visit amsterdam with toddler

Finalist: UK Blog Awards/Blogger of the Year Travel Media Awards/Post Office Blogger of the Year Awards. "Spotted By Locals" – Best Amsterdam Blogs. Official Family Blogger for the City of Amsterdam website

10 Amazing Things To Do In Amsterdam With Kids – Updated 2024

There are so many things to do in Amsterdam with kids, its often hard to know where to start.

The Netherlands (and Amsterdam in particular) is hugely family friendly – in 2013 Unicef ranked Dutch Children as “the happiest in the world” so you won’t be surprised to hear that Amsterdam is home to hundreds of playgrounds, numerous child-friendly cafe’s and a relaxed approach to parenting that shines through its museums, attractions and events.

So throw aside all your preconceptions of Amsterdam as a stag and hen night destination and discard your memories of that hungover morning in Dam Square, Amsterdam is in fact one of the most family friendly cities around.

The list below is showcases the highlights of Amsterdam for kids who are aged somewhere between toddlers and tweens but please do explore the blog further for ideas.  Our Amsterdam for Babies and Toddlers post has lots of suggestions that are sure to delight and our youngsters have enjoyed many of the ideas on our Amsterdam for Tweens list.

Click on the headlines for fuller information on every suggestion… and enjoy!

Ten Best for Kids in Amsterdam

Once your children are out of nappies and buggies, everything gets a whole lot easier and days out in Amsterdam become even more thrilling.  The city’s museums and attractions are perfect for curious kids and they will love exploring this perfectly child-friendly mecca.

1.     Nemo

There are many museums in Amsterdam but none more uniquely kid-friendly than the incomparable Science Museum Nemo.  The hands-on philosophy is a total delight and the roof even houses free attractions and water features when the weather warms up.  Every age is catered for and young ones will be captivated by the buttons, levers and pulleys to say nothing of the bubbles that you can step into and the clouds that make rain – just make sure you have some serious incentives to persuade them to leave when its time to go home!

2.       Artis

Amsterdam’s historic city-centre zoo is an extraordinary child-friendly paradise.  As well as the regular enclosures there is a huge aquarium, magnificent buildings where monkeys and butterflies roam freely and a sensational playground to keep them busy whilst waiting for lunch.  Best of all there are free trolleys for tired legs which are just as fun to pull as to be pulled in.  On warm Summer evenings, head over for the uniquely gorgeous Artis Summer Nights when the park stays open until sundown on Saturday’s in June, July and August accompanied by live music, fairy lights, picnicking families and the whoops and howls of nocturnal beasties.

3.     Blue Boat Pirate Cruise

Our kids adore the Pirate Cruise run by Blue Boat.  Take their own headphones for max comfort and they’ll enjoy a hilarious commentary and activity pack whilst you get to sit back and enjoy the view.  There are toilets on board, you can take your own snacks and there’s no way for little wanderers to escape.  No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a canal cruise and for restless youngsters this one’s as good as it gets.

4.     The Historic Tram

Amsterdam has a glorious historic tramline run by volunteers which winds it way across the city on Sundays between April and November.  Hop aboard at the gorgeous old Haarlemmermeer Station with its original woodwork and tea room and travel West to East until you arrive at Artis the zoo, or stay onboard for a round trip back to where you started.  Sweet, traditional, untouristy and something that locals are fighting hard to preserve, show them the love and join the fun.

5.     The Scheepvaartmuseum

Amsterdam’s kids are spoiled for museum choice, but high on the list is the fabulous Scheepvaartmuseum dedicated to all things maritime.  The perennial favourite is home to a marvellous full size reproduction of an East Indian cargo ship that sits in the harbour, complete with cannons to be fired and nooks and crannies to explore, but the museum interior also houses permanent exhibitions such as Life On Board and the Tale of the Whale, to say nothing of the stunning entrance atrium and cafe.  We love it here.

6.   Tony’s Chocolonely 

It’s at this point in our list that we used to suggest you stop in front of the Rijksmuseum for the ultimate touristy Amsterdam snap with the “I amsterdam” letters.  These have now been removed and only exist at the airport or as a travelling set around the city.  So let’s suggest something else.  Our kids go absolutely crazy for Amsterdam’s chocolate sensation Tony’s Chocolonely.  Everything about the brand is pretty fabulous, and we used to the love the shop below their office in the Westerpark, but if you head to Beurs van Berlarge (which unfortunately is in a pretty touristy part of town), your choc-chips will get to enjoy the wonders of Tony’s ‘make your own chocolate vending machine’ in the basement store.  Be prepared – they may never want to leave.

7.   The Amstelpark

There are many parks in Amsterdam that we recommend but our kids very favourite is the vast Amstel Park.  There is a huge amount to enjoy here alongside the regular playground including a little petting farm, some lovely coin-operated rides, a great maze, mini golf and most beloved of all for our two the Summer train which winds its way throughout the secret gardens.  Lazy Summer days were made for this.

8.     Splash Pools

In Summer, city kids love to make waves in Amsterdam’s numerous splash pools which provide welcome relief from the heat.  Aside from the fountains in front of the Rijksmuseum, locals love the big and small splash pools in the Amsterdamse Bos (Forest); the water features in the Westerpark and on the roof at Nemo and the gorgeous pools in Oosterpark and Beatrixpark.  You’ll find other splash pads dotted across town so get your trunks out and cool off.

9.     UJ Klaren playground

Around the edge of the Canal Ring and beyond you’ll find little playgrounds and football cages in just about every residential enclave.  There are lots to recommend but if you’re in the city centre none are larger or more accessible than UJ Klaren.  Here you’ll find swings, trampolines and climbing frames as well as a football court for those who need to let off steam with a ball.

10.     Trams

If your kids are anything like ours, they don’t need fancy attractions to keep them occupied.  Simply riding Amsterdam’s tram network fills our boys with delight.  The brand new Metro line running North to South is another favourite as is a chance to watch the Thalys and ICE trains in Central Station, racing to France, Germany and beyond.

That’s it.  Ten brilliant ideas to inspire a visit to Amsterdam with kids.  But there’s so much more.  Take a look at our posts on 10 Best Things To Do In Amsterdam With Babies and Toddlers and 10 Best Things To Do In Amsterdam with Tweens for heaps more suggestions or head over to our 48 hour Amsterdam Itinerary With Kids to work out how to pack it all in.

If you’ve got time to head out of town, take a look at this list of places a little further afield – there are windmills and beaches, castles and villages that are less than half an hour away.

Looking for child-friendly places to eat ?  Have a read of our extensive post giving suggestions for even the fussiest of palettes.

But whatever you do, get yourself to Amsterdam for a visit.  Your kids will thank you for the memories you make for many years to come.

Share the love:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from amsterdam wonderland.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Enter a search term or a page code from the guide.

Amsterdam with Kids in 2024: Fun for the WHOLE Family

What are the best things to do in amsterdam with kids.

Before your trip to Amsterdam with kids, there are a few things you should keep in mind. There are super many family-friendly activities in the city. Which of them are really worthwhile, how you can best get from A to B with your family, which hotel is particularly child-friendly and what else you need to know, I’ll tell you here!

This might also interest you

• How to make the perfect Amsterdam City Trip
• These are Amsterdam's Best Attractions

Is it worth traveling to Amsterdam with Kids?

Yes! Definitely YES!

There are many activities, attractions, and great restaurants that are kid-friendly. With good planning and tips, parents can make the most of Amsterdam with their children.

Have fun in Amsterdam with your little ones!

table of content

How to get to Amsterdam with babies and children?

Arrival by car in amsterdam:.

If you are traveling to Amsterdam by car with children, make sure your hotel or accommodation offers parking. In the list family hotels in Amsterdam with parking you will find several family-friendly hotels with parking. However, we advise you not to use your car in the city of Amsterdam , as there are few parking spaces and many areas are closed to cars. With public transport, you can make the most of Amsterdam’s attractions.

Arrival to Amsterdam by train

One of the quietest ways to travel in Amsterdam is by train at the Central Station. You are then very well located in Central Location and can reach your hotel by public transport. Deutsche Bahn offers parents the opportunity to book a seat in a children’s area when accompanied by a child aged 0-5. This is definitely another plus for parents and children.

Arrival to Amsterdam by plane

If you arrive in Amsterdam via Schiphol Airport, then I recommend t wo transfer options between the airport and the city (or vice versa): The first is perfect for parents with babies:   The train transfer will take you from the airport to the center of Amsterdam in 20 minutes, there is a toilet, seat, table and changing table on board and you don’t have to take a baby seat just to catch the transfer to and from the airport. If you arrive in Amsterdam with a lot of suitcases and children , opt for a private transfer . A driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. When booking, you must specify if you need a baby or child seat. Anyway, here I have listed all the ways you can get to and from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam .

Book TRAIN TRANSFER Book PRIVATE TRANSFER

The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids

Some of the best things to do and see in Amsterdam with kids include museums, boat rides, interactive experiences, and much more. In our opinion (there are  many moms and dads behind Loving Travel ) THE best activities & sights in Amsterdam for you:

Nemo Science Museum - for Children of All Ages

The Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam is deservedly worth a visit , especially on a trip to Amsterdam with Kids. With its interactive exhibits, the museum offers a unique and educational experience that sparks curiosity and ignites a passion for science.

One of the main reasons a visit to the Nemo Science Museum is so much fun for families is the exciting exhibits. Unlike traditional museums where you can only observe from a distance, Nemo encourages visitors to touch, play and interact with the exhibits . From experimenting with water currents to building structures with giant building blocks, children have the opportunity to explore scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way. This hands-on approach not only fosters a love of learning, but also allows children to see science come alive before their eyes.

The museum caters to children of all ages and offers exhibits and activities for different age groups. Younger children can explore the “ZOOMworks” area, where they can engage in playful learning experiences tailored specifically to their age group. Older children can engage with more complex scientific concepts through interactive installations and experiments. The diverse range of exhibits ensures that there is something exciting and interesting for children of all ages.

In addition, the Nemo Science Museum provides a safe and stimulating environment for families. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help and answer any questions. There are also regular workshops, demonstrations and science shows that provide additional learning opportunities for children and their families.

In addition to the educational aspect, a rooftop offers breathtaking panoramic views of Amsterdam. Families can take a break from exploring the exhibits and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city – an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.

Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam - Ideal for Children from 3 Years Old

Madame Tussauds is great if you are in Amsterdam with kids. Here you can immerse yourself in the exciting world of wax figures and experience your favorite superheroes up close. With cool exhibits and real looking stars from music, film, sports and history , Madame Tussauds offers a mega entertaining and educational experience for young explorers. You can even take selfies with the stars , which makes the visit even cooler. The museum combines fun and culture in a cool way and is a must-see for families visiting Amsterdam with kids.

Vondelpark - For Children of All Ages

The Vondelpark is just a wonderful places for a trip to Amsterdam with Kids. You can experience so much here and have fun. The park offers great green spaces , where the little ones can let off steam. There are also several playgrounds, which provide hours of entertainment. The great thing is that the park also offers many kid-friendly events. For example, you can visit the Kinderkookkafé , where there are delicious coffee and food as well as demonstrations, workshops and games for kids . Or you can come to the Vondelpark Openluchttheater , an outdoor theater that puts on free performances for kids in the summer.

Moco Museum - Ideal for Children from 2 years old

The Moco Museum in Amsterdam is definitely a fantastic location when visiting Amsterdam with kids. Here you can explore contemporary art in a child-friendly environment . Your little ones will be thrilled by the colorful and fascinating artworks. An absolute highlight is the street art exhibition, which shows impressive works by artists like Banksy . There are also interactive areas in the Moco Museum where kids can let off steam creatively. Not only can they see art, but they can also become artistically active themselves.

The museum also has a store where you can buy souvenirs. It is a great way to culturally enrich your trip to Amsterdam while having fun. So, if you are looking for a fun and educational activity in Amsterdam, the Moco Museum is definitely worth a visit.

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo - For children of all ages

I have visited many zoos in Europe, but Artis Zoo impresses not only because of the number of animals , but also because of the size of the zoo, the many green spaces and the many exhibits and activities it offers.

If you have some extra time on your trip in Amsterdam, traveling with kids or just looking for a quiet and relaxing activity , Artis Zoo is the best option. You will need 2-3 hours to visit Artis, as it is a very large area. Also, you will find that Artis offers other facilities .

Some are included in the regular Artis Park ticket, others must be purchased separately and you will need more time to visit them.

The Artis Park Ticket includes:

• Visit to the zoo
• Visit to the Planetarium
• Artis Aquarium (2023 update: currently under renovation)

Not included in Artis Park ticket .

• Artis Micropia – An exhibition about the world’s most amazing microorganisms.
• Groote Museum : A highly interactive, technological museum about human evolution.

The Artis Park ticket cannot be paid with cash, only with card. However, you can already secure your ticket online and with the possibility of cancellation. Another advantage is that I Amsterdam Card holders can enter Artis Park for free.

River Cruise with Pancakes and Ball Pool - for Children of All Ages

Please note: This is not a canal cruise, but a river cruise!

The route of this boat tour is not through the canals of the historic city center of Amsterdam, but rides along the river IJ . The route allows you to see the sights of Amsterdam, including the northern side of the city such as the Eye Film Museum, the magnificent A’DAM Looktout building and the historic Central Station.

You’ll ride 75 minutes on a double-decker ship on a special cruise route. Traditional Dutch pancakes will be served on board. You can fill your pancakes with a variety of sweet and savory options. Drinks are not included on this tour, but can be purchased.

Another great attraction is the children’s area with a large ball pool and recreational activities for young passengers. Since this is a larger ship than a traditional canal cruise, it’s important to know that the entry point is on the north side of Amsterdam . You’ll take the F4 ferry “NDSM” from Central Station to the NDSM. The ferry is free and runs every 30 minutes .

WONDR Experience Amsterdam - For Children of All Ages (exclusive opening hours for children 2-10 years).

Can you call the WONDR experience a museum? Or rather an indoor playground? The place is perfect for those who are traveling with kids and looking for a fun activity. If you love photos, we guarantee that this museum is one of the BEST to take great photos of .

WONDR offers the immersive art world for adults, but they also understand that kids love it! That’s why they created KIDS TIME , specifically for families with young kids 10 and under . Children under 2 years of age are admitted free . KIDS TIME is available Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (maximum of two children per adult). Older Kids  ages 11 to 13 are welcome at all times , but must be accompanied by one adult per group. Outside of these times, regular tickets must be purchased.

Our tip: There is no cancellation option on the official WONDR website. Therefore, we recommend purchase adult tickets through Get Your Guide , as they are available at the SAME PRICE and can also be cancelled 100% free of charge up to 24 hours before the event. However, Get Your Guide does not offer KIDS TIME tickets . Tickets for children ages 3-10 must be purchased through the official WONDR website (with no cancellation option).

Street Art Museum, on known as STRAAT Museum - for Children of all ages

The STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam is a fantastic choice for family outings with older kids. The museum offers a unique opportunity to experience street art in an interactive and kid-friendly way. Your kids will be delighted by the vibrant colors and stunning murals. Not only can they admire art, but they can also learn about the artists behind the works. The museum regularly hosts workshops and activities specifically for young visitors where they can unleash their creative side.

One highlight is the graffiti workshop , where kids learn how to create their own street art. The STRAAT Museum is not only a cultural, but also an educational venture for an Amsterdam trip with kids.

Visiting Amsterdam with kids means experiencing the city in many ways, and the STRAAT Museum is a place where art, creativity and fun come together.

The Best Canal Cruise in Amsterdam with kids - for children of all ages

Simply said: Cargo cruise plus pizza plus drinks. This is the cool offer of the Amsterdam Canal Cruise. In 75 minutes you can enjoy your pizza and treat yourself to unlimited drinks. But the best is yet to come: the pizza is served fresh directly on board! You can even choose the pizza flavor when you book your tour online. Choices include Pepperoni Pizza, Hawaii, Margherita, Vegan Margherita, Chilli Chicken and California Veggie. And for the little ones, there’s a smaller Margherita Pizza at a kid-friendly price.

This Amsterdam canal cruise also includes unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks and, for a sweet ending, a delicious cookie sandwich with ice cream . A great thing if you are in town with kids!

Amsterdam Ripley's Believe It or Not! - For Children of All Ages

Wondering what to do with your kids in Amsterdam? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a fantastic choice. This wacky museum is full of fascinating and whimsical things that will delight not only kids, but the whole family. From abnormal creatures to optical illusions , there’s plenty to see here. The interactive exhibits make the visit especially exciting, and kids of all ages will enjoy this unique environment.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Amsterdam offers a fun activity for kids in Amsterdam. Here they can see things they won’t find anywhere else. It’s a great way to stimulate curiosity and wonder in the minds of little ones. So, if you’re visiting Amsterdam, don’t miss this fascinating adventure at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!!!

Nxt Museum - For Children Of All Ages

Can you imagine how exciting it could be for your kids to bridge between the digital and physical worlds ? The NXT Museum in Amsterdam invites families to do just that. This unique museum, which was once a television station , offers a huge technological exhibit that combines art and technology in a fascinating way for kids.

The museum’s name, NXT, derives from “NEXT” – what’s next? This fascinating museum will undoubtedly amaze your kids when you visit Amsterdam with the family. Your kids can experience art and technology in a whole new dimension and immerse themselves in the future at the NXT Museum. They will be thrilled by the possibilities and creativity that this unique facility has to offer for young explorers.

Amsterdam Dungeon - Ideal for Children from 10 years old

The Amsterdam Dungeon is a fantastic experience for kids in Amsterdam. Here your kids can look forward to exciting adventures. With a mix of entertainment and horror , the Dungeon offers an exciting journey through the dark history of the city. Your kids will be fascinated by the interactive shows and scary characters.

Although it’s spooky, it’s kid-friendly and suitable for ages 10 and up. The unique attractions and educational glimpses into Amsterdam’s past make the Dungeon an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family. Delve into the mysteries of the city when you visit Amsterdam with kids.

Tropical Museum - Ideal for Children of All Ages

The Tropical Museum is a great museum option for visitors with children in Amsterdam. This museum offers a fascinating journey through the cultures of the world , including interactive exhibits and activities designed especially for young explorers. Children can explore the Junior Museum , where they can interact with different cultures and learn through play. The Tropical Museum also offers regular workshops and events for children . This facility allows families to immerse themselves in the fascinating diversity of world cultures while having fun. It’s definitely worth a visit when you visit Amsterdam.

The Tropical Museum in Amsterdam offers a variety of attractions and activities for children:

• Junior Museum : Here children can explore interactive exhibits designed especially for them. For example, they can try on traditional clothing from different cultures or play exotic musical instruments.
• Treasure hunts: The museum offers treasure hunts where children can learn more about the exhibits and cultures in a fun way.
• Workshops: The Tropical Museum regularly hosts workshops for children on topics such as art, crafts and music. Here they can develop their creative skills.
• Special events: At various times throughout the year, the museum organizes special events and activities for children, often related to the current exhibitions.

Overall, the Tropical Museum offers a fun and educational experience for children of all ages who want to discover the diversity of world cultures.

Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam - For Children of All Ages

The Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam is an absolute must for families with children in Amsterdam. This interactive art center offers a fascinating world of light, color and movement. Children can immerse themselves in the artwork and become part of the display. The visual effects are breathtaking and stimulate the imagination. With its captivating projections and digital installations, Fabrique des Lumières is an experience that will delight not only children, but adults as well. If you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids, don’t miss the chance to explore this impressive art center and enchant your senses.

This is Holland - Ideal for Children from 4 years old

A visit to “This is Holland” in Amsterdam is an unforgettable experience for families with children. Here you can discover together the beauty of the Netherlands from a completely new perspective. The breathtaking flying experiences in a huge picture and sound hall are captivating and leave children and adults alike speechless. You’ll fly over the windmills of Kinderdijk, explore the canals of Amsterdam, and admire the blooming tulip fields, all in a comfortable chair. The experience is informative, interactive and fun, making it perfect for children ages 4 and up.

Whether your kids are little explorers or seasoned travelers, “This is Holland” offers a unique adventure . So, if you’re visiting Amsterdam, don’t miss “This is Holland” – it will enrich your stay in Amsterdam and make it unforgettable.

Amsterdam Hop on Hop off Tours - For Kids of All Ages

A hop-on hop-off bus tour in Amsterdam is a great experience for families with children. It offers the perfect way to explore this wonderful city without having to worry about public transportation or long walks .

The highlights of such a tour are numerous. You can conveniently get to iconic sights like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Vondelpark. Best of all, you can hop on and off at will. If the little explorers need a break or want to take a closer look at a sight, that’s no problem.

This activity in Amsterdam for kids offers not only practical transportation, but also a fun and informative tour. Kids will be thrilled to see the city from an elevated perspective , and the audio commentary is informative and kid-friendly.

My tip: Much more than a mode of transportation, I recommend the hop on hop off in Amsterdam as a closed tour. Stay on the bus and enjoy the ride with your children.

BODY WORLDS Amsterdam - Ideal for Children over 10 years old

BODY WORLDS Amsterdam is a fascinating and educational attraction for families with children in Amsterdam. Here, children can discover the anatomy of the human body in an interactive and immersive way . The life-size plastinates and interactive exhibits provide a unique learning experience that is both entertaining and educational.

The exhibit is age-independent, but we recommend preparation for children and teens . Parents and teachers should decide for themselves whether the company is sufficiently prepared.

ARTIS Micropia - Ideal for children from 8 years of age

ARTIS Micropia is a fantastic destination for children in Amsterdam. This unique museum allows young explorers to explore the world of invisible microbes. With interactive exhibits and microscopes , kids can see tiny creatures that normally escape the naked eye. It’s not only educational, but fascinating and entertaining. Children can discover the amazing diversity of life on a microscopic level while learning about science and biology. ARTIS Micropia provides a unique opportunity to spark children’s curiosity and offer them a new perspective on the world. It is definitely a great activity for families with children in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Upside Down - For Children of All Ages

The Amsterdam Upside Down Museum is a fantastic experience for families with children in Amsterdam. Here, everything literally turns around – gravity disappears , and you can walk on the ceiling or hang on the walls. Kids will be thrilled by the visual effects and the interactive challenges n that will test their senses. This unique museum offers fun and adventure for young and old alike. It’s a great opportunity to let your imagination fly and spend an unforgettable time together with the kids. A visit to the Amsterdam Upside Down Museum is a real highlight for the whole family.

My tip: On the official website, adult tickets can not be canceled or refunded. Therefore, buy tickets with the same price for adults and children over 12 via Get Your Guide , where you can cancel them up to 24 hours before your visit begins. However, if you’re visiting the Amsterdam Upside Down with children between the ages of 3 and 11 , you can purchase them at a reduced price through the official website.

1-hour Pedal boat rental - Ideal for Children 8 years and older

A one-hour pedal boat rental in Amsterdam is a great option for families with children. It allows parents to spend a relaxing time on the canals while the kids have exciting adventures. Little ones can feel like real captains at the helm and safely explore the slow waters. It’s a fun way to see the city from a unique perspective. It also encourages teamwork, as d the family must work together to keep the paddleboat moving forward. The canals offer many interesting views and charming bridges, which will delight children. A pedal boat rental makes the visit to Amsterdam an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Historical streetcar - For Children of All Ages

The Historic Streetcar Ride in Amsterdam is an excellent choice for families with children. This nostalgic experience allows children to experience the history of the city in a fun and informative way. During the ride, they will be accompanied by a knowledgeable driver who will share exciting stories about Amsterdam. The picturesque views and authentic atmosphere in the restored streetcar fascinate children and adults alike. It’s a relaxing way to explore the city without having to walk long distances . Children can admire the passing sights while enjoying a history lesson of a special kind. A ride on the historic streetcar is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

More ideas for your trip to Amsterdam with kids

Was there nothing for you yet? Amsterdam has a lot to offer for families. How about this otherwise:

• Petting baby goats at the Goat Farm – In Amsterdam, things can get pretty hectic pretty quickly. What better way can there be, please, for the whole family to catch their breath and slow down a bit than to pet cute baby goats?
• Doll houses for mice at the Mouse Mansion -sounds quaint, but it’s really sensational for younger kids. I personally thought it was kind of awesome too, I must confess. That attention to detail with the dollhouses and the little stuffed mice that inhabit them was really fascinating. A real insider tip in Amsterdam
• The Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) – free admission with the I Amsterdam Card . Next to the NEMO (where admission with the I Amsterdam Card also costs nothing!), this museum is one of the most child-friendly. They make a special effort there to bring the theme of the museum, the great history of Dutch shipping, to children.
• The Amstelpark (Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 1, 1083 GA Amsterdam) with its many children’s playgrounds
• Make your own chocolate at Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store ( Oudebrugsteeg 15, 1012 JN Amsterdam)

More activities in Amsterdam

My tips for visiting amsterdam with kids.

Here are some practical tips for traveling to Amsterdam. Whether you’re traveling with babies, toddlers or teens, some of these tips can make your trip easier and more comfortable:

On the road in Amsterdam

Train, bus, tram & ferry.

In Amsterdam, you can get from one place to another very easily and quickly by public transport. There is a wide network of streetcars, buses, subways, and trains . So you can easily get to every corner of the city. For this, you need a GVB ticket . It is worth buying this ticket in advance so  that you don’t have to search for a ticket counter with your children every time before you start your journey. This costs time and nerves. Adults can buy a GVB ticket online for one or more ticket days . However, children between the ages of 4 and 12 can only purchase a day ticket. In this case, parents should buy several child day tickets online for several days and use one per day. If you decide to buy a group ticket, here we explain the pros and cons of this option .

• Children up to 3 years: Free of charge
• Children from 4 to 11 years pay a reduced price: 4,50 EUR
• Children from 12 years pay the adult price: 9 to 82 EUR (depending on the number of days)

HOW THE GVB-TICKET WORKS GVB Amsterdam tickets

On the road with stroller

Not only alone but also with children, I think you should walk the most in Amsterdam because you see so much. In Amsterdam’s historic canal house-strewn city center, just about every corner is exciting in some way. Amsterdam is in the Netherlands, after all, so it’s very flat and stroller-friendly for the most part , although there are still a few cobblestone streets in the oldest parts of the city.

On the road with the bike

Of course, it is tempting to cycle in Amsterdam. But I rather advise against that  to do with the family. If you are not used to cycling through the city with children, you should definitely not try it first in Amsterdam. Because cycling in Amsterdam is a pretty nerve-wracking experience . Things can get pretty chaotic in the city center.

Save money in Amsterdam

Buys tickets in advance.

Don’t wait until your trip to buy tickets to attractions. Apart from the long queues, it is also likely that there are no more tickets available for the desired date and time. Therefore, it is best to buy tickets online in advance. Most tickets can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Amsterdam Sightseeing Passes

For adults, it’s worth trying one of the Amsterdam Sightseeing Passes . Amsterdam Cards not only save you money but also get you into museums and attractions faster. Check carefully if kids need it, as many museums offer free admission and other attractions have discounted prices.

Learn more about Amsterdam Passes

Best time to visit Amsterdam with Kids

Amsterdam is absolutely worth a trip even in the depths of winter. I always find it most pleasant in the spring. Many other tourists have the same idea, but you just have to live with it in Amsterdam. Such a beautiful city is of course not an insider tip. In April and May the temperatures are mild 13-17 degrees. The best thing about this time of year is the many flowers and trees that bloom all over the city – especially along the canals it is beautiful then.

During the summer vacations, Amsterdam is very crowded , but there are also many outdoor events. If you’re focused on enjoying the city’s flair and some kid-friendly attractions, then June, July, and August might be a good fit. However, if you want to visit Amsterdam’s most famous sights , I think these months are too crowded to visit with kids.

Unlike many other cities, I can recommend Amsterdam even in winter. The wonderful Amsterdam Light Festival takes place between December and January and that in itself is a very good reason to go to Amsterdam with Kids.

The Best Family-friendly Day Trips from Amsterdam

There are also great destinations for families just outside Amsterdam! In my opinion, these are particularly suitable for children .

Zaanse Schans: The Village of the Mills with children

A trip to Keukenhof is an unforgettable experience for families visiting Amsterdam with kids. This impressive flower park is famous for its breathtaking tulip fields and holds numerous highlights for the young explorers.

Kids can play amidst a floral dream, stroll across painterly bridges, and have fun in a maze . The vibrant colors and beguiling scent of the flowers will enchant their senses.

A petting zoo and a large playground provide additional fun and entertainment. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy the beautiful flower displays at their leisure.

A day trip from Amsterdam to Keukenhof combines nature, beauty and fun and is a perfect experience for the whole family . Your little ones will love the blooming wonders of Keukenhof.

Edam, Volendam, Marche and the Historic Villages

A day trip from Amsterdam to Edam, Volendam and the surrounding villages is a fantastic idea for families with kids. These picturesque towns offer a wealth of activities and attractions that will delight the little ones.

In Edam, children can marvel at the famous Edam cheese wheels and learn how cheese is made. In Volendam, they can try on traditional costumes and dress up as fishermen. The nearby villages such as Marken offer charming walks along canals and historic windmills that seem to have stepped out of a fairy tale.

In addition, families can take a boat trip on the IJsselmeer and enjoy the views of the coastal landscape. These charming villages are not only picturesque, but also educational and entertaining for children, making them an ideal excursion from Amsterdam.

Muiderslot Castle is taken over by kids

Take a break from the busy streets and canals of Amsterdam and embark on a 15km journey south to Muiderslot Castle. This castle dates back to the 13th century and is an enchanting medieval gem just a short drive from the city. Muiderslot was last restored in the 1950s and is now a national museum.

Why should families with children visit Muiderslot? This castle not only offers a glimpse of medieval architecture and history , but also a variety of child-friendly activities . The gardens are an ideal place to explore, and the idyllic waterfront location invites picnicking . Young explorers will love the historical exhibits that spark their imaginations and teach them about history in a fun way.

Tickets to Muiderslot Castle are included in various passes  or can be purchased separately. As this is a popular attraction in Amsterdam, we recommend securing tickets well in advance to avoid long waits and have a memorable day with the family.

Amsterdam Beaches

The beaches around Amsterdam, like Zandvoort Beach, are a wonderful destination for families with kids . Just a stone’s throw from the city, this coastal resort offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Children can feel the soft sand under their feet and let off steam in the refreshing North Sea water.

Zandvoort is characterized by lively beach clubs, water sports and a vibrant atmosphere that delights children of all ages. Whether it’s building sand castles , playing beach volleyball or trying out exciting water sports , there’s something for everyone here.

The coastal town is an ideal vacation destination whether you are looking for tranquility or adventure. It offers a relaxing escape from the hectic city and is popular with locals and visitors alike. Pack your swimsuits and spend an unforgettable day at the beach with your family.

What should you avoid in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a very touristy city that offers attractions for all ages. Parents traveling to Amsterdam with kids and teenagers will find many options in the city. However, there are a few challenges you should consider when planning your trip to Amsterdam to avoid worry and stress. Here are 10 things to avoid when traveling to Amsterdam with kids:

• Late evenings: Amsterdam can get very noisy at night. Plan accordingly so as not to disturb your children’s sleep.Avoid being out too late in the city, especially with young children.
• Buy tickets only in Amsterdam : There is no price advantage, but you waste time and nerves.
• Coffeeshops: Children do not belong in coffee shops known to sell cannabis products.
• Dirty streets: The streets in Amsterdam can sometimes be dirty, so make sure your kids keep their hands clean.
• Bicycle accidents: Bicycles are very common here, so take good care when traveling with children so that they don’t suddenly run into the bike lane.
• Red Light District: Avoid the Red Light District if you are traveling with children as it is not child-friendly.
• Be completely haphazard: A little planning can make your trip with kids more enjoyable.
• Forgotten umbrellas: The weather in Amsterdam can be unpredictable. Don’t forget to pack umbrellas.
• Excessive sightseeing: children need breaks. Avoid overloading your day with too many sights.
• Ignoring safety instructions: Pay attention to warnings and rules, especially along waterways and canals, to ensure the safety of your children.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Kids?

When planning your visit to Amsterdam, you will most likely start by looking for family-friendly accommodation in the city. Are there any family-friendly hotels in Amsterdam? Definitely, even very many! Depending on the size of your family and your budget, you have a lot to choose from.

In the city center, rooms can be quite small (and prices high!). Don’t mind staying a bit outside the city center (it shouldn’t, thanks to the very good public transport connections), you’ll definitely get more for your money! The best neighborhoods in Amsterdam for families with children are De Pijp, Jordaan, and Oud-West . These neighborhoods offer a relaxed atmosphere family friendly, lots of kid-friendly activities, and good public transport connections.

I can recommend these hotels without exception:

Das Volkshotel

This family-friendly Volkshotel is located in the modern Amsterdam East district, just 50 meters from Wibautstraat metro station. On offer: a lively lobby café, a restaurant, a cocktail bar open in the evening, work areas, conference rooms and a creative center with studios for designers and music producers. On the 7th floor is a restaurant with 360-degree views of Amsterdam. Wi-Fi is free of charge.

Each room features minimalist decor. The Hotel offers a family suite, and quadruple rooms,  Still of interest to families are the spacious common areas. There’s a library with children’s books, a game box, pool tables and more. If you want to get a lot for comparatively little money in Amsterdam, this hotel is very good.

There is a small spa on the roof with 3 whirlpools and a sauna. In addition, the hotel offers yoga and sports classes, as well as a number of cultural events.

The Neighbour's Magnolia

The Neighbour’s Magnolia has a fantastic location, where a family comfortably sleeps in spacious rooms.  The Hotel has a fantastic location with a walking distance of 10 minutes from the museum district with the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, the beautiful Vondelpark just 3 minutes away : The Neighbour’s Magnolia is hard to beat in terms of location.It’s a small hotel with limited availability. But there are a couple of rooms very suitable for families. There is free coffee at the self-serve bar in the lounge.

It’s a small, but very well-run hotel in a great location . If you’re in Amsterdam for a short time, want to see as much as possible in a short time, and don’t plan on staying in the hotel room for long, The Neighbour’s Magnolia is the best choice.

ClinkNOORD Amsterdam

It is a hostel, but not an ordinary one. Here you will also find family rooms, and in addition four-bed rooms with private bathroom and with the possibility of increasing to a six-bed room.

ClinkNOORD is located in Amsterdam-Noord, directly across the river IJ. It is about 10 minutes from the back of Amsterdam Centraal station. The ferry runs around the clock and the short crossing is free of charge and great fun for kids.

The hostel is located in a former laboratory from the 1920s with many original elements preserved. A bright and spacious atrium and numerous lounge areas distinguish this unusually cozy hostel. There’s also a cafe and library. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can prepare your own meals in the large communal kitchen.

Price-wise, it is the best option for families in Amsterdam!

Meininger Hotel Amsterdam West City

The Meininger Amsterdam West is located right by the Amsterdam Sloterdijk train station, so it’s super easy and quick to get to from the airport. It has many five-bed rooms and even six-bed rooms! This makes it ideal for those traveling to Amsterdam with kids. The hotel’s facilities include a bar, a guest kitchen and a large lobby, with many murals in the style of Van Gogh.

Rooms at Meininger Hotel Amsterdam City West are bright and decorated with bright color accents and wood floors. They also have private bathrooms with showers.

The location is excellent: Schiphol Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel. You can reach the center of Amsterdam from the hotel in about 5-7 minutes by train. To the beach of Zandvoort and the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland you get already after 30 minutes by car.

There are many, many more hotels in Amsterdam. If you want to get an overview yourself, just click on the red button below . I recommend you to have a look at Booking.com. I consider the presented selection to be the best there.

Family friendly hotels in Amsterdam

The Best Restaurants in Amsterdam for families

Unfortunately, by far not all restaurants and stores are accessible with strollers. Nevertheless, you will certainly quickly notice how child-friendly the Amsterdammers are .

People always politely make room for the stroller on the sidewalk. No one looks at you asking if your child shouldn’t scream in the restaurant (they are only children!). In fact, every restaurant has children’s portions. In the major museums, including the Imperial Museum , care is taken to ensure that children also have fun and learn something. You will probably find a children’s play corner in almost every cafe.

Restaurants in Amsterdam are lonely top. The density of good food options in the city center is almost overwhelming. Here I’ve picked out a few of my favorites for you that are especially great for families with kids! I didn’t limit myself to just regular restaurants, as you’ll see!

01 Vlaams Friethuis Vleminickx

Here the fries are super crispy and the lines are long! Super popular, and rightly so! Definitely try it out.

03 Albert Cuyp Market

With about 260 stalls , the Albert Cuypmarkt is the Netherlands’ largest and most famous open-air marke t! Here, you can get the best poffertjes and stroopwafel!

The Albert Cuypmarkt is in the famous Pijp district, where you can find everything: souvenirs, clothes, shoes, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, and the most exotic articles.

Of course, the Albert Cuypmarkt offers numerous options for freshly made cheese and other goods.

Tip: Check out the children’s kookkafé – here the little ones can even join in the cooking themselves! Very cool concept. Super suitable for toddlers! Trust me, they will love it there.

The most frequently asked questions about traveling to Amsterdam with Kids

Is amsterdam a family-friendly city.

Yes, Amsterdam is extremely Family-friendly. The city offers numerous family-friendly attractions such as the Artis Royal Zoo, NEMO Science Museum, Moco Museum, WONDR, Madam Tussauds, canal tours, NXT Museum, Hop on Hop off bus tour, and Vondelpark. The flat landscape and the good public transport network make it easy to explore.

Are there family-friendly restaurants in Amsterdam?

Yes, many restaurants in Amsterdam welcome families. You will find special children’s menus and high chairs in most restaurants. Popular options include Pancakes Amsterdam, Pizza Bakkers, and De Foodhallen. Unfortunately, many restaurants do not have places for strollers, so they often have to be parked outside. That’s why it’s worth taking a bike lock with you to secure the stroller outside.

Is public transport in Amsterdam suitable for families with children?

Public transport in Amsterdam is well suited for families. Children under 4 usually ride free and streetcars, buses and subways are stroller-friendly. Consider purchasing an I Amsterdam City Card for free public transportation and discounts on attractions. For children there are only day tickets, so you have to buy a day ticket for your children for each day.

Der ultimative Amsterdam Guide 2024

The 24 Best Attractions in Amsterdam for 2024

Das Reisen ist meine große Leidenschaft. Ich liebe es, die Wanderwege in Rio de Janeiro zu erkunden, die besten Strände in Miami zu entdecken, die ältesten Museen in Rom zu besuchen und noch die besten Gerichte in Paris zu verkosten.

Get exclusive content, real insider info and the best travel deals completely FREE!

Your trip start: We’ll provide you with little reminders to prepare for your trip and up-to-the-minute events when you’re traveling!

You have disabled JavaScript

JavaScript is required to use this website. Therefore, please enable JavaScript in your browser to visit this website.

15+ Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids + 2024 City Break Guide

Planning a trip to Amsterdam with kids? This guide will take you through how to plan and make the most out of a city break in Amsterdam with children, from helping you discover the best things to do to recommending the top places to stay in Amsterdam for families and even the best day trips from Amsterdam so that you can have the trip of a lifetime!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the  full disclosure   for further information.

Table of Contents

Is Amsterdam Good for Kids?

Amsterdam is a great city for kids.

The Dutch capital is full of fun things to do and see, whether visiting many museums or exploring its historic canal ring by boat. There are also lots of places to eat and drink, so you can make the most of your trip with your family by planning ahead. If you’re looking for things to do in Amsterdam with kids.

Is Amsterdam Good for a City Break?

Amsterdam is a great city for a family break. It’s one of the most popular destinations in The Netherlands . There are many attractions to visit, plus plenty of shopping opportunities and activities for kids. You can easily spend a day sightseeing or take your time and see more of Amsterdam. The city is compact, so there’s no need to go far to find something interesting.

When is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a great city to visit at any time of the year. The Dutch have a saying that goes, “Sunny days are rare, but so are rainy ones.” And with that in mind, there is no bad time to visit Amsterdam.

However, if you’re looking for a more lively city break experience, then I would suggest going during spring or summer . This is the time when most of Europe is on holiday an city during May.

The Amsterdam Tulip Festival takes place each year in May and draws thousands of visitors worldwide. During this event, you can participate in flower shows, watch parades and enjoy live music performances.

and there are lots of things to do in Amsterdam with kids. And if you want some peace and quiet then autumn or winter is also good.

Amsterdam in December

December is a special month in Amsterdam. It’s the month of Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa Claus. The city is filled with activities for children, like parades and parties.

The weather during December is usually mild, but there can be some cold days.

Amsterdam in May

Perfect weather for cycling around town with your kids or visiting Amsterdam zoo. May is a great time to visit Amsterdam. The weather is generally very pleasant, with temperatures in the high teens or low 20s. Many events and festivals also occur across the

How to Get to Amsterdam

Getting to Amsterdam is easy, whether you’re travelling with your family or as a solo traveller. The city has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains.

Travelling by train is the most convenient way to get to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport (AMS) . From the airport, take the free shuttle bus to the station in front of Terminal 2. Trains frequently run between 6 a.m. and midnight every day of the week, taking about 20 minutes to reach Amsterdam Central Station (CS). Book your train here >>

Compare flights for your dates here.

You can also travel by bus if you don’t want to pay for parking at the airport or if you’re arriving late at night when all other modes of transport have stopped running. Schiphol Airport has a 24-hour service called “Schiphol Night Bus.”

Order an individual transfer A car of the class of your choice will be assigned to you. The driver will wait for you even if the flight is delayed and will take you to the address indicated in advance. Book your transfer here.

How to Get Around Amsterdam City

The best way to get around Amsterdam is by tram or bus . Trams run frequently and go everywhere, while buses cover some places trams don’t go — like the suburbs. Trams come in two varieties: regular trams and light rail trams (LRT). Regular trams are usually blue, while LRTs have a red stripe down the side; both types cost €2 per ride (one way).

There are also ferries across the IJ River to the mainland and cruise ships that dock at Central Station at Prins Hendrikkade next to Centraal Station. Ferries depart from behind Centraal Station or from the NDSM Shipyard on NDSM-terrein Island, which is just south of Centraal Station on Oostelijke Handelskade.

There’s no better way to get around Amsterdam than on two wheels. The city is flat, well-connected by cycle paths , and the weather is usually good. If you’re visiting with children aged under 12, you can rent a children’s bakfiets (bicycle trailer) from many places in Amsterdam or bring your own. Bakfietsen (literally “box bikes”) are the traditional cargo bikes used by many Dutch families to transport kids, groceries, or other cargo around town. They’re great fun but not practical for everyday use.

Top 10 things to do in Amsterdam with Kids

Amsterdam is a city that never sleeps, but it also has a lot to offer families with children. From visiting the zoo and riding bikes to taking in the city’s spectacular architecture, Amsterdam has plenty for kids to do.

1. Nemo Science Museum

Located in an iconic building overlooking the eastern docklands, NEMO Science Museum is a must-see place to visit with kids of all ages. There are five floors of fascinating science and technology activities to enjoy, including exhibitions, experiments, demonstrations, and workshops. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for the water feature in the summer months, great food, and an amazing view.

2. Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Take a canal boat tour with your family. One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is by canal cruises along one of its famous canals! Amsterdam has canals running across the entire city, so a canal cruise is a perfect activity for the kids to see the city from a totally different viewpoint. You can hire your own electric boat or take one of the organized tours if you prefer.

3. Maritime Museum

Located next to the NEMO museum, the maritime museum takes you back to the 18th century to learn about Amsterdam’s rich history with the sea. There are many interactive exhibitions, a great VR tour, and a cafe under the stunning atrium. The museum is also home to an amazing replica of a huge cargo ship that sank off the coast of England, complete with cannons and living quarters for 200 sailors.

4. Vondelpark

A popular park in Amsterdam, covering 120 acres and with lots of great play areas, a splash pool, fountains, and a film museum. The park is perfect for cycling around, and in the summer months, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre has free shows for children. Kinderkookkafe is a must-visit with the kids for lunch – where they can become chefs and create their own meals!

5. Artis Royal Zoo

Amazing city-center zoo with diverse animals, a fabulous playground, an aquarium, and a planetarium. Don’t miss the Butterfly House and sea lions! Check out the website for daily feeding/training times and guided tours. The Artis Summer Nights event (July to August/late opening on Saturdays) has loads of great family activities and live music and is great for a picnic.

6. Rijksmuseum

Close to Vondelpark is the world-famous Rijksmuseum , with over 8K works of art on display which you can enjoy with the kids via guided tours, digital games, workshops, and scavenger hunts. The museum also has stunning gardens, fountains, and play areas for the kids to enjoy. Highlights for the kids include model ships, The Dolls House (a miniature replica of a 1st-century house) by Petronella Oortman, and Rembrandt’s famous painting, The Night Watch.

7. Van Gogh Museum

In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, there is a museum devoted to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It is situated in the Amsterdam South neighborhood’s Museum Square, close to the Concertgebouw, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museum.

The museum opened on June 19, 1973. It is located in buildings designed by Gerrit Rietveld and Kisho Kurokawa. The museum’s collection is the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings worldwide.

8. Dam Square

Kids love to explore the city, so let them. Dam Square in Amsterdam is one of the most popular places for families with children.

Dam Square is a beautiful public square in the center of Amsterdam, and it is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city. It’s also a great place for kids to explore for a few hours.

9. Amsterdamse Bos

Get back to nature at Amsterdamse Bos : a 1000-hectare forest and nature park in the southern part of the city with working farms, playgrounds, a lake, a wading pool, and the Fun Forest Climbing Park (kids 6 and over). The goat farm allows the kids to feed, milk, and play with the animals. Bike hire is available so you can properly explore the nature park.

10. Anne Frank House

A museum with a compelling story and not to be missed if you are visiting with older kids. Located on Prinsengracht, the building looks like any other until you enter and learn about wartime diarist Anne and her amazing story. The museum has an audio tour, photos, videos, and original items to engage the kids. Booking tickets online in advance is a must.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Kids

Amsterdam is a very kid-friendly city. You can stay in the center, or if you prefer, there are plenty of options just outside the city that offer a quieter, more family-focused experience.

The best areas for families are:

Centrum – This area is right in the middle of the city and has everything you need; shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also very close to most of the major tourist attractions, such as Vondelpark and Amsterdam Museum (Oude Kerk).

De Pijp – This area is slightly further away from the town center but still within walking distance (10-15 minutes). It is quieter than Centrum but still has many attractions, including Albert Cuyp Market and De Hallen shopping center.

Budget: Rembrandt Square Hotel

The Hotel Rembrandt is situated in the heart of Amsterdam, close to the historic city centre. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi.

This hotel provides children’s cots free of charge and includes babysitting services at an additional charge. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the property for families travelling with children.

Mid-Range: The Lancaster Hotel Amsterdam

The Lancaster Hotel Amsterdam is close to the zoo, making it perfect for families with children. It also has a terrace on the roof where you can enjoy drinks or food in the evening.

Splashing Out: Ambassade Hotel

Located in the centre of Amsterdam in 17th Century canal-side building, The Ambassade Hotel offers elegant rooms, modern facilities, an excellent restaurant, and family-friendly amenities (cots and babysitting services available on request)

Where to Eat with Kids in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has loads of great family-friendly restaurants. The kids will love Stamppot (mashed potatoes, sausage, bacon, and vegetables), Poffertjes (small pancakes in powdered sugar), and Stroopwafel (waffles and syrup).

• Restaurant Moeders, Rosengracht – Moeders is actually Dutch for mother. This traditional and cozy restaurant serves tasty Dutch cuisine (including Stamppot). View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
• Pancake Bakery, Prinsengracht – Amazing pancakes, a great historic venue, and the opportunity to have savory, sweet, or your own unique pancake creations. View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
• The Butcher – Great family-friendly place to stop for lunch with four branches across the city center, serving mouth-watering burgers, popcorn chicken, hotdogs, and milkshakes. View on TripAdvisor Here >>>

2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary

A 2-day Amsterdam itinerary is great for a quick visit to Amsterdam. It’s enough time to see the highlights while still having time to relax and explore at your own pace.

Day 1: How to Spend a Day in Amsterdam

Morning: Take a bike tour to see the city and hear about its history. Biking is one of the best ways to see Amsterdam, and you can rent a bike for as little as €1 per hour at several places around town. Book your bike tour tickets here >>>

Afternoon: Enjoy one of Amsterdam’s many museums or art galleries. Check out the Rijksmuseum , where you can see masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer; the Van Gogh Museum, which has Vincent’s paintings; or the Anne Frank House, where you can learn about her life during the Holocaust.

Day 2: 48 Hours in Amsterdam with Kids

If you have 2 days in Amsterdam , here is what you can do on day 2:

Morning: Explore Jordaan, a neighbourhood with a beautiful canal view, and take a stroll through the city’s Vondelpark.

Afternoon: Take the train to Amsterdam Central Station. Once you arrive, head to Dam Square and explore the Royal Palace, National Monument, and Royal Palace.

Day Trips from Amsterdam with Kids

Amsterdam is a beautiful city, bursting with things to see and do. However, if you’re visiting with kids and want to get out of the city, there are plenty of day trips. You can visit a windmill, go on a canal cruise or explore nature reserves in the area. Here are some of our favourite day trips from Amsterdam:

The Keukenhof Gardens are one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially during spring when they open their doors to visitors worldwide. These gardens are located in Lisse, which is a small town about 20 minutes outside Amsterdam by train.

The gardens are open from March 21st until May 13th every year and feature over 7 million tulips in bloom! There are other flowers on display and fun activities like pony rides and mini-golf courses.

The gardens also host music concerts throughout the season, so keep an eye out for these events if you want something extra special to do while you’re there!

2. Efteling Theme Park

Train and bus travel to Efteling Theme Park from Amsterdam takes two hours. Families with both young children and older youngsters should visit The Efteling, one of the best Netherlands theme parks .

The Pandadroom and the Fairy Tale Forest are two of the park’s kid-friendly rides. However, older kids will adore Villa Volta, Fata Morgana, and Flight of Dreams. The park is a great day excursion for the whole family because it is filled with both indoor and outdoor roller coasters.

View more of the best theme parks in Europe here>>>

3. Zaanse Schans

This is an open-air museum in Zaandam, which is about 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal station. It offers many authentic Dutch experiences, such as seeing how bread was baked in the old days, visiting an old windmill, and taking a canal boat ride through the Zaan River area. Our kids loved this place!

Amsterdam is famous for its iconic canals, vibrant Dutch tulips, Baroque townhouses and amazing museums. Known as the ‘Venice of the North, this beautiful city is home to floating flower markets, beautiful townhouses, Van Gogh’s art, and the house of Anne Frank.

The top tourist attraction in Amsterdam is a visit to the canals. Built in the 17th Century, a boat ride across the 100 canals, crossed by thousands of bridges, is a great way to enjoy the city and lots of fun for the kids as many child-friendly tours are available.

Amsterdam can be extremely affordable if you plan ahead and book in advance. You will save a lot if you book accommodation on the city’s fringe. Get the I Amsterdam City Card too, which offers free entry/great discounts on museums, transport, restaurants, and shops.

Don’t miss a trip to Zaanse Schans. This traditional Dutch town is only 35 minutes via train and is like being in a Disney movie! Quaint houses, unique shops, and a truly stunning setting. Muiden Castle, Keukenhof Gardens, and The Hague are all about 1 hour via train from Amsterdam and well worth visiting too.

If you are traveling with a 1-year-old, they will love riding around the city in a bakfiet and sampling the amazing pancakes (poffertjes). Add to that a family-friendly canal cruise, numerous playgrounds, a zoo, a nature park, and many toddler-friendly museums.

Amsterdam is often thought of as the ‘Sin City of Europe,’ but it is actually super family-friendly and great for toddlers. There are numerous activities for babies and toddlers to enjoy, both indoors and outdoors, so don’t miss out on this vibrant and fun European city.

Plan Your Trip to Amsterdam with Kids

Find Family friendly Accommodation >>>

Find the best flights for your dates >>>

Book your bus and train tickets >>>

Reserve Your Private Transfer >>>

More on The Netherlands

Top Things to do in The Netherlands with Kids (2024)

Going to the Netherlands with kids? There are a lot of things to see here! From the beautiful Dutch towns, fairytale forests, iconic houses that will take you back to historical events, you will never get bored here.  This post will take you through the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids and the…

Continue Reading Top Things to do in The Netherlands with Kids (2024)

Easter In Rotterdam 2024: Everything You Need To Know For The Perfect Family Trip

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to spend easter this year, look no further than easter in Rotterdam. The Dutch city is known for its vibrant culture, fantastic food and stunning architecture. Still, easter is one of the most exciting times of the year. There’s plenty to keep you busy and entertained,…

Continue Reading Easter In Rotterdam 2024: Everything You Need To Know For The Perfect Family Trip

The Best Netherlands Christmas Markets 2023-2024: Dates & Tips

Looking for the best Netherlands Christmas markets? Known for its tulip fields, scenic canals, and rustic windmills, The Netherlands is a fantastic year-round destination. But if you want to experience an unforgettable Christmas holiday, there is no better time to visit the country than during this festive season. After all, winter in the Netherlands means spectacular light festivals,…

Continue Reading The Best Netherlands Christmas Markets 2023-2024: Dates & Tips

Best Amusement Parks in The Netherlands to Visit in 2024

When it comes to visiting the best amusement parks in The Netherlands, you must first read this article. Some of the most famous theme parks in the world are in the Netherlands! The numerous amusement parks in the Netherlands can suit everyone. Read the full article to find out. Here are some of the best…

Continue Reading Best Amusement Parks in The Netherlands to Visit in 2024

Sylvie Simpson

Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.

• Sylvie Simpson https://europeancitieswithkids.com/author/sylvie-simpson/ 55 Inspirational Cruise Quotes
• Sylvie Simpson https://europeancitieswithkids.com/author/sylvie-simpson/ Finland’s Nuuksio National Park with Kids
• Sylvie Simpson https://europeancitieswithkids.com/author/sylvie-simpson/ The 9 Best Switzerland Cities to Visit in 2024 [The Family Edition]
• Sylvie Simpson https://europeancitieswithkids.com/author/sylvie-simpson/ The BEST Water Parks in Poland to Visit with Kids (2024)

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Netherlands
• Itineraries
• US National Parks

Destination Daydreamer

22 Things to do with kids in Amsterdam + Where to Stay

We recently took a short Amsterdam family holiday which led to me doing sooo much research on things to do with kids in Amsterdam. We had one full day to explore Amsterdam with our kids, but we definitely could have spent more days enjoying the fun things the city has for kids to enjoy and the amazing parks surrounding the city.

This list of things to do in Amsterdam includes things to do in Amsterdam with toddlers, top Amsterdam kids attractions, delicious places to eat, plus where to stay in Amsterdam with kids!

I’ve compiled 23 great things to do on an Amsterdam family vacation no matter the age of your kids. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers you are bound to love some of these things to do in Amsterdam as a family.

*There may be affiliate links in this post. Read my  privacy/disclosure policy  to learn more. This article is in collaboration with ‘Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Amstel ‘ all opinions are my own .

Where to Stay as a Family in Amsterdam

By far one of the highlights of our Amsterdam family itinerary was the hotel we stayed in. We stayed at the Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel Hotel and seriously could not have loved the accommodations more.

Not only does Van der Valk Amstel have rooms catered specifically to families with their family suite and comfort triple room, but they also provide beautiful boutique-style accommodations (which can be hard to come by when traveling as a family).

Plus, the price of the hotel feels on par with other hotels in the city, even though it has so many awesome extra amenities. Our room had a large, king-size bed, a beautiful bathroom with a HUGE tub perfect for a fun bath time, an amazing rain shower head, a separate room with a bunk bed, and even a crib for our little one.

The absolute highlight of our stay at the Van der Valk was the outdoor heated pool. We arrived in Amsterdam the evening before our day of exploring and it was the perfect activity to enjoy before heading to bed. Plus, after a long day of exploring the next day, we were all so excited to head back to the hotel and swim.

Along with the outdoor pool, Van der Valk Amstel has amazing wellness facilities that are included in the price of your stay (think sauna, steam room, foot baths, and more!). It’s so dreamy and we pretty much had it to ourselves anytime we walked through.

Since the gorgeous wellness facilities are included with your stay it makes it super easy for parents to take turns watching their kiddos and sneak down to relax. Definitely a unique experience when traveling with kids!

My husband and I still talk about wanting to go back to the Van der Valk Amstel Hotel just to take more advantage of the sauna and relaxation areas.

Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel also has a really great breakfast buffet which can be added to the price of your room. We loved the fresh squeezed orange juice and smoothie options, plus they had made-to-order omelets and provided any other sweet or savory breakfast item you could think of.

To top it off, it’s only a short 8-minute metro ride into the city with the metro stop about a 5-minute walk from the hotel. The Van der Valk has beautiful, family-friendly rooms and amazing facilities that can’t be missed in Amsterdam!

If you are looking for a great place to stay as a family in Amsterdam, I definitely recommend the Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel Hotel. Read more about our stay in my post about Van der Valk Hotel !

Map of Where to Visit in Amsterdam with Kids

*Use this interactive map to see where all the top family-friendly Amsterdam sights spots are located*

23 Things to do in Amsterdam for kids

1. eat amsterdam’s iconic treat at van wonderen stroopwafels.

Can there really be a better way to start your day in Amsterdam than by picking up delicious stroopwafels? A stroopwafel is a yummy & sweet Dutch treat with two thin waffle cookies with a caramel filling.

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is such a cute place with whimsical decorations and the prettiest stroopwafels I’ve ever seen (okay I haven’t seen many stroopwafels, but still these are by far the prettiest). Our little girl loved picking out which toppings she wanted and of course, loved snacking on them throughout the day.

You can order a box of small stroopwafels or order large, made-to-order warm ones. We ordered a box to share throughout the day but next time would try a warm one for sure!

We visited in the morning before lunch and were the only ones in the shop. However, we did notice a couple of small ropes that help control a queue that I’m guessing forms later in the day.

2. Take a child-friendly Canal Tour with Blue Boat Company

My favorite thing we did during our one day in Amsterdam with kids was taking the Blue Boat Company Canal Tour . We weren’t sure if we were going to take this canal tour , however, our little kiddo was so intrigued by all of the boats she saw in the canals and really wanted to take a ride herself.

After lots of research, I had learned about the (only?) child-centered boat tour in Amsterdam and I was very happy with our experience! We were given a small activity packet for our two kiddos to help them stay entertained during the 75-minute canal tour .

The packet had a coloring book with colored pencils, small cardboard binoculars, and an eye patch. Plus, they even had a special pre-recorded story they can listen to instead of the tour commentary that the kiddos may not be as interested in.

We brought her own headphones that were easier for her to use rather than the small earbuds the boat provides. All the activities kept her entertained for about 3/4 of the canal tour which I would say was a success!

Plus, the boat even has a toilet which is a must when traveling with a toddler! I recommend booking a canal tour in advance in case they sell out. And when you arrive, be sure to ask them for the activity packet for your kids!

3. Hunt for the tiny, hidden Amsterdam Houses

A great way to enjoy walking along the beautiful canals in the city, but also a way to keep your kids engaged is to hunt for the tiny, hidden art installation of the tiny Amsterdam houses. These cute houses are located in a crack between two buildings at Westertraat 54 in’ The 9 Streets (De 9 Straatjes) ‘ district.

A great thing about their location is they are located just down the road from the cafe, Winkel 43 where you can get delicious Dutch apple pie (more on that below)!

4. Snack on Dutch Apple Pie at Winkel 43

Another iconic treat in Amsterdam is Dutch Apple Pie. The difference between Dutch apple pie and American apple pie is the top layer. The top layer of a Dutch apple pie is more of a crumbly, streusel topping vs a pie crust topping of an American pie.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Café Winkel 43 | Amsterdam (@cafewinkel43amsterdam)

One of the most popular places to pick up Dutch Apple Pie is from the corner cafe, Winkel 43 . Plus, Winkel 43 also has a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu if you are in need of something a little more substantial than dessert 😅.

You can eat your pie inside or enjoy it outside on their terrace just a short hop and jump to a nearby canal.

5. Walk by or Tour the Anne Frank House

Touring the Anne Frank House may not be suitable for young kids. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t walk by and see the outside! The museum’s website says the recommended minimum age for children is 10 years old, however, it is up to the parents to decide if their kids are ready for the subject matter even at that age.

The Anne Frank House was a secret annex where for two years during WWII, Anne Frank, her family, and others hid. Today, you can see the preserved hiding place plus photos, film clips, and original items from the time.

If you want to visit the Anne Frank House, purchase tickets on their website . It’s important to note that every first Tuesday of the month, all tickets for the following month become available. They do go fast, so put it in your calendar and hop on to secure your time slot.

Another good thing to note is that there are many steep stairs in the Anne Frank House without an elevator. The website states that if you have difficulty walking, you may have trouble climbing these stairs.

If you are looking for some great books to read to prep for your time at the Anne Frank House you can of course read ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ which is probably the most popular book. But another favorite (and one I really enjoyed) is ‘Anne Frank Remembered: The Story of the Woman Who Helped to Hide the Frank Family’.

6. Pick up lunch to-go at The Lebanese Sajeria

This lunch spot may feel random, but it came highly recommended from the popular foodie vloggers TOPJAW . We picked up lunch to-go at The Lebanese Sajeria at their Nine Streets location and it was perfect for what we wanted.

First of all their wraps (as I’ll call them) can be suited to many different dietary needs like gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. Secondly, it was healthy and delicious. And lastly, we took our wraps on the go and ate them at a small, nearby park while the kiddos played (it’s a 7-minute walk from The Lebanese Sajeria).

And at least for our kiddo, this was a great kid-friendly lunch. We were able to get a wrap with only hummus and she munched on it for the rest of the day. Or you could get a wrap with just meat or cheese or whatever you can get your little one to eat.

I ordered the vegetarian Aubergine & Labneh wrap and my husband ordered the Chicken & Labneh and both were super delicious and hit the spot.

7. Step onto a houseboat at the Houseboat Museum

One of my favorite things in Amsterdam (plus one of our 3-year-olds favorite things) was seeing all the different houseboats along the canals. And there are a lot to see because there are around 2,500 houseboats in the canals of Amsterdam with many of them moored in the city center.

Our kiddo asked multiple times if we could get on one of the houseboats and I so wish we had realized what the Houseboat Museum was when we visited! At first, it didn’t sound like something she’d be interested in (I was thinking a traditional museum that wouldn’t be catered to kids).

But basically what the museum is, is it’s a houseboat in the canal you can actually get on and see what life on a houseboat is like I think we all would have loved this and it’s definitely on the top of our list for the next time we visit Amsterdam with kids.

The houseboat museum is open every day from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm, it’s super inexpensive and it only takes about 10-15 minutes to see (how does that sound for kid-friendly 😄?) Tickets are only available onboard but check out their website for more info.

8. See the flowers at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Located near the ARTIS Zoo is the Amsterdam Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus). You can wander the gardens outdoors or visit their three greenhouses.

In the greenhouses, you’ll find desert and tropical plants, palms, and even a butterfly greenhouse! We love visiting butterfly houses and trying to let a butterfly land on us. The botanical gardens are open every day from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm but check out their website for more info.

9. Get great views of the city at the A’dam lookout

If you’re a lover of great views like I am, then you will love the A’dam Lookout Observation Deck . No matter the age of kids, there is likely something there they will love. With young kids, you can enjoy the 360° views of Amsterdam and the surrounding cities while you enjoy ice cream.

Or if you have older kids (taller than 1.2 meters or 47.2 inches) they can swing over the edge of the building 100 meters up on Europe’s highest swing or experience a unique virtual reality ‘rollercoaster’ ride through the city. You can get a small discount if you purchase tickets online ahead of time. Check out the A’dam Lookout website .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by A'DAM LOOKOUT (@adamlookout)

10. Pick up a famous cookie from Van Stapele Koekmakerij

At Van Stapele Koekmakerij they sell one kind of cookie and only one kind. It’s a delicious dark chocolate cookie with a gooey white chocolate filling. We wondered if it was going to be worth it since we had to wait in a queue out the door to get our box of six cookies… but it was worth it.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Van Stapele Koekmakerij (@vanstapele)

They roll out the cookie dough fresh in front of you throughout most of the day and are continually taking them out of the oven so you are likely to get super fresh, warm cookies ( like we did)! I think any sweet stop is a good motivator to help your littles make it to their next destination in the city.

11. Participate in the family-friendly activities at the Rijksmuseum

The Amsterdam Rijksmuseum (art museum) is free for kids up to the age of 19 and there are lots of awesome, daily family activities at the museum . For example, you can participate in a guided family tour, a family game through the museum, drawing or even a sensory-friendly evening for families (just to name a few).

If you think your kids aren’t up to exploring the museum (and it’s a hot day), they may love playing in the Rijksmuseum fountain just outside. You could even have the adults take turns watching the kiddos outside while the other goes in to explore the museum on their own.

12. Pick out souvenirs at Stins Flower Market (floating flower market)

I’m sure in your research you’ve heard of the bloemenmarkt (floating flower market) in Amsterdam. Truth be told, it sounds much cooler than it is in real life. Basically, it is a row of very touristy shops that happen to be built out over the canal making it a floating flower market.

That being said, there was one shop at the end of the bloemenmarkt called Stins Flower Market that was a little cuter than the others and turned out to be a great place to pick up a few trinkets to take home as souvenirs. You can purchase bulbs, seeds, and flowers, among other fun Amsterdam favorites like Dutch wooden shoes.

I wouldn’t choose this place as a destination on its own, but if you happen to be in the area and want to do some touristy shopping, this is a good stop.

13. Experience the NEMO Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum consists of five floors full of fun experiments to learn about shapes, light, sound, water, humankind, and more! The NEMO Science Museum also has a public rooftop with fun play areas for kids and super cool water features in the summer months to cool down!

So even if you aren’t into science experiments or don’t want to pay for entrance, the rooftop can still be a super fun place to visit as a family (plus it’s free!).

14. Snap quirky pics at The Upside Down Amsterdam

The Upside Down Amsterdam is perfect for anyone who loves taking pictures and all things quirky! It is the biggest Instagram experience in Europe with over 25 fun rooms and installations for taking pictures.

You can jump in the large swimming pool full of balls, pretend to be hanging upside down from the ceiling, or pose with your own pink airplane! They even have museum cameras set up in each room that you can download for free after your visit. Check out tickets here !

15. Explore Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park with many walking and bike paths, cafes, outdoor amphitheaters, and playgrounds. Check out this page to learn more about specific play areas within Vondelpark.

Vondelpark is 120 acres large with one end conveniently located near the Rijksmuseum and the dock for Amsterdam’s child-friendly canal tour . The park is very popular among both Amsterdam residents and tourists.

16. See the city on bike (with a kids seat!)

Amsterdam is known for its extensive bike paths and lanes that make cycling an efficient and safe mode of transportation maybe only rivaled by Copenhagen (which I am partial to as a resident of Denmark). But if you think renting bikes in Amsterdam is only for adults, think again!

These Amsterdam bike rentals come with the option to add an infant/child seat to the back of your bike plus helmets. We didn’t have the time to rent bikes in Amsterdam, however, we have in Copenhagen and it was such a great time and we really felt like the locals.

I’d recommend renting bikes in Amsterdam if you will be staying in the city for a few days and will have time to explore both on foot and on bike.

17. Cross the water on a rope-drawn ferry at Play Island in Amsterdam Bos

Another awesome park in Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam Bos just a little bit out of the city center. Amsterdam Bos is a huge park (one of the largest city parks in Europe) with lots of different things to do. One of the most interesting and unique play areas in Amsterdam Bos is called Play Island (Speeleilanden) .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amsterdamse Bos (@amsterdamsebos)

It’s an awesome water play area (with no lifeguards fyi) where kids can get to island across the water with fun walkways and rope-drawn ferries! Play Island is definitely something that’d be hard to come by in the US- so check it out if you can!

Check out this video to see more of what there is to do at Play Island!

18. Feed the goats at the Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve in Amsterdam Bos

Another fun and unique thing to do within Amsterdam Bos is to visit the Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve . It’s basically a farm where you can visit goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, cows and horses! You may even be able to feed the baby goats a bottle or the grown goats their own food.

Plus, while you’re there, you can play in the small play areas and snack on goat cheese or even goat ice cream!

19. Have an adventure at the Nature Playground Het Woeste Westen

If you haven’t realized by now, Amsterdam is full of fun playgrounds. Another great playground to check out is the nature playground, Het Woeste Westen . You can play with water, and sand, catch little water critters, ride on a raft or even play in a little stream.

There are playground managers available every day and kids up to the age of 13 can play for free! It’s located just a 20-minute metro ride from the central station and is a great place to hang out with kids who want to play.

20. See the animals at ARTIS zoo

If your kiddos love visiting zoos whenever they have a chance, be sure to swing by ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam. You can listen to the zookeepers tell stories about different animals, visit the planetarium or just explore the different exhibits.

The great news is that ARTIS Zoo is open every single day of the year (even holidays) so you’ll for sure be able to fit it into your Amsterdam schedule! Get your tickets in advance here.

21. Run through the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens

If you plan your trip just right, you can visit Amsterdam in spring to see millions (yes millions) of tulips blossoming! One of the most popular places to see the tulips in Amsterdam is at Keukenhof Gardens just outside of the city. In the gardens, 100 flower growers exhibit their gorgeous bulbs with designs specifically geared toward blooming times, color, height, and more!

For the easiest (and comfiest) transport to Keukenhof Gardens be sure to purchase the Keukenhof entrance ticket with coach transport from near central station in Amsterdam. We know with kids it’s best to have the easiest and most comfortable accommodations when traveling around cities.

The coach transport to Keukenhof (with entrance tickets) even has a bathroom on board! Plus it’s much quicker than taking the metro from central station (a major win in my opinion) and you’re guaranteed a spot back.

22. Take a ride on the Amstelpark Train

Yet again, another awesome park in Amsterdam is Amstelpark. Be sure to take the Amsteltrein for a lovely 15-minute ride around the huge park for only about 3 euros. After the train ride, you can check out the playground, hedge maze, children’s farm and more!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amsteltrein (@amsteltrein)

Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them :

The Best Family Hotel in Amsterdam: Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel

• How to Find the Amsterdam Airport Playground: Things You Need to Know
• The Best Double Stroller for Travel to Europe From Personal Experience

15 Essential Tips for Disneyland Paris Planning

• 10 Top Hacks: How to Enjoy Wintery Bruges Belgium with a baby
• 10 Fun Playgrounds in Paris Near Top Paris Attractions

And those are the top activities in Amsterdam with kids that I recommend! Please  let me know  if you have any questions in the comments below. I love to talk all things travel.

Like it? Pin it!

You May Also Like

How to visit islands brygge harbour bath in copenhagen (havnebadet islands brygge), how to plan a day trip to disneyland paris in 2024 + 2 example itineraries, leave a comment cancel comment.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Don't subscribe All Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Ultimate Guide to Renting Jet Skis in Key West, Florida

Amsterdam with Kids — Planning Guide, Things To Do & Sample Itinerary

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

Let’s talk about Amsterdam with kids. This capital city in the Netherlands has tons to offer, from beautiful canals to delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re planning a future trip or have already landed with your little ones, this post is filled with info and tips to make your trip to Amsterdam with kids as easy as can be. Keep reading to learn more about what it’s like to go to Amsterdam with kids. 

In this post

Here’s what we’re covering in this post. We invite you to read the full guide or jump ahead to the section you’re most interested in.

What is Amsterdam like?

• Is Amsterdam good for kids, toddlers and babies?

Things to do in Amsterdam with kids

Eating in amsterdam with kids.

• Amsterdam planning guide & practical Info

Tips for visiting Amsterdam with kids

• Sample 3-day itinerary

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. It has a population of about 900,000, which makes it the most populated city in the country. That’s on the smaller side of capital cities in Europe and is similar in size to Stockholm, Sweden or Zagreb, Croatia.

The focal point of Amsterdam — for tourists at least — is the canal ring around the historic old town. The canal ring comprises a series of canals that form concentric arcs leading out and away from the river IJ. These canals were manmade in 1600s for the purpose of transportation, defense and water relocation (irrigation/drainage).

Today, the canals are primarily used by tour boats and give the city its iconic charm. The canals and the bridges over them, decorated with flowers and lined with bikes, really are just as lovely as they appear to be on the post cards.

The canal ring of Amsterdam is relatively small geographically. It’s only about 2 miles from the two furthest places a tourist is likely to venture (Amsterdam Central train station to Vondelpark). Most destinations and attractions are separated by a mile or less and are easily accessible by walking or biking. That said, the city has a great little public transportation system if you’re looking to get around a bit faster.

Beyond its canals, the city itself is known for its world-class art museums, tulips and of course its vices, but more on that later. Amsterdam is also famed for its bike culture. In fact, the Netherlands as a whole has the highest concentration of bikes per capita in the world.

Then let’s talk about the food. There’s tons of delicious local foods and they’re all super kid friendly. Some of Amsterdam’s food highlights include pannenkoeken (large pancakes with a variety of fillings), Poffertjes (mini pancakes with a variety of toppings) and stroopwafels (made fresh). And don’t forget the Dutch apple pie and famous dutch cheeses like gouda and edam.

Is Amsterdam kid friendly? What about toddler and baby friendly?

Yes, yes and yes. But don’t just take my word for it. Amsterdam is consistently rated one of the best cities in Europe for children — topping lists here , here and here . There’s plenty of good reasons to bring young travelers to Amsterdam, but here are a few of the major selling points that stood out to me during a recent visit with an almost-two-year-old.

1. Amsterdam is easy to get around with kids

Whether you arrive by plane or train, it’s easy to get to Amsterdam’s city center via public transportation in less than 30 minutes. Once you’re in the canal ring, everything is walkable or is well connected by bus, streetcar or subway. Bikes are also a popular way to get around the canal ring.

Not only can you walk through the canal ring, but you’ll want to. From the traditional Dutch Baroque buildings to canal bridges lined with bikes and flowers, it feels like walking through an Instagram backdrop at each turn.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids, the small area and convenient public transportation means you won’t need to rent a car or bring any car seats. Walking and public transit will get you everywhere you need to go.

Theres very few underground subway stations in the canal ring, so a stroller won’t be too frustrating. However, the cobblestones are a bit bumpy in places so we’d recommend baby wearing if it makes sense for your family

We go into more details on getting around Amsterdam with kids down here.

2. Most people speak English

If you’re fluent in English, you’ll get along just fine in Amsterdam. Nearly everyone you engage with at restaurants, accommodations and attractions speaks English. There’s also almost always English signage and menus posted or available everywhere a tourist is likely to go.

Your kids might have a bit of a harder time making friends on the playground, though. Most school children don’t start to learn English in school until about 10. However, they’ll likely still know a handful of words. Plus, we all know that all kids play in the same language, so they’ll be just fine.

3. Kids will enjoy (most) of the things adults want to do

In many cases, travel with children focuses on “can children do X?” In Amsterdam, not only can children participate in the city’s top attractions, but they will actually enjoy them.

Some of the best things to do in Amsterdam involve going to parks, riding bikes, wandering street markets and enjoying delicious sweet treats. These are all things that children will love!

So much of Amsterdam involves being outside. What children lack in appreciation for old buildings, they more than make up for with their interest in chasing pigeons and eating stroopwafel. They’re likely to have a good time doing just about everything you want to do.

Nightlife and drugs aside, you don’t have to miss much or alter your plans substantially if you’re visiting Amsterdam with little ones.

4. It’s educational

I won’t tell your kids, but they’ll learn a ton on a trip to Amsterdam! Some of the most interesting and fun things to do in Amsterdam are also the most educational.

Kids of all ages will have a blast at the NEMO Science Museum. It has five stories of interactive exhibits where kids can learn about space, the human body, the elements and so much more.

Older kids (recommended 10+) can go inside the Anne Frank House. To learn about Anne Frank in school and then see the annex for themselves can be a really transformative (and emotional) experience for a child. While difficult, it is such a prime example of the power of travel and why it’s important to travel with kids.

On a lighter note, they’ll pick up bits of history at every turn. Maybe it’s Amsterdam history on a canal boat tour, a fun fact about tulips from traipsing through the Tulip Museum or maybe they’ll be blown away by seeing a Van Gogh painting in real life! They’ll have all sorts of facts to share with their teacher and friends when they get home.

5. The food is amazing and kids will (probably) love it

Every city (or at least every country) has its local cuisine that visitors want to try. In Amsterdam, it’s things like apple pie, giant pancakes and cheese. Aka, the kids meal of their dreams.

6. Amsterdam is incredibly safe

Amsterdam ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. Most recently, it ranked the #4 safest city in the world in an analysis by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection . (Topping this list by the way is Reykjavik , which is also a great destination for kids.)

What isn’t great about Amsterdam for kids

No place is perfect, and there are a few things you should be careful about if you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids.

• Bike traffic. There are more bikes than people in Amsterdam, and they ride all year round, often very fast. Bikers in Amsterdam are good at following proper riding etiquette, but they expect that pedestrians do too. Be sure to look both ways and hold children’s hands when you cross a bike path, just as you would a street.
• Narrow sidewalks (cars) . The sidewalks are narrow and often bump right up against the also narrow streets. Be sure to hold children’s hands and stay alert for vehicles is high traffic areas.
• Streetcars. If you don’t come from a city with streetcars, it can be a bit alarming to see a train barreling down a street at you. Always look before crossing major intersections and follow street lights.
• Red Light District and weed culture . Amsterdam definitely has some “adults-only” experiences, most notably legal prostitution and marijuana. Prostitution is easy enough to avoid by simply not walking through the Red Light District. Weed is tougher to avoid and is sold/smoked in most places around the city.
• “Coffeeshops.” On a similar note, the term “coffeeshop” in Amsterdam refers to a shop where you can buy and consume legal soft drugs, specifically weed. If you’re looking for actual coffee, use the terms “espresso” or “cafe” in your search.
• Price . Amsterdam is expensive. The food, the ticket prices, and the hotels can all be pretty expensive in the canal ring.

So should you visit Amsterdam with a baby, toddler or kid?

For nearly everyone reading this post, my answer is a resounding, “Yes!” All things considered, Amsterdam is a great place to travel with children of all ages.

It’s popular enough to have plenty of fun things to do and feels lively, but not so crowded that it’s unpleasant or that it forces you to plan too far ahead. Families can keep busy, but not be stressed. It’s easy to get around, there’s plenty of English, and it’s really safe.

Amsterdam is honestly good for children of all ages.

• Babies (under 2): Parents will love popping young ones in a baby carrier and walking around the beautiful streets and canals while their little one naps. When they’re awake, they’ll love the brightly colored flowers and watching/chasing pigeons in the square.
• Toddlers (2-5): At this energetic age, little ones will love the city’s abundance of parks and playgrounds. They’ll enjoy exploring the science museum and watching all the bikes and boats.
• Kids (5-12): At this age, bigger kids will be excited to explore right along side you. It’s a great age to rent them their own bike or give them their own bit of spending money to pick out treats at a street market. This age group will also appreciate the museums a bit more (or not).

The only time I would warn parents against taking children is Amsterdam is if you’re particularly averse to the presence of marijuana. Children can’t buy or use it of course, but it’s legal to sell small amounts of weed in most places (including souvenir shops) and it can be legally smoked on most public streets and parks.

Here are some of the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids. We’ve personally done almost all of these.

Get outside

• Vondelpark : This large park is located southwest of the canal ring. It has a handful of playgrounds, a few cafes and a ton of green space to run around, bike or enjoy a picnic.
• Nine Streets: All of Amsterdam’s canal ring is pretty, but The Nine Streets are the most pretty. Full of beautiful buildings, unique shops and tasty cafes, this area is what people picture when they think of Amsterdam.
• Rent Bikes: Unless you’ve been to Copenhagen, you’ve probably never experienced bike culture quite like Amsterdam. Wherever you see people, you see bikes and bike lanes in Amsterdam. Rent a bike and take to the streets or relax on the safe sidewalks of Vondelpark.
• Canal Boat Tour: One of the best ways to see and experience Amsterdam is by taking a boat along the canals. While many boats providers have tickets available on the spot, we like to plan ahead and get tickets in advance with Get Your Guide .

• NEMO Science Museum: Kids of all ages will love to play their way through this multi-level museum , secretly learning as they go. Be sure to visit the rooftop (accessible via the 5th floor cafe) for a great view of Amsterdam and even more fun. (Closed on Mondays.)
• Amsterdam Tulip Museum: This small museum is located in house below a flower shop. It’s perfect for little ones because it won’t take much time, the rooms are all very colorful and it’s a very light topic for little minds.
• Anne Frank house*: A much heavier but important museum for older children is the Anne Frank House . It’s also a pretty short visit, but very emotional. The recommended minimum age is 10 years old, but parents should use discretion.
• Van Gough Museum* : Here you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works . There are a lot of great art museums in Amsterdam and the world, but this one is good for kids because the’ll likely recognize the artist. Kids have likely learned about him in school and might be excited to see his works in real life.

*Advance tickets required. Time slots do sell out.

Markets & Shopping

• Albert Cuyp Markt: Located outside of the canal ring in the mostly residential area of De Pijp, this street market is the largest in Europe. There’s a wide variety of stalls, but kids will love seeking out toys and sugary sweets. (Open Monday – Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sunday.)
• Bloemenmarkt : You might not be able to tell from the looks of it, but this flower market is floating. They sell tulip bulbs and other flowers, plus tulip and Amsterdam related souvenirs. The windmill pencil my toddler picked out here is still a favorite to this day. (Open Monday – Saturday 9 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 5:30 PM.)
• Noordermarkt : This 400-year-old market is located in a historic square on the north end of the canal ring. It offers an eclectic collection of market stalls including unique art & crafts, second-hand goods, books and even toys. Visit nearby Winkel 43 for Dutch apple pie when you’re done shopping. (Open Saturdays 9 AM to 4 PM and Mondays 9 AM to 1 PM.)
• The LEGO Store : There’s LEGO stores all over the world, and I’ve seen lines at plenty of them. Relative to other city’s, this LEGO Store is a bit small, but still worth a visit. Inside they have an interactive windmill that kids can go inside, canal bridges and Dutch buildings all made of LEGOs.

Other fun things for kids in Amsterdam

• Dam Square: We went here without kids and stayed for five minutes. We visited this square with a toddler and stayed for an hour. Our little one loved chasing pigeons, watching other kids and just running around without holding our hand for a change.
• soundLAB: Muziekgebouw is a concert hall located across from Amsterdam Central train station over by NEMO. They offer a workshop called SoundLAB , where children can learn about and play on a variety of interesting instruments. Workshops are limited to children ages 7 and up, and there are workshops with or without adults.
• Amsterdam Library & cafe : We love going to libraries in cities around the world (shoutout to State Victoria Library in Melbourne who I still receive emails from years later), and it’s even more fun with kids. It’s a great spot to have in your pocket on a rainy day. Or they have a cafe on the top floor, OBA Café Oosterdok, which has incredible views of the city.
• Free Walking Tour: Another thing we used to do in every new city was a free walking tour. We took one in Iceland with our baby who slept in the carrier for two hours, but it can be tough for older kids until they start to be able to walk more, pay attention, and care. That’s up to you, your kids, and your travel style.
• Stock up on sweets: Children and people smoking weed have a similar palate, which works out well for your tiny resident sweet tooth. There is tons of candy shops, elaborate ice cream shops and stores selling American delicacies like Pop-Tarts, Twinkles and Lucky Charms.

Day trips from Amsterdam

• Haarlem : Leave the Amsterdam crowds behind and spend a day exploring the nearby Dutch village of Haarlem . It has all the charm — including canals, bridges, and Dutch architecture — but feels a bit more authentic and less touristy. The train from Central Station in Amsterdam to Haarlem is only only 18 minutes.
• Keukenhof Botanical Gardens: If you’re visiting Amsterdam in the spring, Keukenhof is where you want to go to see the most beautiful display of tulips in bloom. It’s about 25 miles from central Amsterdam and takes about 90 minutes on public transit or 30 minutes by car. (In 2023, Keukenhof is open daily March 23 March through May 14.)
• Efteling : This is more of a weekend trip, but you could technically do it in a day. Efteling is a fairytale-themed amusement park with rides, shows and a little bit of magic. It typically ranks among the top three visited theme parks in Europe (after Disneyland Paris and Europa-Park in Germany). It’s about 65 miles from central Amsterdam and takes about 2 hours by train or 1.25 hours by car.

Planning guide for visiting Amsterdam with kids

In this section, we’ll cover some of the things you’ll need to know if you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam with kids. Most of the information in this section would apply to kids of all ages, and honestly to adult travelers, too. We’ll highlight how having children might impact these decisions when it comes to the planning piece.

Amsterdam Visa Requirements

The Netherlands (the country where Amsterdam is located) is part of the Schengen Area . The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that allow visa-free movement across country borders. In other words, once you enter the Schengen Area you are free to move around between any of the 27 countries without going through passport control or customs.

If you are a resident of any of those countries or traveling from any of those countries, you can enter the Netherlands without a visa.

If you’re traveling from select countries outside of the Schengen Area — including most of the rest of Europe, most of South America, Australia and a few Asian countries including Japan — you can enter the Netherlands (any any country within the Schengen Area) without a visa for a total of 90 days within a 180 day period.

Travelers from other countries ( complete list here ) will need to apply for (and pay for) a Schengen Tourist Visa in advance.

When to go to Amsterdam with kids

If you’re considering a trip to Amsterdam, you definitely want to pick the right season. The weather and crowds change quite a bit throughout the year, and some attractions are only open during certain seasons.

Here’s what Amsterdam looks like throughout the year.

• Amsterdam in the Spring (March to May): Spring is tulip season in Amsterdam and one of the most beautiful times to visit. The weather can be unpredictable though — sometimes warm and sunny but sometimes cool and often wet — which can be extra inconvenient with little ones.
• Amsterdam in the Summer (June to August): Summer is peak travel season in Amsterdam, with July being the most popular month to visit. Crowds are high, lines are long, and some ticketed attractions sell out, so you’ll need to do some diligent planning. The weather is great though!
• Amsterdam in the Fall (September to November) : The heavy tourist crowds leave Amsterdam in the fall as the weather gets cooler and wetter. Weekends typically pick up with regional visitors, but the weekdays are often pretty quiet.
• Amsterdam in the Winter (December to February) : Winter weather in Amsterdam is no fun for anyone. While it doesn’t get that cold (coming from a former Chicagoan), its very windy and wet. The city isn’t known for their Christmas markets, but there are a couple that attract an uptick in crowds.

If you’re traveling to Amsterdam with kids, we suggest June or September. In both cases, you’ll just miss summer crowds but still get to enjoy pretty good weather. However, if you want to see the tulips, plan for early May.

How many days do you need in Amsterdam with kids?

Amsterdam is a really relaxing city. There is plenty to do, but a lot of it allows you to move at your own pace. Amsterdam is about relaxing in the park, wandering around the canals, and tasting your way through markets. That really gives you the opportunity to tailor your stay to your family’s travel style.

When we visited Amsterdam on our own, we took one quick lap around Vondelpark on our last day. Going back with a toddler, we went to that same park almost every day! We canvased the entire Nine Streets in under an hour on our own, but it filled up a full afternoon at toddler pace.

Here’s some things to consider when deciding how long to stay in Amsterdam with kids.

• Stay in Amsterdam for 1 day if … you happen to have a connecting flight or train that gives you a short day here. In one day, you can walk around the city and enjoy its beauty.
• Stay in Amsterdam for 3 days if … you have a long weekend or are pairing Amsterdam with another nearby city like Brussels, Paris or London . It’s the perfect amount of time to visit a few attractions and eat all of the tasty foods.
• Stay in Amsterdam for 5 days if … you want to take a day trip or have a weather-dependent activity. If you really want to go Keukenhof on a sunny day, give yourself plenty of time to maximize the odds of one good weather day. You’ll be able to see and do most things in Amsterdam in 5 days.

Personally, we’d suggest spending three days (3 or 4 nights) in Amsterdam. That’ll give you enough time to see a lot at a relaxed pace. We detail a 3-day itinerary below.

Where should families stay in Amsterdam

As a tourist, you’ll likely spend a majority of your time in Amsterdam around the canal ring. In order to take advantage of the walkable center of the city, you ideally want to stay somewhere walkable (or trainable) to that area.

Now to be clear, when I refer to the canal ring, I’m typically referring to the entire area inside of Singelgracht. This is the canal ring that passes in front of the Rijksmuseum . This is a large area that is broken down into more specific neighborhoods. I really like this map for a breakdown of the detailed neighborhoods.

Here are some areas and accommodations that we’d recommend for families.

• Leidseplein & Oud-West : These two neighborhoods are actually quite different, but are close enough geographically (just north of Vondelpark) to group together. This area is great for families who want to be able to walk to the canal ring, but also close enough to Vondelpark for frequent play stops. We absolutely loved our stay at Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam American , but there’s a Marriott just across the waterway or Hotel De Hallen for a more boutique experience.
• Binnenstad or City Center : This area comprises the center of the canal rings. There are lots of hotels in this area, particularly the closer you get to the train station. We haven’t personally stayed here, but it’s an obvious pick. For families, we’d suggest keeping north of Dam Square and west of The Oude Church. This will distance you from the more “adult” nightlife. Consider W Amsterdam , The Highland House or INK Hotel Amsterdam .
• De Pijp : This trendy, mostly residential area is a great pick for families who want to stay outside of the hustle and bustle of city center. Here you’ll be close to Albert Cuyp Markt and also a lovely park by the name of Sarphatipark. Look to stay at ibis Styles Amsterdam City , Hotel Asterisk or Sir Albert Hotel .
• Oud-Oost : This neighborhood is located southeast of the canal ring, near Oosterpark. If you are the type who prefers to stay in an Airbnb over a hotel, we suggest targeting this area. It’s a bit further from city center, but you’ll be close to the zoo, botanical gardens and NEMO. In addition to Airbnbs, the Hyatt Regency , Hotel Arena and citizenM Amstel Amsterdam are good options over here.
• Nine Streets : For the most charming and beautiful stay in Amsterdam, indulge with a stay in the Nine Streets. This area is going to be one of the more expensive options, but it’s a tough location to beat. Consider The Toren , Ambassade Hotel or Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht (Hyatt).

How to get around Amsterdam with kids

One of the reasons Amsterdam is a great destination for families is that it’s so easy to get around. You can get from the airport or train station to city station on public transit in less than 30 minutes.

Once you’re there, you can then walk or use public transit to get everywhere you need to go. That means you don’t need to bring a car seat, stress about renting a car or finding a car service with car seats. (Something that got really expensive for us in Santo Domingo !)

Here’s a look at the different ways to get around Amsterdam with kids.

• Walk — Best way to cover short distances . There are sidewalks everywhere in Amsterdam. They are often narrow and the cobblestones can make them bumpy. Most of the canal ring is flat, but many bridges have hills. (Check here for detailed accessibility notes .) Major intersections have pedestrian crossing lights and pedestrians have the right of way at all other intersections (but stay alert).
• Bus & Tram * — Best way to move around within the canal ring . With routes traversing most of the city, this is the best way to quickly move around within the canal ring or to nearby areas. If you have a stroller, enter from the rear doors and stand in the designated area. If it’s crowded or that space is not available, you’ll need to collapse your stroller.
• Metro Train * — Best way to get to and from the canal ring. The Amsterdam Metro has 5 lines. Most of these routes connect other parts of the city to the canal ring, but don’t cover much ground within the canal ring itself. Trains run from 6 AM to midnight.
• Taxi & rideshare — Best for day trips & airport transfers. Taxis and Uber are both available in Amsterdam. Children are not legally required to be in a car seat in the back seat of these vehicles, which parents may or may not be comfortable with. You can also instal your own car seat in a back seat if you have one. Uber is often cheaper than taxis.
• Bike — Best way to feel like a local. You can rent bikes for children or adult bikes with special seats or carriages for children. Be sure all riders are aware of the general biking rules in Amsterdam . To avoid crowds or intimidating local bikers, don’t ride during rush hour or stick to biking in the park. Don’t forget to lock your bike!
• Ferry — Best for sightseeing. There are no public transit boats within the canal ring. However, if you’re looking for a fun thing to do, you can take a ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to a few different points in Amsterdam Noord.

*The Metro trains, buses and trams all share the same ticket type. A 1-hour ticket costs €3.40 and children under 4 ride free. Children 4-11 can purchase a day pass for a reduced fare of €4.50 (versus €9.00 for adults). Tickets can be purchased with a credit card from machines at all Metro stations and most tram stops, or onboard buses and trams. Learn about other ticket options and details here .

After three days in Paris with a toddler — where we really struggled to find kid-friendly restaurants — we were thrilled to discover that Amsterdam was great for eating with kids. Here’s a few things that stood out to us about dining in Amsterdam with a toddler.

• High chairs were available at many restaurants. Most restaurants had ample space for high chairs, and children in general. Some outdoor tables could not accomodate high chairs though, because there are rules about blocking sidewalks.
• There was an abundance of quick-service restaurants open at all hours. It’s a relief to know you can eat in a pinch without thinking too hard or waiting too long for food.
• Local grocery stores (specifically Albert Heijn) offered a great selection of healthy prepared foods . This option was great for an easy dinner in the hotel or picnic in the park.
• The local dishes that we wanted to try were kid friendly (and vegetarian). This included things like Pannenkoek (sweet or savory Dutch pancakes), Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie), Poffertjes (mini pancakes), and of course cheese.
• Amsterdam has a lot of street markets , which was a great place to find food and snacks that children will eat.

Here are some restaurants that are great for kids in Amsterdam

• De Carrousel Pannenkoeken Amsterdam : Dutch pancakes inside a refurbished carousel.
• Winkel 43 : Popular cafe for the best Appeltaart in town. Arrive early or be prepared to wait a bit as it does get crowded and they don’t take reservations.
• Pancakes Amsterdam: Another pancake house, but this one is located in the Nine Streets. Cozy indoor cafe, but we enjoyed their outdoor seating (even though we couldn’t have a highchair there.)
• Groot Melkhuis : This restaurant makes the list not because their food is amazing (I mean, it’s fine), but because of it’s location in the middle of Vondelpark. They have spacious outdoor dining and it’s adjacent to a playground. It was perfect, low-key family dining for an evening in the park.
• Box Sociaal: This casual Aussie cafe serves up some pretty legit brunch in a casual, breezy setting. They have a kids menu for little ones and space to keep your little one in their stroller if need be.
• Albert Cuyp Markt : This street market has several different food vendors. It’s great for families who all might want to try something different.
• Kinderkookkafe: This children’s cooking cafe has a help-your-self bar from 10 AM to 5 PM. It’s a really cool, casual concept where kids can cook their own pizza, cookies or other items while the parents help or sit back and enjoy a coffee or light meal of their own.

And for the parents …

• Bocca Coffee: Great coffee shop for actual coffee.
• Brouwerij ‘t IJ : This is a family-friendly brewery beside the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands.

What to pack for Amsterdam with kids

Here are a few things to add to your packing list if you’re traveling to Amsterdam with kids. In fact, a lot of these items are things I bring anywhere I travel with a toddler. But don’t stress too much about forgetting something. Amsterdam is a modern city where you can easily find and buy just about anything you left at home.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

• Portable charger. We find our phones dying even faster on vacation because we’re always looking up directions, reading restaurant menus or buying tickets to things. Any charger brand works, but we really like this Anker one .
• Hand sanitizer on a clip. This is just something that’s a part of my everyday life that I find incredibly handy. We always have hand sanitizer clipped to us.
• Bento box. We started traveling with a little bento box like this when our baby was born and never looked back. We will put dinner leftovers in there for lunch the next day or pick up fresh fruit and veggies and bring it with us for snacks. It’s always useful on trips.
• Power converters. The Netherlands uses Type C and Type F plugs. This is standard for Europe, but if you’re coming from the US (or elsewhere) you’ll need an adapter like this one .
• Portable highchair harness. We used this harness from the time our child could sit until about 18 months. It allows you to enjoy a meal together even if the restaurant doesn’t have a highchair.
• Soap sheets. If you’ll be traveling for a week or longer, consider making some laundry detergent soap sheets (or bringing a Fels Naptha laundry bar ). You can rinse your little one’s clothes in the sink to get some extra wear out of them instead of packing a bunch of extra clothes.
• Small bottle of dish soap. If you have a baby drinking milk, formula, or anything other than water from their cup/bottle, this is a handy trick. Fill up a small travel bottle with dish soap and throw it in your liquids bag. You can then wash their cup nightly to keep it from getting totally gross over the course of your trip. Of course you can buy soap in Amsterdam, but you won’t need to waste a large bottle.
• Sneakers for all . You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure everyone has comfortable shoes. You don’t want to be stuck carrying your kid the whole trip because they got a blister on day one.
• Packable tote bag. Whether it’s my toddlers coat or the latest souvenir they have to have, I feel like we always acquire stuff anytime we’re out. I like to keep these tiny tote bags in all my pockets so I have a bag when I need one.

Here are a few tips if you’re bringing kids to Amsterdam. Some of these are more generic than others.

• Plan half days. The canal ring of Amsterdam is pretty small, so it’s easy to come back to your hotel for naps. Plan to do one or two activities in the morning and in the afternoon.
• Consider baby wearing instead of a stroller. We are always partial to baby wearing for travel , but it’s particularly useful in Amsterdam where the sidewalks are often narrow and the cobblestones can be very bumpy.
• Restock snacks at Albert Heijn . Albert Heijn is a supermarket chain that has locations all over Amsterdam. They sell fresh and packaged snacks and meals, and it has a ton of great, healthy options for kids.
• Pick the right coffee shop. The term “coffeeshop” in Amsterdam refers to a place where you can legally buy and consume legal drugs (like marijuana). This is maybe common knowledge, but I get tripped up a lot when I’m looking for actual coffee. Use the term “espresso” or “cafe” to find a shop with your favorite caffeinated beverage.
• Avoid the Red Light District. The other vice Amsterdam is known for is its Red Light District. They start operating pretty early in the morning (and even the ads can be graphic), so it’s best to generally avoid this area with young children. The Red Light District is located in the center of the canal ring. You can find a detailed map of the area here .
• Book your canal cruise in advance . There are plenty of canal cruises where you can book tickets on the spot. Kids are allowed on almost all cruise lines, but some are more kid-friendly than others. We recommend looking up some of the best canal cruises for kids and booking in advance .
• Wait to reserve bikes . Contrarily, we’d suggest waiting to rent your bicycle(s). There are a ton of bike rentals and it’s easy to find one when and where you’re ready. You might change your plans (timing or location) after seeing the biking intensity. That’s what happened to us!
• Give kids some spending money. Our kid loved shopping in Amsterdam! They were always finding trinkets and snacks and toys that they wanted. Setting a limit with a dollar amount or toy count in advance is a good plan to avoid meltdowns later.

Sample 3-Day itinerary for Amsterdam with kids

Amsterdam is a place where you can easily arrive without a set itinerary, and spend your days wondering along the canals and stumbling into lovely markets. However, my Type A self can’t possibly travel that way. So if you, like me, are looking for some guidance on how to specifically fill your days in Amsterdam, I’ve got you covered.

This is what we’d recommend for a three day visit to Amsterdam with kids. This assumes travel days on either side, but if you arrive/depart midday on either day, that’ll work out fine here, too. Also, be sure to check the hours on different days and adjust this schedule as needed

Day 1: Bloemenmarkt, Nine Streets & Vondelpark

• Coffee & Breakfast at Boca Coffee : There’s plenty of good (actual) coffee shops in Amsterdam, so you may prioritize one near your hotel. Boca is one of our favorites, though the food is limited to small (delicious!) baked goods. For a heartier breakfast, head to nearby Eggs Benaddicted.
• Bloemenmarkt: Head toward Munttoren (a beautiful carillon from the 1600s) and then explore Bloemenmarkt. It’s a floating market that sells all sorts of tulip items from bulbs to cut flowers to souvenirs. (The market doesn’t open till 11 on Sundays so you may ned to do this after lunch in that case.)
• Nine Streets: Start strong with a walk through the most beautiful canals and streets in Amsterdam. This guide has a great suggested walking route with things to see/buy/eat along the way.
• Lunch at pancakes Amsterdam: Dutch pancakes are required eating in Amsterdam. The pancakes are large, but a bit too small to share between two adults. They’re perfect for sharing with a child, though. The classic cheese & apple was our favorite.
• Break & nap: If you have nappers, now is a great time to go back to the hotel for a break.
• Vondelpark: Make up for any bored littles with an afternoon at Vondelpark. You can rent bikes nearby, explore the different playgrounds, soak up the splash pad in the summer, or just run around.
• Dinner (& beers) at Groot Melkhuis : Again, we’re not foodies. At the moment, we are people who prioritize easy, comfortable restaurants with food our child will eat. Bonus points if they also have local beers and something for our kid to do while we wait. This one checks all those boxes. Our kid loved playing at the playground while we enjoyed our single beer of the day and waited for our pasta to arrive.

Day 2: Albert Cuyp Markt , Shopping Streets, Jordaan

• Coffee & Breakfast at Back to Black : On your way to today’s first activity, stop at nearby Back to Black for a flat white. Maybe fill up on quiche, smoothie bowls or baked goodies or save your appetite for …
• Albert Cuyp Markt (Closed Sundays) : This open-air street market is the largest in Europe. It’s very eclectic, with a mix of food, clothing and souvenir vendors. It gets way more crowded in the afternoon, but our little loved having the place to themselves on a weekday morning.
• Lunch at De Carrousel Pannenkoeken Amsterdam: If you got through the market without eating lunch, good for you! If pancakes were at hit yesterday, don’t miss them again at this adorable cafe inside a restored carousel .
• Shopping streets in the central canal ring : Take some time walking through the winding — mostly pedestrian — shopping streets between Bloemenmarkt and Dam square. The LEGO Store is always a big hit, but our kid also found all the toy shops and candy stores.
• North of the Nine Streets : Cut west from Dam Square and you’ll find the Anne Frank House. We suggest walking past it, even if your children are too young to go inside. You’ll also find the neighborhood of Jordaan, where you can get Dutch apple pie from Winkel 43 and/or pop into the Tulip Museum before 6 PM.
• Dinner: There’s a lot of moving parts on a day like today. I’d recommend bookmarking a few places in the area that you’d like to try, and then stop at whichever one is closest when you’re hungry. This is a tactic we do often. We personally got fast food at Mister Wings because it’s not often we find veggie “chicky nugs” at fast food restaurants for our vegetarian toddler.

Hot Tip: If you’re planning this itinerary for a Saturday, flip your morning and afternoon so you’ll be in Jordaan for the Noordermarkt before it closes at 4 PM. Then do Albert Cuyp Markt in the afternoon.

Day 3: NEMO Science Museum & anything you missed

• Coffee & Breakfast at Box Sociaal : After two coffee-shop forward stops, fuel your day with a hearty brunch. This cafe opens at 9 and is a 15 minute (adult pace) to NEMO, which opens at 10.
• NEMO Science Museum : This was the one thing we did in Amsterdam for our toddler. We let them lead the way, exploring and playing at their own pace. They LOVED IT. Our adult take is that it’s not as good as science museums in bigger cities (like MSI in Chicago), but our kid had fun which was what we wanted.
• Lunch at NEMO : The cafe at the top of NEMO was a good lunch option with high chairs, a kid-friendly menu and a great view. It also was cafeteria style, so it was also great for eating food you brought with you. (We personally fed our child a bento box packed with quinoa salad, fruit and veggies from Albert Heijn while we snacked on fries.)
• Anything you missed : I like to leave my last afternoon at a destination open if possible. That gives you the chance to visit somewhere you discovered along the way or revisit anywhere you loved. We personally spent our last night at Vondelpark. Other great options would include a twilight walk through the Nine Streets, drinks and apps at the windmill brewery (Brouwerij ‘t IJ) or a fun make-your-own-pizza night at Kinderkookkafe .

Closing thoughts on visiting Amsterdam with kids

What I’ve loved about traveling with a kid during their first two years of life is discovering the little things that they love along the way. In London, it was running down a small hill in a park by our hotel. In Paris, it was eating crepes on the ground in a square. And in Amsterdam, it was the tiny fountain in front of our hotel.

This are moments that you can’t plan for. I loved visiting Amsterdam with my kid because it allowed them to lead the way a bit more than other they could at other destinations. We were never really in a hurry. They got to stop at shops, look at bikes, and watch the boats go by. There were very few moments when we had to rush them along to the next place.

I thought that writing a post about how Amsterdam is very kid friendly was going to be a hot take. The truth is, it absolutely was not. It turns out that most parents out there realize that Amsterdam is about so much more than drug culture and Red Light Districts. Amsterdam is a beautiful, unique, pretty small city where kids actually what to be.

Are you heading to Amsterdam with kids? Let me know in the comments if there’s any more questions I can answer. Or better yet, if you’ve been, what tips do you have for other parents?

More From This Trip

• British Airways Business Class Review – 777 from JFK to LHR
• London Travel Guide
• Things to do in London with Kids – Family Travel Guide + Tips
• How to Use the London Underground – A Beginner’s Guide to the Tube
• Bankside Hotel London Review
• London Eye Visitor Guide – How to Visit the Iconic Ferris Wheel in London
• Stonehenge Visitor Guide + Inner Circle Tour Review
• Little Venice London Boat Ride Guide & Review
• Visiting London Transport Museum
• Complete Guide to Big Ben in London
• Borough Market Visitor Guide
• Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
• Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
• Walking in Paris – 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps
• Paris with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Tips
• Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips
• Amsterdam with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Sample Itinerary

Subscribe to be the first to get new family travel inspiration Sign up today!

MUMMYTRAVELS

Can you really keep travelling with a child in tow?

Subscribe to be the first to get new family travel inspiration

The best things to do in Amsterdam for toddlers

Forget the brown cafes and red light district, a city break in Amsterdam with kids is perfect for families – and that includes seeing the city with a toddler. Especially now I’m (fairly) certain Minnie won’t try to fall into a canal.

contains affiliate links *

If you’re also planning to see Amsterdam with a 2-year-old, it’s not even a tricky journey: there are also some cheap – and quick – flight routes, including low-cost airlines, or you can take a ferry to Hook of Holland or Rotterdam, or direct train with the Eurostar route.

So I’ve found some of the best things to do in Amsterdam for toddlers… not least, climbing over the iconic I Amsterdam sign. 

1. Take a canal cruise

A great way to see Amsterdam with kids and experience the canals without walking, it’s something that appeals whatever age you are.

But if you’re looking for child-friendly Amsterdam ideas, there’s still a string of companies to choose from , including a hop-on, hop-off canal boat  and a pancake cruise on the Pannenkoekenboot .

Pancakes are always going to feature on a list of things to do in Amsterdam with a toddler after all!

2. The Vondelpark

The city’s most famous park is a lovely green oasis, perfect if you find yourself visiting in summer and need a shady retreat for kids to run off a bit of energy (or cool off from the city streets).

As well as ambling alongside the lake and down the paths, there are things to do in the Vondelpark itself – the most kid-friendly of which is the huge playground overlooked by the Het Groot Melkhuis café.

For another quirky activity, chek out the Kinderkookkafe , where the kids wear the aprons and create their own meals. Adults can help if you’re visiting with toddlers or preschoolers, but it’s also a great option with slightly older kids.

3. Ride a bike

One of the safest places to cycle, half the city (maybe more!) seems to get around on bikes – if you are on foot, it’s worth trying to work out the system fairly quickly, so you – or your toddler – isn’t wandering out in front of fast-moving bikes.

If you’re in Amsterdam with kids who can’t ride, renting a bakfiets – a bike with little trailer at the front – is a great way to explore, although don’t forget to lock them up if you do stop.

4. Nemo Science Museum

Amsterdam’s Science Museum is aimed at children aged six to 16, although there are as many exhibitions and experiments to entertain pre-schoolers (and parents) as school age kids – so if you’re wondering what to do in Amsterdam with a child, this should definitely be on the list.

It was one of the biggest hits of our trip, with so many things to get hands on with, including making giant bubbles, experiments with sound, exhibits on the human body but also shows to watch plus areas aimed at teens and a lot lot more.

The sloping roof even becomes a beach in summer, with fantastic views out over Amsterdam. Buy a skip-the-line ticket online in advance here

And check out my review of our visit in this post too

5. Amsterdam art galleries with kids

One thing Amsterdam is famous for is its incredible art galleries – and if you’ve assumed those have to be off the list if you’re looking for things to do in Amsterdam with a toddler, think again.

Most of the city’s major museums have children’s tours – the Rijksmuseum has a guided tours, a digital game as well as tips for families including a 1km walk through. Some are better for different age groups but it’s a great place to start.

The Van Gogh museum has options galore too, including a treasure hunt, family guided tour, family guides, and even a travelling case with different activities for kids – although again, many are aimed at age six plus. If you’re splashing out, you can even get a private family-friendly tour of the Van Gogh Museum .

Check out my tips for visiting the Van Gogh museum with a toddler where I created a toddler-friendly treasure hunt using the museum’s map and highlights – perfect for short attention spans.

If you’ve set your heart on seeing the Rembrandthuis , it has a special audioguide for kids (aimed at six up) while it’s free for under sixes to enter if you’re planning a short visit.

And Amsterdam’s outpost of the Hermitage museum has children’s routes through its exhibitions, as well as treasure hunts, so that’s still a possibility when you’re planning things to do in Amsterdam with toddlers.

Of course, if you can time a visit to tie in with younger toddlers’ naps, you get slightly longer to wander around and soak up the art yourself too.

6. National Maritime Museum

With the Dutch once in the forefront of exploring the globe, learning more about the seafarers of the Golden Age is going to capture even the short attention span of a toddler – who doesn’t fancy imagining themselves on deck seeking out new worlds?

One of the highlights is the life-size replica of the Dutch East India Company ship Amsterdam, which you can clamber over with guided tours in English. They last around 50 minutes and have a separate entry fee than the National Maritime Museum of just 3 Euros 50, so you’re not committed to the full cost if you’re not sure your toddler will be gripped by the indoor exhibits.

EDIT: This is temporarily closed until January 2021, with the clipper Stad Amsterdam moored in its place.

There are plenty of activities for kids in the museum too, including an interactive life-size board game and an exhibition on whales, as well as a 60-minute audio guide which is helpful to pick out the higlights.

Incidentally, this is also a great option in Amsterdam for kids over 10 including a specific exhibit with characters bringing the Golden Age to life: one to return for!

7. Tropenmuseum

This museum is focused on people around the world, so it’s great for capturing younger kids’ attention, as well as introducing them to some other cultures and what connects us all.

The Tropenmuseum Junior is one of the more unusual Amsterdam children’s attractions to keep on your list too – the Tropenmuseum’s children’s museum is all about getting hands on: seeing, touching, experiencing and participating in order to get even the youngest visitors thinking about keeping an open mind about the world.

It’s also places like this which make me say an emphatic yes to anyone asking, is Amsterdam good for families?

8. Artis Royal Zoo

You can’t beat a day looking at animals if you’re a toddler – and this zoo , in one of the greener leafy parts of central Amsterdam has more than 900 different species of animals.

Along with an aquarium and a petting area, you can spot everything from giraffes to gorillas, not to mention elephants, lions, lemurs, penguins and more. 

There are activities and talks throughout the day, and you can take a guided tour, but half the fun is ambling around at your own pace watching the animals. Whichever you choose, there’s plenty to entertain anyone visiting Amsterdam with baby or toddler here.

You can also head in to the planetarium as part of your visit, while the aquarium is also included in the ticket price. Get skip the queue admission and cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand if you buy online .

Check out our review of our visit to Artis Royal Zoo with a toddler

9. Discover Amsterdam Noord

Hop on the free ferry which runs to Amsterdam Noord , one of the city’s biggest creative hubs.

Once an industrial area, wander around and you’ll discover street art galore – perfect if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Amsterdam that will suit toddlers and older siblings, as even littler ones will love the bright colours.

It’s another great place to cycle, or if you’ve got a younger toddler in a buggy, to walk as they watch the world go by.

10. Visit Ontdekhoek

There are various branches of Ontdekhoek around the Netherlands – ‘Discovery Corner’ is aimed at four and above, with over 30 different experiments and activities from making soap to developing photos, all designed to be done without parents being involved.

EDIT: The Amsterdam location is currently closed until a new base can be found.

Amsterdam with toddlers… things to postpone until they’re older

And when my daughter’s older? There’s a long list of things to do in Amsterdam for kids once you’ve left the toddler years behind too, not to mention a whole string of great day trips from Amsterdam with kids .

A visit to The Anne Frank House   is definitely for older children, but nothing brings recent history quite as vividly to life as this desperately moving place.

Or on a lighter note, there are quirky museums galore in Amsterdam – wandering around the museum of bags and purses was a very fun diversion which would entertain older kids.

For more tips on the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids , check out my family guide to the city as well as my review of the I Amsterdam card …

*First published 2014, updated 2020*

Pin for later: things to do in amsterdam with toddlers.

Main image/Rijksmuseum/National Maritime museum photos courtesy Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

Brilliant list, we are thinking of going to Amsterdam next with our little one! I’m going to print your list out to hold onto 🙂

Thanks! We had such a fun trip – hope you get there too.

I love your website. That’s really a hard work to travel with a kids, but you done it with much of fun. Vondelpark will make our kids do not want to go home

Thanks! It can be – but a lot of fun too.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

A Mama's Guide to Amsterdam

Visiting Amsterdam with kids: all you need to know for a perfect family stay

All you need to know to visit Amsterdam with kids. The best things to see, kid-friendly attractions, beat family hotels and travel tips for enjoying Amsterdam as a family.

Amsterdam is a fantastic city to visit with children. Beautiful, safe, and family-friendly, Amsterdam offers a fantastic mix of activities suitable for kids, teens and grown-ups, often all wrapped up into one wonderful family experience.

Amsterdam is one of those rare cities where you don’t have to compromise too much between what the kids want to do and what you want to do: Amsterdam attractions are for everyone!

In this family guide to Amsterdam, I share my best tip to plan a fun family stay in Amsterdam with kids.

Safe travel planning!

This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Why visit Amsterdam with kids

There are many reasons why I love Amsterdam as a family destination.

Amsterdam is a safe city, with a beautiful family-friendly vibe that makes kids feel welcome

The city center is easy to navigate and most people speak perfect English.

Amsterdam is a beautiful European capital, with stunning architecture that seems out of a fairytale and some of the most beautiful museums in the world (most of them kid-friendly!) – the type of place you must see at least once in a lifetime!

Amsterdam city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site: a perfect place to have a culture-filled break with the kids.

The city has a plethora of kids’ attractions to suit all ages: no matter how big or small your kids are, you will find plenty of ways to keep them entertained.

Where to stay in Amsterdam with kids

The best place to stay in Amsterdam with kids is the Canal Ring.

The canal ring is Amsterdam city center: this is the area Unesco recognized as world heritage, the place with the highest number of traditional houses and architecture and the highest number of attractions.

Family hotels I recommend in Amsterdam city center are:

• Hilton DoubleTree Centraal (4* star hotel) – this is an excellent family-friendly hotel in Amsterdam city center, close to the central station and Nemo, one of Amsterdam’s premier children attractions. This is a modern, large hotel with interconnecting rooms for families.
• Monet Garden Hotel (4* star hotel) – this is a beautiful, modern family hotel in Amsterdam city center, with good family rooms with canal views. This is a cozy hotel perfect for families who love a boutique hotel experience: the hotel lounge bar is perfetc if you want an evening drink without having to negotiate Amsterdam at night with kids.
• Pulitzer (5* star hotel) – this is an elegant, five star hotel in Amsterdam in a beautiful, traditional house in a stellar location in Amsterdam city center. The hoel has excellent family rooms and a very Importan Kids Program that inlcudes the gift of a teddy on arrival, treasure hunt, travel diary and more.

How many days to see Amsterdam with kids?

Amsterdam city center is compact and you can see several of Amsterdam’s must-see attractions in a weekend.

However, I recommend you spend at least five days in Amsterdam with kids to enjoy the city truly.

With one day in Amsterdam, you will only be able to get a taste of the city center, visit a kids’ museum or, if you have small kids, see the zoo or the park.

In two days, you can see the zoo, Nemo Science Museum, and Amsterdam’s most central, historic streets.

With three days in Amsterdam with kids, you can visit the city center main attractions, take a cruise on the canals, visit the Zoo, Nemo and one of the city’s art museums.

In 4 days in Amsterdam, you can visit all of the above and relax in Amsterdam parks.

With five days, you can see all of the above, explore the adorable Amsterdam Noord and, in spring, take a day trip to see the fantastic tulip fields immediately outside the city.

The very best things to do in Amsterdam with kids

The top things to do in Amsterdam with kids are:

Discover Nemo Science Museum and its terrace

Nemo is Amsterdam’s Science Museum and one of the best Amsterdam attractions for kids of all ages.

Amsterdam science museum tops our list as one attraction specifically for kids but easy to enjoy for adults.

Hosted in a dedicated building in Amsterdam city center, Nemo develops over several floors and has hands-on exhibits, experiences and workshops for kids from toddlers up.

Top tip: The museum has a beautiful terrace with additional installations, fountains and a cafe at the very top of the building. This area is free and fantastic with toddlers!

This is one of the best museums in Amsterdam for kids if not the very best!

Spend a day in Artis Royal Zoo and Micropia

Artis Amsterdam zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and its complex now comprises two attractions: the zoo itself and Micropia.

The zoo caters to kids with specialized workshops, zookeepers talks (in Dutch, but you can ask questions in English) and organized feeding times.

It also has a playground and, in summer, hosts special workshops for children and musical performances.

Top tip : you can bring your own picnic or order a pizza from their outdoor kitchen!

Artis Zoo gets pretty busy on a sunny day, so we recommend getting skip-the-line tickets if going at prime visiting time.

Take a canal cruise

A canal cruise is a fun activity for kids and adults in Amsterdam and a great way to see the city without having to walk.

You can choose several formulas, including:

Standard guided tour on a closed top boat – a great introduction to the city in summer and winter

Amsterdam light festival canal cruise – fantastic if you are in Amsterdam in November-December, when the light festival decorated the canals and the bridges of Amsterdam with spectacular installations

Amsterdam Canals Pizza Cruise – perfect if you are also looking for a different dinner idea!

Explore the Tropen Museum

The Tropenmuseum is Amsterdam’s ethnographic museum and is great for kids.

The museum has a special children route to allow them to experience as much of the space as possible and encourage them to interact as much as possible with what surrounds them to have a truly immersive experience.

You can find more info and get tickets here .

Visit The Houseboat museum

The Houseboats museum in Amsterdam is a fantastic place for kids to learn what living in a dutch barge is like!

The museum is an authentic houseboat now open to visitors and only takes a few minutes to visit.

Here, you can see the use of space, the creative use of space, the imaginative solutions for living and storage, and you have the excitement of being on the water.

Visit cats in the Cat Boat

If your children love cats, then they will love De Poezenboot, Amsterdam’s cat boat.

The cat boat is a shelter for cats and you can visit and leave a donation to help the cause. My cat-crazy kids adore it and the fact that you are on water adds to the fun.

You can find info and address here.

Play in Openbare Bibliotheek and Mouse Mansion

Openbare Bibliotheek is Amsterdam’s central library and one of the best places for toddlers in Amsterdam.

Located near the Central Station and Nemo, the library has a great kids section with books, colorful couches, a play area for smaller children and a fantastic dollhouse for mice: Mouse Mansion!

Access to the library is free.

Visit the Van Gogh Museum

The van Gogh museum is a must-see when in Amsterdam and it is child-friendly.

They have family tours, family guides, a children treasure hunt, and a corner with vincent’s traveling case’, a trunk packed with fun activities for kids and adults!

Make sure you stop at the entrance desk for all family information and materials.

You can buy fast track entry tickets to the museum here

Top tip! You can also combine a canal cruise with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum with this money-saving bundle .

Explore the Rijks Museum with kids

The Rijks Museum is one of the most important art museums in the world and it is very kid-friendly.

As well as being stroller friendly, the museum has regular activities for kids (drawing sessions, family tours) and a fun souvenir shop that always keeps my two entertained for hours.

A lovely garden outside is handy if you need to let them run a while after the visit.

You can get tickets in advance here .

Experience Anne Frank House

Due to the nature of the place, I recommend a visit to Anne Frank’s House to families with older kids and teenagers.

The house is in Jordaan, a beautiful area of Amsterdam, and operates a timed entrance system.

Make sure you book tickets in advance from the house itself here .

Visit the Maritime Museum

The Maritime museum teaches about the history of Dutch maritime endeavors and impressive empires and has something sure to pique the kids’ attention: a full-size replica of an East India Company sailing ship!

The ship is part of the museum and welcomes kids with a discounted price for kids 4 to 11 (kids under 3 go free).

You can buy skip the line tickets to the museum in advance here

Play in Vondelpark

There are many beautiful parks in Amsterdam and a family favorite is Vondelpark.

The park is large and a pleasure to visit with kids: you can stroll or cycle and several playgrounds make it a favorite for local families and visitors alike.

You can bring a picnic to the park but you also have several food options for a family-friendly meal, including hot dog stands and filly fledged restaurants.

Get your kids make dinner at Kinderkook Cafe

Kinderkook Cafe is a special cafe in Vondelpark where kids are in the kitchen!

The idea behind this kids’ cafe is to give them a taste of what’s it like you run a restaurant and, if your kids love cooking as much as mine do, will love it!

The cafe is fantastic for an afternoon of fun and a great place to meet other kids too. You can find all info here .

Take a Stadium Tour

Soccer lovers may be excited by the idea of visiting the stadium of legendary Ajax.

The stadium is open on most days and welcomes kids. Special kids tours are available in Dutch only, including playtime on the pitch. A perfect and fun opportunity for cultural immersion through play!

You can find info and tickets here.

Explore secret ‘Our Lord in the Attic’ church

Our Lord in the Attic is a church but with something special: it is hidden inside a historic home!

This hidden church is ”in the attic”, hence its name, and was built during the Reformation, a time when Catholics were forbidden to hold public services.

This is a great place to discover with kids: a fun family discovery tour leads the kids along different stations marked with Nan The Ladybug, the museum mascot and teaches them about the secrets of the church, its organ and more.

Visit Miffy Shops

Miffy (or Nijntje, as she is called in Dutch) is Amsterdam’s most famous bunny and you can find her in many shops that are a dream for kids.

In her dedicated stores, you find Miffy books, teddies, trinkets, slippers, pajamas and more! her biggest store is on Scheldestraat 61 but you will find Miffy pretty much everywhere; just tell your kids to keep their eyes peeled!

Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Bar

If your children love chocolate, then you can treat them to a stop in Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Bar, which is just what you think: a cafe for chocolate lovers!

The cafe has a super fun, colorful decor, it is open from breakfast to dinner and it also organizes workshops and events that are fun for the whole family. Find info here .

Explore Amstedam Bos

If you fancy a little bit of a break from the city, you and the kids can immerse yourself in nature in the wonderful Amsterdam Bos (Forest).

This large park has family trails with different child-friendly themes depending on the season, lots of water activities, an adventure course, a goat farm, a vintage tram and of course a cafe with pancakes!

Visit the Eye Film Museum with kids

The Eye Film Museum is in Amsterdam Noord, a lovely area of Amsterdam to discover with kids, and it has some cool family activities for little ones.

Kids age 7 and up can explore the museum following the fun ‘puzzle tour’, while kids age 4 and up can enjoy ‘shorts for kids’, short movies for children with related assignments to experience in real life what you see on the screen. Find all info here .

What and where to eat in Amsterdam with kids

Amsterdam city center has many excellent restaurants and food establishments for all your needs.

Thanks to its international vocation, you can find in Amsterdam local specialties such as pancakes, cheese and herrings, delicious Indonesian cuisine and anything from Italian specialties to burgers and ramen.

Amsterdam is very family-friendly, and kids are welcome in almost all establishments, even if not specified.

Some places we enjoy mainly are:

• Nemo’s Restaurant terrace, pefect for a snack or lunch, with or without the museum visit
• The Hoxton hotel bar – perfect for a family-friendly brunch
• Burgermaaster – a gourmet burger chain with a casual atmosphere, excellent meat and ‘mini burgers’ for smaller appetites
• Il Pecorino, a fantastic family-friendly restaurant Amsterdam Noord

You can find here >>> my favorite family-friendly restaurants in Amsterdam

How to get around Amsterdam with kids in tow

The best way to get around Amsterdam with children is on foot and by tram.

Amsterdam has an excellent network of trams that allow safe and efficient movement around the city.

You can find here >>> my complete guide to use Amsterdam public transport with kids in tow

You May Also Like

The Rijksmuseum with kids: all you need to know to plan your visit

How to use Amsterdam public transport with kids in tow (tourist edition)

Family-friendly restaurants in Amsterdam you and your kids will love

Things To Do In Amsterdam With Kids

Amsterdam is not the first European City that pops to mind when you’re looking for a family friendly break. My main motive to visit Amsterdam with kids was to see the infamous tulip fields, however the more I researched, the more I realised it was going be such a fun weekend!

Although Amsterdam is best known for its liberal coffee shops, red light district and romantic canal tours, there is another side to it for families.

All you have to do is take one look around the street at the kids in Amsterdam, riding past in the front of their parents bikes and you’ll see it’s such a fabulous city for little ones.

Are you flying into Amsterdam? Check out our flying tips with babies , toddler & kids .

Table Of Contents

• Rent A Clog Bike
• Visit Nemo Museum
• Take An Electrical Canal Boat
• Visit Westerpark
• Visit The Petting Farm In Amsterdam
• Discover The Keukenhof Tulips
• Visit Efteling Theme Park
• Where To Stay

We predominantly focused on the neighbourhood around our apartment when it came to finding the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids, there was so much right on our doorstep, and it was  just ten minutes from the centre.

We did spend one of our days cycling around the centre, exploring the usual sites visiting a really cool children’s museum and windmills.

I’m really excited to share this itinerary on what to do in Amsterdam with kids over a long weekend. We arrived on a Friday and left on a Monday.

We could have filled another couple of days visiting Amsterdam with kids but we got see and do plenty in three nights.

AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS

Table of Contents

GETTING AROUND AMSTERDAM

When we returned from our trip many people asked is Amsterdam, expensive? In fact, getting around with kids in Amsterdam is actually pretty easy and not too expensive. We took the train from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station.

It only took 20 minutes and was free for the kids. Adults cost 5.5 Euros each. I found taxis and Uber really expensive in Amsterdam, so it’s definitely worth taking a train to the centre.

If you are visiting Amsterdam as part of a larger European trip , most of the trains from other major European cities go to Amsterdam Central Station. We previously used the Eurostar to visit Paris and Bruges .

When we arrived at Amsterdam Central Station, it was a really quick and easy ten minute walk to our Yays Apartment . We rented bikes on the evening of our arrival.

Cycling is definitely the easiest way to get around Amsterdam with kids, of course there is the metro and the tram but we really loved the freedom of having a bike.

1. RENT A CLOG BIKE

No Amsterdam itinerary is complete without going on a bike ride through town. We rented our bikes from Black Bikes Amsterdam . They are just across the road from Central Station.

It’s definitely the best place to rent bikes  if you are looking for special things to do with children in Amsterdam. None of the thousands of bikes on the road were anything like ours!

Needless to say our kids absolutely loved their ride on clog at the front of the bike. It was such a novelty and made for a very cool Dutch photo, especially with windmills and beautiful cobbled streets.

It costs 25 euros for the first day and 20 euros for the second and third day.We only needed one ‘cargo’ bike as both kids could fit inside and had a harness seat belt.

We also rented a standard dutch bike for me. Hubby cycled the kids around, he said it only took a couple of minutes to get use to cycling with the kids at the front.

It was so handy to be able to get right to the door of all the attractions in Amsterdam for kids. My kids are a little lazy at the best of times, so this way we got more mileage out of them and managed to fit more into the day.

2. VISIT NEMO SCIENCE MUSEUM

Without doubt one of the best Amsterdam kids activities is visiting the NEMO Science Museum . We spent our first morning exploring the extraordinary multi floor interactive haven.

It’s a really cool architectural building with a roof that can be seen from around the city.

One of the first things we saw was a live demonstration of a ‘chain reaction’. From footballs, and water tanks, to mini trucks and bicycles, it was a really engaging and fun thing to watch for both children and adults. They were completely engrossed! Kids love science museums, don’t they?

There was so many experiments suitable to all ages, it truly was one of the best kids museums we’ve ever been to.

Our daughter loved the electricity and gravity area, whilst our toddler boy loved the water mechanics, he was soaked afterwards so it might be worth bringing a change of clothes.

If you didn’t bring a change, the museum has a drying machine and some spare clothes for these small accidents, just ask one of the staff members.

This fantastic kids museum Amsterdam had so much more. On almost every level there is a handy cafe or restaurant where parents can chill and have a coffee.

The roof top restaurant is especially worth a visit, the food is really good and not too expensive.

If you visit on a nice sunny day, you have to sit outside and soak up the views. There is a beautiful water feature, not to mention the aerial view of the canals and the beautiful windmill not too far away.

To get the best deal on entry this Children’s Museum Amsterdam, click here .

3. TAKE AN ELECTRIC CANAL BOAT WITH KIDS

If you’ve been to Amsterdam before, you’ll know the canals run right through the city. Its like a semi-circle network of waterways that give a completely different perspective of the city from the water.

Canal ring tours are very popular and one fo the highly recommended things to do with children in Amsterdam.

We chose to  be the captain of our own electric boat for a few hours. Eco Boats Amsterdam is a lovely family run business, they were right next to our apartment too.

They gave us a map, a captains hat and off we went exploring Amsterdam canals at our own pace.

It was such a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon. We brought a picnic, it took about an hour and a half to do a complete loop.

There are bigger canal cruises that are child friendly if you prefer to go with a larger company, but, we loved the personalised family aspect of this experience.

4. VISIT WESTERPARK, AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS

Amsterdam kids activities are not hard to come by. Westerpark is a very cool family friendly park in Amsterdam that was just a few minutes cycle from our Yays Apartment .

It was full of lovely cafes, restaurants, bars and ice-cream parlours. I was super happy they had vegan ice-cream!

There were also two lovely play areas and a market taking place. The market was selling vintage clothing, as well as food.

The atmosphere was pretty cool, with DJ’s people dancing, everyone was having such a good time! Westerpark is a great place to hangout on a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam with kids!

5. VISIT THE PETTING FARM IN AMSTERDAM

Another great reason to base yourself at Yays Bickersgracht Apartments is because its right next to a little farm.

It’s not every day you get to see sheeps, goats and pigs hanging our next to a canal. Entry is totally free and the animals were incredibly friendly and not at all frightened by the kids.

Besides from it being free to enter, the farm also has a little playground, ideal for visiting Amsterdam with a toddler. It’s not such a big playground but the older ones would love the farm.

I love how there are so many local attractions in Amsterdam for kids. You don’t have to go to the tourist hot spots and can really immerse yourself in the local community.

6. DISCOVER THE KEUKENHOF TULIPS

Keukenhof is obviously one of those big tourist hot spots and probably in every guide on what to do in Amsterdam with children. I have to admit I was really undecided about visiting.

I knew it would be quite busy. Likewise I heard that climate change had meant the tulip fields were cut early. We missed out on seeing the colourful countryside.

That was super disappointing, as ideally, I would have preferred to cycle around the countryside, rather than entering Keukenhof .

Whilst Keukenhof might not be seen as one of the things for kids in Amsterdam, we bit the bullet and went anyway. I had a major fear of missing out so we had to go.

I must admit, I am really glad we went, it was so different from what I’d expected. Nothing I read compared to the experience.

I purposely decided to visit on a Monday morning. I thought it would likely have less crowds than the weekend. It really wasn’t too bad and we had such a fun morning.

Keukenhof is near the airport so we did it on the way home. Our flight wasn’t until 515pm, so it worked out perfectly and they have free luggage storage.

We bought our tickets online before arriving. It was a lot easier to buy a combo ticket so it would include our transport from the city and onto the airport afterwards.

The first thing to do on entering Keukenhof with kids is head straight to the information centre. They will give you pencils and a booklet for the kids that has some cool facts and a scavenger hunt.

They get a little present to take home at the end, its such a great thing for kids to do in Amsterdam, well it’s a little outside the centre.

You can also pick up a free map to navigate the area. I suggest heading to the left first and making your way clockwise around the site.

That way you’ll get to see all of the beautiful flower beds and landscape design before hitting the really cool kids playground.

One of my favourite thing about visiting Keukenhof with kids was the lunch time DJ set. There was hay bales for people to sit on and listen the music, whilst min-vans served up smoothies, juices, burgers and so on. We had our own picnic lunch to keep the costs down.

Our kids also really enjoyed the hedge maze, the petting zoo and the windmill, all inside the gates of Keukhenof.

On our way out, we brought the scavenger hunt booklet back to the information desk and the kids were both given a bag of tulips to bring home.

VIST EFTELING THEME PARK

If you fancy adding an extra day onto your trip, the Efteling Theme Park is just an hours drive from Amsterdam. Some families make an entire weekend out of visiting.

Efteling is not like other theme parks such as Disney. It’s very much based on fairy tales, stories and myths. With an enchanted forest, theatrical shows, rollercoaster amongst many other rides, it’s a full day out.

WHERE TO STAY IN AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS

We stayed at Yays Bickersgracht Concierge Boutique Apartments , based just ten minutes walk west from Central Station. The area is called Haarlemmerbuurt.

The apartments were ideal for our little family in terms of location, nearby amenities and all round setup of the apartment. In comparison to hotels in Amsterdam, I feel an apartment is the best option for families.

Just outside there is a little playground and as I mentioned its also right next door to a petting farm with lots of animals. The apartment is right on a quiet part of the canal, so we enjoyed sunset each evening from our balcony.

The apartment had floor to ceiling glass window so it was so nice with the view of the canal and other house boats. The area on the lower floor is quite safe as it’s all enclosed and little ones would need to get up onto a wall in order to get near the water.

The apartment had a fully kitted out kitchen, complete with all parenting essentials such as a coffee machine and a nice lounge area to chill out when the kids were asleep.

We cooked dinner at our apartment most evenings as we wanted to keep our costs down. There is a big supermarket just 5 minutes walking to stock up on all of the essentials.

We just loved the ethos of Yays ! They are really keen on guests exploring the local neighbourhood and have a very different tourist map from the usual ones.

Their neighbourhood guide was fantastic at choosing cafes and a few activities locally. It’s so nice to feel immersed in the local community, especially in a city that is such a popular tourist destination.

Being only ten minutes from the centre, it was still nice to know we could reach all the typical Amsterdam kids attractions if we wanted to. For rates and availability at Yays Concierge Boutique Apartments, click here .

MAP OF AMSTERDAM ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS

If you’re looking for a visual guide on what to with kids in Amsterdam, this map is perfect to get an idea of distances.

3 DAY ITINERARY ON THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM FOR KIDS

Day 1 – Arrive and check in. Collect bikes from the Black Bikes Amsterdam. Pick up some groceries and take them back to the apartment. Visit the petting zoo and playground next to Yays.

Day 2- Head out on the bikes via Jordan and the flower market on route to the NEMO Science Museum. Spend a few hours exploring the museum and have lunch on the roof.

When leaving cycle to the nearby windmills before heading back to the apartment. In the evening, take out an Eco Boat Amsterdam to explore the canals before dinner. Head back to the apartment for dinner and sunset.

Day 3- Visit Westerpark on the bikes in the morning, bring a picnic with you and enjoy the Dutch markets with the kids.

Day 4- Visit Keukhenof on the way home. If you book a slightly later flight you can spend the morning and early afternoon exploring.

This itinerary will ensure you get to see all the best Amsterdam children’s attractions without rushing. Amsterdam is also a great destination with teens.

FUN FACTS ABOUT AMSTERDAM FOR KIDS

• Amsterdam has more bridges than Venice!
• Thousands of families live in houseboats in Amsterdam!
• Amsterdam has over 165 canals!

TAKE KIDS AMSTERDAM PACKS FOR THE TRIP

We love using the Our Little Globe packs so our kids can learn about a destination before travelling. How cool are these packs that include a tonne of activities, include a sticker for their passport, and teach them about the culture and food, not to mention some of the language.

I highly recommend getting a pack before your trip so they can learn all about what Amsterdam is famous for.

In the Amsterdam pack, we received a tulip paper machete making kit, a map, two recipes as well as a personalised letter and flag stickers. It’s so nice for kids to learn a bit either before or just after to remind them about the trip.

VISITING AMSTERDAM WITH TODDLERS & BABIES

Most of the activities in this article are more than suitable for toddlers and babies, not just older kids.

Our little boy was not even 2 when we visited and he equally got a lot out of the experience as did his 5 year old sister. Amsterdam is a great city for all aged children.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS

• What are some cool plans to do in Amsterdam with kids? NEMO Science Museum is definitely the coolest place we visited.
• Is Amsterdam safe for kids?  We found Amsterdam to be really safe, especially the area where we were staying.
• What are the top free things to do in Amsterdam with kids?  Visiting Westpark was really lovely place, and of course it’s totally free!
• What are the best activities to do with children when visiting Amsterdam?  The best activity is bike riding, especially in one of the clog cargo bikes featured above.
• How much is enough for a family with two children in Amsterdam ?  Amsterdam is a popular European city, so staying a few minutes away from the centre was a big help in terms of budget. Likewise, having a self-catering apartment was super helpful. We spend 100 euros on groceries and had one meal out for the entire weekend. Heres the rough costs:

COST OF VISITING AMSTERDAM WITH KDIS

2 bedroom apartment for the weekend would cost approximately   750 euro depending on season

2 days of bike rental for a family of 4  was 90 euro

1 meal out was 50 euro

Getting from the airport was 11 euro for two adults

Coffees, ice-creams and a couple of snacks was approximately 50 euro for the weekend

Visiting Keukhanof with transport included was 50 euro for two adults

Total = 1001 euro excluding flights

I always use Kayak for searching flights here . They always come out with some of the best prices.

Flights to Amsterdam are generally quite affordable from the UK. That said, a more ‘eco’ option is the Eurostar which now runs from St Pancreas International to Amsterdam.

I’m really conscious I’ve not included some of the top places like the Van Gogh Museum, National Maritime Museum and the Anne Frank House.

I just didn’t feel they would be a good place to visit with my little ones but certainly for school aged older children they would be fantastic educational experiences.

Top travel tip – Use a mobile Wifi network , we love our Solis Hotspot, its just a small orange devic e that we can connect all our devices to on the go. Meaning the kids can watch things online. You can pay for it daily, weekly or monthly depending on your needs. Click here form more information .

Disclaimer: Our stay at Yays Concierge Apartments was complimentary in return for an honest review.

As always, all views expressed are entirely my own. There may be affiliate links in this post. By using them it comes at no extra cost to you. We get a very small commission to contribute and continue writing family travel content. 

You may also like :

Campervanning in Switzerland

Lisbon WIth Kids

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, by using them, it does not cost you any extra, we will receive a small commission to keep us writing helpful itineraries and travel tips:)

25 Awesome Things To Do in Amsterdam With Kids

Posted on Last updated: March 18, 2024

Home » Destinations » Netherlands » Amsterdam » 25 Awesome Things To Do in Amsterdam With Kids

Sharing is caring!

Planning an Amsterdam family vacation and thinking about what to do with your kids? Keep scrolling for my list of the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids worth adding to your Netherlands itinerary!

This list of things to do in amsterdam with kids was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Want to book a family vacation to the capital city of the Netherlands but not sure if there are things to do in Amsterdam with kids?

It’s a fair question! Amsterdam is popular with Bachelor and Bachelorette parties for several reasons. Its Red Light District and “coffee shops” might also make you wonder if you should be visiting Amsterdam with kids at all.

Luckily, Amsterdam is a city of many personalities. It’s not only a safe and welcoming city for families and children of all ages but it’s easy to figure out what to do in Amsterdam with kids too.

Between the picturesque canals, fun museums, markets, and parks, there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam for kids in all seasons. 

We recently visited Amsterdam with our 6-year-old and 9-year-old boys and we had a blast!

This guide covers all the best family-friendly things to do in Amsterdam with kids so that you enjoy a memorable family vacation!

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Amsterdam blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Amsterdam with kids.

Popular Amsterdam Tours/Activities

• Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn (easy way to day trip without any stress)
• Van Gogh Museum Kid-Friendly Private Tour (includes skip-the-line tickets)
• Family-Friendly Amsterdam Private Tour (it’s customizable and a great way to get kids interested in history)
• The Upside Down Amsterdam (fun, Instagram museum for families)
• Flytographer photo shoot (they are easy to book are really affordable)

Kid-Friendly Amsterdam Hotels

• Radisson Blu (great location with lots of family room options)
• Pulitzer Amsterdam (lots of kid-friendly amenities plus family room options)
• Volkshotel (unique hotel near Oosterpark and the Deppermarkt)
• Amsterdam Marriott Hotel (offers family rooms near the Van Gogh Museum)
• Conservatorium Hotel (spacious rooms in the Museum District)

Want to Rent a Bike in Amsterdam? One of the best places to rent a bike in Amsterdam is MacBike Bike Rental because they usually have the cheapest rates and fantastic customer service. Check rates here .

25 Things To Do in Amsterdam With Kids

Nemo science museum.

A world-renowned science museum, NEMO is absolutely one of the top things to do in Amsterdam for families.

It’s housed in a modern boat-shaped building on the harbor and is packed full of fun and interactive science exhibits, experiments, and shows.

It caters to and appeals to children of different ages plus kids under four go free. Check the latest rates and availability .

One of the best free things to do in Amsterdam with kids has to be the abundance of wonderful parks. And Vondelpark is one of the best. 

You can stroll along the paths and check out the ponds, statues, playgrounds, and much more.

Rent a Clog Bicycle

This is one of the quirky things to do in Amsterdam while also being a quintessential Amsterdam experience. 

Cycling is the most popular way for locals to get around the city. But if you have little kids, they’re probably too young to navigate the busy, cobblestone Amsterdam streets on their own bikes.

Luckily, you can rent cargo or box bikes and you can even hire ones with boxes in the shape of a clog. As clogs are an iconic symbol of the Netherlands, you’re sure to turn heads as you speed past.

They’re surprisingly affordable at only €20 to €25 per day to hire. Plus, if you’re traveling as a two-parent family, only one of you needs to hire a cargo bike for your kids to sit in.

Private or Guided Canal Boat Tour

Wondering what to do with children in Amsterdam in the evening or to take a load off for a while? Hop on a canal boat tour . You can join a public tour with an audio guide or even rent your own boat.

Amsterdam’s canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you’ll all gain a better appreciation of them from a 75-minute boat ride. Check the latest rates and availability .

Tropenmuseum Junior

Tropenmuseum is an important ethnography museum that displays artwork and artifacts from non-western cultures. It’s interesting, but it’s not one of the best Amsterdam museums for kids.

Luckily, Tropenmuseum Junior is right next door! It’s one of the oldest children’s museums in Europe with lots of sensory exhibits similar to the ones in the main museum that your kids can touch and play with.

Day Trip to the Keukenhof Tulips

There are tons of great places to visit in Amsterdam with kids, but there are lots of great family day trip options too.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam during the tulip season from late March to mid-May, consider visiting Keukenhof . Yes, it can be busy, but it’s a huge open space so the fields never feel overcrowded.

You can also book transport from Amsterdam when you buy your tickets. Check the latest rates and availability .

Vincent Van Gogh Museum

When considering what to do in Amsterdam with children, art museums aren’t always at the top of the list. They usually aren’t very interactive and tactile which is a problem for curious children!

If you have artsy kids, there are children’s workshops at the Van Gogh Museum every weekend for kids aged six to 12. All workshops start with a guided tour, too.

We did a private tour of the Van Gogh Museum that was geared for kids and included a scavenger hunt.

De Werf Petting Farm

One of the best free attractions in Amsterdam is the De Werf Petting Farm. It’s a super small spot by the University of Amsterdam with animals like pigs, goats, and rabbits.

Young kids will love the very calm, friendly animals and there are places where you can sit down and eat some snacks.

Buy Traditional Souvenirs

There are some great things to buy in Amsterdam that will help your kids remember your fun vacation. 

Clogs, tulips, bicycles, and windmills are all iconic images of Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Buy magnets of these images or postcards they can send home to themselves.

Vacuum-packed Dutch cheese is also a winner!

And if your kids love all things cute, check out the Miffy items! It’s a famous character from the Netherlands and you can find Miffy stuffed animals, books, clothing, and toys.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

Het Scheepvaartmuseum is the National Maritime Museum. It might not seem like one of the cool things to do in Amsterdam for kids, but it is.

There’s an amazing replica of an 18th-century Dutch ship you can explore and you can even venture on a virtual voyage. 

Children under three can visit for free and those aged four to 17 can get discounted tickets. Get skip-the-line tickets .

Westerpark is a small neighborhood in the western part of central Amsterdam. Just walking around this place is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam with children.

There are always markets and street food festivals as well as parks, movie theaters, and so much more to intrigue your kids as you wander around.

Rijksmuseum

One of the best family activities Amsterdam can offer is the Rijksmuseum , home of Rembrandt’s painting The Night Watch. 

Children under 18 have free entrance and there are optional activities you can try like Escape Games, Rembrandt drawing lessons, and guided tours for families. Check the latest rates and availability .

Artis Royal Zoo

Zoos are excellent places to visit for families no matter where you travel. So, one of the top things for kids to do in Amsterdam is to visit the Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo .

Dating back to the 19th century, this city center zoo has chimps and zebras as well as tons of other exotic animals. There’s even an aquarium! Check the latest rates and availability .

Eat Dutch Pancakes and Stroopwafels

There are some great food options in Amsterdam for kids. As long as you don’t mind feeding them lots of sugar and carbs, of course.

Dutch pancakes and stroopwafels are not only cultural and delicious, but sampling these treats is also one of the best, cheap things to do in Amsterdam too.

Oosterpark Obstacle Course

Vondelpark might be Amsterdam’s most famous park, but Oosterpark might just beat it when considering the best things to do in Amsterdam for kids. It has an incredible playground that looks like an obstacle course and even a shallow wading pool.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Booking a vacation with your pre-teens or young teenagers? One of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam with kids who are older is to visit the Amsterdam branch of Ripley’s Believe It or Not .

It’s morbid, fascinating, and has genuinely unsettling exhibits. Check the latest rates and availability .

Eat Dutch Fries with Mayonnaise

When you’ve eaten as many Dutch pancakes and stroopwafels as you can, another of the best things to do in Amsterdam with family is to eat a cone of fries. You might think this hugely popular street food is French, but the Dutch would beg to differ.

Attempt to convince your kids to eat their fries with mayonnaise like the Dutch, but you may have to admit defeat and hand over the ketchup in the end.

Hortus Botanicus Gardens

Visiting gardens are great family things to do in Amsterdam and there are lots of them, but Hortus Botanicus is one of the best.

These botanical gardens date all the way back to 1682. Your kids can explore acres of exotic plants and several greenhouses.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

If you’re based in the south of the city, one of the best things to do Amsterdam with kids is to head to Amstelpark.

There is no shortage of activities here as they have a mini golf course, a maze, and even a miniature train!

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

If your kids are too old to play in parks but too young for Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Madame Tussauds is one of the best Amsterdam kids’ attractions. 

They have fun, lifesize waxwork replicas of celebrities and notable people. The Amsterdam branch has lots of famous artworks as well as Marvel and film characters. Check the latest rates and availability .

Get Our FREE Amsterdam Travel Planner

The upside down amsterdam.

One of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam is to visit The Upside Down. There are tons of wacky pieces and installations and it’s a fun sensory experience for kids of all ages.

They have a lot of awesome photo ops but it’s also a cool place to play.

WONDR Experience

This truly is one of the best experiences in Amsterdam for families. It’s literally an indoor playground that appeals to people of all ages with huge ball pits and foam baths. The perfect rainy day activity! Check the latest rates and availability .

Anne Frank House

Are you traveling with your young teenagers? There’s no reason why you cannot visit the Anne Frank House, one of the city’s top attractions as well as one of the best things to do with family in Amsterdam.

Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who went into hiding when she was 13 during the Holocaust. It’s a devastating yet fascinating story and there’s no way you and your kids won’t be touched by visiting the place where she and her family hid.

We actually went with our 6-year-old and 9-year-old and my oldest was quite moved with the whole experience.

Het Amsterdamse Bos

Spending half a day in Het Amsterdamse Bos is one of the preferred summer activities in Amsterdam by locals. It’s a national forest just south of the city that is easily accessible by public transport.

Here, you can check out an organic farm and a petting zoo, or sign your kids up for rock climbing at Klimpark Fun Forest Amsterdam. You can also just rent bikes or boats and enjoy the serenity away from the busy crowds in the city.

Bloemenmarkt

One of the top cultural things for kids in Amsterdam to do is to visit the markets. Bloemenmarkt is great because it’s a flower market on a huge barge. The colors are amazing and you can ask them to pick their favorites and take the bulbs home with you.

Flower sellers at Bloemenmarkt are used to tourists buying bulbs so they can even provide you with customs forms so you can fly home with your plants.

Things To Do in Amsterdam With Kids FAQS

Is amsterdam family-friendly.

Most parents mull over the question, “Is Amsterdam suitable for families?” for a while before finally booking the vacation.

There’s no denying that there are lots of crazy things to do in Amsterdam. Its Red Light District is the most famous and active in Europe. 

Bachelor and Bachelorette parties storm the streets every weekend seeking out the “coffee shops.” You might wonder if there even are any family-friendly things to do in Amsterdam!

Despite all this, Amsterdam is a very family-friendly destination. There are endless family activities in Amsterdam, family-friendly accommodation options, and transport options. Amsterdam is also a very safe city with very low crime rates.

How many days do you need in Amsterdam with kids?

There really are tons of things to do with kids in Amsterdam. You should consider booking at least three days here on your family vacation.

Three days in Amsterdam is just enough time for you to see all the highlights at a slower, kid-friendly pace. This allows for plenty of cafe and park breaks!

You could easily find other things for children to do in Amsterdam if you wanted to stay longer. Or, you could book day trips to visit the windmills and tulips.

Where is the best place to stay in Amsterdam with kids?

When you visit Amsterdam with kids, you want to stay in a central location close to all the main landmarks and attractions.

But you also want to steer clear of neighborhoods with a popular nightlife scene!

Districts like Jordaan and the Pijp are some of the best places to stay in Amsterdam with kids. They also offer good transport links and are beautiful. Accommodation options near Vondelpark will tick all those boxes too.

Is the Amsterdam City Card worth it?

The Amsterdam City Card, known as the I Amsterdam City Card, can certainly be worth it depending on your plans.

It provides free, unlimited access to public transportation, free entry to many museums (including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum), discounts at restaurants and attractions, and a free canal cruise.

Where can I find a free canal cruise in Amsterdam?

Unfortunately, you’ll need to pay to do a canal cruise. I recommend doing one on an electric boat because it’s so quiet and you can really enjoy the scenery.

What’s the most popular Amsterdam museum?

The most popular museums in Amsterdam are the Rijksmuseum, which houses Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present day, and the Van Gogh Museum, which features the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world.

Where can I get the best Dutch apple pie in Amsterdam?

Winkel 43, located in the Jordaan neighborhood, is renowned for serving the best Dutch apple pie (appeltaart) in Amsterdam. The cafe is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Where can I find the best hot chocolate in Amsterdam?

While there are many great places to enjoy hot chocolate in Amsterdam, Chocolátl in the Jordaan neighborhood is often recommended by locals and tourists alike. It’s a boutique shop where you can savor a variety of top-quality, rich, and flavorsome hot chocolates.

What are the best Amsterdam science museums?

The NEMO Science Museum is a favorite among visitors, especially for families with children. It offers interactive exhibitions and hands-on experiments that make learning fun. The Artis Planetarium within Artis Royal Zoo is another place where you can learn about astronomy and the universe.

Who is the most famous artist from the Netherlands?

The most famous artist from the Netherlands is arguably Vincent van Gogh, renowned for his contributions to the post-impressionist movement. His works, such as “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers,” are known worldwide. You can see many of his masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Is there anything to do in Dam Square?

Yes, there’s plenty to do in Dam Square! It’s home to the Royal Palace, which is open to the public for most of the year. The square also hosts the National Monument, a pillar that commemorates victims of WWII, and Madame Tussauds wax museum.

It’s often bustling with street performers, and it’s a great place to start a shopping trip, with many shops and department stores like De Bijenkorf nearby. Additionally, the square frequently hosts fairs, markets, and large-scale events.

Is Efteling theme park worth it?

Efteling is often considered one of the best theme parks in Europe, known for its fairytale-themed attractions and beautiful natural scenery. If you enjoy theme parks and are traveling with family, it can certainly be worth a visit.

Should you bring kids to Keukenhof gardens?

Absolutely! Keukenhof gardens is a wonderful place for children. The garden has a playground, a petting zoo, and even a treasure hunt.

The vast open spaces and beautiful floral displays can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. However, it’s worth noting that the gardens are only open from mid-March to mid-May.

Things To Do in Amsterdam With Kids Wrap Up

Packed with suggestions for kid-friendly museums like the Anne Frank House, engaging tours, exciting day trips, and activities galore, a visit to Amsterdam with kids promises a treasure trove of fun.

This vibrant city tempts with a variety of scrumptious street food and offers an easy-to-navigate public transport system.

Compared to other European destinations, traveling to Amsterdam with children, even older kids, offers a more relaxed experience.

With many attractions within a comfortable walking distance, exploring is a breeze. Regardless of when you choose to venture to the Netherlands or the age of your children, crafting an itinerary filled with delightful and memorable moments will be effortless in Amsterdam!

Looking for more Amsterdam travel resources? Check out my top Amsterdam travel tips , how to spend 3 days in Amsterdam with kids , how to book an Amsterdam photo shoot , the best day trips from Amsterdam , is Giethoorn worth visiting , things to do in Zaanse Schans , and where to stay in Amsterdam with kids !

Unlock Your Free eBook

Our exclusive eBook, Top 10 Unforgettable Family Adventure Destinations , is your ticket to a world of wonder and excitement. Get your free copy today!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Amsterdam Travel: Visiting Amsterdam with Kids - An In-depth Guide by Local Parent

I feel like this blog post is long over due. About four years overdue in fact, as that's how long I've been living with kids in Amsterdam, or just one kid, but this is perhaps just how long it's taken me to really try out all the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids, but to also really find my rhythm as a parent in Amsterdam (which has more to do with me than Amsterdam!). But I'm confident that the time it's taken to get to this point is worth it and as a result this is going to be the ultimate guide to visiting Amsterdam with children of all ages, including information on where to stay in Amsterdam with kids, and the best things to do in Amsterdam for kids.

A Guide to Amsterdam with Kids

And here it is! I really hope this guide for enjoying Amsterdam with kids written from a local's perspective is helpful and you can plan and enjoy the best family visit to Amsterdam by taking note of a few of this post's recommendations and tips. There are many good reasons why we choose to base our family in Amsterdam and raise our kids here, so I hope it helps you see Amsterdam is a fantastic destination for family travel, and it should also make your trip to Amsterdam with kids easier and as much fun as possible. I do plan on updating it with more tips and things to do with kids in Amsterdam in the future as my children (who are currently aged 4, and the other 8 months) grow older.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links to products, places and services I recommend for you and your family. I make a small commission off any purchases made but they don't cost you anything extra, and often I do a lot of research to find you the best possible deal in the link - yay!

Here's what this post is going to help you with, so you can scroll down to find the section you really want to focus on:

Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Kids

How to get around amsterdam with kids.

• The Best Things to do in Amsterdam for Kids (including best Amsterdam museums for kids, the best Amsterdam parks , and other attractions)
• The Best Places to Eat with Kids in Amsterdam
• Other Tips for Visiting Amsterdam with Kids

You can also scroll to the bottom of the post to find links to other articles that may prove helpful planning your trip! But for now maybe these links will be worth you opening in another tab to help you plan your trip:

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam / 100+ Free Things to do in Amsterdam / The Ultimate Amsterdam Weekend Bucketlist /  Where to Stay in Amsterdam - Neighbourhood Guide /  How Expensive is Amsterdam, Really? / The Best Hotels in Amsterdam - For All Budgets! / The Best City Centre Hotels in Amsterdam / Tips for Staying in Airbnbs in Amsterdam / Amsterdam on a Budget: Money-Saving City Guide / Guides for Tips for Visiting Amsterdam in  Spring  /  Summer  /  Autumn  /  Winter /  Tips for Cycling in Amsterdam  / The Best Photography Spots in Amsterdam / The Best Day Trips from Amsterdam /  Guide to Visiting Amsterdam at Christmas and New Year / Tips for Finding Tulips in Amsterdam (at any time of year!) / Ultimate Guide to One Day in Amsterdam (Pick Your Own Itinerary!)

You can also find tips for finding the best Amsterdam souvenirs or gifts for kids in this post!

Now back to you and the kids!!!

First off when planning your family's visit to Amsterdam you will very likely be looking for family-friendly Amsterdam accommodation. Does this exist in Amsterdam? Absolutely! In fact, you have a choice of many possible places to stay in Amsterdam with kids depending on your budget and size of your family.

While many of Amsterdam's hotels have notoriously small rooms and notoriously high rates, a spacious bargain or two can be found if you don't mind staying a bit further out of the city centre (which I actually recommend if you have children and would like a decent night's sleep!). Alternatively if you have the pennies, you can expect some of Amsterdam's best city centre hotels to be able to accommodate your family very well. Below are my best picks for where to stay in Amsterdam with kids for all different budgets.

Family-friendly Amsterdam Hostels and Budget Hotels

There are a number of hostels in Amsterdam which have family rooms or will of course allow a family to book a full dormitory for their stay. There are also many hostels that have special family rooms with ensuite bathrooms and additional facilities for children. Check out Generator Hostel . ClinkNOORD and StayOkay Hostels (who have a number of locations in Amsterdam. If you want your hostel to have some eco-credentials but also a more homely and personal feel, then also check out the highly recommended CocoMama and EcoMama , though be sure to book early as they only really have limited spaces for families.

If you're wondering where to stay in Amsterdam with your family when you are on a budget but would rather a hotel than a hostel, then you'll happy to know there are lots of budget hotels offering great rooms and facilities for families, EasyHotel in the vibrant De Pijp neighbourhood has family rooms, Meininger Hotels are great at offering brilliant value for money (and they have one in Amsterdam West as well as a new location close to Amstel Station which has great public transport links all over the city) and Motel One provides excellent value for money in a modern setting.You should also look at what The Student Hotel can offer you. They have two locations and while the newer one on Wibautstraat  in the up-coming Amsterdam Oost area is arguably the better one for being closer to more things, the Student Hotel in Amsterdam West sis still very easy to get to and from on public transport, and may be a bit quieter and calmer because of this fact. While the name may put you off (and yes it is a place where students live and stay) but it also has very spacious rooms, lots of cheap and cheerful decor, and the are in great locations. If your kids are a bit older, this could be a great way to rent a family room or two separate rooms and they won't feel like they're on top of each other, or you! Also The Student Hotel has a so-called Play Room apartment which can accommodate up to six adults and has some fun extra features.

The Best Luxury Hotels for Families in Amsterdam

We have actually done a few staycations in Amsterdam with our little family and had great stays with our youngest child (as a baby through to toddler) in The Conservatorium (although we did treat ourselves to a suite!), The Okura (with two children - again we opted for a suite), in Sofitel Legend The Grand , and at the Amstel Hotel . All three of these 5-star hotels have swimming pools that children were allowed to use (although the Conservatorium had dedicated hours for this). I also had a lovely stay at Bilderberg Gardens Hotel pre-kids, but the rooms were really spacious and you're in a great location for accessing Museumplein, Beatrixpark Amstelpark and the leafy Oud Zuid (Old South) neighbourhood). I've also heard good things about The Pulitzer  (made famous by the movie Ocean's Twelve), Waldorf Astoria  (my favourite hotel in Amsterdam), and The Hoxton accommodating families brilliantly.

If you don't want to spend quite that much on a hotel and you're happy to stay a bit further out of Amsterdam's centre, but you still want some comfort and excellent access to public transport then I would highly recommend checking out Volks Hotel which gets lots of extra cool points for its individualised room decor, one of the Conscious Hotels (the best ones being Museum Square and Vondelpark locations), and the Novotel (where my own family visiting from UK have stayed and enjoyed).

It's also worth checking out this list of the best hotels in Amsterdam for all budgets (tried and tested and reviewed by real travellers).

Family-Friendly and Kid-Friendly Amsterdam Self-Catering Apartments and Airbnbs

Of course, you may want to get a self-catering apartment from Airbnb or similar. This will most likely be best for your family if you have more than one child, older children or you just need an extra bit of space. In terms of where you should look for your Airbnb, I would recommend having a read of this Amsterdam neighbourhood guide to find the best neighbourhood for you and your family. You should also check out what Zoku have to offer as they have beautifully presented self-catering apartments available for short-term rent and the location is really ideal in the Hermitage close to ARTIS, Hortus Botanicus, the Jewish Quarter, Waterlooplein and the main ring canals.

A Note about Staying on Houseboats

Yes, you can also stay on a houseboat for your family's travel to Amsterdam, however, and this is a big serious however, you should know that nearly ALL houseboats will have risks for families with young children, or children that are anxious around water. Most houseboats in Amsterdam have windows, doors and patios that open straight out onto the water (fences or safety gates are not standard) and so you will see that it could be very easy for a baby, toddler or older child to fall into water so I would highly recommend considering this before you book a houseboat Airbnb or houseboat hotel. If your children are older and strong swimmers (and you are not worried about letting them out of your sight) then staying on a houseboat could really be something special you do for your family trip to Amsterdam.

Here are some houseboats on Airbnb you should look at , some great alternative and very affordable houseboats on Booking  and then there is the famous Botel which I've heard is better than you may expect (and is VERY affordable for such a great location) or there is the more intimate and boutique feel of Boat Hotel Iris .

Getting around Amsterdam with children is surprisingly easy, and you do have a lot of options!

The city is busy and big but it's not tooooo busy (at least not all the time!) and nor is it too big. If you've visited other cities like London, Paris or Berlin, I think you'll actually find it more compact and a more manageable size to get around. In terms of busyness, it's true that Amsterdam does indeed struggle with overtourism and this means that many parts of the city have vast numbers of tourists, but as mentioned above (and in this article on the best times of year to visit Amsterdam to avoid the crowds) you can time your family's trip to Amsterdam for a time that could be a bit quieter (and cheaper!) and this will of course make getting around Amsterdam even easier. 

Your options for getting around Amsterdam with kids are walking, cycling (yes, really!), public transport or a combination of all the above!

Walking with Kids in Amsterdam

My personal preference for getting around Amsterdam with children - if your kids are well suited to it - is walking as it means you see a lot, and you can go wherever you want soaking up lots and lots as you travel . Amsterdam is flat and mostly very pushchair-friendly (apart from some cobbled streets in the oldest parts of town), however, it's fair to say that not all restaurants, shops and businesses are accessible so do check ahead of time if you need to have a stroller or wheelchair with you. The same goes for many of the museums in Amsterdam. However, if you want to walk a lot and need the pushchair don't be deterred as there will nearly always be "parking space" for buggies so you can fold up your pushchair once inside places. So if your kids will either walk with you or nap in a pushchair then you should definitely do this!

Cycling with Kids in Amsterdam

While cycling in Amsterdam is of course a rite of passage, I am somewhat hesitant to recommend it to families visiting Amsterdam because it's not actually an easy or relaxing thing to do with children if you are not used to cycling with kids (either on their own bike or in a seat on your bike). Cycling in Amsterdam is quite a full-on experience and the centre of town is becoming increasingly busy and chaotic to cycle around, especially in a group! It's next to impossible to just pedal your way down one of Amsterdam's prettiest streets without rushing locals dinging their bells as they fly past on their way to work, or a band of drunk/stoned/or both tourists wobbling around in all directions.

While there are several companies that will hire bikes with children's seats, tandems for parents and kids, or even the famous bucket bike "bakfietsen" for you to rent for a day or more, I would seriously weigh up how confident you are feeling about making this your mode of transport while visiting Amsterdam. There are just lots of special secret-ish rules to cycling in Amsterdam so maybe quit while you're ahead and don't risk it with your young kids. Alternatively, hire bikes and head out of the city or just go for some laps of Vondelpark or Amsterdamse Bos (see below) to satisfy the urge to cycle in Amsterdam while avoiding most but certainly not all of the crowds! ( Read more about the best parks and outdoor spaces in Amsterdam here.)

Read more tips for cycling in Amsterdam (with or without kids!).

If walking or biking doesn't float your boat then that leaves Amsterdam's public transport which is surprisingly good value and reliable enough, and funnily enough it does include boats themselves! It also includes trams, underground and overground trains, and buses so if you have kids that just like trying different modes of transport then this is possibly a no-brainer. If your family is visiting Amsterdam for more than a few days and you fancy hitting up a number of the museums as well as travelling by public transport then you should definitely think about getting an I amsterdam City Card as this will make all public transport free and unlimited along with gaining free entry to many of Amsterdam's museums. The thing I like most about the I amsterdam City Card is that you can buy it in advance and get it sent to your home address before your trip so you can use it as soon as you get to Amsterdam. However, you can also buy 24hour cards (€8 for adults and €4 for kids over 4 in 2019) or one hour cards for quick trips (€3,20 in 2019). Here is my in-depth review of the I amsterdam City Card if you want to know more .

TOP TIP:  Get your I amsterdam City Card in advance, posted to your home address or to your Amsterdam hotel for free!

The Best Things to do in Amsterdam with Kids

So here we go. Let's get stuck into a long list of all the amazing things you can do with kids in Amsterdam!

From the best kid-friendly Amsterdam museums through to the best parks, the best activities and attractions, and the best places to eat with children in Amsterdam, stand by for over 50 great places to go and things you should do when visiting Amsterdam with children of all ages.

The Best Museums in Amsterdam for Kids

Below are my picks of the best museums for kids of most ages. Nearly all of these would be great for children of primary school age (4-11) and many would work for younger or older too if they have strong interests in some of the things they are about. Teens could also benefit from a lot of these museums but I have also included some other picks for older children in this post all about Amsterdam with teenagers.

TOP TIP: If you are going to be in Amsterdam for more than a few days, and you plan on going to at least two of these museums I would highly recommend getting a Museumkaart  which gets you annual free access to the vast majority of museums in not just Amsterdam but the whole of the Netherlands so you'll save lots of money. 

Tips for visiting museums with kids in Amsterdam: While the entry fees vary slightly by museum, most are free entry for under 4s and discount entry for under 16s (or under 12), and many will offer student discount. While I normally recommend getting yourself an I amsterdam City Card if you are going to go to at least two museums and plan on using public transport, I am wary of suggesting this for those of you with children over the age of 4 as you will pretty much need to get them a full-priced City Card too, when actually most of the museums would be considerably cheaper or free. You may just need to do some sums and make sure you read this post about the I amsterdam City Card and figuring out if it's worth getting. Also please note that with the I amsterdam City Card Anne Frank Museum is NOT included and also if you have one and want to go to Van Gogh Museum, you must book a date and time slot for your visit in advance (online).

Another tip, is to try and go early when you want to visit one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam (NEMO, Van Gogh, Anne Frank, The Rijksmuseum). Not only will there be fewer people, but also your kids will have more energy for the museum!

Ask most people with a little bit of knowledge about family travel in Amsterdam where you should go with kids in Amsterdam and they will nearly all answer NEMO Science Museum , and for good reason. This huge science museum is a hit with kids of all ages from toddlers through to teenagers, and despite the deafening noise levels, there is lots for adults to enjoy to. Nearly everything requires hands-on interaction and there are a number of break out labs for kids of certain ages to try their hands at science and technology experiments. You can spend hours at NEMO with kids so it's well worth your entry fee, and don't forget to go right up to the top floor for the panoramic views (when it's open - weather depending). Even if you don't fancy the museum, you should do this anyway as that is free and is a great space for kids to run around in and enjoy a few free exhibits.

TOP TIP: NEMO can get very busy during the school holidays and even at many weekends, so book your tickets in advance to avoid queues .

Het Scheepvaartmuseum , or the Maritime Museum , is a short walk away from NEMO and is also a big hit with kids, not least because of the huge ship it has sitting in the water next to it. My four-year-old son calls it The Pirate Ship and really that's what it looks and feels like on board complete with canons and pokey looking sleeping quarters. It's been brilliantly adapted to be explored inside and out, but don't only spend your time on the ship as there is lots to learn inside the museum building (which is beautiful in its own right) with exhibits about the Netherlands' maritime museum and an immersive section about whales and whaling.

Again skip queues and save time by buying your tickets online!

Arguably not the first museum I think of when I think about what to do with kids in Amsterdam, but when I do remember the Rijksmuseum and what it has to offer kids, it's a surprising amount. The country's national museum is HUGE and so you can and should just target the areas that kids will enjoy most which the museum highlights in an excellent " one kilometre route " or you can even book a family tour  which are held for groups during the summer holidays, or you can book a private tour for your family at other times. If the weather is nice you should also take a walk around the Rijksmuseum gardens surrounding the museum where kids can play in the water fountains or you can have a family game of chess on an oversized board, and yes, this bit is free!

TOP TIP: Book tickets online and skip the queues! Again this museum can get very busy during summer season and often many weekends.

If you're kids (and you!) are more interested in specifically learning about the history of the city you're visiting, you should definitely go to the Amsterdam Museum . Sharing the history of the city from its beginnings to the present day, there is a special and completely free (once you've paid your entry fee) tour designed for families called the Amsterdam DNA Family Tour (available in English and Dutch) but even just wondering around you'll find lots of things that kids will potentially find interesting, including the fact that the building the museum the museum is housed in used to be the city's orphanage and there is a special guide you can get before visiting the museum to help prepare you talking about this with your children.

One of my personal favourite museums (for adults and children) is the Tropenmuseum . Often overlooked by visitors to Amsterdam because it's a little bit off the beaten track in Amsterdam Oost (East) it's well worth going to (and can easily be done before or after a visit to Oosterpark or Royal Artis Zoo - see below!). A museum about world cultures there is plenty to see and do and learn here in the permanent exhibits which range from musical instruments of the world through to the impact of slavery and colonialism, and the temporary exhibitions are consistently some of the best I've experienced. If your children are travel-mad or wannabe world explorers, or they're becoming more and more aware of different cultures, skin colours and traditions, then the Tropenmuseum is a must-visit and be sure to check out the museum's family page as they often have child-focused free activities and tours.  You can book your tickets to the Tropenmuseum online to make getting in quick and easy.

While it's not my favourite museum in Amsterdam (sorry, I know this is a bit controversial but it's nearly always too busy and I just find the layout a bit stark and impersonal) the Van Gogh Museum is well worth going to if your children are even a little bit interested in art or are aware of the artist and his works.  There is also A LOT for children and families to do from treasure hunts to audio tours and art workshops and private family tours. The book shop is also worth popping into as there are some great kids' books there about art and artists.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT VAN GOGH MUSEUM: You must prebook your tickets and your time slot for visiting Van Gogh museum!

Another museum you must now book in advance online is the Anne Frank Museum . While this museum is less than suitable for kids younger than say 10 or 11 (there are a lot of narrow walkways and stairs, it's quite rightly quite quiet and sombre in places, and obviously the topic is really best for those who have read The Diary of Anne Frank) if you have children familiar with the Frank family, or the history of the Second World War and the Holocaust, the museum really should feature on your Amsterdam itinerary. I especially like the space at the end of the museum that encourages kids to think about and share what they learned and what they feel about associated issues like racism, war and politics. If you have kids that are really very interested in Anne Frank's story, you may also want to check out this Anne Frank walking tour of Amsterdam .

IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT ANNE FRANK MUSEUM: Again, it's imperative to book tickets in advance via their website. They hold back a certain number of tickets for on the day (which you also have to book online) but buying them in advance will be a lot less stressful and guarantee your visit. They release tickets about three months in advance. It's also worth knowing that Anne Frank Museum is NOT included in the museums you can get free entry to with an I amsterdam City Card.)

If you're not staying on a houseboat in Amsterdam, your kids can still find out what it's like to live in one at the Houseboat Museum.  This small but perfectly formed museum is (of course!) on a houseboat located close to the Jordaan and Anne Frank Museum so you can easily pop in for a little look around and find out what life is like living on one of Amsterdam's busiest canals.

Also close by to this is the Dutch Costume Museum , a must-visit if you and your family like dressing up. You can find out why clogs are the national shoe and yes, you can try on some national clothes and have photos taken for the ultimate Dutch souvenir from your trip to Amsterdam.

If your kids love accessories as well as dressing up then the Museum of Bags and Purses  (Tassenmuseum Hendrijke) should feature on your itinerary. Arguably my favourite lesser known museum in Amsterdam (after maybe the Versetzmuseum and Tropenmuseum) this is unmissable if you have kids that are fashion obsessed and even if they aren't you will all learn a lot about how bags were first made and you will see some of the most famous designer bags from the last 50 years. The museum is housed in a beautiful canal house where you can also have a lovely afternoon tea!

One of Amsterdam's lesser known museums, this one is quite a fun and quirky place to go if your kids like mermaids or sea-life, or shells, because that is exactly what the Amsterdam Shell Museum is all about. Teeny tiny in size but still worth popping in if you're towards the eastern side of the city, however do note that the museum is closed during the summer holidays annoyingly!

If you're kids are into art then two museums I would recommend are the Stedelijk and Moco , which are conveniently just around the corner from each other. The Stedelijk is Amsterdam's principal modern art museum and has exhibits about Dutch design. It's light and airy and has lots of fun pop art paintings that will attract even the most non-artistic kid's eye. Even if you don't have time for the Stedelijk you should consider popping in to the gift shop as they have some great creative and fun gifts and books for kids! Moco is quite a new museum and is home to one of the largest Banksy collections in the world . They have regularly changing exhibits from other modern artists and is anything but a stuffy art museum so will keep children of most school ages entertained.  IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Moco is a private museum and is not included in the I amsterdam City Card or Museumkaart though you can get a discount with these.

And if your children are budding photographers there are two great photography museums Foam and Huis Marseille . The first is one of my favourite museums in Amsterdam and with regularly changing exhibits from the world's best photographers - those that are world famous and those that are up-and-coming - it will be a place where older kids who love photography will find some great inspiration. I've not yet visited Huis Marseille but I have heard good things about it! Both are in great locations on the main ring canals.

The Best Parks in Amsterdam for Children

You want to know the best park in Amsterdam for children? All of them . Yes, honestly, all of Amsterdam's public parks are fantastic for kids so my best advice if you want to find a place for your kids to run around outside, or do much, much more, is to locate your nearest one and just head there.

Of course, they all have different things to offer, and it may be worth knowing what exactly you can do there in order to help you choose which park you want to go to. This is my more in-depth guide to Amsterdam's best parks , but below you'll find more details on the best ones for kids and my reasons why they're worth going to.

Vondelpark is Amsterdam's most central and principal park - it's to Amsterdam what Hyde Park is to London - and there are obviously up and down sides to this. Firstly, it's a beautiful bast park that it's a narrow rectangle making it a great loop to run or cycle around and there are lots of things to see in the middle and at either end. There are several places to stop and have a drink and nearly all of them are next to playgrounds, climbing frames and/or sand pits, and that doesn't even include the main kids' area in the centre of the park where you can find a huge splash pool that's filled with water in summer, and lots of grass to picnic on. My favourite spot is Vondeltuin which is located at the quieter end of Vondelpark and is a garden bar and restaurant next to a large sandpit and climbing frame - obviously best enjoyed on a sunny day!

Amstelpark is much bigger than Vondelpark and has just as much to offer for families visiting Amsterdam, but it's often overlooked as it's a bit further out. (However, you can stay close to Amstelpark in some of the best value kid-friendly Amsterdam hotels like Novotel and Motel One.) But the journey to Amstelpark is 100% worth it as here is where you'll find stuff to do for children of all ages from playgrounds suitable for toddlers through to teens, a small amusement park, a miniature train that tours around the park, a petting farm and a mini golf course. There also happens to be a great place to have an ice cream and lots of grassy areas for picnics. You should also keep an eye on the Pure Markt agenda as they also come here every few Sundays. (Find out more about Pure Markt and why it's so good for families here.)

Not many people know that Amsterdam has its own woods, Amsterdamse Bos , and even fewer will know how great it is for kids, but you're lucky I do know and now so do you. Just a short tram ride or bike ride from the centre of town,   Amsterdamse Bos is a vast wooded and grassy area that has more things for kids to do than you probably have time in Amsterdam. There's the fantastic (and free!) goat farm,  a historic tram ride you can go on, a watersports centre where you can hire kayaks or pedalos, numerous play parks, delicious pancakes to eat at Pannenkoekenboerderij Meerzicht, and tree-tops adventure course, and when visiting in spring be sure to seek out the stunning cherry blossom in the Kersenbloesempark, although that is at the other side of the woods. In fact the woods are so vast that I would recommend having bikes to get around (and obviously have kids with legs that won't get too tired from a lot of cycling!).

Oosterpark in Amsterdam Oost (pronounced Oh-st) has recently benefited from a considerable redevelopment and it's fair to say that kids are set to benefit the most thanks to a new splash pool area, a number of new playgrounds and now slightly more attractive (and it's fair to say safer!) grassy areas to run around in. We love the "highline" style climbing frame (which is just nextdoor to Generator Hostel - another hostel in Amsterdam that's great for families) and the park is on the doorstep of the Tropenmuseum making it a great place to go to for more than one reason.

I often which we lived closer to Westerpark as it has much to offer kids and families, but having nearly always lived in the south east of Amsterdam we're just a bit too far away to visit regularly. That said, we have made the effort to go for the petting farm there and for the huge splash pool that is a long rectangle overlooked by a grassy bank good for picnics or drinks on a sunny day. We also like getting brunch or lunch at the Bakkerswinkel there. and after the Kersenbloesempark in Amsterdamse Bos, Westerpark is definitely the best place to see cherry blossom in spring. Westerpark also has some great places to eat or snack in the converted Westergasfabriek (an old gas factory) where you can find a Bakkerswinkel (see below as it's listed in one of the best places to eat with kids) and this is also where you'll find a Tony Chocolonely store, the home of this delicious and colourful Dutch chocolate brand.

I also feel a special mention needs to go out to Sarphatipark in De Pijp (where I used to live) as it may be a small park but it kept my eldest son very happy from birth to about four years old as that was where we spent many an afternoon in the sandpit play areas as well as watching the dogs run around the dog-walking area or climbing the fallen down tree when he was old enough, and we also held his third birthday on the grass around the statue of Sarphati in the middle. If you're close to De Pijp, you should definitely pop in there with your kids for a little wander. (You can read my guide to De Pijp here .)

Other Things to do in Amsterdam with Kids

So if museums aren't your family's thing and the weather is going to be dire, what else can you do in Amsterdam with kids? A LOT! Here are even more things you can do with children in Amsterdam!

If you and your family came to Amsterdam to really see Amsterdam, and find out as much about the city as possible, then arguably the best thing you can do is go on a free private tour designed for families . I would probably recommend a walking tour over a cycling tour just because I think cycling in a group is quite tricky to do in Amsterdam, and that's when most are adults!

If I'm honest, I'm still not sure how I feel about zoos - and so far my kids don't really LOVE them in the way I expected, but I do rather like spending a morning or afternoon at ARTIS Royal Zoo . It's really done so well for children with areas to play and run around in as well as lots of varied animals, and kid-friendly information boards about them. It's not the cheapest activity for families in Amsterdam - by a long shot - but you can get in for free if you have I amsterdam City Cards , and under-3s are free. ARTIS is also home to the Micropia exhibition which I've heard is very popular with school-age children.

TOP TIP: ARTIS is very popular with locals and visitors so definitely book your tickets online , and if you can go early to avoid the biggest crowds.

After NEMO and the parks, I nearly always recommend visiting families go to the main public library in Amsterdam called the Openbare Bibliotheek (or OBA) . It's located on Oosterdok a short (but windy!) walk from Centraal Station (with lots of great photo opportunities across the water on the way) and there is a huge floor dedicated to children and kids' books. There are books in many different languages, reading nooks for them to enjoy and other soft-play style areas and features. There is also the most amazing miniature mouse house that will fascinate kids of certain ages for hours... okay, minutes (and adults too!). And if you're peckish, you can go up to the cafe on the top floor for not-too-pricey kid-friendly lunches or snacks (and again good views!).

If you've got football-mad kids then a visit to Johan Cruijff Arena is a must. This recently renamed football stadium (named after arguably the most famous Dutch footballer) is home to Amsterdam's local team Ajax. It's a short Metro ride to get to the station (though you can also cycle it) and kids under 5 are free. Be sure to check the website to find out if it's a good day to visit and there are no football matches or other events scheduled.

If museums are on the cards for you then also take a little time to hang out at Museumplein . With a large grass area, a skate park for BMXs, scooters and skateboarders, a small climbing frame and swing area, and in summer a little splash pool too, it's a great spot to just let the kids run around a bit, or to sit down and have a picnic. And you may get lucky and see this fantastic man giving kids bubbles to chase!

If your kids love cats then head to the Poezenboot , a rescue centre for cats on a houseboat - only in Amsterdam, right!? You can play with the kitties and find out more about how this sanctuary started as one woman's attempt to look after unwanted cats in the city for free as they don't charge an entry fee but donations are very much appreciated! For more feline fun, you should also check out Amsterdam's cat cafe Kattenkopjes and you could also consider going to the Kattenkabinet , a museum dedicated to cat art (yes, really!).

Forget cats, if horses and all things equestrian are what your children are into then you may be pleasantly surprised to find out that there is a stables in central Amsterdam called De Hollandsche Menage  where horse riding and dressage lessons take place, and you can go and watch the animals in action. Just a short walk from Vondelpark on the Overtoom street you can go and have lunch or a coffee in the cafe which has a viewing gallery.

And if your children love food and cooking, then get organised and book them an age-appropriate cooking lesson at the Kinderkook Cafe , a purpose built space for kids to cook and serve guests food is also in Vondelpark. The concept is that kids take responsibility for cooking and serving their guests in the cafe but they do so with real food. There is a "help yourself" bar set up for kids to make meals most days but special cooking classes for dinner are available to pre-book.

If the miniature house in the Rijksmuseum and the mouse house in the OBA weren't enough miniature fun for your minis then you should also look into going to the Mouse Mansion shop   where there is more of the same mouse house decor to look at, and a gift shop for a very cute souvenir from Amsterdam.

If your kids have done a little research into Amsterdam and the Netherlands and they are expecting windmills, then you better check out Amsterdam's windmills . Scattered across the city, a tour to find them all could be done by bike, or you can just try to see one or two. Molen van Sloten (Sloten Windmill) out in the west of the city is the only working mill in Amsterdam and you can indeed visit the museum there to find out what the inside of a windmill looks like. Parents may like to know about the one in the photo above which is next door to one of Amsterdam's best independent breweries, Brouwerij't IJ.

If you have school age kids with a lot of energy to burn and the weather is looking good, then think about heading out to Jeugdland/Maakland out in the Eastern Docklands. It's a huge adventure playground with children's workshop so they can also make stuff too, like the forts and climbing frames you see kids playing on. Unbelievably it's free entry (but run by a non-profit so donations appreciated) and really is one of the best places to know about if you are living in or visiting Amsterdam with kids up to the age of 14. Yes, it's a bit of a trek to get to if you're not staying on the eastern side of the city, but I promise you, you and your children will not be disappointed. Check the website for more information - yes it's in Dutch but Google Translate will help!

I can't quite believe I've got this far into the article before mentioning going on a boat tour of Amsterdam's canals as a great thing to do as a family. While yes, it's about as touristy as you can get but kids don't necessarily hold this against anything and they will love seeing the city from the water. So how are you going to do it? Well, you can pick one of the many (many!) different tour boats - and many of them have special kid-focused tours like this Freshwater Pirate Cruise . Alternatively you can hire your own boat though I would only advise doing this if you are confident taking it out on the water keeping in mind that Amsterdam's canals can get very busy, especially in summer. There is also the option of hiring a boat with its private skipper too if you don't feel confident . Or, and I think this is arguably the best option for older kids, you can rent a pedalo (and this link is worth clicking on for the awful Photoshopped pic, by the way!) . There also happen to be special boat tours where you go around and fish out all the rubbish in the water and I think kids will love that! 

You should also think about just doing the free ferry to Amsterdam North which you can catch from just behind Centraal Station. There are lots of great things to do with kids in Amsterdam Noord - like wondering around the trendy street art covered area of NDSM Werf - but even if you just get on the ferry there and then straight back on it to come back again that's a bit of time killed doing a free and fun activity with kids.

Visiting Amsterdam in summer, and the weather looks like it's going to play ball? Then you need to go to one of Amsterdam's city beaches . From the more authentic beach at Blijburg through to the man-made waterfront areas next to cafes and restaurants, Amsterdam offers many different urban beach options and nearly all are family-friendly. My favourites are the grassy waterfront area at Somerlust Park in the new Amstelkwartier, the sandy area in front of Pllek at NDSM Werf, the water-free sandy outside area of DOK in the western part of the city (with a trampoline and lots of toys for kids), and the Sloterplas swimming beach on this huge city lake in Amsterdam's new west area. You should also know that in Amsterdam you're less than 30 minutes away from the real beach as you can hop on a train to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal and experience the real thing complete with the wild winds and choppy waves of the North Sea.

One attraction I've never been tempted to go to but it does seem to be very popular with visiting families are the Amsterdam Dungeon . It's centrally located close to Dam Square and gets good reviews on TripAdvisor so if you have older children who like to explore the darker side of a city's history, then definitely think about give it a go but I suspect booking tickets in advance is a good idea as I often see queues outside . 

Likewise, I hear good things about Madame Tussauds and but I've not personally been. (You can also buy combi tickets to Madame Tussauds and Amsterdam Dungeon to save money - and they're practically next door so it does make sense to do them together.)

And if you have been to Amsterdam a few times and are looking for something a bit different to do with your kids, I highly recommend the short 20-30 minute train journey to Utrecht where you can find the brilliant Nijntje Museum (so good for preschool aged children) and also the Dutch Railway Museum (Spoorweg Museum). Or you could head a little further in the opposite direction to Rotterdam where there's another fantastic zoo and so many maritime and boat-themed activities to enjoy . Read my Rotterdam City Guide here to get inspired .  Other great day trips that prove popular with children include heading up to Zaanse Schans to see the windmills or a day trip to Keukenhof (if you're visiting Amsterdam in Spring). Also, as an FYI, some of the trains to these destinations are double decker which my son still finds exciting even though he sees them every day!

Good Places to Eat with Kids in Amsterdam

Personally I find that one of the most intimidating things about travelling as a family is knowing good places to eat with kids so I thought it quite important to list some kid-friendly places to eat in Amsterdam so you're not spending hours and hours hunting for suitable places. One thing I will say is that most places will accommodate children for lunch, but don't assume it's the same story for dinner. And if you and your family are vegan or vegetarian, you may like to check out this guide to vegan Amsterdam (which also has many vegetarian restaurants too).

Typically (and as something of a joke among my fellow non-natives) Dutchies like to eat their dinner early (around 18:00 or earlier) so it's not super common to see families dining out very late, though of course it does happen and is definitely more common during the summer. One easy way to book restaurants in advance in Amsterdam is by using The Fork which will help you filter restaurants by area or food type. It's also worth using The Fork to find last minute tables if you haven't made a reservation in advance but want to go somewhere that day. 

Think Amsterdam, think pancakes, right? Right! Well fortunately there are lots of kid-friendly places to get some pretty decent pancakes. Among them are PANCAKES (with locations around town) and De Carousel Pannenkoeken (the Pancake Carousel) near to De Pijp , where the converted-carousel interior will impress kids (and you're also close to the great UJ Klaren playground - see below!). Not exactly revered by locals as it's seen as a bit of a tourist trap but the Pannenkoeken Boot (Pancake Boat) does help you tick off two Amsterdam bucket list items in one journey!

Fancy some pasta or pizza and a side of soft-play? Unbelievably that's what Happy Italy offers. Close to the RAI Convention Centre in the south of the city (not too far from Beatrixpark if you end up there) this is a Dutch family favourite but the good news is that you don't always have to book in advance if you arrive early enough.

If you want a kid friendly brunch then Dignita Hoftuin is where you should book a table (or show up early). Located just behind Hermitage Museum, and within walking distance of Hortus Botanicus (Amsterdam's botannical gardens) and ARTIS, this is a great place to start your day and it has a small kiddy corner with toys and books. If the weather is good you can also sit outside and let them run around the Hermitage's courtyard gardens.

Further up the same road, another good spot for brunch is Stek , and they also have a small selection of toys, kids' meals and a warm smile for families.

What's that? You want to spend a few hours sipping a cocktail or two in a bar with a playroom in it? Well, head to De Kleine Valk on Marie Heinekenplein. Yes, this really is a bar that has a playroom. We've often ended up here for a few drinks and bar snacks with friends after playing at the brilliant playground at UJ Klaren and is right beside some water fountains in the middle of Marie Heinekenplein (just next to the Heineken Experience) where you'll see kids splashing around on a hot day. While it's nothing special it's very reasonable in terms of quality and price, and the playroom is basically like an unsupervised daycare room - though of course this does mean it's often a mess and not the cleanest place!

If you (and maybe your kids!) love steak then you have to go to Dutch family-friendly favourite  Loetje . There are several restaurants dotted around the city and all have a kids-welcome policy, with a children's menu and high chairs. You can expect it to be busy, noisy and not the best service in Amsterdam, but you can also expect arguably the best steak in the city, a decent menu of other options and nobody batting an eyelid at your children.

One top tip I like to share is heading to De Plantage restaurant located so close to the zoo that if you sit outside on a warm day (or otherwise with lots of layers!) then you can see some of the animals in the zoo from your table. It's a large, open-plan restaurant where you'll see all sorts of diners eating but you won't need to worry too much about making a noise, and if you are outside your kids can run around lots while you get tired just watching them. You should definitely book in advance for weekends and during the summer.

Another place big enough to swallow your noisy kids is Ijsbreker on the River Amstel. With a kids menu and colouring pencils and paper placed on your table often without you having to ask for it, this is an all-day spot that will feed you well no matter the meal.

Further out of town in the still-being-built Amstelkwartier is Osteria , an originally German chain of Italian restaurants that has a fantastic outside playground that will make kids struggle to choose between their pizza and climbing. Very kid-friendly and the pizzas are so big they're designed to be shared - even splitting toppings in half if that helps fussy eaters! - but I would say save it for a sunny day as that playground is the main attraction.

A special mention should also go to Moeders , which means mothers in Dutch.. While it's not exactly set up for kids (there's no play area or toy selection) it's a fascinating restaurant that is a homage to all mothers everywhere, and people are encouraged to bring and leave a photo of their mother there, though you'll struggle to find a spot to leave it - the restaurant is literally covered in photos, including all the walls in the bathrooms! It's also a great place to try traditional Dutch food.

As mentioned above briefly, the hip hangout of NDSM Werf in Amsterdam Noord, Pllek , is not just for millenial hipsters. They're also very welcoming to families, hosting child-oriented events (normally on a Sunday afternoon) and of course having that man-made beach with one of the best views of Amsterdam. Also the food is very decent and they have great vegetarian and vegan options too.

If you want to know a good place for a tea or coffee and a slice of cake, that will impress your kids then I can recommend Corner Bakery (for Instagram-worthy sweet treats/milkshakes/cakes). It's also in a great location close to Museum Square, however, it gets very popular, very quick so go early to avoid being disappointed or waiting for a long time. Other places to look out for around town are the chains Coffee Company , De Bakkerswinkel and Bagel & Beans . All of these places are also good for a quick lunch (think sandwiches, toasties and yes, bagels!) and many will have a small selection of kids toys or books to keep your little ones quiet while you caffeinate, but all will be welcoming to families - just watch out for the alternative protein menu at Bagel & Beans, unless your kids REALLY like bugs!

A little shout out to Pure Markt as not only a great place to get food for kids but just a good family day out . Combining street food stalls with other types of artisan and crafty businesses, this Sunday market (which normally only takes place from Easter to October because of the winter weather) moves around some of Amsterdam's best parks so you can easily combine it with some outdoor adventuring. Be sure to check the website to find out when and if it's on when you're here.

The other thing worth knowing is that Amsterdam is full of kiddy cafes , i.e. places that are actually designed to have lunch, snacks or dinner with your kids so they have great children's menus and lots of play areas (often inside and out). These are places you can be as noisy as you want and you don't have to worry about ruining anybody else's dining experience because everyone else there has young children. Of course, it goes without saying that long with this you can expect these places to be noisy, chaotic and perhaps not serving the most haute cuisine! Our favourite kiddy cafes in Amsterdam are Melksnor, Mini Markt, De Kleine Parade and Blender and I've heard good things about other places in the west like MiniChiChi, WijsWest and Mook Pancakes

If you're staying in a self-catering apartment and you did want to go out for dinner without the kids, I can recommend checking out Charly Cares, a babysitting service you can book in advance or even on the day before  or the day itself (if you're lucky)! We've used more than a handful of babysitters from this service over the years and never been disappointed.

Other Tips for Visiting Amsterdam with Children

Firstly, if you have a long layover at Amsterdam or end up there delayed or waiting for a flight for a long time it's worth knowing Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport has lots of facilities to keep children of all ages entertained for a while. As mentioned above there's a dedicated room for feeding, changing and even napping babies, and you will find lots of baby care facilities (normally inside disabled toilets which is less than ideal I know) and there are also a few "family room" style bathrooms. There's a special mini NEMO exhibit in the Holland Boulevard (which connects Departures 2 & 3 areas) that kids will enjoy, and upstairs near the eating area in Departures 2 is a aeroplane climbing frame. All the restaurants and cafes in Schiphol will happily warm up meals or provide hot water for bottles too. Find more info about what kids can do at Schiphol here .

The weather can be very changeable in Amsterdam. Make a note of the Buienradar website so you can check the rain forecast and if make sure you have waterproof layers with you and/or umbrellas if you're out and about all day. And if you're visiting during the summer have a hat and sunscreen with you as you shouldn't underestimate how warm it can be in the summer months and remember there is a lot of water around and that reflects the sun's rays.

Speaking of water, yes, Amsterdam has a lot of canals and they're all over the city, which is great, BUT they rarely have fences or barriers which can present a bit of a risk to young children . If you're travelling to Amsterdam with very young kids who like to race off and go exploring and don't have any experience with water safety you may want to prepare your kids (and yourself!) for this! 

Oh, but the good news is Amsterdam's tap water is DEEEEEEELICIOUS and completely safe to drink  - you can even use it to make your baby's bottles - so keep your eyes open for the many water fountains that are dotted around the city so you don't need to pay for bottled water.

Dutch supermarkets are excellent and have pretty much everything you need for children with mainstream requirements (i.e. nappies, wipes, formula milk (Nutrilon is the same brand as Apatamil) and other things. If you can't find what you need there, you can try Dutch drugstores like Etos and Kruidvat which you'll find on many shopping streets in Amsterdam. If you need paracetamol for your child, don't be alarmed if the only form for babies and toddlers that you can find are suppositories or "zetpillen" although there is an oral paracetamol medicine called Sinaspril available too. And if you're from the UK and really stuck for Calpol, they sell it in the "expat shop" Kellys in De Pijp.

If you do need to see a doctor for your child in Amsterdam, there is an out of hours doctor service called Huistartsenpost , which you will be able to access providing you have proof of identification and possibly insurance also (if you live outside the EU) . However, don't be alarmed if their response is simply "give them paracetamol and rest". Most non-Dutch residents find GPs (Huisartsen) in Amsterdam (and the Netherlands) are reluctant to prescribe anything stronger - for adults and children alike - unless you've tried treating a non-serious ailment with paracetamol for a few days first. Personally, this is also my own approach, but some other nationalities find it a bit odd and hands-off. That said, if you do have a much more urgent and potentially life-threatening situation then you should call 112 to seek emergency medical advice (all operators speak English) and see if you need an ambulance.

Have a mix of cash and cards for paying for things. Most places will except most international credit cards but there are some notable exceptions, like the biggest Dutch supermarket Albert Heijn. The good news is that most of the branches in Amsterdam will also have a cash/ATM machine close by, and you can always pay by cash in Albert Heijn supermarkets. Likewise with cash, there will be many places that require you to pay by card only, and they won't accept cards. Be sure to look in the window or at the service desk for signs telling you what payments they do (or don't!) accept. If you see words like "Alleen pinnen" or "Geen contant" then that is where you can only pay by pin card. But of course, if in doubt, just ask!

The Dutch approach to parenting could be a little different to your own! As a Brit raising my boys in Amsterdam, I am now very used to the Dutch style of parenting which is quite hands-off, a little relaxed and very much focused on giving kids freedom to explore, learn and have adventures. I think to other countries and cultures, it could seem wild but I would never describe it as such as more liberal and close to the opposite of micro-parenting. Playgrounds in Amsterdam are safe places (of course!) but they don't have the same level of safety precautions compared with those in UK for example, and you will often see kids playing by themselves on climbing frames, slides etc. while parents sit on the side drinking coffee or chatting with friends. Of course, they are there for their children and are hands-on in terms of affection and soothing kids when they need it but they are very quick to give children space to learn by doing things themselves.

And the final thing to say, of course, is enjoy! Amsterdam really is a great city to visit with kids and I hope this guide helps you pick the best things to do in Amsterdam with your kids during your time here!

PSST! You can find more Family Travel posts here , including the following: 

The World's Best Resorts for Luxury Family Travel

The Best Family-Friendly Resorts in the Maldives

Planning a Babymoon: Tips & Ideas

The Best Airlines for Flying with Kids

The Best Stroller for Travel

Review of JetKids BedBox: The Best Toddler Plane Bed

Tips (and Packing List) for Travel with a Baby

Tips for Flying with a Baby (Under 6 Months)

The Best Toddler Travel Essentials

Tips for Flying Long-Haul with an 18-month-old

Tips for Travelling Long-Haul with a Toddler

And if you'd like to save or share this post, here are some images you can pin:

And here are those links for more Amsterdam travel posts to help you plan and enjoy your trip:

When is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam?

Frances M. Thompson

AMSTERDAM TRAVEL

LUXURY FAMILY TRAVEL

WRITING TIPS & ADVICE

LATEST BOOK - OUT NOW!

WRITE NOW CARDS

GET IN TOUCH

Amsterdam with Kids – 7 Attractions You and Your Child Will Love

Written By: The Planet D

Netherlands

Updated On: January 23, 2024

Spread the word! Amsterdam is as much a family-friendly destination as anywhere else in the world. Our family travel specialist  Ari Charlestein  proves you to can travel to Amsterdam with kids.

Table of Contents

Amsterdam with Kids

For too long, traveling to Amsterdam came with a significant, negative stigma.

It had been thought of as a European “Sin City,” and the influx of young, rowdy tourists, together with those negative connotations meant that people often shied away from visiting this beautiful European capital with their families.

But no longer… Together with a concerted effort from both the government and tourism board, Amsterdam has most certainly changed it’s vibe and is now attracting a very different type of tourist.

 Looking for a Place to stay in Amsterdam?

Check out our in-depth guide on  Where to Stay in Amsterdam  by a local.

Amsterdam with Kids Tour from Get Your Guide

Hop on Hop Off Canal Tour  – $29.03 USD – Explore the Canals of Amsterdam at your own pace with 13 different stops and commentary. 

Skip the Line Rijksmuseum  – $21.16 USD- Front of the line access to Amsterdam’s most famous mueum

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum  – $25.40 USD: Walking distance from Central Station to see your favourite stars. 

Glow in the Dark Mini Golf  – $9.68 USD: Play a game of mini golf in the Power Zone. Centrally located .

Skip the Line Zoo Admission  – $27.28 USD: Front of the line admission to zoo, planetarium and aquarium. And enjoy the butterfly pavilion along with the giraffes, zebras and ostriches. 

Amsterdam’s Top 7 – The Scattered List

We’ve hand-selected two of our favorite restaurants, three of our favorite attractions/activities, and a can’t-miss hotel, to put together a hybrid Top 7 list for Amsterdam.

1. Charter a Boat

Everyone knows Amsterdam for it’s never ending waterways.  The canals are as much apart of the city’s fabric as it’s bikes, and beautiful churches.

Many canal tours are are crowded, some are full of drunk idiots and others are simply uncomfortable.

If you can afford to splurge the extra few dollars, the best way to see the canals in all their glory is by chartering a private boat for a few hours.

Book a  Private Canal Cruise  –  Seeing Amsterdam from it’s storied canals is an absolute must for any visitor. The only question is, how to do it?

Our tour cost €350 for two hours, but can accommodate up to 12 people, and includes unlimited soda, wine beer and snacks (such as fresh fruit, cheeses and chocolate).

It doesn’t have to be a mega yacht, but there are many great options for this.

We went with  Rederij de Jordaan,  a company owned and operated by Reinhard Adriaanz Spronk and his wife, Miloe.

Reinhard and his wife own two early-20th-century saloon boats which are the perfect setting for a canal tour.

Having lived in Amsterdam for the past 20 years, Reinhard is certainly well versed in the city’s history, its politics and its culture.

We were thrilled to have him as our guide and captain, and can’t recommend his services enough.

Waiting for us on board were three choices of champagne, several bottles of wine, some soft drinks, water and more cheese and fruit than we could get through in our short 2.5 hours journey.

Beyond the food and drinks, the cruise itself was fun, relaxing and immensely informative.

Before we knew it, we were back at the Pulitzer and ready to head to head to dinner.

Family-Friendly Amsterdam

As someone who goes everywhere with my wife and two-year-old son, I’m always looking at the family-friendly activities a city has to offer.

What I most prefer however, is to find adult-focused activities that a toddler could also participate in. For those types of activities, Amsterdam was really a gold mine.

2. Recommended Hotel : Pulitzer

Style meets function; elegance meets fun; and relaxing meets family-friendly.

The Pulitzer hotel brings all of the modern amenities you expect into a a classic setting, without infringing on the beautiful dutch traditions that make the hotel such a landmark.

Made of 25 connecting canal houses (most of which date back to the mid-17th century), this beautiful property is a no-brainer for any stay in Amsterdam.

Rates are generally in the 250-300Euro/night, but you’re sure to leave happy –  Check their website  for prices and availability

The Pulitzer Hotel, Amsterdam

The Pulitzer  is the perfect home away from home. It provides five star luxury in a boutique style hotel, and offers the perfect balance between hip/chic and pampered/relaxed; all the while, the staff looks after your every need, even before you think about it!

There’s none of the “cookie-cutter” decor or services you might get at a Hilton or Sheraton, because this property truly is one-of-a-kind.

Because the hotel is made up of 25 homes, which (at least back when they were in original use) were used by separate families/businesses as multi-use properties, no two rooms are alike.

Each standard room and suite has its own unique “flare” which really puts a personal touch into your stay.

Their new bar, adjacent to the restaurant, was also a very fun place to relax after a long day of touring – s o long as we could arrange a babysitter upstairs!

The bar itself had very knowledgeable bartenders mixing up some truly unique drinks, and there was a variety of seating for whatever mood you were in (or however many people you were with).

Centuries of history, coupled with an elegantly hip ambience, melt-in-your-mouth food and impeccable service, make the Pulitzer an absolute must for your next visit!

In fact, the Pulitzer really is a microcosm of all things Amsterdam – and that’s what I loved about both the hotel and the city itself!

3. Bike Tour Outdoors

Our family absolutely loves spending time outside. We took a day to bike around the city (to break up our trip a bit), and in about six hours we managed to cover a  lot  of ground.

Between the bustling squares, the quaint bridges, the inspiring architecture and the hoards of other bikers sharing the road, our self-guided bike tour of the city was sensational.

Given how popular biking is in Amsterdam, it’s no surprise there are bike-rental shops every few feet – OK, that may be a slight exaggeration, but there is no shortage of bike-rental options.

We ended up going with Mac Bike rentals and we were perfectly happy with the experience.

Mac’s prices were reasonable, the service was great and they even had a bike fitted with a baby bench for our little guy to ride in up front!

Surprisingly, he didn’t have any issues with the long ride. In fact, absolutely loved it – his reactions to the wind were particularly adorable, and reminded me of a dog with its head out of a car window.

About Biking in Amsterdam

Considered by many to be the main mode of transportation in Amsterdam, the city has made biking (in any/all neighborhoods) an absolute breeze with bike lanes on almost every road. 

Seeing Amsterdam by bike is a terrific alternative to walking (or public transit), and often saves time as well.

We recommend finding a nearby  Mac Bike rental shop  – they’re all over the city.

You’ll get a bike-lock, and if you’re traveling with a young child – as we were, with our two year old son – they’ll be happy to add a child seat on the front or back of the bike.

And don’t worry if you have lots to carry, or if you’re planing to do some shopping! Most of the bikes come with a large basket for no extra cost! 

4. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Exploring the winding, canal-laced roads of Amsterdam seems to take you back in time, while providing endless options of what to do and see. But don’t think you have to explore exclusively by foot.

Beyond the obvious waterways,  Amsterdam’s tram system  is vast, and can get you to each of the city’s districts in no time flat.

It’s clean, it’s efficient, it’s safe, it’s child (and stroller) friendly, and it can take you as far off the tourist track as you’d like.

Sure, you can stay in the old town and spend your time near the Oude Kerk, or you can venture out to some more residential neighborhoods for some other hip sites (and great restaurants).

Best yet, our three-day “I Amsterdam” city cards gave us free access to unlimited tram and bus rides!

5. Amsterdam City Card

City cards (or city passes as they’re sometimes called) are a great way to see many of the “hot spots” without breaking the bank.

In Amsterdam, the deal was especially sweet as the pass included 72 hours of unlimited access to the city’s public transit.

Just tap the I Amsterdam card on the tram’s (or bus’) pay kiosk and voila, your’e in!

With our city passes in hand, and Google Maps helping us decipher the never ending tram options, we were ready to explore.

Get your City Card online before traveling to Amsterdam.

6. Visit Museums

From the zoo to the bikes, from the canals to the museums, Amsterdam has it all and is truly a premier travel destination for the entire family.

Rijksmuseum –  When you think “museum in Amsterdam,” the Rijksmuseum is likely what comes to mind. Situated inside (what used to be) the Royal Palace on Dam Square, even the exterior is stunning.

Hermitage   – Most know the Hermitage only as the museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, home to some of the world’s greatest art and cultural artifacts – many of which came from Catherine the Great’s personal collection.

Amsterdam cards also get you access to over a dozen world-class attractions, including the Hermitage museum, the Van Gogh Museum , the Rembrandt House , the NEMO Science Museum, and the Jewish Cultural Quarter.

For museums, the clear winner to me was the Rijksmuseum.  Though the Hermitage had some very interesting artifacts and explanations about the connection between the Dutch and Russian monarchies (of their time).

In short, no visit to Amsterdam is really complete without visiting at least two or three of their world-class museums.

As I always say, not every family trip has to be to a beach resort or to Disneyland.

Adults with Kids in Amsterdam

Adults should be able to enjoy their time away just as much as the kids, and exploring cities like Amsterdam as a family is a perfect way to ensure everyone goes home smiling!

In the past decade, the museum has opened several “dependancies” around the world.

Opened in 2009 by the Russian President and the Queen of the Netherlands, the museum has two main, permanent exhibits. The first focuses on the relationship between Russia and the Netherlands, which dates back to the 17th century.

The second, is a history of the building itself – the Amstelhof – which, for over 300 years, served as a church-run retirement home (exclusively for women until 1817). 

7. Amsterdam Zoo is Great for Kids

Anyone with kids knows how great a trip to the zoo can be. Most tourists don’t think of a zoo as a “must-see” activity in a city, but if you’re traveling with kids it really is a great idea.

Not only is it (usually) fun for the parents, but the kids have an absolute blast!

In Amsterdam, the zoo is huge – expansive doesn’t quite do the space justice.

There were big open areas for our toddler to run around in, there were plenty of shops for him to beg us for gifts (not surprisingly), and there was no shortage of green space to sit and have a picnic.

Spacious Enclosures

But one exhibit, above all, really caught our interest, and that was the elephant “enclosure.” I use the quotation marks, because this was – by far – the largest space I’ve ever seen in a single zoo dedicated to a single species.

They had about six elephants in all and their space sprawled across the lower quarter of the zoo.

With a mix of outdoor and indoor vantage points, there are plenty of opportunities to get a very close look at the giants. Kudos to the Amsterdam zoo for making it such a positive experience.

8. Recommended Restaurants

Too often, travelers fall in the rut of only eating in touristy areas.

Thankfully, we had an opportunity to head out of the center on a few occasions, and our stop at NELIS West was a true highlight.

Located in the Amsterdam West neighborhood, it only took us 20 minutes to arrive by tram and it was worth every second.

The menu was full of inventive dishes and the descriptions on the menu alone left us in awe. And while some menu items made me chuckle, like the vegan “Dutch Weed” burger, the flavors and presentations were nothing to laugh at.

So, if you’re up for a a trip out of the tourist center and are looking for a phenomenal meal, this place is a must.

As much as I try to avoid it, even I fall in the trap and it in the center of town. Often I regret it – dishes are overpriced and less delicious, and the service leaves much to be desired.

In this case though, Ali was a pleasant surprise.

Located just outside of the Rembrandtplein, Ali was a perfect respite from a long day of walking.

One doesn’t exactly expect Amsterdam to be home to the best Turkish food, but everyone at dinner was impressed with the quality of the food, the service and the ambiance.

We sat upstairs, and it seemed as though we had the entire place to ourselves!

Usually my family’s “travel-style” is such that we only spend two or three days in any one city at a time. However for this trip, we really wanted to sink our teeth in and get a better sense of what the city had to offer – so, we spend nearly an entire week just in Amsterdam!

It didn’t disappoint and we found there was a lot to do in Amsterdam to keep our child occupied and the adults happy too!

About the Author:

Ari Charlestein is a family man, a world traveler, a writer and a compulsive entrepreneur (in that order).

In his ten years as a travel professional, Charlestein has proven himself as an expert in the field of points and miles. His travel companies,  Award Magic  and First Class and Beyond, strive to see every individual maximize the value of his/her loyalty points.

Through consulting and booking services, he provides world class insight into a niche travel market.

Charlestein has also been featured across a variety of print and online media, as well as being a regular speaking at several travel industry events each year; these include The New York Times Travel Show, Canadian Points University and the Travel Industry Exchange.

If you have travel points and are not sure how to use them, Let Ari put together a game plan to help you use them.  Visit Booking at Award Magic

Things to do in Atlanta with Kids

People Say I’m Crazy for Traveling with Kids

The Only American Cemetery in the Netherlands

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

Where To Stay In Amsterdam In 2024: Our Favorite Places and Neighbourhoods

34 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam In 2024

The 21 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

13 thoughts on “Amsterdam with Kids – 7 Attractions You and Your Child Will Love”

Always interesting to read travel tips for your own country through the eyes of foreigners. Blessed to have such beautiful cities close to where I live. Other activities with kids in Amsterdam: For sure, when they are a bit older the House of Anne Frank, impressive history to teach. Make a day trip to Zaanse Schans with the traditional windmills. In the Scheepvaartmuseum you can visit an old galleon, the nemo science museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

There’s none of the “cookie-cutter” decor or services you might get at a Hilton or Sheraton, because this property truly is one-of-a-kind.

Such an adventure! Beautiful photos

This city is amazing, and your family is lovely!

Hi, it would be great if you could mention our free personalized Amsterdam city plan service. Check it out here at https://personalcityplan.com/ . Or contact me for more info!

Amsterdam is just wowww I’ve visited most of these spots I do love me a good winter adventure, though, and those snowy landscapes are so dreamy!

This place look awesome in your post. Great experiences you shared!! Traveling with kids really awesome. You shared amazing information.. Thanks!! Keep posting!

I have always wanted to visit Amsterdam and it looks like your ‘family friendly’ finds would be great for anyone! Personally, I love well-run zoos! I’ve only been able to spend time at the airport as a layover traveling for work. Next time, I’ll make sure to stop for at least a few days. Thanks for a great itinerary!

Thanks for the recommendations and the price is cheap for me, I think I’ll like to go to amsterdam

Such a great post about Amsterdam this is place always be on my favorite list i really add this into my list thanks for sharing

Such a great destination you visit, it looks awesome to explore. Fantastic pictures you captured in your travel trip. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!!

Traveling with your kids can be very difficult but spending time with them and building memories together is really important too! We love your thoughtfulness in this post. Taking into consideration on what your kids will love is admirable.

What a great adventures and experiences!! Awesome pictures you captured.. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Travel We Will

Family Friendly Travel

Amsterdam with Kids: A 4 Day Itinerary

This beautiful city has a stellar reputation for being an amazing family vacation destination and is perfect for those traveling with kids! The art and culture, the iconic architecture, the gorgeous parks; they all make for an epic itinerary for you and your family.

Amsterdam is a city I have always wanted to visit and we have good friends living there right now. They moved in late 2020, and we have been anxiously waiting to visit them. 

Amsterdam is a place you will love to visit. There are many wonderful sights to see, and food to enjoy. Here is a 4-day itinerary for you to get the most out of your trip to Amsterdam when traveling with kids. 

One of the things you may want to do before going to Amsterdam is to research some of the history of the area. Knowing a bit more about some of the people who lived there, such as Anne Frank, will make this more educational and enjoyable for you. 

Amsterdam with Kids

Amsterdam day 1.

Arrive in Amsterdam

The best way to get to Amsterdam is by plane. I would suggest a nonstop flight when traveling with kids to make it less stressful. 

Top Sights In Amsterdam

You will find delicious stoopwafel at the Haarlam’s farmer’s markets. It’s one of the best ways to spend a few hours, sampling the flavors of the area. Each of the area’s markets has a variety of foods, such as breads, vegetables, fruits, and more to choose from as well. 

Zandvoort Beach

Spend some time on Zandvoort beach and enjoy the beautiful North Sea. Unless you are there in the Spring or Summer, it can be pretty chilly, but you will enjoy it no matter what time of year you visit. 

Walk into Centrum at Night 

After the beach, take in the nightlife a bit. Amsterdam is such a beautiful city. You’ll love walking around the city center at night seeing all of the lights. Don’t forget to grab cones of french fries on the street (or Patat as they’re called there).

Downtown Amsterdam also boasts canal tours, shopping on Nine’s street, and a gorgeous floating flower market. 

Amsterdam Day 2

Zaanse Schans: This spot is about 25 minutes outside the city center and is a great spot to take the family. There are Windmills and old Dutch homes to recreate the 18th & 19th century Dutch villages. Kids can pop into all of the different village spots and try things like candle making, see how they made cloth sails and more. A major highlight will be climbing up a windmill. 

A’Dam Lookout Tower: Go from seeing what life was like in the 18th century to the super modern A’Dam Tower! At A’Dam Tower, you can do a virtual roller coaster and the swing over the city. The views of the city from the A’Dam Tower are awesome. 

Stay at the Tower for an early dinner at Butcher to round out the fabulous day. 

After dinner, stop by the Anne Frank Mural at the Straat Museum . You may want to build in time to take in the Straat Museum as well. 

Another fun place to visit is Anne Frank’s original house in Oud Zuid. There is a little statue in a small park in the neighborhood. It would be awesome to see this before going to the Anne Frank house; to see where Anne lived before going into hiding. You’ll be able to identify with Anne as a normal child before having to go into hiding during the Holocaust. 

Walk around Vondelpark: You’ll love ending day 2 in Amsterdam with a stroll around Vondelpark, the largest park in the city. This is certainly a spot I’d love to return to in warmer weather. It’s a huge, beautiful park. 

Amsterdam Day 3

Anne Frank House: Take the day and enjoy visiting this, and learning more about Anne and Margot having to hide in this house. The house is very well preserved, and there is so much information to glean here. Simply grab a headset as you walk through to listen. 

There are letters, notes, and magazine clippings to see there as well. If you want to take in this site, be sure to book this in advance of your trip. 

The Mouse Mansion: The Sam and Julia Mouse books are popular books in Amsterdam. You can visit their mini mouse world by stopping in the Mouse Mansion Museum. It’s a small shop filled with scenes from the books. It’s like walking through the best decorated dollhouse ever.

Other Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam

Tony Chocolonely: Tony Chocolonely is not only the most delicious chocolate, there’s a great story behind the brand too. Visit the store to learn all about its mission. There’s also a chance to create your own personalized Tony Chocolonely bars.

Lego Store: The Lego store in Amsterdam is awesome. It’s full of friendly staff and has more interactive fun than other Lego stores worldwide. Be sure to see the giant windmill made of legos! 

Plantage for Lunch : This magical cafe is a must on your visit!

Verzetsmuseum Dutch Resistance: This children’s museum is perfect for having your kids learn about the Holocaust. The Resistance Museum Junior is Amsterdam’s first children’s museum about World War Two. There are true stories and authentic items that were part of children’s lives during the occupation by Nazi Germany. You get a look at life during WWII from the point of view of children.

The museum is very interactive, and you’ll enjoy walking through the mini homes of the children you are learning about. Don’t be surprised if your kids want to stay all day. 

Amsterdam Day 4

Ice Skating: If you visit Amsterdam in the winter, be sure to take some time to ice skate on the Museumplein Amsterdam at I ce Amsterdam. You’ll have a blast while skating and enjoying the views of Rijksmuseum.

The Smallest Tea House: If you are a tea lover like my daughters and I are, this is a must-see. The tiny house includes a small tea shop on the ground floor and then 2 tiny tea rooms, one on top of the other. The house has been in the family for over 60 years and the owner is wonderful to chat with. The tea and all of the food is excellent. 

Van Gogh Museum: Great art museum for kids to see. There is a kid’s scavenger hunt you can pick up at the entrance and if they find everything they get a “prize” at the gift shop at the end.

Festival of Lights: If you are in Amsterdam around Christmas, make sure to check out the Festival of Lights. It’s best seen on the canal (most things you can only see by boat). 

Of course, staying longer in Amsterdam is wonderful, but 4 days of touring around Amsterdam with kids was perfect. You will still see so many sights and enjoy the rich history. 

Where to stay in Amsterdam with Kids

I would recommend checking out this spot for your lodging needs while in Amsterdam. It’s a family-friendly, budget-friendly rental that is within easy access to all the sights of the beautiful city. 

Kid & Coe Promo Code: U se code Courtney250 for $250 this rental or any Kid & Coe rental you book before the end of the year.

If you loved this you’ll want to check out our other great  posts about international travel:

Europe Trip Planning

Best places to Eat in Florence with Kids

Costa Rica with Kids: A 7-Day Itinerary

Related Posts:

• Costa Rica with Kids: A 7 Day Itinerary
• Niagara Falls with Kids: 3 Day Itinerary
• Summer Day Trips: Liberty Science Center
• A Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence
• St. Simon's Island Rental & Itinerary
• Hersheyparks at Christmastime: A Weekend Itinerary

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

Get Updates and Travel Tips sent to your inbox!

Privacy Overview

• Inspiration
• Bournemouth
• Lake District
• Pembrokeshire
• The Cotswolds
• Costa del Sol
• Costa Dorada
• Disneyland Paris
• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Les 2 Alpes
• Val d'Isère
• Middle East ✕
• Southampton
• French Riviera
• Partner with us

20 EXCITING Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids in 2024

By Guillaume Thevenot

Updated on: 5th January 2024

Booked a trip to Amsterdam with the kids but unsure on the things to do with them? Whilst cycling around Amsterdam and soaking up the sunshine in its parks, is perfect for a summer trip. However what is there to do indoors with kids when the weather is not so great? Which museum or activity should you choose to fill the day with your kids?

If you are looking to take the family on an active and entertaining weekend break, Amsterdam should be at the top of your list. Small in size, it’s a breeze to explore by bike or boat, and there’s a great choice of large public parks too. And with Eurostar services now running from London, you can be there in under four hours, without any of the airport hassle.

Therefore, BabyBreaks has researched the best things to do in Amsterdam with your kids.

1. Tropenmuseum

Tropenmuseum is a museum about people, human diversity and cultural heritage. It is asking visitors to have an open view of the world. Current exhibitions include Cool Japan and Fashion Cities Africa. Certainly a fantastic place to start a dialogue with your children and shape their naturally accepting and generous nature towards others.

There is also a dedicated children’s museum, Tropenmuseum Junior, which encourages kids to learn through interactive activities. So let them see, touch, experience and participate, and they will come away with a head full of knowledge and an open heart!

Address:  Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam

Visit Website

Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm.

2. Van Gogh Museum

Let the kids explore their inner artist whilst you admire the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, at this popular Amsterdam museum. The children’s workshops are on each weekend for ages 6-12 years, and begin with a tour of the museum, then they then get to work as artists themselves in a real studio!

Address:  Museumplein 6, Amsterdam

Opening Times: Main museum open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. (On Fridays until 9 pm)

Children’s workshops: Saturdays 12:30–2:30 pm, and Sundays 3–5 pm.

3. Het Scheepvaartmuseum – National Maritime Museum

Showcasing 500 years of maritime history, the National Maritime Museum shows visitors how the sea has shaped Dutch culture. A winner of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence (2017) this museum is consequently really popular with families thanks to its interactive exhibitions, games and activities, including climbing aboard a life-size replica of an 18th century ship; ahoy!

Address:  Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam

Opening Times: Open daily 9 am – 5 pm

4. Rijksmuseum

The national museum of the Netherlands tells the country’s history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Visitors can admire works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and more, including Rembrandt’s famous masterpiece, The Night Watch. Entry is however free for children under 18, and there are Escape Games, Rembrandt Drawing Lessons and Family Guided Tours. (Additional charges apply)

Address:  Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam

Opening Times: Open daily 9am – 5 pm, including all holidays.

5. Nemo Science Museum

This striking waterside building offers five floors of hands-on activities and exhibitions, showcasing the marvels of science and technology. Kids will love getting stuck in with the experiments, and parents will be sure to learn some fun facts too!

Last but not least, on the rooftop you will find an open-air exhibition, a large outdoor terrace and a restaurant, alongside magnificent views of the city and docklands. (Access to rooftop depends on the weather)

Address:  Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam

> BOOK NOW

Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am – 5pm

During school holidays, it is also open on Mondays.

6. Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Open 365 days a year, this centrally located zoo had to be number one for our family Days Out in Amsterdam. It is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, and since 1838 has been home to a vast array of species from around the world. Certainly a must-visit for animal lovers, you can enjoy a guided walk through the park, or listen to the zookeper’s fascinating talks on lemurs, lions, jaguars or butterflies. Lastly, don’t miss the Aquarium and Planetarium, both included in the entry price.

BabyBreaks Tip: Buy your tickets online and save 2 Euros per person.

Address:  Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam

If you happen to visit Amsterdam for a few days and want to see as many attractions as possible & save money , don’t hesitate to purchase in advance this All-Inclusive Pass which includes lots of museums and activities listed on this article.

7. Canal Cruise

What better way to explore a city famous for its canals, than by boat? This semi-open boat (heated during winter) takes a leisurely 1.5 hour cruise past some of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks. For example, some highlights include Anne Frank’s House and Bloemenmarkt – the beautiful floating flower market. You can board and disembark at any of the 5 stops along the route, which gives you great flexibility if the kids get restless.

8. Vondelpark

Located near Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, this is a fantastic place for the kids to let off some steam and run about after a morning of culture! It is indeed the largest park in Amsterdam, and much loved by locals and tourists alike. Originally opened in 1865, the sprawling landscaped grounds now encompass an open-air theatre with free performances in the summer, a Pavilion restaurant, waterside café and a children’s playground. You can also rent roller skates from Snoephuisje (near Amstelveenseweg entrance).

Address:  1071 AA, Amsterdam

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, all year round.

9. Oosterpark

Located in East Amsterdam, this green open space is much less crowded than some if the city’s other parks, and has a large new playground that’s sure to be a big hit with the kids. There’s an undulating obstacle course designed like a rollercoaster, tyre swings and fun slides – perfect for active little monkeys! It is just 0.6 miles from Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo and 0.2 miles from the Tropenmuseum. Perfect for a days out in Amsterdam!

Address:  1092 CA Amsterdam

10. Jeugdland

Jeugdland is a large, adventurous nature playground on the edge of the Flevopark. Encouraging children to build, create and get back in touch with nature, this is a fantastic place for creative little minds. Furthermore, there are carpentry huts, watersports, a petting zoo, and cooking stations to bake buns on an open fire. A really unique place for kids!

Address:  Valentijnkade 131, 1095 KH Amsterdam

11. Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Spread over 4 floors, Ripley’s Believe it or Not is a fun and crazy attraction to do with the family in Amsterdam. Expect some weirdness and oddities collection in this museum famously started by Robert Ripley in 1923. Beware that parts of the museum might be scary for your little ones so maybe plan your visit with your pre teens or teenagers. We’ve heard some people staying 4 hours exploring the venue with so many artefacts. Finally, there will be a lot of opportunities to take selfies and funny photos to improve your Instagram feed.

Address: Dam 21, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands

12. Hortus Botanicus

The Hortus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, which opened its door in 1638. We know that Netherlands is famous for its huge production of flowers so it makes sense Amsterdam has such a beautiful outdoor garden too. You will also visit different greenhouses replicating three different climates with original plants. Last but not least, the Hortus has a beautiful butterfly greenhouse with hundreds of tropical butterflies. Not to be missed!

Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands

13. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Located in the central area of Amsterdam in Dam Square, Madame Tussauds is by far the best wax museum you can find in different cities around the world. The characters looks so real that you want to stop and take a picture of your favourite celebrity including a selfie with Dua Lipa or an Avengers super hero. Make sure to pre-book your ticket entries to avoid disappointment.

Address: Dam 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam, Netherlands

14. Amstelpark

Fancy a day out in Amsterdam? Why don’t you relax at the Amstelpark on a sunny day and explore one of the most famous green areas of Amsterdam. Children will love the labyrinth, a little farm with sheep and goats and even a mini golf. You can also pay a visit to the café to enjoy your favourite hot drinks with plenty of snacks available too.

Address: Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 1, 1083 GA Amsterdam, Netherlands

15. Amsterdam Museum

Last but not least, the Amsterdam Museum is unique museum with a clear objective in mind: connecting tourists and local residents of Amsterdam to understand how the city can be enhanced. It also traces back the history of Amsterdam and the culture that the city has perpetrated for centuries. The venue has thought about children too by setting an exploration Time Travel Kit available at the counter with €20 deposit. Sounds like a great cultural attraction for all families.

Address: Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

16. Street Art Museum Amsterdam

Street Art is getting bigger and bigger in lots of capitals around the world and Amsterdam is no stranger to the trend. So much so there is a dedicated museum associated with street art. Expect to enter a large hangar with huge collection of street art paintings and sculptures. Don’t forget to collect the children’s Treasure Hunt kit available at the counter free of charge. Another great experience where I am sure a lot of photos will be taken from your mobile phone.

Address: Immanuel Kanthof 1, 1064 VR Amsterdam, Netherlands

17. Electric Ladyland – First Museum of Fluorescent Art

If you are a fan of Jimi Hendrix, Electric Ladyland might ring a bell. There is a painting of Jimi Hendrix on display. However don’t expect a dedicated museum to the famous guitarist. However, the venue offers something very unique: a collection of fluorescent and phosphorescent artwork. Furthermore, each visitor is part of the art too as you are wandering the gallery.

Address: Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5, 1015 TB Amsterdam, Netherlands

18. Blue Boat Kids Cruise

Boat Cruises are very popular in the main cities of Europe. Even more so in Amsterdam with all the canals to explore. So when I have heard that the operator Blue Boat is organising a kids boat cruise experience alongside the same ordinary cruise, I thought I should mention it on our best things to do in Amsterdam. Each child will receive a complimentary activity package including pirate binoculars and your children can also tune in the kids audio commentary on the boat too. 

19. WONDR Experience

WONDR is a perfect attraction that will please adults joined by their kids (children can’t go alone on this activity). This immersive experience is allowing yourself to push your creative sense in a very original playground. There are some kids time sessions every Wednesday and weekends too for a 2-hour slot. Check their website for the hours. And don’t forget to pop up at the skating room too called Rollers Dreams.

Address: Meeuwenlaan 88, 1021 JK Amsterdam, Netherlands

20. Amsterdamse Bos

On a sunny day out in Amsterdam, why not visiting Amsterdamse Bos and watch your kids having fun in the different areas  of the park. There are lots of trails to follow with the kids. Your children will enjoy a petting farm but also lots of other activities such as canoeing or treetop. 

The park is more like a forest with people running, walking, cycling all year round. In the summer, you can also plan a picnic and spend the day at Amsterdamse Bos park.

Address: 1182 DA Amstelveen, Netherlands

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

• Family Friendly Hotels and Apartments in Amsterdam
• Kids Friendly Restaurants in Amsterdam

PIN IT FOR LATER!

And that’s a wrap! I hope you have found this article on the best things to do in Amsterdam with your children useful during your trip in the Dutch city. As any capitals of Europe, there are so many things to discover indoor and outdoor that this shortlist is probably far from being exhaustive. You can even try your first lesson of Stand Up paddle in Amsterdam . 

I am sure you will find enough activities to keep your little brood busy on your next holiday in Amsterdam. Have a nice trip!

The post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More info: Disclosure .

Related Articles & Features

French Riviera, Europe

15 Things to Do with Kids on the French Riviera in 2024 (+map)

Marrakech, Africa

12 TOP Things to Do in Marrakech with Kids in 2024 (+map)

Abu Dhabi, Middle East

14 BEST Things to Do in Abu Dhabi with Kids in 2024

Hamburg, Europe

15 TOP Things to Do in Hamburg with Kids in 2024 (+map)

Torrevieja, Europe

10 GREAT Things to Do in Torrevieja with Kids in 2024

Tallinn, Europe

15 FUN Things to Do in Tallinn with Kids in 2024 (+map)

If you manage a great activity or a tour suitable for families, we want to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected]

Sign up to our Newsletter

Need some inspiration? Enjoy directly in your inbox our latest ideas for your next family break

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from BabyBreaks about news, offers and partner promotions.

A fantastic 3 days kids-friendly itinerary to Amsterdam

Last Updated on March 3, 2024 by

Golden Age architecture, countless picturesque bridges and a lively atmosphere that makes you want to just hang out on one of its hundreds canals with a fresh beer in your hands. Amsterdam is certainly a multifaceted city that I recently discovered being also children-friendly! Indeed, we recently toured Amsterdam with our little twins and remained pleasantly surprised by its children-friendliness! That’s why I decided to write about it! In this blog, you will discover an easy Amsterdam 3 days itinerary to do with kids. I will take you and your family around the many canals of the city and its museums. Moreover, you will discover a lot of kids-friendly attractions.

Table of Contents

Is Amsterdam kid-friendly?

I have to be honest. The words Amsterdam and kids never sounded very well in my head. Indeed, the portrait of the city I had well-impressed in my mind, is the one described by a bunch of old friends. They have been there essentially for the two main reasons most young males visit in their 20′: sex and drugs. So, I always said thanks but no thanks to any possible visit to Amsterdam. In fact, I always thought it didn’t have much to offer or add to my particular perspective.

Oh I was wrong.

Amsterdam and the Netherlands have, indeed, a much more open approach to certain topics that are taboo in other European countries. Nevertheless, there is a balanced and additional cultural “other side”. This is made of museums, historical heritage, architecture and food scene that is often undervalued. Particularly by families. I discovered not only that Amsterdam is kids-friendly, but that is engaged in the promotion of family-friendly activities. These facilitate kids’ engagements in more adult environments, like its numerous museums.

Moreover, to my great surprise, I didn’t have my usual struggles in taking around the strollers as those I experienced in Portugal or Czech Republic . Indeed, each single train, tram, bus, metro, side street, crossover etc. it was accessible. Not only in Amsterdam, but in every place we visited in the Netherlands! This is great, not only for families but also for people with mobility issues!

How many days do you need in Amsterdam with the kids?

There isn’t a limit to the days you can stay in Amsterdam with the kids. The city has so much to offer that the ideal time would be probably an entire week. However, if you want to get out of the city and explore a little more of the Netherlands, 3 days will cover the “Amsterdam essential bucket list”. Moreover, for my personal experience, I found out that a change of scenery for 2-years old toddlers was quite beneficial.

What is the cost of a trip to Amsterdam for a family?

Unfortunately, Amsterdam is not one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Indeed, high levels of tourism contribute to the high prices all around the country. These below are the prices we more or less paid for our trip for the whole week (not just 3 days).

Train 🚄 To get to Amsterdam, we took the Eurostar taking advantage of its cheapest tickets at £39 one way. Children under 4 don’t pay. Total spent £156 a/r. Consider that I’m getting back to Amsterdam by plane in October and I paid more than £200 ALONE!! So if you are traveling from London or Paris the Eurostar is the best option.

Accommodation 🏨: € 1000 for a budget accommodation out of the central areas for 7 days. See more details below.

Food: around €100 per day. There are cheaper option tough, we just preferred to stay somewhere seated with the kids.

Local Transport 🚇: Nothing this was included in our 72h I Amsterdam Card (partnership). The remaining days we paid €21 per a full-day ticket. Children don’t pay. To get around the country by train we spent a maximum of €100 in 2. Children don’t pay if under 4.

Museums and attractions 🏛️ : Nothing for the first 72h as these were included in our I Amsterdam Card (partnership). However, Keukenhof gardens are not included in this card and we paid €72 to visit on our 4th day.

Souvenirs e other expenses 🛍️ : I generally don’t spend too much on souvenirs. I just buy a few magnets and things to take to my family. We didn’t spent more than €60 on this.

What is the best season to visit Amsterdam? 🌸

If you are planning to visit the Netherlands, weather considerations should be part of your planning. Indeed, equally to the UK, the Netherlands is a very rainy country. Nevertheless, the real question one should ask is. Do I want to see the tulip fields???

Well, if the reply to this question is YES. Then, regardless of the rain, the best season to go is spring. Precisely from Mid April to May. Indeed, this his the expected peak period for flower blooming and tulip fields in the Netherlands should be at their best shape. The downside of traveling in the spring months is that sunshine isn’t granted. Indeed, you can expect entire rainy days or scattered rain during the day, that isn’t pleasant to have if you travel with small children and lot of baby equipment.

If the reply the above question is NO. Then, you can consider the actual best season to visit the Netherlands, which is summer. Indeed, in summer you should definitely expect plenty of sunshine and the ideal weather to stroll&dine along the numerous canals of Amsterdam. A second better traveling season might be Autumn (Oct-Nov) to see the foliage in part of the country and experience the best dusk colours. However, autumn like spring carries a certain amount of rain that one should take in consideration. Particularly if planning many outdoor activities.

Our experience with the weather in the Netherlands wasn’t the best. Deciding to travel in April we accepted the risk of possible adverse conditions. Indeed, we got a few days of heavy rain and two days of very strong wind. Nevertheless, this didn’t stop us from pursuing our itinerary the best as we could!

How to get around with kids in Amsterdam 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

Getting around with kids in Amsterdam couldn’t be easier! As I said before, the city is very accessible and stroller-friendly and we didn’t find any particular difficulty in traveling with two toddlers and a big luggage. Each train/tram and metro have their own accessible entrance that can be used by strollers with facilitated seats/spaces for the trip.

Do Kids travel free in Amsterdam?

All children under 4 years-old travel for free in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. You don’t need to buy a separate card or ticket for them. Children aged 4-11 have a special children ticket that allow them to travel within Amsterdam at € 4 for the whole day. This ticket can be purchased at any tram or metro station.

Baby change facilities in Amsterdam

Traveling with little babies can be sometimes very challenging. Indeed, nappy changes or specific feeding times are not the best friends of travel itineraries. Parents have to stop frequently and not many places are equipped for a sudden nappy change or a hungry screaming baby. As I travel with 2 children under 3, my immediate concern when I plan a whole day out is about nappy changes and food for them.

Food is generally the easygoing part. Indeed, we always try to book hotels that have close supermarkets (for milk and snacks). For lunch and dinners the twins are already used to smaller portions of adult foods or kids choices (when available). Nevertheless, nappy changes are a real struggle. Nevertheless, in Amsterdam, the struggle was less than usual as many places have baby changes facilities. Moreover, when they don’t have it (in restaurants) owners have always been very kind and found a space for us to change the kids.

Where I can find baby changing stations in Amsterdam?

If you are around Amsterdam and don’t know where to look for baby changes, those options below are a safe harbour. Don’t attempt any Mc’Donalds or Burger Kings in the more central areas. They are cramped and they don’t have any baby changing station.

• The Amsterdam Centraal Station . Most toilets in the Central station have a special “family room”. This is accessible for free and have a space for baby change and feeding. Public toilets staff usually lock the room for security and hygiene reasons. Therefore, you might need to ask them to unlock this for you. We used the one near platform 1 and it was very clean.
• Wijs West . This is a children shop and cafe in Bilderdijkstraat. It’s one of the few shops/cafe that have a baby changing room.
• Amsterdam Schiphol Baby Care Lounge. Amsterdam airport has one of the best baby changing facilities I ever seen! Not only there is a baby change in almost every toilet, but if you need more privacy in a more comfortable space, you can use one of their Baby Care Lounges. They are free of charge and located in Holland Boulevard after the security in the Departure Lounges 2 and 3. For older kids who needs entertainments, the airport has numerous play areas (the most famous one is the Kids Forest) where children can play, climb and run. For the most chilled children there is also a library!
• Any Museum . When in Amsterdam you’ll probably visit some museum. Well, most of them are not only accessible but they have excellent baby change facilities. Of those we visited, NEMO, Rijksmuseum and Artis have all baby change stations.

I Amsterdam City Card. Is it worth?

Despite children travel for free and enter most museums free (until 5 years old). Adults have still to pay the full price! We had the chance to try the I Amsterdam City Card and check ourselves how much a family can save with this card!

The I Amsterdam City Card is the official sightseeing card of Amsterdam. It comes in various length of time from one day to 72h. In our case, 72h was the perfect length for our Amsterdam 3 days itinerary!

What is included in the I Amsterdam City Card?

The I Amsterdam City Card includes free or discounted entrance to more than 70 museums and attractions in and out of Amsterdam. Free use of all the public transport in Amsterdam (metro, bus and tram), free city cruises and food discounts. This includes free entrances to the Rijksmuseums, Artis Zoo, Hortus Botanicus etc. (see our itinerary below to see how we used the card!).

What is the price of the I Amsterdam City Card?

The price of the card, depend on the length of time you want to use it. For your convenience, I summarised the main prices below:

• 24h – €60
• 48h – €85
• 72h – €100
• 96h – € 115
• 120h – €120

How much you can save with the I Amsterdam City Card?

This totally depends on how many attractions you can fit within the validity of your card. I would say there is a general saving of €20-55 per person with the card.

Is the I Amsterdam City Card worth the price?

If you make a good use of it then definitely yes! If you don’t plan to visit any museum than I would opt only for the transport card. In our case it was more than worthy!

5 top tips for traveling with kids in Amsterdam

Each family is different and has its own pace and way of explore places with their kids. Some people pack their itinerary, some other are slow travellers. After 3 years of traveling with my little ones, and being with them in about 8 different countries, I can say I am now confident on the topic. Each time we go away, we learn something different and we try to improve for our next trip. I now know how to keep my kiddos entertained, what makes them nervous or what we have to avoid during a trip.

In the case of Amsterdam, I used all my previous experiences to avoid previous mistakes and possibilities of kids’ tantrums. I have to say we were quite successful and the trip proceeded very smoothly! Please consider this 5 main tips for traveling with children in Amsterdam.

1. Keep your itinerary simple 🗺️

Traveling with kids is not as the same as traveling alone. It’s slower but at the same time chaotic and need seamless planning. We usually schedule a maximum of 2/3 activities or site visit per day. Amsterdam is a busy city with lots of things to do. So, the better thing is to focus on a specific area for a day, or 2 museums. Kids don’t like to jump from one place to another and they feel more stable end engaged in one place per time.

2. Plan your itinerary around children’s schedule and needs ⛺

My little ones needs constant entertainment. A mistake I did during my Belgium trip last winter, was that I didn’t plan enough funny stuff for them. However, you should consider they are travellers too. They want to experience something new as much as you do. It doesn’t matter if they are 2 years old or 15. Therefore, this time I carefully researched places that had a lot of activities for them or can provided them opportunities to play and learn with things they don’t have at home. I honestly wouldn’t visit those places if alone as they are very kids-centred but this paid off! Kids had they play-learn time and were much more quiet during the adult activities too.

3. Book your restaurants in advance 🍝

Working in the luxury sector has taught me only looser don’t have a restaurant reservations! Jokes apart, most restaurants in Amsterdam work on a reservation-only basis and tend to be VERY busy. Tables reservations have actually been one of the best part of our holiday as while I saw many people struggling to enter into places (including families), we skipped the queue with a smile on our face. Tip: if you need a highchair, specify this on the booking.

4. Take snacks and additional entertainment with you 🎮

This is more a general tip than Amsterdam-related. However, in our case it was more than essential! We have 2 little energetic kids but they get tired too! So when they didn’t want to walk we had the stroller with us. During our lunchtime/dinner time, that usually lasts long, we had our beloved Fire HD 8 Kids tablet to keep them entertained. Everything, of course, with plenty of their favourite snacks and fruits with us.

5. Don’t be scared of venturing out of the city 🚗

If you are thinking of a day trip but unsure if this is feasible with kids. Go for it! The rest of the country is not much different (in terms of facilities) than Amsterdam. Transports are safe and kids-friendly and restaurants equipped for families. So, go and explore! One of our favourite place to visit in the Netherland with the kids was Zaanse Schans, the iconic windmill route close by to Amsterdam. It’s perfect for a day trip and we organised a very nice exploration. Discover here how to organise the perfect day trip to Zaanse Schans.

Amsterdam 3 days itinerary with kids

We arrived in Amsterdam around 4.30 pm with the Eurostar. We immediately collected our I Amsterdam City Card at the Central Station shop and by the time we arrived at our hotel was 6 pm. So, we decided to start our itinerary the day after. However, if you arrive in the morning you can plan activities straight away. Remember that if your hotel check-in is around 2-3 pm you can store your luggage in one of the many luggage storages in the city centre. On the day we left Amsterdam, our train was at 7pm so we left the luggage near the station. We stored our luggage at Bike Rental Reine (and storage luggage) at a very convenient distance from Central Station. The booking was easy and the guy at the reception very kind.

Day 1. Plan a museums day

On our first day of exploration in Amsterdam we wanted to do a museums day. Nevertheless, we didn’t want the kids to get bored so we pick-up 2 museums. One for adults but with children-friendly routes and one for children but appreciable by adults as well. As I will return in Amsterdam this October without the kids, I didn’t feel the pressure of choosing a particular museum. I sincerely opted for the ones I thought they would be better for us as a family.

Visit the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is since ages on my personal bucket list and I couldn’t really skip it once I was in Amsterdam! Moreover, the entrance fee is included in the I Amsterdam Card. Just don’t forget to pre-book your free tickets in advance as it’s not possible to book them on the spot.

Our visit to the museum was very pleasant and the children really enjoyed. We had just one tantrum from Chris who started crying when couldn’t touch some of pieces of an exhibition. For the rest, the children behaved perfectly to be just 2,5 years old!

Is the Rijksmuseum children-friendly?

Yes Yes Yes! People think that museums are boring places for children but it the exact contrary. Children are stimulated by the availability of different resources and the wide environment help them boost their confidence in deciding what to see and what route to take. In this particular case, the Rijksmuseum is thought to host children and families and they have also special tips for your visit here.

Among the top highlights for families in the museum:

• They have a cloakroom where to store your belongings
• The museum is stroller friendly! If you don’t have a stroller you can also rent one at the museum.
• There are special routes for children (aged 5+)
• There is a baby changing station that can be used also for breastfeeding
• Separate accessible entrance for families with strollers
• The cafe’ has a children menu
• Family game with the museum guide (separate price €2,50)

Visit the NEMO Science Museum

Our second museum of the day was the NEMO Science Museum . The entrance to this museum is also included in the I Amsterdam City Card. However, you have to book your slot before by selecting “I have already a ticket”.

If you watched my Instagram stories, you know already the visit didn’t went as expected. Indeed, I chose this museum with all the good intentions despite it’s recommended for children aged 5+. The museum itself is amazing. I loved the concept of explaining science to children in a fun way and I loved that every single piece of the exhibition was interactive. Older children will surely have the time of their life here and I truly encourage you to visit (despite our negative experience).

Our experience at the NEMO Science Museum

Honestly, the only downside for us was the crowd. This museum was so crowded that I could barely see my husband! I really didn’t understand the point of booking in advance if you have to visit with other 5.000 people at the same time. It’s not the Louvre and not really the type of museum it’s enjoyable with all this crowd! Even the Rijksmuseum wasn’t that crowded.

Moreover, the crowd was made of not very polite children (aged up to 17!) with they even worse parents with little or no staff there to prevent rude behaviour. Especially towards the more little kids. Moral of the story, the little twins tried to engage as much as possible with the things they thought were more interesting (most of them including colourful balls or spinning wheels) but older children monopolised the attractions or literally pushed them away without any parents or staff telling them to give space to other people.

The result was that our kids (and a few more I spotted around) that were younger than others, cried most of the time because couldn’t play as expected or never had the chance to do it. Of course, I tried to explain them a little the situation but they are still too young to fully understand. I really didn’t want to engage in fights with kids or their parents for the sake of legitimately give other people space, after monopolising a single spot for more than 10 mins. It’s normal bon-ton to do this in a public space and, eventually, the staff should have timed each group to avoid these situations. In the end, we left in one hour instead of the 3h I had originally planned.

Day 2. Explore Amsterdam canals and Artis

Our second day mixed up different activities. A visit to Artis, a canal cruise and some exploration of Amsterdam.

Visit the Artis Royal Zoo

I have to admit I wasn’t 100% sure about this visit. Indeed, I am strongly against any type of animal captivity and cruelty towards animals. Therefore, I never visit zoo, circus and related. However, this place was very recommended for children. So, before booking our tickets I wanted to get more information about the animal welfare. The Artis Royal Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and the 5th oldest zoo in the world. This includes about 27 historical 19th-century buildings.

After a brief research, I learnt that, despite in captivity, most of the animals kept at the Artis zoo come from conservation and breeding projects.

What are the conservation and breeding projects?

Conservation projects aim to protect endangered species and their natural habitats. Indeed, until 1970 it was standard practice to take animals from the wild. However, as more species became endangered this practice is luckily stopped. At least in Europe. Most animals kept in European zoos are part of conservation and breeding projects aiming their protection or reintroduction to their natural habit. With breeding programmes, zoos ensure a “(genetically) healthy population of vulnerable or endangered species outside their original habitat”. Artis is part of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria). This is an institution that “bring experts to determine whether a species needs a breeding programme and give advice to gardens keeping the specific species, for example in terms of housing or whether or not to breed with a species”. Artis currently hosts about 90 species that are part of European breeding programmes.

Our experience at Artis

After having learnt so, I decided to give Artis a go. Tickets were included in the I Amsterdam Card and, as usual, you have to pre-book your day/time slot. It was a very good day of sunshine so it was perfect to stay outside. Moreover, the twins never seen real-life animals (except our cat) so I wanted to see their reaction.

I was happy to see there isn’t a very large animal population in this zoo. And some of those animals that are there come from very bad situations (e.g. poaching of private users’ collections). Unfortunately, some of them can’t survive in their natural habitats and need constant care. In this case, it’s good the zoo take care of them. We also discovered that birds, including pink flamingos, come there spontaneously for migratory purposes. The park is more like a large botanical garden with a few animals here and there. Kids enjoyed their walk a lot and loved to see the Elephants and lions.

Artis is very children-friendly and expect to find lots of facilities for family. From restaurants to baby changing stations.

Sailing the Amsterdam Canals with kids

There aren’t many children-friendly canal cruises in Amsterdam. Particularly for toddlers. Indeed, sailing can be potentially dangerous for little children in open and semi-open boats. Of all the free cruises provided by the I Amsterdam Card, only the one done by Blue Boat could safely host little children.

Indeed, Blue Boat provides special Kids Cruises tailored for the little ones. Indeed, there is a special audio played for them that entertain them during the cruise. Children will be also provided with a fun booklet, pencils and pirate binoculars. The boat is also safe because it’s closed with no possibility of small children falls into the canals.

Our little ones really enjoyed the cruise (probably more than us!). The cruise last 75 mins and proceed slowly through the most famous Amsterdam canals. Unfortunately, we couldn’t hear much of the audio play because the twins decided to take our earphones. Nevertheless, the cruise was nice and relaxing.

To book a cruise with the City Card, you’ll need to get in person to the cruise office in front of the Hard Rock cafe. It’s not necessary that you go on the same day. Indeed, we booked our cruise the day before.

Day 3. Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans to see the Windmills

We thought a lot about what to do on our third day in Amsterdam. We didn’t want to spend another day at a museum or walking like crazy in any insta spot of Amsterdam. So, I thought that a good day trip could be perfect for us. Zaanse Schans and its famous windmills are at about 35 mins by train from Amsterdam. Moreover, the I Amsterdam City Card gives access to the most of the windmills and museums in the area.

Getting around Zaanse Schans

There are essentially two way to get around Zaanse Schans. On foot or by bike. You can reach the location by car but the actual windmill area is car-free so you’ll need to leave this near the station or out of the village. If you are planning to walk, this is a 15 mins walk from the Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Stations.

Cycling the Windmill route in the Netherlands

If you are planning to get around by bike, as we did, there is just one rental bike in the city. This is called Bike Rent Station Zaanse Schans and it’s located just out of the station, immediately on the left. Be aware that they have a limited number of bikes and they give priority to the people who booked online. Although they mysteriously lost our reservation and given away all the children seats for the bikes. Luckily, the lady had two spares somewhere and we were able to rent those.

Rental price is €5 for the first hour and €3 for the additional hours. We paid a total of €46 and we rented the bike between 11am-5pm.

The windmill route is very easy to cycle. The only problem are people. Indeed, it was very crowded and a lot of people were standing/walking on the bike route instead of the pedestrian none. So I had to constantly ring the bell on the bike to make them move, with the risk of hitting someone.

If you never cycled before, it’s not a good idea to take the kids with you as the bike weight is slightly shifted and the child movements could make you loose your balance. I had a lot of cycling experience as I lived 3 years in Tuscany and only moved around by bike there! Therefore, I was very confident of my skills. But please don’t get children in the bikes unless you are sure of your skills!

You can read more about our experience and how to organise a day trip to Zaanse Schans here.

Visiting Zaanse Schans with children

Visiting Zaanse Schans with children is very fun. The area is very safe and there are a lot of activities to do. Children will be naturally excited to see the windmills, plus there are also some farm animals nearby! Our little ones were also excited about crossing the little bridges of the village.

Moreover, one of the best places to have lunch with children in Zaanse Schans is De Kraii Restaurant . This place serves traditional Dutch pancakes in its original 18th-century granary. The menu is children friendly and the restaurant has a very clean baby changing station in the women toilet.

Eating in Amsterdam with kids

We are not too strict when it comes to book restaurants while we are with our children. Of course, we try to avoid super formal environments. But if a restaurant looks nice and with potentially good food according to the reviews, I generally book it straight away. Our twins eat almost everything so we are always sure to find something suitable for them. If they become too fussy, we’ll head to the nearest bakery to find something else.

This below is a list of places we visited for lunch/dinner in Amsterdam. Some of them don’t have a specific children menu, but dishes can potentially be children-friendly.

• Food Crib – Street food kiosk near Rijksmuseum – they have outdoor tables
• Chimney Cake Bakery & Café – kids loved their cheese croissants. Excellent coffee!
• A Tavola – Nice Italian restaurant near NEMO museum. Very good pasta. Service not the best tough.
• Cafe’ de Plantage -Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine in a lovely historical building near Artis.
• De Waterkant Restaurant – Inside ARTIS zoo. Only vegan/vegetarian food. My husband loved his vegan burger. Nice location with view on the zoo Savannah. Prices are a bit high compared other places. They have kids menu and changing facilities.
• Pizza Project – Best pizza tried in Amsterdam! Staff very friendly and place equipped for entertain the little ones. No baby change. They have 2 locations. We’ve been to the one in Maasstraat 18.
• De Kraai – Traditional Dutch pancakes in a 18th-century granary.
• Omelegg lovely place for breakfast or lunch!
• Pancake Bakery . Best places for pancakes in Amsterdam. They do special children pancakes in different shapes!

Where to stay in Amsterdam with children

Amsterdam (and the Netherlands in general) are not cheap place to visit. Particularly for families. Indeed, prices for a week stay for 4 people (2 adults, 2 children) ranges between €1000 and €5000. This doesn’t include luxury options. As we didn’t want to spend that much for a mid-year holiday, we evaluated what was the best budget option for our need.

I searched for a place that had large rooms, very good connections with the central areas, a supermarket nearby and within the budget of £1000. Ibis Budget City South had all these requirements, plus I am an Accor member so our stay made us also gain some points! We paid slightly more than €1000 for a week and our stay was very pleasant. Initially we thought to have breakfast in the room by buying something at the super-market. However, the hotel has a very nice breakfast area, equipped for little children. So we ended up doing breakfast there every day. Breakfast for 2 people is €23 (little children don’t pay).

The nearest tram station is just a 3 mins walk from the hotel and connects with the central areas with the trams 5 and 25. A supermarket (Albert Heijn) is just at 7 mins walk from the hotel and we used this regularly to buy children’s milk.

Plan your trip to the Netherlands

No time to read? Save it for later!

Share this:

You may also enjoy:

Staying in a 400-years old riad in …, how to plan a perfect day trip …, everything you need to know to visit …, everything you need to know for a ….

Sending this on to a friend of mine…. They are planning a family holiday there this year but weren’t sure how kid friendly Amsterdam was!

Tell me what you think, leave a reply below! Cancel reply

The historian traveller instagram, where is laura.

Email address

Subscribe to The Historian Traveller newsletter

Looking for something.

16 Best Things to do in Amsterdam with kids (+ map)

Are you planning to visit Amsterdam with kids? This guide will help you plan where to go with children in Amsterdam + other useful information (transport with children, accommodation for families with children in Amsterdam and a map with tips).

• Children's Zoo

Amsterdam with children: PUBLIC TRANSPORT

16 best things to do in amsterdam with kids.

Amsterdam is one of the best cities to visit in Europe with kids. The whole family with young children and teenagers will enjoy their holidays here. Lots of beautiful places, fun attractions and lush Dutch nature just a short drive from the city.

Below you will find 16 tips for excursions and activities if you are planning to visit Amsterdam with children.

Walks along the canals

Have you also heard that Amsterdam is the Venice of the North ? In Amsterdam there are 165 canals with a length of 71 km and a total of 1700 bridges. That’s 4 times more bridges than Venice . Shouldn’t Venice be the Amsterdam of the south ?

Walking around the canals is fun and a great way to get to know Amsterdam with the kids. Seeing buildings “rise” right out of the water is something that keeps many a child awake.

Walking along the canals is also a great option for parents with small children in strollers, as the canal routes are easy.

Don’t miss the Jordaan quarter or the streets of Negen Straatjes, where older children in particular will be delighted by the many different shops.

Boat cruise

From the boat you can admire Amsterdam from a different angle. And it’s fun. You can choose between different cruises.

How about evening cruise with pizza that especially older kids will appreciate? Or cruise in a closed boat which is perfect for the misfits like us. There is also a popular cruise in an open boat .

ARTIS Royal Zoo

The Royal Zoo ARTIS has been based in Amsterdam since 19. century. It is a beautiful place full of greenery, colourful flowers and beautiful spaces around large enough enclosures for animals. The diversity of animal species here is enormous. You can have a picnic in the grass, visit the Butterfly House or the planetarium.

Next to the Zoo you will find the Microbia Museum, which will introduce you to the world of microbes in a fun and interactive way. A great and unique activity for children and adults.

The entrance fee is higher, but it’s worth it. The whole area is complex, detailed and full of lots of activities.

• Admission: 25 € (including Micropia 30 €), children 3-12 years 21 €; BUY TICKETS
• Opening hours: 9:00-18:00
• Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40

Amsterdam with children by bike

Amsterdam is one of the friendliest cities for cyclists. Not when there are over 800,000 people living here and even over 900,000 bicycles. There are lanes everywhere and cyclists have their own sign at the traffic lights.

On the other hand, locals can be a bit inconsiderate when driving if you get in their way and don’t know which way to go.

Still, the bicycle is one of the best ways to explore the city and get to the more remote neighbourhoods, for example. And it’s even more fun with kids.

There are bike rental shops at every turn or you can rent bikes at the hotel. If you don’t want to take the kids to the streets, you can cycle across Vondelpark.

NEMO Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum is 5 floors of experiments and fun. Everything is divided into sections – human body, universe, energy, gravity, water and other parts. There is a snack bar or restaurant on each floor.

The roof terrace is the perfect end to a visit to the museum. There are refreshments, seating, a view of the city and an exhibition of Energetics. You’ll see windmills or special seats covered in foil with solar cells that absorb energy. Children can tell how much energy the solar cells have produced by the LED lights in the seat.

When the weather is nice, water troughs are lowered on the roof where children can play with the water and you can wet your feet. The roof terrace is open 10:00-17:30 (closed in bad weather).

• Admission: over 4 years 17,50 €, students with student card 8,75 €; reservation required; BUY TICKETS
• Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30, open on Mondays only on holidays and public holidays
• Address: oosterdok 2

The Madame Tussauds Museum is a popular family attraction in many cities. And it’s no different in Amsterdam, where there’s plenty to see. Boys will be attracted by Hulk and other Marvel characters and girls by singer Beyonce or Prince Harry and Meghan. Madame Tussauds Museum is located right on Dam Square. What makes this square special? Amsterdam was founded here in 1270. Today it is the seat of the Royal Palace.

• Admission: over 16 years 23 €, children 3-15 years 19 €; if you book on the day of the visit, tickets are 3 € more expensive; time slot reservation required; Click here for tickets
• Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (some days up to 20:00 – please specify when booking)
• Address: Dam 20

National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) is a short walk from the NEMO Science Museum. Here you can have fun with your children for 3-4 hours. There is so much to do and discover.

You will learn how sailors used to prepare for their voyages, see manuscripts and historical maps and other interactive exhibitions. Some are directly adapted for children. For example, the exhibition The Story of the Whale tells more about the history of whaling and how it became an endangered species.

Or in the replica of the VOC Amsterdam, you can try to control the rudder, lie in a hammock, shoot a cannon and use virtual reality to return to 17. century.

• Admission: 17,50 €; children 4-17 years 8,50 €; BUY TICKETS
• Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00
• Address: Kattenburgerplein 1

Amsterdam’ s largest green oasis. This is how one could describe Vondelpark, where locals like to spend their free time. You can have a picnic in the grass, go for a bike ride, smell the roses in the garden, watch an outdoor show or have a bite to eat in one of the restaurants and cafes.

Westerpark is a great family park in the south of Amsterdam. There is a large lake, playgrounds, cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours.

• Address: Haarlemmerweg 4

This is Holland

How to bring the Netherlands closer to children? Simply by experiencing Holland for themselves through a simulation in the This is Holland attraction. Take a 5D flight to fly over the canals and the most beautiful places in Amsterdam, enjoy the tulip fields or see the iconic windmills from a bird’s eye view. You will feel like you are actually flying in a helicopter.

Before your flight, learn more about the history of the Netherlands in an interesting and entertaining way.

• Admission: €23.01, children 4-12 years €19.47; reservation required; Click here for tickets
• Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
• Address: Overhoeksplein 51

A´DAM viewpoint

A´DAM Lookout is the tallest building in the city and has a revolving floor at the top with lots of fun activities.

You can eat in the restaurant, relax with something good on the large cushions, enjoy a panoramic view of the city, take a VR roller coaster ride over Amsterdam or swing on the highest swing in Europe (swing and VR for children over 1.20 m).

Even the ride up the elevator is worth it thanks to the light and sound effects.

• Admission: from €14.50, children 4-12 years from €8.50 (prices when booking online, €2 more at the venue); prices vary according to the package you choose; discounted family admission is also available; BUY TICKETS
• Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
• Address: Overhoeksplein 5

House of Anne Frank

The Anne Frank House is one of the most sought-after places in Amsterdam. However, I would recommend a visit for older children who already have an understanding of the events associated with the war.

The Anne Frank Museum tells the story of a young girl, Anne, and her family who hid for 2 years in the back of the building during the occupation in 1942. During this time Anne kept a diary where she wrote down all her thoughts. In 1944 they were found and taken to a concentration camp.

Only her father survived, and in 1947 he published the diary to show the world one of the truest images of the Holocaust. It’s an emotionally powerful and enlightening place for children.

• Admission: 16 €, children 10-17 years 7 €, children under 10 years 1 €; reservation required; BUY TICKETS
• Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9:00-18:00, Fri-Sat 9:00-20:00
• Address: 20 Westermarkt

Exhibition Body Worlds

In the Body Worlds exhibition, you and your children will learn all about the workings of the human body and the effects of happiness. The exhibition consists of 200 real human bodies that remain perfect thanks to plastination . Plastination is a technique that replaces bodily fluids with silicone rubber, making the bodies odourless, dry and last longer than Egyptian mummies.

You see all the bones, muscles, veins, nerves and organs and how the body reacts when you play the saxophone, jump, what smoking does to your body or why happy people live longer. Great and informative exhibition.

• Admission: 22,50 €, children 6-17 years 13,50 €; BUY TICKETS

Tulip fields Keukenhof

Tulips are the national flower of the Netherlands. Every spring, from March to mid-May, the tulip fields open to visitors, where you can see the long meadows full of colour and fragrance.

You can dine on hay bales and pick up a booklet about tulips at the beginning, which the children fill out one by one and receive a gift at the end. There is also a small zoo with goats, rabbits and peacocks, a playground and a maze.

The Keukenhof Tulip Fields are located an hour southwest of Amsterdam near the town of Lisse, close to Schiphol Airport.

• Admission: 19 €, children 4-17 years 9 €; online booking required; BUY TICKETS (on sale in spring)
• Admission including transport: €39 (buses depart from This is Holland, where you also exchange your booking for tickets); BUY TICKETS (on sale in spring)
• Opening hours: 8:00-19:30
• Address: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse

Windmills Zaanse Schans

Windmills are a symbol of the Netherlands. The windmill museum in Zaanse Schans is located north of Amterdam and is an ideal excursion for families with children.

The area is freely accessible, so you can just come and enjoy the surroundings. Or take a peek at the museums and attractions located here. I think not only children will be excited about the biscuit and chocolate museum, the cheese factory, the clog factory and more.

There is already an admission fee for the museums – you can pay on the spot for individual museums or buy Zaanse Schans Card which gets you in everywhere. You can also visit the mills from Amsterdam as part of the trip with transport .

• Admission to attractions and museums with the Zaanse Schans Card: €23.50, children 3-17 years €16; BUY TICKETS
• Opening hours: area is free to enter, museums open 10:00-17:00
• Address: Kalverringdijk Schansend, Kraaienest, Zaandam,

Children’s Zoo

Children’s zoos with pets are typical of Amsterdam. Children can look at the animals and cuddle with them. From rabbits to peacocks. From the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll be transported to the countryside that morning.

Tips for children’s zoos:

• Kinderboerderij De Pijp
• Kinderboerderij Amstelpark (Amstelpark also has a great playground with a train and water boats)

Amsterdam with children: TRANSPORTATION

Schiphol Airport is family-friendly. Children will be entertained by several elements of the NEMO Science Museum, a fun playground and the Airport Park, where you can watch the planes with your children.

The easiest way to get to Amsterdam from the airport is by train. The station is directly below the airport. Tickets can be bought from the yellow and blue machines for €5.90 or online at for 4,90 €. Prices are valid for everyone over 12 years of age.

For children aged 4-11, the train fare is €2.50 (the price is valid for the whole day if you are going somewhere else with your children on the train that day). Children up to 3 years old travel free of charge if sitting on your lap.

Children up to 3 years of age are free on public transport in Amsterdam. For children 4-11 years old, there are discounted day passes for €4, with which they travel unlimited for 24 hours on buses, trams and metro (not valid for trains from the airport). You just scan the card in and out.

From the age of 12, children are charged the same admission as adults. They can be purchased discounted multi-day tickets . Valid in hours, not days, i.e. If you have a 24-hour ticket and you take your first ride at 10am, your ticket will be valid until 10am the next day.

If you only plan to use public transport infrequently, you can buy a single ticket for 1 hour for €3.40 (there is no reduced rate for children).

Tickets can be purchased at the airport (at AKO newsagents or the I am Amsterdam visitor centre) or at any of the stations in Amsterdam (GVB outlets).

This is Holland and the A´DAM Lookout are located in Amsterdam-Noord. It’s easy to get here by the free ferry across the IJ River, which leaves every few minutes from Amsterdam Centraal Station (it also takes a few minutes).

For all information about the airport, how to get to and from the airport and public transport in Amsterdam see my guide to Amsterdam .

Amsterdam with children: ACCOMMODATION

MIDDLE CLASS: Hotel Holiday Inn : A modern hotel with excellent connections – located a short walk from Sloterdijk Station, a 10-minute train ride to the airport and the city centre’s main train station. The rooms (even the family rooms) are clean, cosy with private bathrooms and kettles. Rich breakfast, bicycle rental, luggage storage, 24 h reception, bar.

LEFT : Hotel Levell A: This hotel is located in the southeast of Amsterdam, making it a good choice for those arriving by car. The city centre is a 20-minute metro ride away (the stop is 200 metres from the hotel). The hotel offers modern, 2-4 bedded rooms with private bathrooms and a coffee machine. Rich breakfast.

LEFT: XO Hotels Blue Square : clean, elegant hotel with good accessibility and at an excellent price. Accommodation in 2-4 bedded rooms with private bathroom, fridge and kettle. The hotel has everything you need nearby – a bus stop to the city centre and airport, restaurants and shops. Parking garage.

How to save in Amsterdam with children: the I am Amsterdam Card

Amsterdam is one of those cities where you don’t have to pay a penny for entry and you can soak up the local atmosphere. On the other hand, it has wonderful museums and great attractions that take a visit to Amsterdam up a few more notches.

While it provides discounted admission for children, it also offers a way for adults and older children to save if you plan to visit multiple locations – I am Amsterdam card .

Benefits of the I am Amsterdam card

• Unlimited travel around Amsterdam (metro, buses, trams, ferries)
• Free entry to more than 70 museums and attractions in the city, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Nemo Science Museum, ARTIS Royal Zoo, Zaanse Schans Windmills, Moco Museum, A´DAM Lookout and Rembrandt House.
• Discount to a number of other places in Amsterdam, such as the Heineken Experience.
• Free one-hour canal cruise
• Free bike rental for 24 hours

I Amsterdam City Card can be purchased easily online . After purchase, all the necessary information will be sent to your email immediately.

Another option to save in Amsterdam is a tourist card Amsterdam Pass which offers other benefits. The necessary information and card comparison can be found in my separate article .

Amsterdam with children: MAP

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of Amsterdam with children. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in my guide to Amsterdam with kids . If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

More information about Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM ITINERARY: Plan your trip with our 3-day itinerary for Amsterdam . In the next article you will find the best things to do in Amsterdam (detailed overview of entrance fees, opening times, photos and maps, transport, accommodation, prices and other tips).

HOW TO SAVE IN AMSTERDAM: Amsterdam Pass is one of the ways to save money on sightseeing in Amsterdam.

MORE INSPIRATION: London is another great place for families with kids – we’ve put together a detailed guide to London with kids . Or visit Barcelona with the kids .

25 Best Things to do in Amsterdam: Top Places to visit

AMSTERDAM IN 3 DAYS: tips on what to see and enjoy in Amsterdam!

AMSTERDAM PASS: How to save in Amsterdam?

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fun Family-Friendly Things To Do On Your Next Trip To Amsterdam

A msterdam doesn't necessarily have a reputation as the best destination to travel with children, but there are actually a bunch of activities for kids across the area. It's a surprisingly family-friendly destination. Whether you're traveling with babies, toddlers, or teens, everyone will get a kick out of this Amsterdam and have plenty of fun stuff to do. Not to mention parents accompanying minors will be fully entertained along the way. 

Amsterdam offers informative, hands-on museums and revolutionary zoos that your kiddos will never forget. There are intriguing toy stores filled with plush souvenirs, farms with friendly goats, and massive theme parks that Disneyland allegedly pulled inspiration from. Plus, Amsterdam offers tasty desserts galore to satisfy your kid's sweet tooth during a Dutch vacation. Honestly, this city has it all for families. 

Out of the amazing experiences with kids here, these are the 14 fun family-friendly things to do in Amsterdam.

The Nemo Science Museum

The Nemo Science Museum is the place you always dreamed of visiting when you were young. It's an exploratory museum geared toward children, but it is equally as exciting for the adults coming on the journey with them. This isn't a boring art museum with pieces lining the walls or untouchable exhibits throughout the building. It's a hands-on experience unlike anything you've seen before, with exhibits that teach little ones (and adults) about the world around them. 

The displays include things like an aging machine that shows you how old you'll look in 20 years if you keep up your current lifestyle, a waterfall controlled by a series of wind turbines, and optical illusion rooms where you can take funny photographs. There is even a room that allows participants to harvest energy from light, wind, and water to make various objects move. The more optimally they collect energy, the faster the stuff will move. It's definitely the type of place that will leave young kids in awe and even older ones totally intrigued. You may want to spend an entire day at NEMO because your kids will likely want to spend hours and hours discovering everything this museum has to offer.

Every city has that one big park that provides the perfect venue for a low-effort, fun hang out with kids. In Amsterdam, that park is the historic 150-year-old Vondelpark. One of the most simple and free activities to do in Amsterdam with kids is spending an afternoon in Vondelpark. It's the ideal spot for families that are traveling on a budget or just want to spend a day in nature. 

This huge park provides idyllic scenery for lounging, picnicking, bike riding , or even roller-skating with your little ones. There is also a well-equipped playground inside the park called the Groot Melkhuis. The best part is that practically every one of the activities at Vondelpark is affordable or free. While Vondelpark is open all year round, the best time to visit is throughout the summer. During the warmer months, you can catch free concerts at Vondelpark's open-air theater.

Nothing captures a child's attention quite like a buzzing theme park filled with upbeat characters, thrilling rides, and yummy snacks. Efteling in Amsterdam is about as magical as it gets when it comes to theme parks . Set right in the middle of a forest, this fantasy-style amusement park is full-blown whimsical and has tons of rides that will get your heart pumping -- namely, the park's dive coaster called the Baron 1898 and a traditional wooden rollercoaster named Joris en de Draak. The second option features the park's signature, a giant dragon, so there are a few reasons why this ride will get your heart rate up. 

For families with children too young or timid for big rides, there are still plenty of activities to discover at Efteling. There is a river rapids ride, a calmer roller-coaster for young kids, and 4D films to watch. You can catch free shows throughout the park, like a sporadic water show and scheduled puppet shows. If all that still leaves you wanting more, take a walk through the Fairytale Forest and get lost in a different world. 

Efteling is easily one of the most epic theme parks in the world. Legend has it that the creators of Disneyland even took a great deal of inspiration from Amsterdam's Efteling before building their own park. That's a pretty impressive backstory and makes Efteling worth a visit for that reason alone. 

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels

When you take your family on vacation, it's time to indulge. Why not start with the sugary specialty of stroopwafel when you're visiting Amsterdam ? Stroopwafels are a type of cookie made from two freshly-made thin waffles with gooey, spiced caramel in between the layers. Trying the Dutch dessert is a must when you're visiting Amsterdam, especially when you have kids in tow with a wicked sweet tooth. 

Across Amsterdam, there won't be a shortage of places to try stroopwafel, but the one you should visit with kids is Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. The thing that makes this particular store stand out from all the others is its wide variety of stroopwafel toppings and styles. Here you can munch down on anything from a chocolate-covered stroopwafel with nuts for adult pallets to stroopwafels coated in colorful candy for sugar-loving little ones. Even if you're traveling with the pickiest of eaters, there is something to please everyone in the family at Van Wonderen Stroopwafels.

The Anne Frank House

When you're visiting Amsterdam , the Anne Frank House should be on your to-do list no matter what type of traveler you are. It's one of the city's most important museums. Exploring the world isn't solely about mindless fun -- it should also include a bit of insight into a city's history and local culture. Anne Frank and everything she represents are a huge part of Amsterdam's history -- and indeed, world history. 

The Anne Frank House will teach you and your family about Anne Frank's life, her diary, and influence in the real house where her family was hidden for more than two years.  It really gives you a new perspective to be inside the actual space. Throughout the rooms, you'll cross paths with historical documents, photographs, and items that belonged to the Frank family and the people who helped hide them. There are even displays with entries from Anne's original diary. Even though getting into World War II might seem a little heavy for a family vacation , it's an opportunity to learn and understand in a much deeper way.

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Young animal lovers will get to come eye to eye with some of their favorite creatures at the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo. The enormous zoo is home to more than 500 exotic species, including apes, lions, elephants, giraffes, and so much more. The grounds of ARTIS are immaculately kept and include sculptures, historical buildings, and even a botanical garden. 

Kids love seeing animals in real life, but nobody wants to visit and support a zoo where all the animals look miserable and sickly. That's the great thing about ARTIS -- they try to avoid traditional bars or cages in their animal enclosures that would usually leave animals feeling trapped. Instead, the zoo opts for intricate landscaping to mimic their animal's natural environments and make them feel more comfortable. It's not just better for the animals, it's a great time for families as well, giving kids a more realistic glimpse into the lives of animals from around the globe. 

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

An activity that's great for adults, teenagers, and young children is taking a cruise on Amsterdam's canal . It's one of the most emblematic activities for tourists to join on their first time in Amsterdam because it provides a new, fun perspective on the beautiful Dutch city. Even if it's your fifth visit to the city, you may be tempted to hop on a quick boat tour and escape for the afternoon -- particularly if you have children in tow. 

There are a bunch of cruise options in Amsterdam, including wine and cheese cruises, evening cruises, and even a New York pizza cruise that comes with complimentary pie. These are probably better for a night when a babysitter is lined up, though. The best ones for families traveling to Amsterdam with children are the Light Festival canal cruise or the kid-friendly pirate ship cruise if you're feeling extra adventurous. 

Theater De Krakeling

Many theaters don't allow young kids to their performances, but you won't have that problem at Theater De Krakeling in Amsterdam. The name literally translates to "theater for children". This venue was designed just for an audience of kids and puts on more than 200 performances throughout the year. 

The shows at Theater De Krakeling are suitable for kids aged 4 to 18. They range from lively musicals and dancing performances to puppet theater and musicians. Usually, even if your family isn't fluent in Dutch, you can still catch an entertaining show at Theater De Krakeling -- seriously, your eyes will be glued to the stage. Their schedule varies, so some performances may be better for younger children, and others will be more interesting for older ones. Make sure you check their website to know exactly what you're getting into. You don't want to waste an evening in Amsterdam on a show that flops with your kids!

The Mouse Mansion

There is something about the Mouse Mansion in Amsterdam that will tug on your adult, nostalgia strings. Plus, it's also a fun, little stop in Amsterdam for kiddos. The Mouse Mansion is a real-life world that's inspired by the children's book series of the same title. Even if you're not familiar with the books filled with tiny felt mice, there is still something reminiscent and comforting about seeing their smiling faces in the, uh, flesh. 

In every nook and cranny of The Mouse Mansion, you'll find the book's signature felt mice living their lives through a variety of scenes with incredible detail. There are mice-sized homes, playgrounds, bakeries, and even bustling markets. There is truly an itty, bitty world to discover inside this cute  Amsterdam attraction . Admission is free and there are a bunch of adorable souvenirs to pick up on the way out. They even sell arts and crafts sets that allow your family to build their very own Mouse Mansion. 

Knuffels Toy Shop

Finding a souvenir to take home from a trip to Amsterdam is a little more complicated when you're traveling with kids. The standard postcard or keychain will hardly do anything to excite them. On the hunt for something a bit more exciting for your child to remember your Amsterdam trip by? Check out Knuffels Toy Shop. 

Your kids will run wild in Knuffels Toy Shop -- you'll probably find it equally amusing as you uncover new things around every corner. Knuffels Toy Shop is filled to the brim with a wild assortment of stuffed animals, toys, trinkets, gifts, and souvenirs for children. They also have a huge stock of brightly colored traditional Dutch wooden shoes. Even if you don't buy a thing, browsing this cute Amsterdam toy store is entertaining. There are no promises that your children will let you walk out the door without a toy in hand, though!

Hortus Botanicus

Want to take your family on a nature adventure without leaving the city of Amsterdam? Take your children on a journey through one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world at Hortus Botanicus. These mystical gardens are 385 years old and counting. 

Hortus Botanicus is known for boasting one of the largest collections of unusual plant life. There are things like a 2,000-year-old agave cactus and a variety of greenhouses including desert, tropical, and flower ones.  In total, there are more than 6,000 types of plants living out their days inside Hortus Botanicus and you can see them all. If you're hungry after wandering the plants, stop by the on-site cafe for a bite. 

Visiting this botanical garden is one of those family-friendly activities that perfectly walks the line of being both informative and engaging for adults and children. It's also located near a ton of other Amsterdam attractions, like ARTIS Zoo and Rembrandt's House. So, it's very easy to squeeze in a visit to Hortus Botanicus between other activities. 

Tony's Chocolonely Superstore

There are lots of places to take your children for sweet treats on a trip to Amsterdam , but one of the most notorious around the world is Tony's Chocolonely Super Store. Even if you've never been to Amsterdam, there is a fairly high chance you've seen one of these brick-sized chocolate bars. When you're in Amsterdam, you can take your family for a peak behind the scenes and, of course, eat lots of delicious chocolate. 

At the official Tony's Chocolonely Super Store, you'll get the full chocolate treatment and learn a bit about the cocoa industry. Start by tasting every flavor from classics like milk chocolate with salted caramel to more innovative bars such as white chocolate strawberry cheesecake and the esteemed milk chocolate everything bar. Once you've gotten your fill on chocolate tasting, it's time to design your very own wrapper for a personalized bar. 

Each participant will get to choose a background color, photo, decoration, and personalized text to put on the bar. What's better than a souvenir you can take home and eat? Tony's Chocoloney Super Store is definitely one of the tastier family-friendly things to do in Amsterdam. 

Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm

A heartwarming thing to do with children in Amsterdam is to spend some time at the organic Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm. The 35-year-old farm offers a litany of goat-centered activities that you'll absolutely want to have your camera out to capture. You and your family can do out-of-the-box activities like goat yoga, breakfast with the goats, and kid-friendly meet-and-greets with the goats. You can even give milking the goats a try if you feel so inclined. 

The goats aren't the only star of the shows at Ridammerhoeve. There are chickens, pigs, cows, and horses roaming around, too. It's the entire farm experience that your family will never forget. And there's other things to do on the farm that might interest your kids if they get bored with meeting the animals. You can go on an egg-picking adventure, take a workshop that teaches you how to make cheese, have fun at the playground, and there's a big maze to explore.

Bike Rental & Tours

Biking through this beautiful city is one of the most popular things to do for families and childless visitors alike. Not only is riding a bike one of the easiest ways to get around Amsterdam , but it also gives you a more intimate perspective of the city. Luckily, Amsterdam makes it simple for every visitor to get their hands on a bike that will suit their needs. 

Bike rentals and tours are available for adults and children in Amsterdam. As an adult, you'll find city bikes, tour bikes, and e-bikes that you can rent for days or as little as one hour. And when it comes to biking, Amsterdam would never leave out the little ones. 

If you're traveling with very young children, plenty of bike rental companies can provide cargo bikes that allow parents to peddle around up to two children at a time in a safe little compartment. For older kids, there are tandem bikes or children's bikes. One thing that might come as a culture shock is that most bikers in Amsterdam don't wear helmets. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't  hop on a bike with a helmet and peddle around on a trip through Amsterdam with the family. 

Read this next: 14 Destinations That Are Even Better During The Off Season

The best things in Washington, DC with kids

Apr 9, 2024 • 6 min read

From the national narrative to splashing about in fountains, Washington, DC is a great destination for families © Marc Dufresne / Getty Images

America's capital city is a fantastic destination to visit with children in tow. It's filled with kid-friendly museums, has an abundance of parks in which younger visitors can burn off excess energy, and a logical, pedestrian-friendly layout (let's not forget that DC was designed to showcase urban planning at its very best). 

Here are our top tips for exploring the city with children.

Is Washington, DC, good for kids?

As America's first purpose-built city, Washington, DC, is, in many ways, a dream to explore with younger visitors. It's flat with very few hills, and roads and sidewalks are wide, smooth and well-maintained, perfect for parents pushing strollers. 

Almost all of DC's top attractions are refreshingly accessible – every Smithsonian Museum has ramps, for example, and most museums and major landmarks will have family-friendly restrooms. Generally, you'll almost always be able to enter with strollers, although the White House , which has some of the tightest restrictions, is one of the few places where strollers are on the banned list. 

The large number of gardens and parks means there are endless places for kids to burn off excess energy – the National Mall , for example, has over 20,000 trees and numerous dedicated picnic areas with benches and tables. Thirsty kids (and their parents) are also in luck – most businesses, including restaurants, museums and galleries, will happily top up water bottles, and you'll find public water fountains throughout the city, including 47 on the National Mall alone.

A tactical approach to timing can transform your holiday. If you're visiting during August and September (the hottest months of the year), you'll want to avoid spending too much time outside in the late morning and early afternoon. Take advantage of the extended opening times offered by many museums – crowds tend to thin out after 5pm, and the Library of Congress , the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art are just a few of the institutions that run so-called "late nights."

Catching public transport

Public transport in Washington, DC, is also incredibly accessible, and all train stations have ramps, elevators and extra-wide ticket gates designed with strollers and wheelchairs in mind. All Metro trains have priority seating, usually next to the train's doors. Almost all public buses have ramps, although if you're traveling with a stroller, check the size – most buses, including the DC Circulator buses, won't allow strollers more than 48" long and 24" wide. 

Getting around DC is easier than you think –  here's how

Best things to do in Washington, DC, with babies and toddlers

National museum of american history.

At the National Museum of American History , parents can take some time out at the Wegmans Wonderplace in the museum's west wing. This baby and toddler-friendly hangout has a playroom, family restroom and nursing area (complete with nursing pillows).

Rock Creek Park

The beautiful Rock Creek Park north of the city center has 1754 acres to explore and plenty of fantastic picnic spots (including several next to waterfalls). Toddlers will love the park's Discovery Room, filled with hands-on exhibits and children's books about wildlife, and many of the trails – including the Edge of the Woods Trail – have been designed with strollers and wheelchairs in mind.

Best things to do in Washington, DC with children

Us botanic garden.

The US Botanic Garden , which is free to visit, has a dedicated Children's Garden where younger visitors can help staff care for the various plants, along with a scavenger trail lined with rare plants – kids who spot certain species can get a passport book stamped.

A boat tour along the Potomac 

A riverboat tour is a great activity for kids, who can tick off the city's famous landmarks as they float along the Potomac. Capitol River Cruises offers a range of sailings, although their 45-minute scenic sightseeing cruise hits all the highlights. Tickets are priced around $25 for adults and $15 for children between three and 12. Kids under three are free.

Best things to do in Washington, DC with teenagers and tweenagers

Mount vernon.

Let's face it: teenagers and tweenagers are prone to occasional protestations of boredom, but we've got the perfect solution for anyone who starts to moan about being "museumed out." 

For a change of scenery, head across the water to the Mount Vernon estate, the former home of George and Martha Washington. You can explore the main house on guided tours, watch sparks fly in the blacksmith's shop and stop by the estate's working farm (activities here include sheep-shearing lessons and the chance to pet the ridiculously cute Hog Island Sheep). Not only will you learn about the Washington family – you'll also gain insights into the lives of people enslaved on the estate. The estate is 15 miles south of Washington, DC. To get there, take the metro's Yellow Line to Huntington Station before hopping on the Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon.

The International Spy Museum

Wannabe James Bonds will love L'Enfant Plaza's International Spy Museum , which is filled with interactive exhibits, including ones that encourage them to take part in their very own undercover mission. Our only gripe is that this is one of the few museums that isn't admission-free. Entry fees vary according to the time of year, but children's tickets start at around $19, while adults' tickets start at around $29. Children aged under six visit for free.

Paddle across the Tidal Basin

This is a two-mile-long reservoir wedged between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. Teens and tweens can hire a paddle boat (from $38 per hour) and admire landmarks such as the Jefferson Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial from the water.

Planning tips

• Don't underestimate how accessible DC's transport network is – the city's bus and metro system is refreshingly easy to navigate.
• If you're visiting a museum or gallery, always ask what kid-friendly programs and events are taking place.
• DC has plenty of places to cool off, including lots of splash parks, such as The Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront area. There's a large splash pool and brightly lit dancing fountains after dark. Another notable destination is Canal Park Fountains (also in the Capitol Riverfront area), which has numerous fountains and splash pools with stepping-stone crossings.
• Always ask what kid-friendly freebies are available. For example, staff at the US Capitol's visitor center have stashes of police badges to hand out to children.
• Whether it's a museum, gallery or landmark, always book in advance if tickets are required, even if tickets are free – you won't just get guaranteed entry but will also cut queuing times.

Keep planning your trip to Washington, DC:

These experiences  should be on your DC itinerary  And these incredible experiences  won't cost you a thing Get up close with nature and more history on  these day trips Get to know DC like a local in  these top neighborhoods 

Explore related stories

Family Travel

Oct 6, 2023 • 9 min read

From Disneyland to dinosaurs, here's how to visit the US with kids.

Mar 7, 2023 • 7 min read

Sep 2, 2022 • 5 min read

May 13, 2022 • 8 min read

Sep 14, 2020 • 2 min read

Mar 4, 2020 • 2 min read

Nov 22, 2019 • 1 min read

Oct 3, 2019 • 2 min read

Oct 1, 2019 • 5 min read

Sep 10, 2018 • 5 min read