Vondelpark

One of the nicest things about visiting Amsterdam with a young family is how many beautiful and spacious outdoor parks and playgrounds there are around town, each one with its own special charm. No matter where you are situated, there is likely to be at least one park within an easy walking or biking distance. The Vondelpark is one of our favourite parks to visit with the family, and it also happens to be Amsterdam’s largest and most centrally located.

The Vondelpark is an easy walk from the city centre and offers a relaxing break from the busy canals and sightseeing. It is popular among tourists and locals alike – on a warm, sunny day you can expect to find the park alive with a buzzing atmosphere, filled with people of all ages enjoying their various activities. There are many things to do in the Vondelpark — from wandering around on foot or by bike, setting up a picnic or a barbecue, to visiting one of the many playgrounds, sitting down for a drink on a spacious outdoor terrace, or even enjoying a concert at the open air theatre!

If you are renting bikes here for the first time the Vondelpark is a wonderful spot to come and practice your cycling. Motorised vehicles are not permitted in the Vondelpark and the cycle paths are very wide, so it can give you a gentle introduction into Amsteram’s cycling culture before you venture out onto the streets. You will find that the park becomes less busy the  further you go from the city, so you can find a quiet spot to safely cycle . Equally enjoyable is a gentle stroll through the park — there are many footpaths that meander and wind throughout the park and it is a really fun way to explore with kids. The park is full of large, beautiful trees which are particularly striking in the Summer when all of the foliage is at its fullest and most green, and the park becomes a vibrant slice of nature in the centre of the city.

There is one special tree in the park (located near the entrance from Koninginneweg) which is a favourite climbing tree for many local kids. This tree, which lies almost horizontally along the ground with its low hanging sturdy branches and exposed network of roots provides much fun and excitement. It is often filled with children playing sweetly on its many branches – the big kids priding themselves on how high they can climb while the younger ones clamber around at the base of the trunk. It is a fun spot to pause at if you’re in the park, and would even be a perfect location to set up a picnic.

Playgrounds in the Vondelpark

The Vondelpark has several playgrounds for children – the largest one is located in the centre of the park near the Kattenlaan entrance. The entire playground is fenced in so it provides a safe and spacious area for little ones to freely enjoy. There are public restrooms on the grounds as well as a water fountain with which to refill your bottle during the Summer. The play equipment caters to all ages and includes a toddler playground with slide, swings (made for one or many), a large sand box and climbing frames. On one side of the park there is an area of woodland that creates a lovely natural environment in which you will often spot children building log forts or even chasing bunnies!

The park also has an outdoor paddle pool that gets filled with fresh water on hot Summer days. There is so much excitement in the air when the paddle pool is filled, and children can barely wait to get their clothes off before running in for a splash! This is a perfect place to bring the kids and cool off if the weather is hot – and the water is really quite shallow so even younger children can safely splash around and have fun. If you plan to join the many families that set up a picnic by the paddle pool, be aware that there are no cafes or shops at this playground so just be sure to come prepared.

If you haven’t prepared a picnic lunch though, never fear as just opposite this playground you will find the Groot Melkhuis – a bistro style cafe with a large outdoor terrace and a sweet, rather old fashioned play area for children. The food is quite basic here (they offer a selection of hot and cold snacks, sandwiches, drinks and candy) however it is really quite a pretty spot with plenty of outdoor seating for you to stop and relax at while the children play.

On Summer weekends when the weather is nice a jumping castle is set up for children to enjoy, often with fresh fairy floss for sale too!

Another great playground for older kids is situated in the centre of the park and is quite a hidden gem! From the Groot Melkhuis if you walk along the footpath towards the middle of Vondelpark (in the Westerly direction) you should come to it. Here you will find a wooden playground that is made up of a series of tunnels and enclosed wooden bridges and forts – and the entire structure sits on wooden stilts creating the effect of a tree house walk. It is so much fun for bigger kids, who really enjoy the adventure and independence that this playground offers. Younger children can also go up as the entire walkway is enclosed with netting and ropes so that it is safe (just be prepared for spending a lot of time hunched over if you go up with your little one as it’s not so ergonomically designed for adults!).

 

Lastly, at the most South-Western end of the park is De Vondeltuin cafe and playground (which we have previously written about here). Here you can also enjoy a drink or light meal on the beautiful (and very spacious) outdoor terrace. The atmosphere is casual and you can easily spend an entire afternoon enjoying drinks, snacks and chatting with friends while the kids are having an equally fun time playing in the attached playground. Come evening time De Vondeltuin becomes a popular destination not just for families, but for couples and groups of adults enjoying a drink out with friends. It can be quite fun to feel like you are still enjoying ‘normal’ adult evening activities while your children are out with you – and this is definitely the perfect spot to combine both.

Of course, if you simply want to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time away from cafes and playgrounds you can just as easily pack a picnic lunch (or just some wine and cheese!) and find a nice grassy spot in which to relax with the family.

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DIY Baby Bunting

A beautiful bunting is a great way to celebrate the birth of a newborn and a fun project for the older sibling(s) to do too!

I received a beautiful fabric bunting during my first pregnancy that my thoughtful and creative friends made as a gift for me. But when I took the bunting out to use for the arrival of baby number 2, it felt like it was Beatrice’s bunting, it just felt wrong to use. So at 39 weeks pregnant, without time to drag out the sewing machine, I decided to put the task on hold until the baby was born, and I decided to opt instead for a paper bunting. Cheap & cheerful!

When my mother arrived to help out, I put her in charge of bunting production (one of many things). I gave her an assistant to help, of course… her nearly three year old grand daughter! I set them up with all the supplies needed to make a painted paper bunting. And I have to say, I think the lovely little fella is very lucky to now have his own bunting with a beautiful story as well. Painted by his grandmother, mother and big sister.

It was a very organic process, with a jet lagged grandma, a 10 day old breastfeeding baby, and a toddler. But we basically did the following:

• Cover table with an oil cloth or protect your table / paint surface.
• Choose a variety of different papers, we had about 8 -10 pieces of thick scrap card stock, watercolour paper, and some artist quality coloured paper. The paper needs to be durable so you can paint on it. For all the materials: paper, paint, and string, I chose to limit it to three colours: pistachio green, blue and white.
• Lay all the paper scraps out and make it an experimental project. We used watercolour pencils first, then added a paint tray of a few colours I premixed in blues and greens. White paint helped to keep things looking bright and light! (I avoided putting out any colours I didn’t want used).
• To keep this fun, we used both brushes and hands to paint! This is a great activity right before bath time  And I just popped the plastic painting tray into the dishwasher since all the paint was water based. Easy.

• Let the painted paper dry over night, then make a triangle template and trace as many as you can out if the paper (my triangle was about 8 inches and I made 20 triangles in total), cut them out with sharp scissors. This step was the most time consuming, and needs to be precise. Provide younger children with kid safe scissors to have fun cutting up the leftover scraps so they can stay busy too while you do the ‘clean’ triangles.

• I used stripey bakery string (leftover from a present), but something lightweight yet strong is best. Layout all the bunting triangles to see how close they need to go on the string, and then heat up your hot glue gun! These are super easy to use, but definitely only for adults. Fold a little pocket for the string to sit in and make sure to apply a thin line of glue along the folded crease so the string is at the same place along the bunting. (I did this last step when my daughter was at the playground with her dad.) And I spaced the bunting about 2 finger widths apart but you could use a ruler if you’d like exact spacing.

• And voila! You can now hang the completed bunting in a place of pride. Our bunting is very long (I had to crop it for the photos) and yet it stayed in place with washi tape, if you used heavy fabric or materials it would not be so easy to hang without nails / tacks, etc.

Even the scraps are pretty! Great reused as tags on birthday presents.

Beautiful baby bunting. One of a kind, made with love by three generations. I plan to use it every year to mark his birthday… do you think he will mind it at his 18th birthday? :).

We may need to make a tradition of it now, a paper one for everyone in the family once baby Joseph is of painting age.

I loved it so much I kept it up until he was three months old. A great way to celebrate the fourth trimester, and a nice backdrop for those early baby photos too.

Lara xx

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Molly Meg Children’s Shop

 

This past weekend we ventured over to Islington in North London to explore the area and visit a few of our favourite shops. We’d barely been out five minutes when the heavens opened – like a tropical monsoon! Luckily for us we happened to be right outside the brilliant children’s shop Molly Meg on Essex Road so we quickly dashed in. We were greeted by the owner Molly who warmly welcomed us in out of the rain and gave the kids the okay to road test some of her fun toys. Can you imagine a better place to wait out a rainstorm than this veritable treasure trove packed full of the best toys and gifts. Whilst I pored over the cute decor and accessories the kids made themselves right at home and got to playing. The toys were all such a big hit that both their birthday and christmas wish lists were devised right there and then.

Molly Meg has always been one of my go to sites for cute kids toys and decor, they sell a fantastic mix of both well established and exciting new brands where everything chosen is not only fun but stylish. From teepees to telescopes, books to bedding, it’s one of those great shops that you could spend hours exploring. They also have a great range of party supplies and decorations for special occasions.

Every month or so Molly opens up her store to host fun children’s workshops, often teaming up with designers, artists and authors to inspire and engage children using different creative processes. Past sessions have included screen printing, doll making and quirky collage projects. Check out the journal section of their site to keep up to date with future workshops. We can’t wait to join one!

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Weekend Getaway: Minneapolis

After the recent interview with Jen from Polka Dot Club, in which she shared photos of her beautiful home and described her little city with such passion, we thought it would be fun to ask her to write down her favourite things to do, eat, and see in her home town. I’ve never been to Minneapolis, but her guide has me adding it to my list of places to visit. It seems like such a great, outdoorsy city – perfect for kids. And the shopping… wow! Thank you, Jen, for this weekend getaway post:

Minneapolis is my adopted city. Both my husband and I chose to live here and even after moving away twice we still came back- and that’s saying something. It’s not a city that bowls you over with flash, we’re in the midwest after all, but stay a few days and I’m sure you’ll see the magic of this place. Here’s what I love how I love to spend my time here with my family…

DO: 

• Walker Art Center & Sculpture Garden– A safe place for unsafe ideas. Walk the galleries, walk the sculpture park, or drop in for Free First Saturdays with all the many family activities to keep everyone moving and making and excited about what art can mean.
• Guthrie Theater– There are last minute tickets available for most shows, but even if you don’t feel ready to sit through a performance, the Guthrie building never disappoints. The Building is open to the public and it’s a perfect place to explore with many unexpected spaces offering unparalleled views of Minneapolis and the Mississippi river.
• Mill Museum and Ruins– When I moved to Minneapolis 15 years ago, the waterfront was all dilapidated mill and factory buildings. In a relatively short time this area has been transformed into one of my favorite parts of the city. What was the ruins of largest flour mill in the world became the Mill City Museum. The Ruins lead out to the river and the Stone arch bridge making it perfectly balanced day of inside and out- history and fun.
• Minnehaha Falls– Right in the middle of south Minneapolis is a huge waterfall. Order Fish Tacos at Seasalt, rent a petal car and tour the park, or walk down the old limestone steps to the foot of the falls and go exploring on one of the paths that lead you along the creek and away from the crowds.
• Como Park Conservatory– This place is a breath of fresh air- warm hydrated air I might add- especially in the middle of winter. Take in all the greenery, koi ponds, serene fern room, and all of the blooms here as an escape from what ever the Minnesota weather is dishing up outside.
• Target Field– I’m not a huge sports fan, but the new Twins Stadium is flat out a good time. Watch the game and eat great food all in the heart of the city – who wouldn’t love that?

EAT:

• Surly: This amazing complex of a brewery is more than the sum of its parts: great food, great beer, inside and outside settings, room to roam or hunker down. There aren’t many places that so seamlessly mix kids and booze, but this place nails it on all fronts.
• Punch Pizza: Quick, delicious, inexpensive and with multiple locations around the city- need is day more?
• Bachelor Farmer Cafe: Good taste abounds at the Bachelor Farmer. Stop in for something at the cafe, or make reservations for a very nice evening out. And if you’re really going for it, sneak down for a fantastic cocktail in the tucked away bar downstairs with your sweetheart.
• Brasa: Family style is the name of the game at Brasa. Pulled pork, rotisserie chicken, collared greens, black eyed peas, yams… the list goes on.
• Minneapolis Food Coops– Yes, the map that just came up is correct- We have over 10 coop grocery stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul which means no matter where you are really good food is close by. I may be bias, living so close to the Seward Coop and going their nearly daily, but I love our coops and visit them for groceries, skin care products, good coffee, and a quick and easy meal. but I know that food tells you a lot about a place and I think the places where many people get their food in minneapolis is very indicative of what this place is all about. We celebrate our seasons and eat our way through all of them. Most have a coffee stand, juice bar, hot and cold prepared foods and best of all, any of these locations is the perfect place to get your picnic lunch for any of the many many parks near by.

SHOP:

• Foundry– Tucked into a small storefront across the street from the Bachelor Farmer, Anna has curated one of the loveliest home stores I’ve ever visited. Simple to the point of perfection and warmed through with the touch of a makers hand, all the objects here are form and function at it’s best
• Mille– There is certainly a makers movement happening all over the world, but when it comes to small makers and fashion Mille is a bright spot in South Minneapolis that brings some of the most beautiful clothing being made today under one roof. Largely an online retailer, it’s worth making it in durning open hours to smell the perfume, try on the clothing, ogle the shoes, and come away with something very special for yourself.
• Mill City Farmers Market– Local food, crafts people, food trucks, and flowers- We like to stop in for a coffee and baked goods in the summer and sit outside to people watch along the Mississippi.
• Hunt and Gather– For an altogether unusual experience in a vintage shop, with an ever changing displays and a quick turnover of items, this place is unlike any other “antique mall” I’ve encountered. It begs for a whole new label.
• Wild Rumpus Books– This place is magic: the little kid sized door within the big door is just the beginning. There’s a pet chicken that wanders the store… and a cat, some reptiles, and rodents tucked into their environments. Did I mention it’s a book store? And a really good one at that.

PLAY:

• The Lakes- Summer or Winter the lakes here are lovely. Nearly all of them have walking paths that loop around and public beaches or skating spots. My favorite swimming spots are on Cedar, but for biking and walking try Calhoun, Nokomis, or Harriet which all have a place to stop and get a delicious snack along the way in summer.
• Bikes- Nice Ride– One of the best biking cities in the country with more designated bike lanes than any place else in the US, Minneapolis is a bike friendly place. It’s a great way to get around and with stations all around the city you can return your bike to any of the stations when you’ve found a destination.
• Japanese Peace Garden at Lake Harriet– Summers are short but the gardens here are still lovely. Bring a lunch, a ball, a blanket and kick back for the afternoon.

SLEEP:

• Aloft– This is a straightforward place to sleep. I like the location, it’s clean, it has a pool, and it puts you in walking distance to some great things downtown, and the light-rail.
• The Depot: with an indoor Skating Rink, Water Slide and Pool, any kid would get excited about this place, but this renovated Train Depot is properly grown up with all the amenities so it doesn’t concede the hotel completely to the kids.
• VRBO/Air B&B- Part of this cities charm is just how many lakes, parks, and the river and creek are scattered in our neighborhoods. Staying amongst locals would be my favorite way to see Minneapolis with a family. Look for places near the Lakes: Isles, Cedar, Calhoun, Nokomis, Harriet or along Minnehaha Creek or the Mississippi.
• Hotel at Cafe Alma -Coming Soon- One of the cities best restaurants will soon be opening a cozy hotel in the same building. This promises to be a fantastic place to rest your weary head.

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Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens – Regents Park

Throughout the month of June one of our best-loved open spaces in London, Regent’s Park, plays host to a breathtaking display of scents and colours. With over 12,000 plants, Queen Mary’s Garden in the Inner Circle contains the largest collection of roses within the capital. If you are lucky enough to be in the area at this time of year, be sure to visit. You’ll be in for a real treat!

The gardens feature over 400 different varieties from modern hybrids to the more traditional English roses. Some are bright and bold whilst others subtle and delicate, each with a quintessential English charm. Especially beautiful are the climbers and ramblers covering the ring of pillars that encircle the flower beds.

Wandering around this peaceful corner of London, soaking up the intoxicating sights and scents of this magnificent garden in full bloom,  it’s easy to forget that you are minutes from the frantic pace of London’s West End. Our favourite time to visit is ‘magic hour’ on a warm summers evening, you’d be hard pushed to find a dreamier, more romantic spot in London.

Also within the Inner Circle is the Open Air Theatre which holds four annual productions between May and September. You can find details of any upcoming kids productions on their website.

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