Amsterdam Mamas Weekend Roundup 30 July 2026

Hello Reader,

We’re back with a longer newsletter today as we’ll be taking a summer break for the next two weeks. With many museums putting on special programmes for children and lots of opportunities to enjoy the sunny weather at nature playgrounds in and around the city, there’s no shortage of fun family outings to enjoy during the rest of the holidays!
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Events happening this weekend

Fluistervink boat tour of the Amsterdamse Bos – Saturday 1 August

You’ll be surrounded by the beautiful symphony of birdsong and frolicking waterfowl, and you might even catch a glimpse of other woodland animals seeking refuge along the banks. The experienced skipper will make sure you don’t miss a thing and will tell you all about the forest and its history.

Whether you’re a nature lover keen to embark on a new adventure or simply looking for a relaxing day out, the Fluistervink has something for everyone. Discover the hidden treasures of the Amsterdamse Bos whilst sitting comfortably on this open-top tour boat.

Book your tickets on the website. During the summer holidays there are tours every Wednesday and Saturday, and tours every Saturday in September.

Mini Wildlife Safari at De Ceuvel – Sunday 2 August

Mini Safari “Join the Wild Bee Expedition and discover the mystery of the wild bee”

Time: be there at 10:50 I start 11:00 I end between 12:00-12:30

Language: Dutch, but other languages are welcome!

The recommended age is between 5 and 14, but younger and older children are also welcome. Participation is free, but please sign up in advance on the website.

Sunday Market at Westergas – Sunday 2 August

Come along to shop for jewellery, crafts, vintage clothing and more, taste the many different types of food on offer, or simply take a stroll past the many stalls selling unique products! Snacks, drinks, and a great atmosphere – what more could you want?

You’ll find the Sunday market at Westergas in Westerpark every first Sunday of the month. Find out more on Sunday Market’s website.

Ruige Rakkers: Technika10 at Pllek- Sunday 2 August​
During this fun workshop for kids ages 4-12 with Technika10, you’ll become an inventor and get straight to work using real tools! You’ll be drilling, hammering, sawing, fitting, measuring and working with lots of different materials and techniques. Find out more on Pllek’s website.

Ongoing & Upcoming Events

Robin Hood at the Bostheater (age 4+, in Dutch) 6-15 August

This summer, Het Kleine Theater is performing Robin Hood amongst the trees of Amsterdam’s Bostheater.

The classic tale of this social hero, who risks his own life to fight greed and inequality, is sadly still very relevant today. Now, too, is the time for action to combat poverty and inequality – to stop the country’s ruthless ruler!

Robin and her friends take up this fight in Sherwood Forest. They are helped by brave Marian, the King’s daughter. What can they do? They want no violence, no war. So they devise a clever ruse… Get your tickets on the Bostheater’s website.

Summer programme at Jeugdland

During the summer holidays, there’s something fun to do every day at Jeugland and you don’t need to book ahead. Climb and explore, race down the big slide hill, fly across the zip line, swing, seesaw or grab a go-kart. At Jeugdland, children are free to discover, build, climb, get messy and create their own adventures.

From 11:00 onwards you can build in the hut village. From 14:00 there is a free drop-in programme. Most of the barefoot sensory trail can be explored on your own. On Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings, the full trail is open with supervision.

Don’t forget your swimwear! Play in the shallow natural paddling pool, splash around in the stream under the zip line or take a swim in the natural swimming pool. You can find the opening hours of the natural swimming pool on the outdoor and watersport website and check the programme of activities here.

Game On – Discover the world of video games at NEMO Science Museum

Video games are now bigger than the film and music industries combined. But how are they affecting us? In this exhibition, you can explore how games are changing the way we play, socialise and express ourselves. It’s designed for both seasoned gamers and people who’ve never held a controller before. Book your tickets on NEMO’s website.
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Woeste Westen natural playground

Woeste Westen is a wonderful natural playground on the edge of Westerpark, where kids up to the age of 13 can play for free. The area is always open and playground attendants are on hand every day. Kids can have fun playing with sand and water, ride on a raft, play in a flowing stream, wander through reeds and copses, or simply enjoy nature in peace. Coffee, tea, juices and snacks are on sale and there’s a small terrace for parents. Woeste Westen will be hosting two Midzomer Mokum workshops on 14 August (details still tbc). Find out more on Woeste Westen’s website.

Het Twiske nature reserve

Twiske is a great place just north of Amsterdam for a fun family day out: take a picnic and swim in the lake (check the water quality first), go for a bike ride or check out the nature playground or fun forest climbing. There are also two restaurants within the reserve.

Move Lab (Fridays only during the summer holidays)

Move Lab is an interactive exhibition for children aged 6-12 about mobility. Immerse yourself in the world of design; test your precision with a steady hand and experience the adrenaline of your very first driving lesson. At Move Lab, you’re always on the move! Open on Fridays only during the school holidays. Find out more on Move Lab’s website.

Much to do with bamboo at the Wereldmuseum

Looking for a fun activity to do with the kids in Amsterdam this summer? Visit the workshop at the heart of the museum. Build, decorate, weave, wave, bend, chill out in the bamboo tower and expand your knowledge with facts and myths; suitable for everyone aged 6 and over. Included in your museum ticket. Find out more on the Wereldmuseum’s website.

Techlab at the Marineterrein

Build a robot, program a minicomputer, set a racing boat in motion or discover what you can make with a 3D printer. At Techlab, it’s all about curiosity. This summer, children aged 6 to 12 will have the chance to explore, experiment and learn about technology through play! Every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon during the school holidays (until 15 August). Find out more on the Marineterrein website.

Parents’ Corner

The Comedy Embassy, Pride Edition at Boom Chicago – 31 July & 2 August

Celebrate Pride with an international lineup of hilarious stand-up comedians!

Boom Chicago is holding a special Pride edition of The Comedy Embassy, featuring four top comedians, a buzzing bar, and an audience ready for a great night of laughs.

Come with friends, come on a date, or come solo. Either way, you’ll leave laughing! Get your tickets before they sell out!

Summer Evenings at de Hortus

Enjoy a lovely summer evening with live music in the city’s most beautiful gardens: on Sundays in July and August the Hortus botanical gardens will be open until 20:00.

Stroll through the beautifully blooming garden, explore the greenhouses or find a spot on our sunny terrace. With a drink in hand, you can listen to live music performed by various bands and ensembles: from classic jazz to passionate boleros. Live music starts at 17:30 in the Orangerie. Find out more on the website.

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 Dominique Broady.

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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