During a global pandemic, with all of its attendant uncertainty, it is perhaps kinder to switch from New Years Resolutions to New Years Intentions. We have all learned this past year how your plans can get dashed with one press conference. However, there are things one can do, even at home, even during a pandemic. Perhaps visiting the Taj Mahal or Machu Pichu is out for the time being but here are some other, smaller, things that might be possible:

Learn Dutch!

First ask yourself whether it is worth your effort to learn Dutch – here are 5 Questions to Ask Yourself before doing so.

Secondly, don’t be afraid! (especially of those hard g’s!) Learning Dutch is Child’s Play has some easy strategies for tackling this tongue twister of a language.

If you choose to move forward, you can learn or improve your Dutch by attending online classes at one of the Amsterdam Mamas’ community favorite language schools – they suit all levels and purposes. If official classes are not your thing, here is a list of the 16 best TV programs to help your Dutch organized by proficiency level – from kids cartoons to discussion of current events.

 Stay Active and Improve Your Physical Fitness!

Personal Trainers: Here is an updated list of the Amsterdam Mamas’ Community’s favorite personal trainers if you would like one-on-one or small group classes to reach your fitness goals. Alternatively or additionally, all of the finalists in the Amsterdam Mamas Recommends Awards Best Workout Studio offer online (and sometimes free introductory) classes.

Do Nothing!

Did you know there is an actual Dutch verb that means “to do nothing”? Niksen. It is not the same as being bored or restless; it is not getting a massage. Niksen is settling into a guilt free space of, well, not doing anything. A Polish journalist based in the Netherlands caused a media frenzy with her book and New York Times article about ‘niksen’.

Here is our review of Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing. Maybe you will want to explore this very Dutch practice in your New Year.

Best wishes to all of the Amsterdam Mamas’ Community for a lighter, brighter, and happier 2021 from the Amsterdam Mamas Editorial Team.

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Presenting the winner of the category Best Relaxation/Spa for Parents in Amsterdam:

Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver 

Spa Zuiver offers the ultimate spa experience in its beautiful facility on the edge of the Amsterdamse Bos. Step out of your daily routine and pamper yourself. Alone. With a friend. With a partner. Experience this Amsterdam institution with one of several 10-year Spa Zuiver anniversary packages. Get a massage. Take a sauna. Treat yourself to a healthy and delicious meal. Our community has been recommending Spa Zuiver for years. Never forget that to look after others, you need to also look after yourself. For those members of our community not quite ready to go the full Dutch, take note, Tuesdays and Thursdays are swimwear days. 

Honorable Mentions:

Conservatorium 

Doctor Feelgood 

Amstel Hotel 

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: Spa Sport Hotel Zuiver 

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Presenting the winner of the category of Best Workout Studio or Class for Parents in Amsterdam:

David Lloyd

We understand why many members of our community rate David Lloyd so highly. This goes beyond the high-quality childcare which, of course, may be what actually makes it possible for parents to exercise at all. David Lloyd offers a wide choice of classes, state-of-the-art machines, friendly staff and an indoor pool. It’s rare to find so much under a single roof in the city. On the Overtoom, not far from the Centre. 

The runners-up were:

Chassé Dance Studio

Delight Yoga

Mom in Balance

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: Image from yayimages.

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Presenting the winner of the category of Best Hairdresser for Parents in Amsterdam:

Gleiton Pedro Studio

Brazilian-born Gleiton Pedro has a devoted following among members of our community. One mama described him as “a gem”, while another shared how she trusts him “with her eyes closed”. He aims to blend the best of the classic and the modern while bringing his clients the most updated trends of the beauty market. He offers an exemplary level of service and really listens to what you want. Just be warned: he’s heavily in demand so you may need to wait for an appointment. You’ll find the Gleiton Pedro Studio in Amstelveen.

The runners-up were:

Haartheater 

Cosmo 

Francesca Bomardi 

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: Images from yayimages.

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Presenting the winner of the category Best Family Photographer in Amsterdam:

Egac Photos – Emily Rocha

We understand why our community voted Emily of Egac Photos the winner of the Best Family Photographer Award 2018. Emily specialises in what so many of us looking for: authentic family moments set against a local Dutch backdrop. She always aims to capture spontaneous, genuine feeling in her images and will ensure that you make – and preserve – those special memories of your time in Amsterdam.

The runners-up were:

Asha Pradeep Photography

Luciana Blair Photography

Philippe Bro

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: All images Egac Photos – Emily Rocha, all rights reserved.

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Presenting the winner of the category in Best Soft Play/Indoor Playground in Amsterdam:

Candy Castle Speelparadijs    

Fourth-time winner for Best Indoor Playground, Candy Castle Speelparadijs offers fun for children up to age 12, with comfortable accommodation for their parents in a recently restored monumental church. The biggest indoor playground in the Benelux, Candy Castle Speelparadijs offers kids the opportunity for movement, hands-on play, and even a go-kart track. Younger children up to age four can play in their own special age-appropriate section, and parents can snack, chat with friends, or plug into the wifi with a full view of their playing kids. Candy Castle Speelparafjis will even host a super leuk birthday party for your child!

Honourable Mentions went to:

Monkey Town        

TunFun Speelpark    

Ballorig        

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

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Presenting the winner of the category in Best Day Out (Indoors) for Families in Amsterdam:

Nemo Science Museum    

NEMO, the 2016 and 2017 winner of Best Museum for Families, is back! This unique museum in Amsterdam’s harbor continues to promise family fun for all ages. Bring the kids to create huge soap bubbles, make computers talk, learn how a phone works, watch a chain reaction demonstration, and push buttons and pull levers to find the relationship between action and reaction. As the Netherlands’ largest science museum, NEMO packs five floors with scientific and technological wonders and a hands-on interactive approach to captivate kids with the fascination of science. The roof terrace at the top of the building makes for a nice break for lunch or a snack.

Honourable Mentions:

Candy Castle Speelparadijs    

Nijntje Museum    

Kinderkook Cafe    

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

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Presenting the winner of the category Best Museum for Families in Amsterdam:

Nemo Science Museum

NEMO, the 2016 and 2017 winner of Best Museum for families, is back. This unique museum in Amsterdam’s harbor continues to promise family fun for all ages. Bring the kids to create huge soap bubbles, make computers talk, learn how a phone works, watch a chain reaction demonstration, push buttons and pull levers to find the relationship between action and reaction. As the Netherlands’ largest science museum, NEMO packs five floors with scientific and technological wonders and a hands-on interactive approach to captivate kids with the fascination of science. The roof terrace at the top of the building makes for a nice break for lunch or a snack.

The runners-up were:

ARTIS – Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Rijksmuseum

Het Scheepsvaartmuseum

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: All images © Roel Baeckaert, amsterdam&partners, all rights reserved.

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Presenting the winner of the category Best Party Services Provider in Amsterdam:

Jeugdland

The combination workshop and outdoor nature playground Jeugdland is a place for children up to age 14 to explore, build, play, and celebrate birthday parties! Jeugdland emphasizes the hands-on exploration of the technology of building things. Kids can construct many things, including huts, go-carts, and pumpkins. At Jeugdland behind the Flevopark, you can book a  festive picnic table with unlimited lemonade and free play on all of Jeugland, or a fun activity or workshop of your choice. Don’t worry about the weather, because the party will go on even if it does rain. 

Honourable Mentions went to:

Cakeaholic Amsterdam

English Cake Lady

Little Star Fitness

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: Images courtesy of ©jeugdland/Maakland.

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Presenting the winner of the category Best Day Out (Outdoors) for Families in Amsterdam:

Amsterdamse Bos

In the middle of Amsterdam, there is a vast man-made forest, and in the middle of the forest, there is a goat farm you can visit with the kids. The Amsterdamse Bos has won the Amsterdam Mamas best of award four times and recently been included in the TripAdvisor hall of fame. A great destination for some leafy green to break up the urban edge, the Amsterdamse Bos offers good times outside. Kids can swing from trees, captain boats, swim, rent bikes, ride the museum tram, camp, walk through a maze, and watch outdoor summer theatre. Don’t miss the delicious ice cream made of goats milk back on the forest farm for a cool treat!

The runners-up were:

ARTIS – Amsterdam Royal Zoo    

Amstelpark                

Amsterdamse Bos – Geitenboerderij

Look for the Mamas Recommend window sticker, certificate, or online logo around the city, and you’ll be sure that the business or service you are using is tried and trusted by the Amsterdam Mamas community!

Photo credit: All images © Maria-Charlotte Pezé, amsterdam&partners, all rights reserved.

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