven, with IOSIO taking over for a full 10-hour run from 13:00. It’s an early-starting alternative to the usual Amsterdam night out, with plenty of time to dance without waiting until midnight for things to get going. A solid Sunday plan if brunch feels a little too responsible. Find event details through DJGuide.
SYNTHONY No. 2 at AFAS Live
On Friday, 2 October, SYNTHONY takes over AFAS Live with a mix of live orchestra, DJs and vocalists reworking some of the biggest electronic dance tracks from the past 30 years. Expect music from the worlds of Avicii, Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris and David Guetta, but with rather more strings than your average club night. The show starts at 20:00, making it a good way to kick off the weekend properly. Find tickets and details on the AFAS Live event page.
Partner’s Message
A special invitation for the Amsterdam Mamas community!
We’d love to welcome you and your little ones to WOW Family Center — a warm and joyful place for families to connect, learn, play and grow together. Come and discover our classes for parents & babies, toddlers, parents & toddlers, and older kids — with something special for every stage of your family’s journey.
Special offer for Amsterdam Mama members:
Enjoy 10% off when you purchase one of our 3 WOW Family Center Club Cards through the special link.
Choose your WOW Family Center Club Card. Discount code: wowmamas
Choose the Club Card that suits your family best and enjoy our wonderful selection of classes and activities together. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to WOW Family Center!
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!
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