Other stuff to do in Amsterdam during these long summer days

As promised I have some suggestions for what to do when half the country is on holiday, the doors are shut and you are in your apartment contriving a plan for world domination....

This list was complied with these thoughts in mind: wanting to be outside as much as possible, willing to take day trips (taking advantage of NS train specials during the summer), enjoying cycling/fietsen, and not being afraid to go somewhere with out a map or heck even a plan!? Furthermore, I am certain a lot of you already know about these activities since many are well known places; although I suspect that for others, whether the Amsterdam passer-by or the newly arrived migrant, these suggestions might be something new and something to keep in mind for the rest of your time in NL. I hope that you can use this as a list for when your brain is blank about what to do; all you have to do is pull this list out, maybe you want to number it, or perhaps you aren't a planner and you just want to look it at on the fly; regardless enjoy! And if you have some more suggestions please send them my way at busyinamsterdam [at] gmail. Please note that I do not specifically mention in this list if activities are geschikt voor kinderen (suitable for kids) but most of the activities are self-explanatory.

If you appreciate this agenda please "buy me a beer"/ click on my ads.

Some suggestions to liven up the quiet Amsterdam summer:

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1) Café Löfel & Burke and Kriterion café and theater hold Sneak-meals/film every Tuesday. For only €12.50 get a dinner “wat de pot schaft” (whatever is in the pot/plate of the day) from Löfel & Burke and a sneak preview of a film at Kriterion. Reservations are necessary.

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2) Travel in and around A*dam by bike and visit organic, animal friendly, sustainable farms in the nearby region. Find/make your own bike/fiets routes to make a personal visit to farms in the area. Learn about farming, organic production, green houses in NL and animals.

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3) For those sunny days check out the city beaches in Amsterdam including Strand West (near Westerpark), NEMO's summer terrace overlooking the City, Blijurg at the end of IJburg, and Strand Zuid (behind RAI in Zuider Amstel).

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4) Make a ‘big’ trip to Amsterdam Noord. There is a decent market selling a little bit of everything. Lots of parks to explore and if you cycle for about 15 minutes from the ferry station you enter farm country. Also check out the Tolhuistuin, the trendy, art scene neighborhood in Noord just west of the ferry.

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5) Yes it may be a clique but check out the museums that you meant to visit this past winter! But first get your Museumkaart, the card that gets you in to a majority of museums throughout NL, which you can purchase at any number of participating museum for 35 euros.

I recommend checking out: 

* FOAM, the photography museum. One general admission also gets you into the NY perspectives exhibit just around the corner at Mediamatic (there also is a discount for Muesumkaart holders).

* The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world with more than 6000 plants in the garden and greenhouses in the heart of the City near Artis.

* At the top of my list is a visit to the just restored and reopened - Koninklijk Paleis op de Dam. The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is now used mainly for entertaining and official functions.

* If you want to brush up on your Amsterdam history and urban development check out the always loved Amsterdam Historisch. Presently hosting an exhibition about the Dutch Masters.

* I recently stopped by the Verzetsmuseum (resistance), which is a must for any history buff. It chronologically moves you through the history of WWII from a Dutch prescriptive, with hundreds of unique artifacts such as letters, videos, bicycles, fake passports, maps, etc... Also check out the Hollands Schouwburg around the corner, the former deportation center during the War for Jews, which is now a memorial.

* Ons' Lieve Heer op Zolder / Our Good Lord in the Attic, the hidden Catholic church in de Wallen / Red Light District built during Reformation (the period when Protestants controlled the City and had strict regulations about the observation/practicing of Catholicism).

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6) Visit the Brouwerij 't IJ and actually do the brewery tour starting at opening time!

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7) Check out your neighborhood. I don’t mean cycle down your street and go to the grocery store but rather go by foot and make a snake route through the buurt. Who knows what you might find; perhaps a new café, a lovely house for rent, a tiny hidden public garden. There is truly much to discover right outside your doorstep. I recently found a tennis court, and a new biking route.

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8) Cycle to IJburg, check out the architecture and stop at the very end at Blijburg for some beach time. Or in great contrast check out the lonely, still developments of the Zuidas. 

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9) Do some mid-summer cleaning, and drop your second hand goods at the many kringloopwinkels (non-trendy second hand store aka goodwill) in the City and then do some shopping to replace the things you just gave away. This is the best time to find stuff because as this post emphasizes half the country is on holiday so everything is less picked over. My favorite kringloopwinkel is in Noord but there is also a large one near Westerpark. If you have time to sort and pick through boxes you are certain to find some gems.

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10) Be a tourist in your own city. Take a tour of de Wallen /Red Light district organized by the Prostitution Information Centre (PIC), every Saturday at 17.00 for 12.50 euro. It lasts one hour with ‘behind the curtain’ tours from experts.

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11) Bike to the not so traveled/visited yet extremely beautiful Amsterdamse Bos, which was developed as a social project in the early 30s with lovely lakes, and bridges. While you are there check out the goat farm -De Ridammerhoeve and the Bosmuseum, or rent a canoe/kayak for around 6 euros for the lovely lakes in the Bos.

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12) Rumor has it that many of you have yet to visit the Openbaar Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA) east of Central Station. The library is just celebrating its second anniversary as it opened up July 2007. So what does the library have to offer you?: a beautiful view at the top floor with a giant salad bar meal from La Place, modern architectural landmark in the City, free internet access/computers, nice environment for reading, and stuff for kids.

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13) Get out Amsterdam, for once! And check out the other great places in NL.

Lots of places to see, I recommend visiting:

* Utrecht and touring the largest tower in the Netherlands, the Domtoren. Tours are everyday from 10.00 – 17.00, guided tours every hour, lasting an hour, €7.50. Or check out the Spoorweg Museum / Train Track Museum. Also why you are there do some second hand shopping at the many great stores on the Oude Gracht and enjoy a beer at Café Belgie or even lower on the ‘deep’ canals. 

* Zaanse Schans. If you have yet to visit this historic windmill village you must! And get a picture of yourself in front of all the windmills.

* Take your first wadlopen trip in Friesland. Wadlopen is a Dutch speciality where you walk at low tide between islands. An adventurous trip with guaranteed beautiful sights.

* Take the train to the beach and enjoy some windy yet sunny beach days. There are many beaches to explore in just a short train ride: Zandvoort, Bloemendaal, Wijk aan Zee, etc… All of them have great beach cafes, fish stands for a snack of kibbeling (fried cod), and invariably sun (if you aren’t Dutch you are going to have to learn to enjoy windy walks on the beach which is compulsory to total inburgering). I have heard good things about the cafe/club Timboektoe at Wijk aan Zee, but have yet to check it out, but there are lots of nice temporary container-esque cafés scattered on Dutch beaches. 

* Spakenburg, a traditional fishing village on the IJselmeer that hosts guest every Wednesday during the summer. Learn how to smoke fish, the functions of a wind mill, see traditional Dutch clothing of Noord Holland. 

* Naarden, another hour or so bike ride from Amsterdam, with a Spanish style star fort and moats in het Gooi. Bring the camera and also check out the National Fortress Museum.

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Happenings in Amsterdam for the long weekend of July 1 - 5

I suppose it is officially summer: we finally have swimsuit temperate weather, the City is already getting quieter as the many leave for holiday, and yesterday was the last night of the free Bimhuis concerts until September; but that doesn't mean there is nothing to do! In fact this long weekend is packed with activities, check out the Over het IJ Festival, Blijburg, and live music on the Spiegelgracht on Sunday. I just hope the weather sticks for the weekend, but if not there are plenty of films to see. And lots of stuff for the kids, at the very bottom of this post.

Again I kindly ask you to "buy me a beer" via clicking on ads on the left side, as I am not getting paid anything to make this and thus rely on your support. Have a wonderful weekend and oh yes I shouldn't forget "Happy Canada Day" Canadians and on the 4th to the Americans - "Happy Independence Day"!:)

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Happenings for July 1 - 5

Events

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Entire Weekend

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Over het IJ festival @ NDSM werf, Amsterdam Noord (can take a free ferry from behind Central Station) starts the 3rd of July - 12th, various prices, stuff for kids.

"The site-specific summer theatre festival from 2 until 12 July in Amsterdam-Noord at the NDSM wharf, Overhoeks and Amsterdam Central Station. An 11-day festival featuring non-stop site-specific performances from 2:30 p.m. onwards (slightly later on Thursday 2, Tuesday 7, Thursday 9 July). Also includes family performances, food, drink and a musical program at the end of every festival evening."- overhetij.nl

Why go? check out the NDSm werf in Noord and enjoy some performances.

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Comedy Train International Summer Festival @ Toomler (near the Hilton) Thursday - Saturday. Thursday set is €12.50, and Friday and Saturday €16.00, all shows in English.

Two international comedians from Canada, Phil Nichol & Glenn Wool, perform in two separate sets, each lasting 45 minutes in total.

Why go? celebrate Canada Day with a little Canadian comedy

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Cinedans: ‘Exploring boundaries’ film festival @ various locations & times, price of film or €25 festival pass.

An international film, dance and media festival. With over 50 films, both shorts and longs, and documentaries, discussions, debates, presentations, workshops, etc...

Why go? I am not sure about this, but I would dare to say that Amsterdam has the largest amount of film festivals in the world, you can find a unique film nearly everyday!

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Vondelpark Openluchttheater (Open Air Theater), Friday - Sunday, various times see previous post for detials, FREE, stuff for kids.

Why go? every weekend until September enjoy different shows, theater, music, etc...

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'Outside', photo exhibition @ near the Homomonument outside Westerkerk, public/outside event FREE.

For the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the Homomonument Foundation organized the Photo Exhibition 'Outside'. 12 young and talented photographers, specialized in fashion, advertising, documentary or independent photography were challenged to come 'Outside', a reference to both personal outing and the holding of the exhibition literally outside.

Why go? outside event, always open for late night wanderings.

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Marks of Honor: exhibition, @ FOAM, final weekend, price of museum.

Thirteen international photographers were invited to choose a photo book that was influential in forming their work, and to pay it artistic homage.

Why go? check out the rest of the museum while you are there

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Dj Broadcast Re-cover Expo @ Sid Lee Collective, final weekend, Friday from 6 - 10 celebration for the show, price unknown.

16 graphic artists pay homage to record sleeves of 16 top Dutch albums.

Why go? relive the music through these re-visualizations of the cover.

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Wednesday

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KetiKoti @ Oosterpark, Wednesday, entire day - 21.00, FREE, stuff for kids.

Keti Koti, a Surinamese saying, means broken chains, and symbolizes the abolition of slavery on July 1, 1863 in the then colonies of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles and the end of a not so pretty period in in Dutch history. The purpose of the festival is hold a commemoration as well as a celebration, all are welcome. There are 5 podiums and over 30 events.

Why go? be a part of the commemoration take a moment of silence at the Slavery Monument, & then enjoy some lovely music in Oosterpark

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Le Madison, @ W139, Wednesday, 20.00 - 22.00 + after party, FREE.

Artist Annja Krautgasser challenges you to learn the Madison Dance Steps from the movie "Band of Outsiders" (Jean-Luc Godard, 1964) via online lessons and then come to the dance event to remake the dancing scene in a video shooting! This is a collective dance.

Why go? be a part of something unique and get filmed

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Thursday

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Objectified, film @ Smart Project Space, Arie Biemondstraat 105-113, Thursday, July 2nd, two showings 19.00 & 21.30, €12. Post-film Q&A with director Gary Hustwit after each screening.

"Objectified is a feature-length documentary about our complex relationship with manufactured objects and, by extension, the people who design them. It’s a look at the creativity at work behind everything from toothbrushes to tech gadgets. It’s about the designers who re-examine, re-evaluate and re-invent our manufactured environment on a daily basis. It’s about personal expression, identity, consumerism, and sustainability.
Through vérité footage and in-depth conversations, the film documents the creative processes of some of the world’s most influential product designers, and looks at how the things they make impact our lives. What can we learn about who we are, and who we want to be, from the objects with which we surround ourselves?" - from objectifiedfilm.com

Why go? an intimate discussion with the director after each filming, only being shown in special screenings

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Friday

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Van Gogh Museum Avond, @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 19 - 22, entrée to museum, but free with Museumkaart, stuff for older kids.

Every Friday the Museum presents live museum or a special exhibitions with entree. This Friday they present "the animation table: Avant-gardes '20/'60" exhibition - animation from 1920s Russian pioneers, such as the so-called father of Russian animation- Ivan Ivanov- Vano. Moniek van der Kaaden will set up all the apparatus and explain the basics of preparing and recording stop motion animation films in the central hall of the museum. During the evening the films will be projected on a big screen in the central hall and after wards you'll be able to view them on the website. Take an advance look on vimeo.com/animatietafels. DJ Dirkson will accompany the visual show with acoustic and electronic audiowaves.

Why go? why not enjoy some live music will checking out Van Gogh's work.

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Saturday

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Capoeria music and dance, @ Blijburg, IJburg, Sunday, 11 - 13, €5, stuff for older kids.

Afro-Brailian music and dance show.

Why go? enjoy the beach and support a local dance/music group.

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Costa del Soul Party, Blijburg, IJburg, Amsterdam Saturday, 12 - 23, €20.

4 stages of music, sun (hopefully) & party!

Why go? enjoy Amsterdam's hippest beach with some tunes

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For the Americans:) Democrats Abroad NL's 4th of July Potluck Picnic @ Vondelpark (near Melkhuis cafe), 13 -17, FREE but Bring your own meat, a grill is provided and something to pass.

"Join us on a (hopefully) sunny Saturday as we picnic together in Vondelpark! This year, DemsFun Drinks Amsterdam is hosting a potluck picnic on the 1st Saturday of July - which just happens to be the 4th of July!...You should also bring your own blanket to sit on. Look for us in the grass with all the red white and blue streamers!...What if it rains? (This is Holland, after all!). Then we will meet at our usual location, Hole in the Wall, Leidseplein, at our usual time (5-7 pm)." -democratsabroad.nl

Why go? See the website for more info.

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Critical Mass biking demonstration, starting @ Museumplein, Saturday, 14.00 - 21.00 (ending in a party), FREE but you need a bike, the kids might enjoy.

Critical mass is a form of protest, where a huge amount of bikers take over the roads, making it literally impossible for cars to drive. This demonstration is during the "Bikes not Cars feest" and will being Saturday at 14.00 @ Museumplein and finish at the IJsbaanpad, with music and celebration! Other acitivites are also happening Friday and Sunday as a part of this demonstration. These are free events.

Why go? cycle with hundreds of others

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ZOOmeravond /summer night @ Artis (the zoo), various programs, 18.30 - 22.00, price of zoo, every Saturday until September.

A broad program with a little bit for everyone- 2 music stages (this week a South American band), theater of 20 shows, a kinderboederij (petting zoo) and other creative activities for kids!

Why go? see the animals go to sleep?!

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12connect.me @ Mirror Centre nearby Muiderpoort station, Saturday, 19 - late, €18.50 + free welcome drink.

DJ, dance workshops, snacks, etc...

Why go? learn to move those hips with passion?!?:)

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Sunday

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Trunk sale/Kofferbakkenverkoop, Blijburg, IJburg, Sunday, 12 - 16, FREE.

Why go? Enjoy a sunny day at Blijburg beach and pick up some kitsch goods/knit-knacks for the living room table.

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Stedelijk in de Stad @ Museumplein, various activities & times, FREE.

Wednesday - New Babylon Animation, 14 - 16, for kids 6 to 12, FREE, make your own animation.

Thursday - Van Sandberg to Di Sciullo, learn about designs of the Stedlijk, 19 -21, FREE. Presentaion by curator Carolien Glazenburg and a documentary "Ontwerpen in Vrijheid" (only in Dutch)

Saturday - Harmen Liemburg, graphic designer, 14 -16, FREE. Learn about Liemburg's work as well as a documentary about graphic designer Arman.

Why go? since the Stedelijk is still under construction and without a home, enjoy the small projects and exhibitions throughout the summer.

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Caribbean carnival @ Tropenmuseum, starts Sunday July 5 - September 6th, various times, price of museum, kids FREE on Sunday.

Celebrate the carnival like they do in Curacao and Aruba with music, films, photographs, parade, street dances, etc... Daily workshops from 11.00 - 16.30 for kids ages 4 - 12, and for kids 6 to 12 13.00 - 15.00 learn to play steel drums, reservation recommend + price of admission to museum.

July 5th the opening festivities begin at 11 with the queen of the carnival opening the event followed by live music, dancers, carnival costumes, workshops and children under 12 are FREE.

Why go? enjoy a Caribbean themed party

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Upcoming:

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Pecha Kucha Night! @ Mediamatic, 2009-07-08, Doors open at 20.20, presentations start at 21.00, € 7, presentations in Dutch and English, with inclusive drinks & music between speakers.

"The Japanese term 'Pecha Kucha' roughly translates as chit-chat or irritating chatter. As a happy crossbreed between an elevator pitch and speed dating, Pecha Kucha Night will present 12 participants who will show 20 slides for 20 seconds each. No more boring lectures, seminars or presentations. Pecha Kucha Night offers the audience the experience of a dazzling range of speakers and images in the course of one evening." - mediamatic.net

Why go? network with creatives

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Music

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Wednesday

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Timezone @ Canvas (old Volkskrant building), Wednesday, 22.00, unknown price.

Burlesque, vintage jazz, swing, and soul with DJ,

Why go? check out the old Volkskrant building (newspaper) and its ever changing scene

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Ratatat @ Melkweg, Wednesday, 21.00, €11 + membership.

Famous New York duo with relaxed, danceable mix of electronic and guitar music.

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Hanggai @ Paradiso Wednesday, 22.00, €11 + membership.

Chinese punk rockers with Mongolian keelsingers (throat singers).

Why go? unique sounds from Mongolia

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Thursday

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My summer breeze latin night @ Wester Unie, Thursday, 20.00 - 01.00, FREE.

Dance in the open air. Salsa, Latin music, etc... Free salsa lesson at 21.00.

Why go? enjoy the Dutch sky and dance

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Hard rock karaoke @ PakHuis Wilhelmina, Thursday, 22.00, €5.

Live band to accompany your hard rocking karaoke.

Why go? stop practicing with "Guitar Hero" and get on stage.

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Dust, the @ Pacific Parc, Thursday July 2 - Sunday July 5th every evening at 23.00, FREE.

An Amsterdam four man transformation plays a mix of rock n' roll, and blues. with DJs in between.

Why go? a great atmosphere and large space.

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Friday

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Cool Genius @ Pakhuis Wilhelmina, Friday, 22.00, FREE.

Three guys with a computer and instruments.

Why go? always experimental

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The Sjeng Stokking Funk N Jazz Implant @ Badcuyp, Friday, doors open at 22.00 music starts at 23.00, €8.

Super funky tracks to dance to and live music. Maximum 120 people. Funk, bass, saxophone and friends. Part of the North IJ Jazz festival.

Why go? one of the cheapest ways to see this popular band tickets usually range above 50 euros in festivals.

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Kick the bucket : music event @ ADM terrien, Friday, 19.00 - late, €15.

Three stages of Dj, live music, visuals, food, drinks

Why go? venture out to Slotervaart and enjoy!

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Anna Falkenau & Ivan Murray @ Mulligans, Friday and Saturday, 22.00, price unknown.

Traditional Irish and American music with violin, guitar and song.

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Royal Karaoke @ Boom Chicago, Friday, 23.30, FREE.

First Friday of every month Boom Chicago opens its doors to singing at 23.00. Royal Karaoke features state of the art lights, video screens, great audio, and a smoke machine.

Why go? really go on stage.

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Legends: 50 years of Motown Special @ Paradiso Friday, 24.00, €12.50 + membership.

Boggie bash, Motown hits, dancing, djs and vjs.

Why go? good music = good excuse to shake it

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Saturday

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Spiegelconcert: big band Marinierskapel @ the corner of the Spiegelstraat and Keisersgracht, 17.00 -19.00, outside, FREE.

Live swinging music party on the water with soloists and diverse guests.

Why go? enjoy these long nights with some live outdoor music on the grachten (canals).

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Super local @ P60, 20.30, €5.

The best bands form the past season play at local night.

Why go? check out and support local bands

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Sunday

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Flying Zucchini's @ Badcuyp, Sunday, 15.00, FREE; and later Aura's living room 21.00, 5.

The Flying Zucchini's are a Amsterdam band playing a wide selection of tunes.
Aura's living room is a singer-song writer with jazz and Indian influences.

Why go? some good music on a lazy Sunday!:)

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Kids/Kinderen

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KetiKoti @ Oosterpark, Wednesday, entire day - 21.00, FREE, stuff for kids.

Keti Koti, a Surinamese saying, means broken chains, and symbolises the abolition of slavery on July 1, 1863 in the then colonies of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles and the end of a not so pretty period in in Dutch history. The purpose of the festival is hold a commemoration as well as a celebration, all are welcome. There are 5 podiums and over 30 events.

Why go? be a part of the commenration take a moment of silence at the Slavery Momumnet, & then enjoy some lovely music in Oosterpark

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Over het Ij festival @ NDSM werf, Amsterdam Noord (can take a free ferry from behind Central Station) starts the 3rd of July - 12th, various prices, stuff for older kids.

"The site-specific summer theatre festival from 2 until 12 July in Amsterdam-Noord at the NDSM wharf, Overhoeks and Amsterdam Central Station. An 11-day festival featuring non-stop site-specific performances from 2:30 p.m. onwards (slightly later on Thursday 2, Tuesday 7, Thursday 9 July). Also includes family performances, food, drink and a musical program at the end of every festival evening."- overhetij.nl

Why go? check out the NDSm werf in Noord and enjoy some performances.

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Van Gogh Museum Avond, @ the Van Gogh Museum, Friday 19 - 22, entrée to museum, but free with Museumkaart, stuff for older kids.

Every Friday the Museum presents live museum or a special exhibitions with entree. This Friday they present "the animation table: Avant-gardes '20/'60" exhibition - animation from 1920s Russian pioneers, such as the so-called father of Russian animation- Ivan Ivanov- Vano. With activities for kids.

Why go? why not enjoy some live music will checking out Van Gogh's work.

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Vet kinder cabaret /kids cabaret, @ Vondelpark Open Air Theater/openlucht theater, Saturday, 14.00, FREE, for kids of all ages.

Laugh, dance, sing, enjoy, a cabaret made for parents/adults and kids!

Why go? enjoy the open air theater in Vondelpark

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Kinderkunstshow / Kids art show: Tijgerne en vliegen @ Central Library OBA, Saturday, 14.00, FREE, FOR kids older than 8. (the OBA website was down when I made I posted so see www.oba.nl)

Stories about butterflies in a tent.

Why go? one of many things to do at the OBA, also enjoy the view from the top floor.

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Critical Mass biking demonstration, starting @ Museumplein, Saturday, 14.00 - 21.00 (ending in a party), FREE but you need a bike, the kids might enjoy.

Critical mass is a form of protest, where a huge amount of bikers take over the roads, making it literally impossible for cars to drive. This demonstration is during the "Bikes not Cars feest" and will being Saturday at 14.00 @ Museumplein and finish at the Ijsbaanpad, with music and celebration! Other acitivites are also happening Friday and Sunday as a part of this demonstration. These are free events.

Why go? cycle with hundreds of others

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ZOOmeravond /summer night @ Artis (the zoo), various programs, 18.30 - 22.00, price of zoo, every Saturday until September.

A broad program with a little bit for everyone- 2 music stages (this week a South American band), theater of 20 shows, a kinderboederij (petting zoo) and other creative activities for kids!

Why go? see the animals go to sleep?!and enjoy the green spaces of Artis.

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Caribbean carnival @ Tropenmuseum, starts Sunday July 5 - September 6th, various times, price of museum, kids FREE on Sunday.

Celebrate the carnival like they do in Curacao and Aruba with music, films, photographs, parade, street dances, etc... Daily workshops from 11.00 - 16.30 for kids ages 4 - 12, and for kids 6 to 12 13.00 - 15.00 learn to play steel drums, reservation recommend + price of admission to museum.

July 5th the opening festivities begin at 11 with the queen of the carnival opening the event followed by live music, dancers, carnival costumes, workshops and children under 12 are FREE.

Why go? enjoy a Carribean themed party

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Kinderfeest / Kids festival @ Stadhuis / Het Muziektheater, Sunday, starts 12.00, FREE, for kids 4 -12. (the OBA website was down when I posted so see www.oba.nl)

Big party for kids with music, dance, and activities, as well as a Kamashibai (a Japanese theater).

Why go? lots of stuff to keep the little ones busy

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Activities in Amsterdam for children 3 and up

I have had more than a few people contact me about what to do with the little ones in Amsterdam. I of course work to always include and mention the activities that are suitable for children on the weekly post, but I thought I might take a moment to mention a few suggestions that are always available. Also I would really appreciate your comments and suggestion for where you visit/travel with children.

1 - Tunfun @ Waterloopplein. Indoor playground, great for a rainy day for kids of every age, even adults!:) They have separate sections for each age group, so kids under two have a play area, kids 2-4, 5 -8, all the way up to adult games such as the large inflatable castles that you have been dying to jump into since you yourself were 12 and no longer allowed. They also have scooters, trampolines, basketball, etc... Furthermore there are adult areas where you can see the kids as they play stocked with magazines. There is also a small cafe with sandwiches, hot dogs, drinks, etc...

2 - Petting zoos / Kinderboederij @ there is a pretty large one in Westerpark, another one in De Pijp, and another in Watergraafsmeer near the Science Park. These are farms set-up with the intention to educate city people (not just kids) about farm life and animals.

3- Kinderkook cafe / Kid cafe off Vondelpark. Kids can make there own food, pizza's cupcakes, sandwiches. They also have "adult food". Furthermore they have have an indoor play place and an outside playground with sandbox and a swing set.

4 - I have enjoyed going to the museums with kids 4 and up, when they first open before lunch time. I found the kids really liked this as well, as you can talk to them about the stories in paintings, and colors, etc... It proved be an interactive adventure. I first suggest getting a Museumkaart, which is an annual pass for many museums throughout NL. Included on this list, as well as interesting places to bring kids is the Van Gogh, the Rijksmuseum, and FOAM! But again I would only recommend going in the morning with kids under 10, as unfortunately guests seem to be annoyed with younger children in the museum.

5 - Also, this may seem like a strange one, but for many kids who are just visiting Amsterdam or Europe for that matter, it might be interesting to do a train station visit. Just walk up on the tracks anywhere in the train station, bring a snack and let your little ones be amazed with the locomotives. Also if they like this you might want to check out the huge cruise ships at the passengers terminal. And take a free ride back and forth from the free ferries behind Central Station.

6 - Pannenkoeken boat - eat pancakes and let your kids jump in ball pits while enjoying the river IJ.

7 - Furthermore I recommend going to street markets. They are safe for kids to walk, since there are no cars and there is lots to discover.