Family and kids in Bos en Lommer & De Baarsjes
Bos en Lommer and nearby De Baarsjes are two of the most dynamic areas of Amsterdam West and have a lot to offer for families and children. The many parks, playgrounds, child-friendly cafes and community centres contribute to a real neighbourhood vibe and create an exceptionally welcoming atmosphere for parents. Local families and visitors will find tons to explore right on their doorstep or within a 10-minute bike ride from the city centre.
Erasmuspark
This beautiful park is a neighbourhood staple for local families. Right next to the playground, Terrasmus Cafe caters to all ages serving a range of fresh juices, sandwiches and cakes to eat on the terrace or take away. If you fancy bringing your own food, you’ll find spacious picnic tables dotted around the park and various scenic grassy patches to set up a blanket. For older children who are confident in the water, there’s also a cleaner stretch of canal that’s set up for swimming by the Wil de Graaffbrug - if you’re brave enough to take a dip that is!
Podium Mozaïek
Let your children discover a mosaic of cultures at Podium Mozaïek where different cultures and the theater world come together. Not for mosaics - unfortunately - but for all kinds of performances in the field of theatre, dance, music and everything in between. The offer is as varied as the neighbourhood, with shows suitable for even the youngest Amsterdammer. In the café-restaurant, you can enjoy delicious world dishes with the famous traditional Turkish breakfast at the weekend.
Sustainable concept stores
The bustling Jan Evertsenstraat boasts an array of childrens boutiques, many of which have an environmentally friendly ethos. Knotsknetter stocks a beautiful collection of designs from organic cotton pyjamas to summer dresses and sandals. On saturday mornings, kids can even pop in for a haircut. Sustainable second-hand shop Lino & Moos has recently moved to its spacious new premises. Browse through a unique collection of well-loved toys, books and clothes whilst kids settle down in the play area. Likewise, JunJun has a fantastic range of previously-owned clothing, toys and bits and bots. For anyone who has a child who just doesn't seem to stop growing out of things, they’ll even sell your old items for you.
Play areas and swimming pools
Bos en Lommer and De Baarsjes are home to a fantastic range of playgrounds, parks and pools where children can burn off steam as parents natter away in full view of the unfolding chaos. Constructed within the impressive interiors of a recently restored church, Candy Castle Speelparadijs is an award-winning soft play area. There’s even a go-kart track in the basement and unique rooms you can book for those all-important birthday parties. Or, if you find yourself at a loose end on a sunny morning, the spacious terrace of Wachterlied Paviljoen is an ideal place to sit and watch the kids explore in the playground next door. The canteen is part of a community centre which hosts fun activities, seasonal events and classes for local residents.
In the summer months, Pierenbadje Gibraltarbad is a bit of a hidden gem in Bos en Lommer. This outdoor pool was opened in the 1950s and the shallow water has been delighting local toddlers every summer since. Although there is no cafe on-site, you can bring your own picnic. If it's not quite warm enough yet to take a dip in the Gibraltarbad, the super modern facilities at SportPlaza Mercator will fulfil all your splashy needs.
Kinderboerderij Uylenburg
In the middle of Rembrandtpark, Kinderboerderij Uylenburg is one of the oldest city farms in Amsterdam and has been welcoming children and parents for over 35 years. Visitors have the chance to interact with the resident sheep, goats, donkeys and pigs and there is a small petting zoo with rabbits and geese. You’ll also find a playground, cafe and a pleasant terrace where you can enjoy fresh coffee, tea and hot chocolate year-round.
