Amsterdam with Kids

Queen`s Day!!! What a wonderful day!!!

2011-04-30T20:24:00.002+02:00

We were there and we saw it all!!!

In the morning we went to the Vondelpark, where we saw wonderful performances of children and had the opportunity to buy some DVDs and books for... 30 and 50 cents!!! You can sit on the grass, eat something, feed your baby and even play with him for some time.

An amazing stroll in this wonderful park, full of children and families on the Orange mood :-). Nice walk with a baby pram, as many other parents. Crowded, but manageable Definitely the best place to be with a baby.

After leaving the park, to Leidseplein, we decided not to GO to the Leidseplein. Crowded, crowded and crowded!!! We went to the Joordan, taking the Nassaukade, Marnixstraat and then Prinsengracht! Also crowded, crowded and with a wonderful party, as you can see...

But definitely not for babies...

We ate at Rozengracht, for there were, as always, I think, lots of selling points with food and water.
Walking through the Joordan is always nice and rewarding. There were also kids performing and many interesting stuff for parents to buy (we tried not to...).

Our day ended at Bocage, the portuguese store at Haarlemmerstraat, eating some of those wonderful cod fish rolls (pastéis de bacalhau).

We had a great time and our baby too! Looking forward for next year, when she is older, for a different experience.
Doeeiii!

Baby Queen's Day!! Counting down!!!

2011-04-29T09:43:00.000+02:00

Queen's Day is the biggest holiday and certainly the most joyful event in the Netherlands, specially in Amsterdam. The city turns orange and the joy of being part of Queen's Day takes over everyone.

For children it is one of the most important days of the year. At home and in the kindergartens, everything is prepared in advance, buying or making the perfect orange outfit and preparing things for the "Vrijmarkt", the flea market that invades Vondelpark and the city.

We are already prepared!!! Just take a look at our perfect T-shirt for our baby! (You can find them these days in any store, actually).

The flea children's market at Vondelpark is certainly worth to see. Each child can try to sell things he/she doesn't need anymore and make some pocket money. Take lots of small money to help them. On the crowded city it will be, for sure, the best place to be with a baby or a child.

Nevertheless, parents who will be experiencing Queen's Day for the first time in Amsterdam should really take a stroll in the city, specially in the Joordan district.

Take a look at what will be on tomorrow:Queen's Day Events.
All the best! Enjoy! We expect to share some realtime videos and photos of the crowds. Be prepared!
Doeiiii!

Experiencing Keukenhof with kids - Only until 20th May!!!

2011-04-28T15:07:00.000+02:00

Last Monday, we were at the Keukenhof. WON-DER-FUL!!!

It was a wonderful experience, helped by a sunny day. Do not forget you can only visit it for short periods each year and that in 2011 you can only do it until May 20th. We already have in our calendar next year's Flower Parade: 24th April 2012!!!

We leave you some beautiful photos and some advice when bringing babies or kids:

- buy the tickets in advance at www.keukenhof.nl, to avoid the lines;
- the Combi ticket allows you to take a bus from Schiphol (nr. 58), for instance, directly to the Keukenhof (20/30 minutes trip);
- baby prams are allowed in the bus and in the gardens (bikes don't);
- the organization team leaves you a place for the pram on the back door;
- the park is full of Food and Beverage selling points, though you may bring your own picnic;
- lots of benches to rest and WC facilities.

Beyond the millions of beautiful flowers, there is also de Miffy (Nijntje) Playground and a little farm, open for kids in the morning. They can really feel the animals, with parents help (be careful...).

Sheep, rabbits, turkeys and many more. You must see the joy of the children when they get in the farm. Yet, one should be very careful, for some animals may be less open to human contact. Just take a look at our video...

A joyful experience we are definitely repeating next year. Plan it with time, in order to get the most of it.
Doei!

Sunny Easter Sunday!!!

2011-04-24T17:17:00.000+02:00

A perfect sunny Easter Sunday, today. 25 degrees in Amsterdam!!! Filled with chocolate eggs, hares and sun, Easter could not be better!

Why not lying in the sunny Vondelpark and having an afternoon picnic with the kids? And what else can we do during this wonderful Easter weekend? (remember that besides Saturday and Sunday, Monday the 25th is the second day of Easter, here)

Miffy's Chocolates

@Artis Zoo: there is a free Easter egg hunt for kids and other activities. Just take a look at the program: http://www.artis.nl/nieuws/2011/04/20/pasen-artis/. For those who still do not speak Dutch... Google Translate can help you :-). Unfortunately, this page is not translated into English.
@Bijlmerwide kid's farm: egg hunt, egg painting, lemonade and more :-). Check it at: http://www.bijlmerweide.nl.
@Keukenhof: besides the beautiful flower landscapes and art, kids can also enjoy the new Miffy's garden, learn how bulbs turn into flowers, make a treasure hunt or go to the jungle gym, the petting zoo or the labyrinth. All the information here: http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/50/children.html.

Tomorrow, we are heading to the Keukenhof! We will come back to tell you more.
Bye!!!

Amsterdam with kids: a whole new experience!

2011-04-24T16:14:00.000+02:00

Welcome to Amsterdam with Kids!
Visiting Amsterdam or living here with kids may be a wonderful new experience for parents. Both hard and fulfilling, the experience of discovering this city from a different point of view may be a challenge. At least it has been for me...
Though there is so much information online about a baby and kids friendly universe, it is not the first time I have a deception when I get to some place... It is always better to know from someone's experience.

I definitely hope to share with you useful and trustful information on getting the best of our new city with your children. And please share anything you find interesting ad useful too. Enjoy! Doei!!!