visit amsterdam with baby

Visiting Amsterdam with Babies and Toddlers

Our family’s favourite winter activity is skating. Seeing the Dutch speed skaters dominate the Olympics year after year had us dreaming of a charming city to visit where you can skate from place to place. That put visiting Amsterdam on our family travel list! But travel with baby comes with its own specific challenges. Here’s a look at visiting Amsterdam with babies and toddlers.

Visiting Amsterdam with Babies & Toddlers: Where to Stay

The best way to get a true sense of a place is to rent an apartment. There are many Amsterdam rentals that are suitable for families, with locations in the city centre, close to landmarks and attractions. Options range from cozy apartments in traditional canal houses to charming cottages with gardens in nearby suburbs, and everything in between. Having a full kitchen when traveling with a baby makes life so much easier. And the extra space a vacation rental usually affords is great for a bit of grown-up time once baby is down for the night.

Staying in Amsterdam

Keep in mind that European hotel rooms tend to be on the small size, and Amsterdam hotel rooms are no exception. It’s probably best to consider which area you’d like to stay in when visiting Amsterdam with babies and toddlers, as sticking close to where you think you’ll be spending the most time will cut back on sorting out taxis and transportation. Accommodations range from simple hostel-like spaces to ultra-luxurious digs, so finding the best Amsterdam hotels for families depends entirely on your trip plans and budget.

You’ll want to avoid the Red Light District, which can be X-rated even during the day. But overall, central Amsterdam is very compact and walkable. The Leidseplein area is very convenient; it’s close to the museums, canals, shops, and the Vondelpark.

The canal belt and De Jordaan areas are very beautiful and also close to Vondelpark and museums.

Visiting Amsterdam with Babies & Toddlers: What to Do

The aforementioned Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park and a must-do when visiting Amsterdam with babies and toddlers. Vondelpark is bustling with both locals and tourists. There are many playgrounds, trees to climb, and bicycles with baby seats (or even tandem bikes) to rent.

Please note that infants under one year should not ride in a bicycle seat and helmets are a must (but likely not available or difficult to rent in Amsterdam). If you plan on riding a bicycle with your child , probably best to bring your own helmet.

The Artis Zoo is located in central Amsterdam and is one of Europe’s oldest zoos. In addition to the impressive animal exhibits, there are beautiful gardens to explore as well. The zoo also houses a large aquarium and a planetarium. With its downtown location, it’s a full day trip that incorporates culture, history, and nature without having to venture out too far.

Amsterdam Museums

Musuems can be easy or hard, depending on the age of your child. But if you’re visiting Amsterdam with a baby or toddler, you can test yourselves a lot since there are more museums per capita in Amsterdam than anywhere else in the world. 

Most museums in Amsterdam offer free admission for young children. I maintain that from 18-months to about five-years-old, it’s tough to enjoy visiting museums with kids. If your baby is still very young and not mobile, this is the trip to explore the more serene or solemn ones, like Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum . Once baby is up and running, it’s easiest to stick with the best museums for kids. In Amsterdam, there are lots. Scheepvaartmuseum (the Maritime Museum), the NEMO Science Museum , and Tropenmuseum are three good ones to visit with smaller children.

Visiting Amsterdam with Babies & Toddlers: What to Eat

Dutch food is very hearty and (for the most part) pretty plain. In other words, it’s perfect if your toddler has reached the picky stage. If you’re renting in Amsterdam, take advantage of your kitchen and sample delicious local cheese, fresh bread, and Stroopwafel–two thin waffle-like wafers stuck together with caramel syrup.

A wide range of high quality baby food and formula is available in Dutch supermarkets and chemists (drugstores). 

There are LOTS of baby- and toddler- and kid-friendly cafes in Amsterdam. The local website Amsterdam Mamas has a comprehensive list .

Visiting Amsterdam with Babies & Toddlers: Getting Around

As with most major cities, car seats are not required if you’re riding in the back seat of a taxi. Whether or not you decide to do this is entirely up to you. You can install your own car seat in a taxi or Uber.

If you won’t be bringing your car seat with you, your best option for getting around while visiting Amsterdam with babies and toddlers is by public transit. Children under four are free to ride. Amsterdam’s network of trains, trams, and buses is fast and family-friendly (and not too difficult to navigate).

Strollers & Public Transit in Amsterdam

If you’re traveling with a stroller, you’ll need to board buses and trams from the rear doors. There is a designated spot inside for standing with the stroller intact. If it’s crowded it might be easier to fold your stroller prior to getting on.

Takiing the train into town from Schiphol aiport will bring you directly to Amsterdam Centraal station. It’s pretty easy to walk to most centrally-located hotels from there if you’re able to manage your baby and your luggage for more than just trekking through the airport.

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7 Responses to Visiting Amsterdam with Babies and Toddlers

Amsterdam is an amazing country!

Hi! Apart from the zoo, park and museum, is there anything else that can be done in Amsterdam with a baby? How many days would you recommend spending in Amsterdam if we are travelling with a baby?

When traveling with a baby anywhere you’ll all feel more relaxed if you give yourself at least three days in one spot. It’s tough to pack up and go night after night when you’re trying to settle a baby as well. If your baby is young enough, it may be nice just to go for walks along the canals.

Great article! Amsterdam is such a beautiful city in The Netherlands! It’s a perfect destination for families.

Any suggestions about transfer from Rotterdam port to Amsterdam? Can I take an under 1 on the coach without a car seat?

Surprisingly you can take lap infants on most public transportation without a car seat. However just because you legally can, doesn’t mean you actually feel good about doing that. A coach is probably your safest bet for a transfer without a car seat. Have a great trip!

I wish to visit Amsterdam some day…. Thank you for the post

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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

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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.

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• 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?

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Top things to do in Amsterdam with a baby

We stopped in Amsterdam for a couple of days on our way back from the Lofoten Islands . If you follow our blog, you know that we’d rather be out in the wild than in a bustling city…

But Amsterdam is not like any other capital. It’s quite unique, has lots of character and never seems to disappoint. Elias was 6 months when we visited and we all had a wonderful time!

Why you should visit Amsterdam

Each neighbourhood has particular characteristics. The old centre, for example, takes you back in time and hides some jewels like Begijnhof. Jordaan is trendy with cute coffee shops and little shops, Nine Streets is a busy shopping area…

Tips for a successful visit to Amsterdam:

• May is a great time to visit. It’s a bit early in the season so the streets should be tranquil, and with a bit of luck, the sun will be shining.
• As you wander around the city, be aware of the bikes when crossing the streets (especially if you have a pram). They add to the Dutch atmosphere but people ride quite fast.
• If you need a quick energy refuelling break, grab some poffertjes at the Pancake Factory.

Rent a boat in Amsterdam and be the skipper

If you want to try something different and get a different perspective, rent a small boat to explore the canals at your own pace. We used Ecoboats Amsterdam . It’s a small family-owned business, located at Westerdoka 5-minute bus ride from Central Station (you can also ride there). The boats are in perfect condition, powered by green energy and can carry up to 12 people. You’re the skipper, so you choose where you go!! They’ll give you a map of the canals and can recommend some great itineraries if you need inspiration. Give it a go, you’ll have a blast.

Tips for a successful boat rental with a baby or a toddler:

• Take sunscreen and a hat for the whole family, especially baby
• Be prepared in case of rain
• If you bring toys, make sure you tie them with a toy strap so that they don’t go into the canal haha
• Have fun! Bub will love it for sure.

Our favourite museum and top attractions

In Amsterdam, there’s plenty of museums to choose from. If you’re going for the first time, don’t miss the Van Gogh Museum. It’s breathtaking. The visit is organised around the various phases of Van Gogh’s artistic life and hold some of his most famous work. Each section starts with a few paintings from the artists who inspired him at the time. It’s fabulous to see his art evolve as years past.

Tips for a successful visit of the Van Gogh museum with a baby:

• The tour takes about 2 hours.
• It’s a good idea to take your baby carrier to move in the crowds.
• You still need to book your visit in advance online when using the I Amsterdam City Card (it’s one of the most popular attractions in the city).
• We wish we hopped on a guided tour to better understand VG’s life.

A great option, if you’re thinking about visiting a few museums is to get the “ I Amsterdam City Card “. It includes admissions to 70 museums including the NEMO Science Center, the National Maritime Museum, Rembrandt House, Van Gogh Museum and many others. It also includes public transport for up to 5 days as well as a canal cruise.

As it includes public transport for up to 5 days, it makes it easy to travel between attractions. We only stayed in Amsterdam for 3 days so we couldn’t visit enough sites. If you’re there for longer and need inspiration, here’s our bucket list:

• Rijksmuseum
• Anne Frank House: we’re waiting for Elias to be older so he can understand the history

City attractions:

• Wander around the Vondelpark
• Eat at Food Hallen , a former tram depot that hosts about 30 food stalls.
• Catch a ferry to Amsterdam North

Around Amsterdam:

• Cycle the flower strip
• Visit the windmills in Zaanse Schans

RMIKADO POSTS

Best way to visit Paris: Paris museum pass + Paris metro pass

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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.

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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.

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Home » Travel » Ultimate Family-Friendly Travel Guide To Amsterdam: Top Tips And Attractions

Ultimate Family-Friendly Travel Guide To Amsterdam: Top Tips And Attractions

Much to see and do for kids and adults.

If you’re planning on booking a trip to Europe with the family, remember to add Amsterdam to your list of must-visit places! This relaxing city is filled with an array of beautiful sights, restaurants and cafes, and there are a whole slew of kid-friendly activities that families can explore together. We’ve curated a list of top touristy picks that you can easily add to your itinerary – so you don’t have to scratch your head fretting over where to stay and what to do while you’re there!

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WHERE TO STAY IN AMSTERDAM? *Travel Guide For A Family-Friendly Holiday in Amsterdam

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodations in a city like Amsterdam. There are so many alluring hotels and apartments located all over the city, most of them modern with charming interiors. You can book a room at The Hoxton Amsterdam if you're into boutique hotels, or perhaps Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam if you'd prefer something a little more luxurious.

Want something by the water? The July - Boat & Co. works for families because of their adequately-sized apartments that have been beautifully furnished, and you get to enjoy the lovely view of the waterfront day and night. Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam also allows you a waterfront view since it's right next to the IJ River, and this boutique hotel has been Indonesian-inspired interiors.

Booking an apartment on Airbnb is also an option in Amsterdam, and most feature gorgeous interiors that do not disappoint. Depending on your budget, you'll be able to find nice apartments of different sizes, like this luxurious-looking abode or even a unique boathouse for a cool experience.

Family-Friendly Accommodations in Amsterdam:

• Volkshotel - www.volkshotel.nl/en
• Hotel Dwars - www.hoteldwars.com/en
• Hotel Not Hotel - www.hotelnothotelamsterdam.com
• The College Hotel - www.thecollegehotel.com
• Andaz Hotel Amsterdam - www.hyatt.com/andaz

THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM *Travel Guide For A Family-Friendly Holiday in Amsterdam

One of the simplest activities you can do in Amsterdam is to simply take walks around the streets and canals, soaking in the place and its beauty. You can perhaps start from Jordaan District , an area in the center of Amsterdam known for its pretty streets, houses, canals and small shops.

There are also several different museums to explore, such as the Rijksmuseum , where you get to learn about the history of Amsterdam and check out seasonal exhibitions that are currently showing. During the Dutch school holidays, the museum sometimes even organizes special activities for kids. Moco Museum is also a fun option since it's a more contemporary museum that sometimes features quirky exhibitions that are more colorful and interactive - something the kiddos might enjoy.

Anne Frank House is also one of the top tourist attractions because of how iconic her story is, and this museum lets you learn more about her life via quotes, photos, videos and more. It's an emotional and moving experience which is one of a kind, but do note that tickets do sell out fast so it is recommended to purchase them online once they are available on the museum's website.

Kids might also be excited to visit the A'DAM Lookout , an observation deck with a panoramic view of Amsterdam. The little ones might be in awe of how stunning the view at the top is, and they even have attractions like a giant swing at the top for those who'd like a little bit of thrill.

You can also wind down towards the end of the day by booking an evening canal cruise , allowing the family to sit down, relax and enjoy a tour around the waterways and soaking in the view.

Family-Friendly Attractions in Amsterdam:

• NEMO Science Museum - www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/en
• ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo - www.artis.nl/en
• STRAAT Museum - www.straatmuseum.com/en
• Foam Museum - www.foam.org
• Vondelpark - www.iamsterdam.com/vondelpark

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN AMSTERDAM *Travel Guide For A Family-Friendly Holiday in Amsterdam

One of the main tourist attractions, Foodhallen , is actually related to food and meals! Here, you'll be able to try different food from many different food stands, featuring cuisines from all over the world, and it's housed in a large, spacious venue where you can sit down and enjoy your meal.

Winkel43 is a perfect spot for meals all throughout the day. They have a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu available, and the restaurant even serves snacks if all you want is a quick food break in between activities during the day.

Miss G's Brunch Boat is a unique floating restaurant that lets you glide along the scenic canals of Amsterdam while you enjoy your meal on the boat, and they serve dishes like Benny Avo and Chicken & Waffles. They've even got a S'mores Waffle if you're craving something sweet.

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Amsterdam:

• Haddock Amsterdam - www.haddockamsterdam.nl
• Kanarie Club - www.kanarieclub.nl/en
• IJ Kantine - www.ijkantine.nl/en
• Pof Amsterdam - www.pofamsterdam.nl
• De Pizzabakkers - https://www.depizzabakkers.nl
• Dignita - www.instagram.com/dignitaamsterdam
• The Avocado Show - www.theavocadoshow.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAFES IN AMSTERDAM *Travel Guide For A Family-Friendly Holiday in Amsterdam

CT Coffee & Coconuts has been one of the popular cafes for years, and fun fact: it is actually housed in a former cinema. This makes its ceilings high, allowing the cafe to feel spacious and airy, and you're also in for a treat with the delicious range of coffees and yes...coconuts! You gotta try their coconut pancakes, and maybe even their coconut coffee.

A fairly new cafe that just opened in 2022, Scandinavian Embassy offers an array of excellent coffees that go really well with their range of homemade pastries. The space is small, quaint, with a minimalistic Scandi-inspired interior, and there's adequate outdoor seating for the family to seat themselves at as they enjoy their desserts and people watch.

The kids might love Trudy's SUGARBAR . This dessert shop is decorated in quirky hues and serves handmade ice-cream and freshly baked sweets. There are also milkshakes and ice-cream floats - sounds yummy, doesn't it? If you're craving for something a little more savoury, they do have Chicken & Waffles on their menu, too.

Family-Friendly Cafes in Amsterdam:

• Belicio Cheats - www.belicio-cheats.com
• Sea Salt & Chocolate - www.seasaltandchocolate.nl
• Petit Gateau - www.petitgateau.nl
• Saint-Jean - www.saintjean.nl
• YUSU Coffee - www.yusu.coffee
• De Bakkerswinkel - www.debakkerswinkel.nl
• Cafe De Jaren - www.cafedejaren.nl/en

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM *Travel Guide For A Family-Friendly Holiday in Amsterdam

If you're thinking about doing a little exploring with the family, and are considering taking day trips outside of Amsterdam city itself, there are actually several travel spots you can head to.

Old Holland is one of them, where you'll get to see beautiful windmills next to the river Zaan. The area, known as Zaanse Schans, is a pleasure to explore, and the entire family can enjoy a nice stroll next to the calming waters as they take pictures together in front of the stunning windmills. There are also various museums you can visit while you're here.

Alternatively, you may want to head to Vlieland, an island in the North that has sand dunes and meadows. There's also only one village on the island, and cars are banned, so the whole family can spend a nice relaxing day exploring this little Dutch village on foot, and you can stop by restaurants and cafes along the way. You can also look out for places that serve fresh seafood for lunch.

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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

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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 >>>

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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.

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25 Awesome Things To Do in Amsterdam With Kids

Posted on Last updated: March 18, 2024

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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 !

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How We Spent 3 Days in Amsterdam with Kids

• May 5, 2020

Shanna Schultz

Inside this post...

Are you looking for help putting together an itinerary for spending 3 days in Amsterdam ?  Amsterdam is a vibrant city with a rich history and TONS of activities for families.  Oh, and it is SUPER easy to get around with great public transportation options!

It is a PERFECT place for a long weekend, or to spend a few extra days on the way to somewhere else (Amsterdam is a common connecting hub for flights in Europe).  Here is what I put on our Amsterdam three day itinerary when I visited with my 6 year old son.

Some Thoughts About 3 Days in Amsterdam with Kids

• There are SO MANY things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days.  There is no way that you could fit all of them in and you definitely shouldn’t try, especially if you are visiting Amsterdam with kids.  
• Trying to fit in too many activities with kids in tow is a guaranteed way to make sure that no one has any fun.  We have learned the hard way that it is better to really enjoy one or two activities and really engage with those places and absorb them than to try to see everything and end up in meltdown mode by lunch time.
• Pick just one focus activity for each day and check it off of your list early in the day.  For the afternoon, pick another “maybe” activity that you would be ok not getting to, or plan for some playtime in the park and a picnic dinner.  Don’t ever schedule.
• Another thing to consider – if you are just arriving in Europe and Amsterdam is your first (or only) stopping point, you will arrive jet lagged and tired from a long flight. 
• While I believe in the strategy of just pushing through the jetlet on that first afternoon when arriving in Europe and getting a full night of sleep to help our clocks adjust, we usually plan a pretty relaxed first afternoon.  Adults can just push through, but traveling with little ones means that we usually just plan to visit a great park with a playground that first night, and have a relaxed dinner and an early bedtime.  

So, without ado, here is how we spent our 3 days in Amsterdam (with some great ideas for things to do in Amsterdam with kids!)

Love this? Pin it for later!

Our Amsterdam Three Day Itinerary

Day 1 of 3 days in amsterdam:  arrival day.

• Morning: Arrive, check into hotel ( Mercure Amsterdam City Center , or your hotel of choice from the list at the bottom of the post)
• Afternoon: Pick up bike and Amsterdam canal cruise
• Evening: Dinner at hotel, explore nearby Amstel Park (other other nearby park)

Morning:   Arrive

Most flights from the United States arrive in Amsterdam in the morning, leaving the afternoon free for a little laid back exploring.

Why I Chose This Hotel:

During our short trip, we stayed at the Mercure Amsterdam City Center. Hotels in the heart of Amsterdam are EXPENSIVE!  While we would have loved to have stayed a little closer, we were on a budget.  The had excellent rates, and honestly, it is just a very luxurious feeling hotel. It was close to a nice park (we always try for this when we travel as a family) and it was close to the airport and walking distance from the train station.

The hotel was a little out of the city, but we were planning on renting a bicycle to get for our three days in Amsterdam, and it was an easy 15-20 minute ride down the beautiful Amstel Canal to get into the city.  It would have been equally as easy to pop around the corner back to the train station to get into the city.

The restaurant at the hotel was a little expensive (and there weren’t very many other choices nearby), but we managed to split a pizza on our first night and they had a little grab and go bakery in the lobby where we grabbed breakfast each day, so it worked out fine.

Here are some reviews to peruse on Tripadvisor if you are curious.

Afternoon: Pick Up Bike and Amsterdam Canal Cruise

We dove right into the chaos of Amsterdam and headed into the city on our first afternoon to pick up our rental bike.  Boy, was this a learning experience !  We rode out into the sea of bikes and rode across the Old Town to board an Amsterdam Canal Cruise.  

Renting a bike in Amsterdam was a little scary, but once we got used to riding, it really gave us an authentic experience in Amsterdam that we wouldn’t have had just taking the trains.  

I felt like the canal cruise would be a laid back way to spend the first afternoon.  A note about the canal cruise with kids – I thought that just riding in the boat and seeing the action on the canal would be enough to keep my little one occupied in his jetlagged state, but he got a little antsy a little ways into the cruise.  I had wished that I had brought an activity book for him, or something else for him to do.

If we were doing this again, we would go on the Blue Boat Canal Cruise for Kids (they have a special pirate themed audio guide for kids…he would have had a lot more fun this way). The blue boat cruises also have tops on the boats, so we wouldn’t have been so HOT!

Evening:  Picnic Dinner and Exploring the Amstelpark near the hotel

I had planned to eat out on this first night, but that had been over optimistic.  We hit the wall late in the afternoon after the cruise, and crashed for a bit.  I thought that we were done for the night, but around dinnertime, my son got a second wind and wanted to go again!  

We rode our bike down the path to the lovely Amstelpark which was not far from the hotel.

This park had an amazing playground with a petting zoo.  On the weekends, the park has a lovely little train that you can ride around.  Definitely a good place to burn off some energy!

Day 2 of 3 days in Amsterdam

• Morning/Afternoon: Breakfast at hotel, then the Nemo Science Museum (or alternate below)
• Afternoon treat: Stop for authentic stroopwafels
• Evening: Dinner at the Vondelpark and playtime

Morning/Afternoon:  The Nemo Science Museum

The Nemo Museum was at the top of our bucket list of things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days, so we got up and had some pastries and got on our bike the next morning to ride to the Nemo Science Center.

This museum is a MUST if you are visiting Amsterdam with kids.  It consisted of 3 floors of exhibits that were all hands on.  We spent the morning here and were here well into the afternoon.  

My son spent a lot of time at this exhibit where he used a “shield” to block the planet from imaginary asteroids.  We saw other things, but he loved this most (and it gave his tired mama some time to just sit and recuperate!)

On the roof of the Nemo Science Museum is a really amazing tiered splash pad with a cafe and amazing views of the city.  This is free to visit even if you don’t  visit the museum!  We spent a couple of hours here between lunch in the cafe (where prices were pretty reasonable) and cooling off in the water.  They even have a little hut where you can buy ice cream and wine. 

If you are going to go, do what we did and pack some swim trunks and a towel.  Your kids WILL want to get wet and they will be happier to have dry clothes to change back into afterwards.

TIP: Don’t miss the opportunity to walk across the iconic white bridge in front of the museum at the end of your day for some neat photos of the unusual architecture of the museum itself!

The Nemo Museum and the rooftop splash pad should definitely be a contender for your Amsterdam 3 day itinerary!

Evening:  Original Stroopwafel Stand and Exploring Vondelpark

A visit to the Original Stroopwafel stand near Albert Cuyp Market is a must!  Stroopwafels are amazing, authentic Dutch treats…my mouth is watering just thinking about them.  These gooey treats will help perk you up for exploring the beautiful Vondelpark.

Vondelpark:  This HUGE park in Amsterdam definitely deserves more of your time, but we just had time for a short visit (especially after getting a little lost on the bike on the way).  

There are 6 separate play areas in Vondelpark, as well as a kids wading pool.  We only got to visit two.  If you are visiting with kids and you only have a short time, there are two main areas that you could focus on. 

We played on the playground in the western corner of the park called “De Vondeltuin”.  It has a little playground with a fun climber and huge metal slide. There is a cafe right next to the playground with the same name.  This would be a convenient place to eat, though the playground was not QUITE close enough to let small children play while you eat.

My son had a TON of fun playing in the treetop playground in the center of the park. It is the second spot labeled “2” from the left edge of this map .  It was a series of interconnected treetop platforms with bridges in between. 

We could have played here for hours had it not been getting dark.  There is only so much that you can fit in to three days in Amsterdam. So much left to explore for next time!

Alternate Activity for Day 2:  The National Maritime Museum and/or Tony’s Chocoloney Superstore

The National Maritime Museum was right across the water from the Nemo Museum.  You could probably fit both in if you got an earlier start than we did (or if you spent a little less time at Nemo).  

The museum has a replica of a merchant ship from the 1700’s that you can go on to explore.  The museum also has many other exhibits that are designed to be engaging for all ages.  

We can’t wait to visit this museum on a future visit, as this is considered one of the top things to do in Amsterdam for families!

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Amsterdam in the Spring, Fall or Winter, you can plan in a visit to the Tony’s Chocoloney Superstore.  The kids will have fun trying all of the varieties on the giant chocolate machine on the wall (ok, maybe not ALL of the flavors…there are SO MANY!)  

Day 3 of 3 days in Amsterdam

• Morning: Magnet fishing in the Amsterdam Canals

Lunch: De Carrousel Pannekoeken

• Afternoon: Return bike, retrieve bags and move to next hotel near the airport
• Late Afternoon: Explore the Bos Forest a little (pick one or two places…you would need a whole day to see this amazing park)

After Breakfast: Check out of hotel.  Store luggage at front desk.

Morning:  Magnet Fishing Excursion

This was honestly my son’s favorite part of our three days in Amsterdam!  We booked this through Airbnb Experiences… here is a link to this tour .  We met our guide Youri and he took us to a quiet canal in Amsterdam.

He turned us loose with powerful magnets on the ends of long ropes, and guided us on the best techniques for “fishing” for the many discarded pieces of metal that lay on the bottom of the canal.

It is not as easy as it sounds – much of it is buried deep in the mud and is hard to get out.  While we didn’t find anything life changing, my son came away with a bag of little trinkets and although it was waaay too heavy to pull out, I pulled an old street sign up to the surface of the water!

Youri provided rubber gloves, hand sanitizer and plastic bags for our treasures.  The mud on the bottom of the canal is pretty gross, so really do wear icky clothes (and perhaps brings something to change into afterwards, if you aren’t going right back to your hotel).

This really is a unique experience, and a MUST if you are visiting Amsterdam with kids.  This was one of our favorite things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days.   What kid doesn’t love going on a treasure hunt?

After our magnet fishing adventure, we ate lunch at the nearby De Carrousel Pannekoeken restaurant.  Our goal was to try some of those iconic Dutch pancakes, and we weren’t disappointed.

I tried the a savory version with bacon and cheese.  My son had little pancakes, called Poffertjes, with strawberries and whipped cream. Both were really yummy, and this restaurant is just fun inside for kids. 

Afternoon: Return bike 🙁  Return luggage.  Move to next hotel (near the airport, for our last night).

These are a couple hotels that I would recommend staying at if you are planning on visiting here on your last day like we did.  The Bos Forest is closer to the airport than it is to the center of Amsterdam, making it easy to hit on your last day before flying out. 

I hand picked these hotels primarily because of their proximity to the entrance to the Bos Forest.  We made the mistake of staying at a hotel on the other side of the forest, and underestimated how BIG it was.  When you are traveling with kids, you will want to stay close to the entrance because that is where most of the activities are. The entrance is also the only place to rent kid sized bikes, which are a MUST if you are going to see anything in this HUGE park.

Recommended Amsterdam Hotels Near the Airport AND Amsterdam Forest

Spa sport hotel zuiver: .

This hotel can’t get any closer to the Bos Forest (it is literally right on its edge).  The bed configuration is not super friendly for larger families (rooms only offer two twins, but you can get an extra cot in the room for 10 euros per night).  The rooms are simple and we would definitely stay here on a return trip, just for the convenience of being right next to the forest.

Read some Tripadvisor reviews for this hotel here.

Holiday inn Express Amsterdam South: 

I like the consistency of Holiday Inns. The whole Holiday Inn brand was set up to be family friendly .  This particular Holiday Inn Express offers free hot breakfast (all Holiday Inn Expresses do this) and it is a short 15 minute walk from the entrance to the Bos Forest.  They have rooms that sleep 3 (one double with a sofa bed), but we have often had our small kids share a sofa with no problem.  And the hotel is right next to a tram stop to take you straight into the city!  Win! 

Read some Tripavisor reviews for this hotel here.

Afternoon/Evening:  Explore the Bos Forest Amsterdam

We saved this activity for our last day, because the Amsterdam Bos is not far from the airport.  We moved to a hotel that was closer to the airport on our last night so it would be so far to get to the airport the next day (and airport hotels are GENERALLY cheaper than hotels in the heart of the city). 

The Amsterdam Forest has SO MUCH to do , you are only going to get a taste of in in an afternoon.  I suggest renting a bike from this place and riding out to the goat farm (open till 5, closed on Tuesdays).  The kids can explore the farm and  interact with the goats and various other farm animals.  

The farm has a lovely organic restaurant where you can eat a snack, a meal or some ice cream!

The park also has a forest park with zip lines and tree top adventures (minimum height 110 cm for lowest course), small electric boats that you can rent to paddle around and a kids pool in the summer!  Next time we visit, we are going to allot an entire day to hanging out and really exploring this amazing park!

TIP:  If you happen to be visiting the Bos Forest on a Sunday, you can take a special tram in to or from the city to get here .  This would make visiting on a Sunday an easy day trip from the heart of Amsterdam!

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Amsterdam

Finding a hotel in Amsterdam is often a careful balance between staying in the heart of the city, close to all of the action and saving money (hotels in the heart of Amsterdam are not cheap).

If you choose a hotel a little outside of the city to save money, make sure you have easy access to transit or a bike path to make getting in simple and stress free! When you only have 3 days in Amsterdam, you will want to make sure that you aren’t spending all of it just getting to and from town!

Budget Options: 

Easy Hotel Amsterdam City Center: This hotel is in a really central location, just down the street from a train station.  They offer a wide variety of bed configurations (doubles, triples, quadruples) ideal for any size of family.  This is a simple hotel offering clean, simple lodging at great prices.

Read Tripadvisor Reviews for this hotel here.

Amsterdam Botel: We SOOOO would have stayed here had they not been already booked for our visit.  This unique hotel is on a hotel floating on one of the Amsterdam canals.  They have doubles, triples and quadruples at reasonable rates (quad room for summer $200 + tax when I looked).  The rooms are simple, but if you have simple expectations for this unique experience, you should not be disappointed.

Stay Ok Amsterdam Vondelpark:   This family friendly hostel is located right next to the Vondelpark (a really convenient location for families).  We really would have loved to have had some more time to explore this park.  Exploring the park after dinner each night would be a great way to wind down the day.  

The hostel offers family rooms for up to six with an ensuite bathroom in each room.  An extensive breakfast, children’s activities and 50% off of other meals for kids makes an ideal home base for your 3 day Amsterdam itinerary.

Read Tripadvisor Reviews about this awesome hostel here!

Search for Hotels in Amsterdam for Your trip

Moderately priced options:.

Rent a House Boat:   For a little more money, you could have a totally unique experience and stay on a real houseboat in Amsterdam!  We would have done this had this not been such a last minute trip.  Start by searching Google Maps for “House Boat Amsterdam” and click on them to get to a website for rates and booking.

Ibis Amsterdam Center Hotel:   This hotel is literally right next to the Amsterdam Centraal Train Station, so it can’t get much more convenient.  There is also a Mac’s Bike Rental at the train station, so if you want to duplicate our bike adventure , it would be really easy to start from here.

Read Tripadvisor Reviews for this hotel here . 

Hotel City Garden Amsterdam:  This hotel caught my eye because it has a variety of room and bed configurations and it is literally right on the doorstep of the spectacular Vondelpark!  They offer doubles, triples and quadruple rooms (they even have one 5 bed room!).  The rooms are a little on the small side, but this is normal in much of the rest of the world, and you really can’t beat the location.  They also have a membership program with which you can get discounts and free breakfast for being a member!

Read Tripavisor Reviews for this hotel here.

Splurge Options: 

Pulitzer, Amsterdam:  When you only have three days in Amsterdam, staying in a central location is definitely a plus, and you can’t get much mure central than this lovely row house right on the Prinsengracht canal.  For a family, their lovely split level family rooms catch my eye, giving everybody a little more space to stretch out (and they include breakfast, which can save you a TON of money for 4 people!)

Are you Planning to Visit Amsterdam in 3 Days?  Did my suggestions help you?  What are your priorities for your Amsterdam 3 day itinerary?

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

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

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:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

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.

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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.

Amsterdam with toddlers or baby in tow by a local!

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Thinking about visiting Amsterdam with toddlers or baby in tow? In this guide I round up all our insider tips I learnt as a local Amsterdam mum to help take the stress out of visiting Amsterdam with baby or toddlers. It includes where to stay in Amsterdam with kids, how to get around and of course the best things to do in Amsterdam with toddlers and baby in tow. 

Table of Contents

How to get around Amsterdam with a baby or toddler

Amsterdam is actually quite a compact city with a lot of options for getting around with a baby or toddler in tow. In this section I will break down all of the best options for transport in the city from private vehicles to public transportation. 

Metro & Trams 

Best way to get around Amsterdam with toddlers

Amsterdam has a compact but easy to use Metro system that is supplemented by an extensive tram network. Both of these systems are really easy to use even if you are travelling with a stroller and take you nearby to most of the major Amsterdam attractions. 

There are also plenty of trains from Schiphol airport to central Amsterdam, which I tend to use instead of private hire vehicles. 

Renting a Bike in Amsterdam with Toddler or Baby

Renting a Bike in Amsterdam with toddlers

I think that renting and riding a bike in Amsterdam is something at the top of a lot of people’s Amsterdam bucket lists. If you are wondering if you can rent bicycles in Amsterdam with toddlers or babies then the answer is yes. 

According to Dutch regulations, babies can sit on the front of bicycles from the time that they can comfortable sit up on their own fully in control of their neck and head. Once children reach two, they can then switch to a seat behind the parents.

It is not legally required for adults or children to wear helmets in Amsterdam but I always put my little one in a helmet whenever I take her out. However not many of the bike rental shops offer this, so you will either have to purchase one in Amsterdam (Hema, a Dutch chain found throughout the city usually has lots of cheap ones) or you can bring one with you. 

Another popular option is to do what the Dutch do and cycle with a bakfiets! This is a box on the front of your bicycle where children can seat and some even come with attachments so you can put even newborn babies in in their car seats.

Amsterdam for toddlers

For novelty value you could always rent one in the shape of a clog but this will definitely mark you out as a tourist! 

I would urge though a word of caution that if you are not a confident cyclist and especially if you are travelling in peak season you may not want to rent bikes or you might want to consider renting further out of town and get used to the bikes not in the busiest intersections of Amsterdam.

Our guests recently rented bicycles by black bikes Amsterdam  and the service and the bikes were excellent. They also have front and back seats, bakfiets and clog bakfiets bikes for rental and this can be done by 3 hour intervals or longer i.e. a week dependent on your itinerary. 

For more Amsterdam travel tips check out this post.

Walking Around Amsterdam with toddlers – Is Amsterdam Stroller Friendly

As with any city in Europe one of my favourite ways to explore the city is to walk it and Amsterdam is a very easy city to walk. In fact many of the main tourist attractions in the city are within walking distance of one and other. However it is not a place that I would let my toddler have free run of.

There are lots of cycle lanes and bike paths all over the city (usually denoted by red markings but not always).  For children and adults who are not used to these cycle paths it can be dangerous.  Many tourists forget and walk out directly into bike paths without looking – don’t be this person.  

If you are walking with a toddler I recommend using a carrier, stroller or a toddler back pack with reins ( we love these ones ) to help keep them safe near cycle lanes.

If you are wondering is Amsterdam Stroller Friendly then my answer is largely yes! Amsterdam is famously very flat and the pavements are equipped for dealing with strollers. 

Read Next: Is a baby carrier or stroller for travel best ? 

How Not to get around Amsterdam with toddlers

If you have the option not to get a taxi I would recommend chosing another form of transport. Taxis in Amsterdam are expensive, and can take a long time due to pedestrianised areas so therefore using the trains and other means is better.

It will also save you the hassle of lugging a heavy car seat around with you. 

For more inspiration on the best city breaks with toddlers in Europe check out this post. 

Where to Stay in Amsterdam with toddler or babies

Amsterdam is actually a relatively compact city by European standards and it has great public transport options. Therefore I don’t think there is one right answer when asking “where to stay in Amsterdam with kids” as it really depends on what you are looking for.

In this section I will tell you some of my favourite areas to visit in Amsterdam with kids including best hotels and apartments we’ve found for different budgets. 

Before I moved to Amsterdam a lot of guides I read suggested staying in the Jordaan area with kids. Now I like the Jordaan but this can be a very busy part of town and for this reason one of my favourite places to stay in Amsterdam with kids is actually the Plantage area.

The Plantage

The Plantage area is slightly quieter and has good access to a lot of my favourite things to do with babies and toddlers in Amsterdam including the zoo, the Hortus botanicus botanical gardens and some of the most child friendly museums in Amsterdam. 

A good rated hotel in this area is the Hyatt Regency which also has an airport shuttle, restaurant on site, access to public transport, near by to a good supermarket and restaurants, a park with good playground and is only 800m from Artis Zoo.

To check prices and availability CLICK HERE!  

Another great option especially for those opting for a longer stay is to stay in an aparthotel. We stayed for six weeks in the beautiful and historic Wittenburg which was great for us as it meant we didn’t have to eat out all the time as it comes with a kitchen and it also has options for one and two bedroom apartments which I prefer when travelling with kids as it means you don’t have to sit in the dark once your little has gone to sleep. 

You can check prices and availability here!

Vondel Park

If you don’t want to stay in this area another option is to stay near Vondel Park – the largest park in central Amsterdam and a great place for toddlers and babies in Amsterdam. In this area The Marriott comes highly rated: 

Amsterdam Zuid

If you are looking for more budget options then I would recommend staying slightly further out of the city as the hotels tend to be slightly better value than those that are in the centre of the city.

If you want to consider staying further out we recommend the Amsterdam Zuid area as there are lots of public transport options and options for both hotels and apartments such as (click the name for details of prices and availability): 

Hotels in Amsterdam Zuid – Crowne Plaza , Novotel Amsterdam 

Aparthotels near Amsterdam Zuid – Element , Adagio Amsterdam City South

However the best value money for places we found were actually just our the Amsterdam city limits in an area called Amstelveen. You can be in the centre of Amsterdam in around 20 minutes using the 5 tram and there are many options to get to Amsterdam Zuid in about 5 minuets which is one of the best connected places in the city. 

In this area you will be able to find budget hotels and also apart hotels which are preferred accommodation with toddlers.

Where not to stay in Amsterdam with toddlers

Personally, I would recommend those traveling to Amsterdam with toddlers who want to stay in the city center try and avoid De Wallen (the red light district), Dam Square and the area around Centraal train station as these are some of the less family friendly areas to stay. 

You could consider staying in an Airbnb or a canal boat but the stairs and the added danger of water respectively may prove challenging for people traveling to Amsterdam with toddlers and babies. 

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam with babies and toddlers

In my opinion there is no bad time to visit Amsterdam with toddler or baby in tow.

Spring in Amsterdam with a toddler

Visiting Amsterdam in April and Celebrating Kings Day in Amsterdam

Spring is always a great time to visit Amsterdam. In fact my favourite month to visit Amsterdam is April because the tulips will be out in full bloom and you can visit Keukenhof Gardens or cycle around the nearby tulip fields.  

Keukenhof is a lovely full day trip and is definitely an Amsterdam bucket list item however it can be very busy so bear this in mind when you are travelling to Amsterdam with a baby or toddler. For more information on the best day trips from Amsterdam with kids including Keukenhof Gardens, Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, a UNESCO world heritage site and more check out our dedicated guide. 

For a complete guide on what to wear in Amsterdam in April click here! 

Summer in Amsterdam with a toddler

Summer is another great time as you will have the best chance of weather for your visit to experience the city’s great parks and outdoor spaces however summer is peak time for Amsterdam so you will be faced with more crowds. 

But one thing I love to do with a toddler in Amsterdam is head out of the city to one of the many nearby city beaches. Just be sure to pack appropriately for Amsterdam in July .

Note : the Summer months in Amsterdam are classified as June, July and August but September is also traditionally a warm month in Amsterdam. 

Autumn in Amsterdam with a baby

Autumn is one of the quieter times in the city and the weather won’t be as bad as in Winter. Travelling in the shoulder seasons means you will have mild weather and limited crowds which might be favourable when travelling with a toddler or baby to Amsterdam. 

Winter in Amsterdam with a baby

What to wear in Amsterdam in December

Winter on the other hand sees Amsterdam decked out for Christmas. Amsterdam in December is actually one of my favourite times to visit. Amsterdam has great Christmas lights and its own tradtion of Sinter Klaas and Zwarte Piet (who I am not a fan of and is worth looking up before you decide if you want to visit or see Zwarte Piet )who arrives in the city on 6th December. 

I love travelling to cities during Winter when the crowds are less but also to experience local traditions like when we went to Stockholm in Winter for the festival of St Lucia. Amsterdam also has some lovely Christmas markets and taking a canal tour to see the Christmas lights is another special thing to do in Amsterdam. 

Best things to do in Amsterdam with a toddler or baby

Being a local we have out experiencing and trying to find the best things to do in Amsterdam with a toddler or baby. In this section we round up the best things we have found and the things we recommend you NOT doing in Amsterdam with toddlers and babies.

Best Amsterdam Parks for Toddlers 

This is perhaps the most well known of all the parks in Amsterdam and it is also the biggest in the centre.

Vondelpark is a great place to cycle around, take a picnic but also there are two lovely play areas that are great for toddlers. If it is a hot day there is also a splash pool so be sure to take swimwear. 

There is also a cafe Groot Melkhuis which is a great place to stop for refreshments with kids as there is also a playground here!  

Natuurspeeltuin Het Woeste Westen

Best places for toddlers in Amsterdam

Natuurspeeltuin Het Woeste Westen may be a mouthful for non Dutchies to say but it is in essence an amazing outdoor adventure park. This was one of my toddlers favourite places in Amsterdam. 

Oosterpark is in a bit more of an up and coming neighbourhood by comparison to Vondelpark but it has my toddlers favourite playground.

There is a section with swings and slide but her favourite area is a large wooden floating adventure walkway (not sure how else to describe it but if there is an official name please do let me know).

My little one will spend hours here on the course and it is a great thing to combine with a visit to Artis Zoo or the Troppenmuseum. 

Best Amsterdam Parks for Toddlers – Amstelpark

Our nearest park and one of my favourites. Amstelpark has something for everyone. There is a small petting zoo with donkeys, ponies, goats, pigs and cows that is free admission, one of the largest playgrounds in Amsterdam with sections for the very small up to older children, a small fun fair, mini golf and a train that you can take a ride round the park on that runs at weekends and holidays.

You can easily spend at least half a day in this park and there is a really nice pancake place next to the lake which is a great place to stop for lunch.

Just outside of the park is one of the nine windmills that are in Amsterdam which is a great place to go for photos.  

And if you are in Amsterdam on the second Sunday of the month I would recommend heading to Amstelpark on a Sunday as the Pure Markt is there – a moving artisanal market that is one of my favourite things to do in Amsterdam.  

Amsterdamse bos

Amsterdamse bos aka Amsterdam Forest is a forest on the border of Amsterdam and Amstelveen. The forest isn’t ancient but was actually built int he 1960s as part of an economic stimulus project.

The Bos is one of y favourite things to do in Amsterdam with toddlers as there is just so much to do there. My toddlers favourite thing in the Bos is to go to the Goat Farm (The GeitenBoerderij).

This is particularly delightful in Spring when there are plenty of baby goats that you can bottle field. 

Best Amsterdam Parks for Toddlers – Amsterdam Bos

On top of the goat farm there are plenty of playgrounds and also splash pools in the Bos as well as a large lake that you can swim in. 

Best Museums in Amsterdam for Toddlers 

I am a museum fan but there are some museums that are better for visiting with toddlers than others. Here are my and more importantly my toddlers favourite museums in Amsterdam. 

NEMO Science Museum – the best museum in Amsterdam for toddlers

Best Amsterdam Museums for Toddlers

Nemo Museum is the interactive science centre in Amsterdam. I was in two minds about taking my little one here when she was three years old as I was worried that it might be a bit too old for her but I was pleasantly surprised.  

My little one particularly enjoys the water play area about rain here but be warned if you are going I would advise taking a spare set of clothes. 

I won’t spoil the interactive displays and exhibits for you but if your little is anything like mine they will love it. 

There is also a great viewing platform terrace on the roof of Nemo which is also one of my favourite free things to do in the Amsterdam. 

You can buy your tickets online in advance here!

Van Gogh Museum

Although an art museum may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you consider family friendly museums in Amsterdam, it is worth visiting the Van Gogh Museum even with toddlers. 

However if you do want to do this I recommend picking your time carefully i.e. waiting for a family day. Family days are held at the Van Gogh Museum during the school holidays and provide activities for all members of the family including toddlers in the form of a Vincent Van Gogh Story Time. 

National Maritime Museum (Het scheepvaartmuseum) 

I wasn’t sure about visiting the National Maritime Museum before we went  but actually it has a reasonable amount for a toddler in Amsterdam. Outside there is a a tall ship that you can go on and explore which toddlers will absolutely adore. 

We spent a good twenty minutes aboard the ship trying out the hammocks, exploring the captains quarters and role playing at the wheel. 

Inside there are more exhibits for the kids such as the Monster or Whale exhibit which explores the history of whaling.

Please note there is a large replica whale in the exhibit that you can walk through which might be scary for some children. 

Other Best Things to do In Amsterdam with kids

This is literally one of my toddler’s favorite things to do in Amsterdam. The Artis Zoo is located in the Plantage area and is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and has a great mix of outdoor and indoor activities (butterfly house, reptile house monkey room and a dated aquarium).

There are also two play areas at the zoo – one next to the cafe which has a small section for toddlers but the main section is probably a bit big for toddlers. There is also a giraffe slide next to the chimpanzee enclosure. 

You can easily spend a half day in the zoo and I’m sure it will be a hit with your little too. 

The zoo can get busy especially if you are travelling during the peak season so I would recommend booking your tickets in advance to skip the queue. 

You can book your tickets online here! 

Tunfun – the best indoor activity in Amsterdam with kids 

Tunfun – amsterdam toddler activities

If you have a rainy day in Amsterdam with kids then a great place to visit is TunFun. This is one of the largest indoor soft play areas that I have ever been to and is a really fun place to visit if you are a toddler. 

It is underground in a disused station and has sections based on a childs age each with a transport theme.  

This isn’t my favourite thing to do in Amsterdam but if you have a rainy day this is the best indoor activity in Amsterdam for kids. 

Hortus botanicus botanical gardens

Amsterdam Canal Boat tour with kids

Canal Cruises are also a great way to see Amsterdam and it is totally doable to do this with toddlers or babies.

The hop and hop off boats are a great option when travelling with small children as you can break up the journey and don’t have to do a complete tour in one go but can work around your children’s schedule easily. 

You can book the Amsterdam Hop on Hop Off Boat Tour Here 

An alternative to the hop on hop off boat tour is to rent your own boat and drive this yourself this way you can make your own schedule.  

We did this with a company called Boaty Boat which is great if you are on a budget.

However they aren’t the most stable boats in the city so I would recommend spending a little bit more if you decide to rent a boat in Amsterdam with toddlers. My favorite higher end boat rental company is Pure Boats. 

If you a visiting Amsterdam in the summer with kids then I would recommend adding a day in your itinerary to visit the beaches.

There are a couple of great city beaches but if you have time it is worth hopping a train and heading out to Zandevoort for the day. 

De Efteling Theme Park

We love visiting theme parks with toddlers and Amsterdam is no exception. The closest and best theme park to Amsterdam is De Efteling. 

De Efteling was actually the inspiration for Disney and is a short train and bus ride outside the city or you can alternatively stay on site. 

Check out our post on visiting Efteling with toddlers for more information. 

Things NOT to do with a toddler in Amsterdam

I very rarely advise people not to do things in my guides but there are definitely some things that I would not do with toddlers in Amsterdam. The first one is

De Wallen is the famous red light district of Amsterdam and even during the day time this is not suitable for toddlers. I personally don’t like visiting this area with or without toddlers but if you want to visit while in the city I would advise tag teaming your visit so your toddler doesn’t go into this district. 

Rijksmuseum

Visiting the Rijksmuseum with kids including Rijksmuseum highlights

I have ummed and ahhed about adding the Rijksmuseum onto this list but after careful consideration o f visiting Rijksmuseum with kids   I thought I would mention it.

Although adults and older children will enjoy this museum and seeing famous artworks such as the Night watch, I wouldn’t recommend for those traveling with toddlers. 

There are no specific toddler activities at the Rijksmuseum and I would say the children’s trails and gallery scavenger hunts are really suitable from age 7 onwards.And I hate to say it but my toddler hated visiting the Rijksmuseum.

If you want to you could visit with a toddler and do a quick highlights tour however there are definitely much better museums in Amsterdam for toddlers to visit. 

However my toddler was a big fan of the dancing water fountains in front of the museum.

Anne Frank House

For me no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Anne Frank House, which is one of the most moving and poignant places in the city. However this is not easy to do with toddlers. 

There are lots of stairs and small spaces which will require your toddler to walk or be in a carrier. And as it is such a solemn place, toddlers can be a little loud. For this reason I recommend not taking your toddler into the Anne Frank House and maybe tag teaming your visit if you are visiting with other adults, so you don’t have to go around with your little one. 

Stedelijk museum

The Stedelijk museum is a contemporary art museum in central Amsterdam however I wouldn’t visit with toddlers or babies. While this is great for those visiting with older children, as there is a range of family activities great for older primary aged children and teenagers there really isn’t much on offer for toddlers. 

Therefore if you are visiting with younger kids I would avoid this one and wait until they are older. 

Hop On Hop Off Bus

Hop on Buses can be a great way to a city but personally I prefer the hop on hop off boat tour in Amsterdam as you get to see more of the city. 

As Amsterdam is such a pedestrianised city, even if you aren’t travelling to Amsterdam with toddlers or babies I wouldn’t bother doing a bus

Where to eat in Amsterdam with toddlers

Pancakes .

Pancakes are a must for any visit to Amsterdam. There are loads of great places to try pancakes in Amsterdam from the pancake place in Amstelpark to the Pancake Boat. Be sure to add this to your Amsterdam itinerary. 

Cafe Blender 

This cafe in the de Pijp area is a great child friendly place to visit in Amsterdam for lunch. There is a great soft play area here that is suitable for babies and toddlers and the coffee is quite good too!

The Kinderkooke Cafe – The CHildren’s Cooking Cafe 

This place lets kids get the ingredients to make their own food like pizzas. It is a quirky cafe that has been open since 1981 and is a great place to go with toddlers. 

FoodHallen  

Although this can pose a slight logistical challenge when it comes to finding a table and grabbing food I absolutely love the food hall in Amsterdam.

The variety of cuisines on offer mean that the whole family can eat what they like without having to eat exactly the same as your toddler. 

FAQS About Amsterdam with toddlers

Is amsterdam good for toddlers.

When people ask me “Is Amsterdam good for toddlers?” I have to ABSOLUTELY YES. We lived in Amsterdam with our toddler for two years and we had a great time exploring. There is actually lots of Amsterdam toddler friendly activities so I would definitely recommend. 

Is Amsterdam Stroller Friendly? Can I Use a Stroller in Amsterdam with toddlers

We lived in Amsterdam for a couple of years with a toddler and when people ask “Can I use a stroller in Amsterdam with toddlers” but answer is yes – with exceptions. The city is very flat which makes using a stroller easy. I also recommend keeping your toddler restrained when wandering around the city as there are so many bikes you don’t want your toddler getting hurt. 

What are your favourite things to do in Amsterdam with toddler or baby in tow? 

12 things to do in Amsterdam with kids

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written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 16.05.2024

With its canals, narrow cobbled alleys and trams, the novelty value of Amsterdam can prove entertaining enough for many kids. There’s also a whole host of attractions specifically aimed at young children, ranging from circuses and puppet theatres to urban farms and one of the best zoos in Europe . Here's our list of the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids. 

1. Take a walk in the woods

2. spend an afternoon at a petting zoo, 3. take a canal trip, 4. get some fresh air in vondelpark, 5. see a puppet show, 6. enter the amsterdam dungeon, 7. go to the zoo, 8. take a history lesson, 9. learn about judaism, 10. visit madame tussaud’s, 11. hire a canal bike, 12. hit the playground, how to get around, where to stay in amsterdam with kids, skip the hassle of planning and booking, travel ideas for netherlands, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2782 USD

The best of the Netherlands and Belgium

This trip will bring you the best of two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. From the quaint streets, canals and windmills of Holland to beer and Belgium chocolate tasting in three beautiful Belgium cities. This trip has it all.

9 days  / from 2996 USD

Experience the Liberation Route in BeNeLux

Explore the path of the World War II Liberation Route through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Visit important landmarks and museums on the way with this self drive itinerary, with enough time to explore cities such as Brussels and Rotterdam on the way.

The woodlands of Amsterdamse Bos offer playgrounds, outdoor theatre, lakes and cycle paths. You can also rent canoes and pedalos to explore the Bosbaan Canal, and visit the Ridammerhoeve goat farm, which makes its own ice cream and cheese

Situated next to a playground, the Amstelpark Petting Zoo has chickens, rabbits, goats and donkeys, while the De Pijp Petting Zoo’s variety of farm animals also includes sheep, ponies, pigs, guinea pigs and salamanders. Both are free to enter.

For older children, a good introduction to Amsterdam might be one of the canal trips that start from Centraal Station or Damrak, or for 5- to 12-year-olds try the Blue Boat Company’s pirate-themed audio guide. 

While parents are enjoying a standard cruise, the audio guide helps kids to spot animals using binoculars and to listen out for water sounds. At the end of the journey, your kids will receive a certificate proving their qualification as a freshwater pirate.

Canal boats in Amsterdam © Shutterstock

There are also plenty of free opportunities for play – practically all of the city’s parks and most patches of greenery have some form of a playground.

The city’s most central park, the leafy and lawned Vondelpark has an excellent playground, as well as sandpits, paddling pools and a couple of cafés where you can take a break. In summertime, the open-air theatre, Openluchttheater, usually puts on some free entertainment for kids – mime, puppets, acrobats and the like.

The intimate Amsterdam Marionette Theatre , housed in a former blacksmith’s, puts on traditional marionette performances. 

Plays are set to classical music so there is no  language confusion, and the costumes are fabulous. You could also try permanent children’s theatre De Krakeling, which runs theatre, puppet and dance shows for youngsters up to the age of 17, often with an emphasis on full-scale audience participation.

This popular sight is housed in a former church. Tours last for around an hour, during which you’re handed from one ham actor to another. You'll spend your time here making believe you have been sentenced by the inquisition, press-ganged onto the high seas, chased by witches and surrounded by plague victims – until you’re finally swept around the interior of the church on a short roller coaster ride.

Artis Royal Zoo also known simply as Artis, is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1838, making it over 180 years old. It is a fun day out with the kids and is situated in the heart of the city. In addition to its animal exhibits, Artis features a beautiful botanical garden with a wide variety of plant species.

Artis is actively involved in conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. Through various initiatives, such as breeding programs and research projects, the zoo contributes to global conservation efforts.

Spend a day at the zoo with the kids © Shutterstock

A free audio guide (in English) leads children aged nine and upwards around the Dutch Resistance Museum Junior, a new add-on to the main Dutch Resistance Museum. This interactive museum was designed specifically for children aged 9 to 14.  It explains World War II from a child’s perspective using true stories and authentic items.

At the JHM Children’s Museum, children aged 6–12 can learn about the Jewish faith and traditions on a tour that leads them through the house of the Jewish Hollander family. Here they will learn about kosher food in the kitchen, and Jewish music from around the world, among other topics.

The large waxworks collection has the usual smattering of famous people and rock stars, as well as Dutch celebrities and the royal family, plus a few Amsterdam peasants and merchants thrown in for local colour. Throughout the year, Madame Tussaud's may host special events or temporary exhibits featuring new wax figures or interactive experiences. 

A fun water-based activity is a ride on a pedalo-style canal bike. This can get tiring, but jetties where the bikes can be picked up and dropped off are numerous, and it’s quite safe.

TunFun in the old Jewish Quarter is a large underground playground with slides, trampolines and climbing apparatus, for children aged 1–12. Activities include gymnastics, bowling and indoor football, and there’s plenty of equipment to clamber into, under and over.

Paddle boat canal ride, Amsterdam © Luciano Joaquim/Shutterstock

Amsterdam is famously known as the "City of Bikes," and cycling is a way of life here. Renting bikes for your family is easy, with numerous rental shops scattered throughout the city. Many of them offer child-sized bikes, trailers, or seats, making it convenient for families with kids of all ages.

Opt for kid-friendly cycling routes that avoid heavy traffic areas. Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park, is a perfect starting point with its wide paths and playgrounds. 

Trams are amazing to young children – you might find it's the highlight of a trip to Amsterdam with kids! 

Amsterdam's public transportation system, including trains, trams, and buses, is efficient and family-friendly. Children under a certain age often travel for free or at reduced fares. Many train stations in and around Amsterdam feature interactive exhibits or child-friendly amenities. 

We all know the stress of travelling with kids and extra luggage. Choosing the perfect place to stay in Amsterdam can make all the difference for your family adventure.

This area is known for its cobblestone streets, leafy parks, and a vibe that's both posh and welcoming. Nestled away from the city's buzz, it's the ideal spot for families looking to unwind after a day of exploring. Plus, with Vondelpark nearby, you've got the ultimate playground for your little adventurers. 

Explore family friendly accommodation in Oud Zuid .

Watergraafsmeer

Tucked away to the east of the city center, this residential haven offers plenty of green spaces and a tight-knit community feel. It's the kind of place where you can stroll along quiet streets with the kids or spend a lazy afternoon in one of its spacious parks. Plus, attractions like the Science Center NEMO and the Artis Royal Zoo just are just a stone's throw away.

Find places to stay in Watergraafsmeer .

Want the best of both worlds? Look no further than Amstelveen. Just a hop, skip, and a jump south of Amsterdam's bustling center, this modern neighborhood offers all the comforts of suburbia with easy access to the city and beyond. If you are hoping to for a hotel stay for your family trip, this is a great choice. 

Explore accommodation in Amstelveen .

Old Center Amsterdam Canal  © Shutterstock

With our tailor made trip service , you can skip the hours of research required for your family vacation, and have more time to just enjoy your trip. Let us handle the details of planning and booking. 

Our journeys are meticulously designed by local travel experts and can be entirely adapted to your family's preferences. Plus, while on your trip, you'll have support from us 24/7.  See our existing Amsterdam itineraries for inspiration.

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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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.

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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!

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Amsterdam: 5 Best with Kids Under 5

Visiting Amsterdam with a baby, toddler, or little kids? This guest post’s got you covered with great recommendations from ex-pat mom of twins + 1 Farrah Ritter, who now calls the Netherlands home. Farrah blogs about her family’s adventures in parenting (with multiples!) and travels in her blog The Three Under (blog retired).

For many people, Amsterdam comes to mind as a historic and beautiful city filled with bicycles and vibrant nightlife. But it might not be the first city one thinks of when deciding to vacation or visit with their kids–particularly not if they’d be visiting Amsterdam with a baby or toddler!

Push the rumors you heard from your college heyday out of your mind. There is so much more than the notorious Red Light District.

We have found Amsterdam to be a great place to take our three boys: twin toddlers age 3 and the oldest 5 years. As with many cities I’ve encountered in Europe- the younger set is absolutely catered to and kept in mind for entertaining parents as well as children.

1. Amsterdam’s Best Outdoor Activity for Young Children: Artis Zoo

Our first trip to Amsterdam was in a freezing February and we still loved Natura Artis Magistra . The beautiful old wrought iron gates, winding gardens and 19th century architecture in Amsterdam is spectacular to see.

Included in the 900 species of animals, you’ll find a fantastic aquarium which was a big hit with the boys who at that time were only 3 and 2. Downstairs in the aquarium is a gigantic sperm whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling.

The exhibits do not have animals in cages; they’re open enclosures where several of the animals are separated by a moat, which makes you feel closer than you actually are.

2. Best Museum in Amsterdam for Kids: Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is a must see on any museum lover’s agenda. What’s so great about it is that it absolutely treats even young children as valued  patrons and offers special tours, programs and scavenger hunts just for them. In addition to the wonderful works of art, there are also seasonal workshops where kids can create their own masterpieces.

Tip: If you plan on seeing several museums during your stay, consider purchasing a Museumkaart . This little treasure allows for admission to not only museums, but also certain exhibits and even castles in the Netherlands. You make your money back rather quickly, even after just a few visits.

Additionally, you can enter via an ‘express entrance’ at some museums (including the Van Gogh) without having to stand in line. Perfect for people with kids who don’t exactly love to wait.

3. Best Place To Eat with Small Kids in Amsterdam: Try a pancake house!

A safe bet for anyone who comes to the Netherlands with kids: go to a pancake house. Our kids love them and we know that there will be something for everyone.

The guys love the poffertjes (mini pancakes covered in powdered sugar), but the menu has so many options it will blow your mind. They make combinations with every fruit that you can imagine and beyond!

Typically there are play areas indoor and seasonally outdoors as well. A couple of options to try are ‘ De Carrousel Pannenkoeken ‘ which is next to the Heineken Museum (how convent!) and has a huge playground in the back. Also there’s ‘ Groot Melkhuis ‘- the playground cafe. It’s located in in the middle of Vondelpark.

4. Best Places for Shopping and Indoor Fun: TunFun Indoor Speelpark & Imaginarium Toy Store

The Dutch know how to keep kids entertained during rainy weather. We have spent many rainy Saturdays and Sundays at an indoor ‘speelpark’ (playground) such as TunFun Speelpark with slides, bouncing structures and ball pits galore. These indoor play places have areas specifically for babies and toddlers as well as ‘bigger kids’.

When your monkeys are finished climbing, rolling, bouncing and crawling- pop over to the beautiful Imaginarium Toy Store . With high quality unique toys and and eye pleasing decor, this is one toy shop you won’t mind passing an afternoon browsing.

5. Amsterdam’s Best Science Center for Small Kids: NEMO

We visited NEMO when the boys were very young. The recommended age is 6 and up, but being hands-on, all of our kids still had fun. For a huge science center set in the harbor it’s easily accessible by walking from the centrum.

From their cool science interactive displays to the ever popular ‘water works’ features, your kids don’t even realize that they’re learning while they play. My then four year old seemed to enjoy it a bit more than his younger brothers- but overall it was easily a place where we all felt comfortable with much to see and do.

Thanks so much for sharing your insider tips with us, Farrah! You can find more of Farrah’s tips on family travel in and around the Netherlands on her site: The Three Under (see IG, blog retired).

More travel planning help:

If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands with babies, toddlers, and young children–or anywhere else in Europe, remember these resources:

Directory of Baby Gear Rentals in Europe (including rentals in the Netherlands)

Directory of hotel babysitters & vacation nanny services in europe, destination travel tips, advice and recommendations for europe , related posts:, advice for double stroller for netherlands trip in november, you might also like:, how to plan your best vacation with a baby, worldwide directory of baby gear rentals, seven reasons you’ll be glad to have a stroller in paris, best lightweight strollers for travel, flying american airlines with a baby or toddler, cares harness review, seven easy ways to get your car seat through the airport, paris: make a post-louvre pit stop at this playground, puerto rico: 5 best with kids under 5, oahu: 5 best beaches for kids under 5, seattle: 5 best with kids under 5.

Safe journeys,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning  Travels with Baby  guidebooks

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Curious about this content? See my editorial content disclosure.

Award-winning travel writer and photographer, mom of 3, and great admirer of anyone willing to cook her dinner.

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21 EXCITING Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids in 2024

By Guillaume Thevenot

Updated on: 16th May 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 a perspective on Dutch Colonialism. 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

BabyBreaks tip: We highly recommend to book your tickets weeks in advance to avoid disappointment

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

> BOOK NOW

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

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

21. Anne Frank House

Please note that this museum is not recommended for children under 10

Visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam can be a valuable and educational experience for mature children and teenagers. The museum provides a powerful opportunity to learn about the Holocaust, World War II, and the experiences of Anne Frank and her family hiding from Nazi persecution.

The Anne Frank House can offer a profound understanding of the human impact of war and intolerance. It can also spark important conversations about empathy, resilience, and the importance of standing up against injustice.

In addition, the museum provides an interesting Children Audio Tour called Anne’s Story where you can listen Anne telling many stories about her life.

Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands

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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 .

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Amsterdam’s new tourism campaign is ready to ruffle some feathers

Mar 30, 2023 • 7 min read

When visiting Amsterdam, consider greener, more socially responsible activities than wild nights in the Red Light District © Lana Iva / Shutterstock

If you’re a young British male planning a trip to Amsterdam  to “go wild,” consider yourself on notice.

As “overtourism” threatens to overwhelm the city, the Dutch capital is actively telling certain travelers not to visit via what city officials are dubbing a (rather blunt) “discouragement campaign.”

The campaign specifically targets British men aged between 18 and 35 who plan to travel to the city to drink and take drugs.

When British tourists search online for terms including "stag party Amsterdam" "pub crawl Amsterdam" or something as innocuous as "cheap hotel Amsterdam" they'll soon be greeted with a video advertisement warning them of the consequences of consuming too much alcohol or drugs or causing trouble in the city through antisocial behavior.

“Nuisance tourists” no longer welcome

"The aim of the discouragement campaign is to keep out visitors that we do not want. If we love the city, we must take action now," says deputy mayor Sofyan Mbarki in a statement. "In recent months, I have talked to many different groups: residents, businesses, experts and interest groups. From these discussions, it has become clear that… intervention is needed."

Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations for British stag (bachelor) parties thanks to its proximity to the UK and, of course, the legalization of cannabis and brothels. These trips generally include all-night drink and drug benders and sometimes antisocial behavior, which causes a strain on daily life for residents.

While the "Stay Away" campaign is targeted at just British male tourists for now, authorities say it may be expanded later in the year to include visitors behaving badly from elsewhere in the Netherlands and other EU countries. 

From tolerate to regulate

Amsterdam hailed as a highly tolerant, liberal city, has become increasingly regulated over recent years, especially in De Wallen, better known as the Red Light District. In 2008, the number of prostitution windows was cut from 482 to 243; 100 more will soon be moved to a multi-story "erotic center" on Amsterdam's outskirts.

Critics, such as sex-worker advocate Justine le Clercq, accuse the city council of becoming increasingly conservative. "If you really want more safety for the [sex work] industry, you provide several small locations and more opportunities to work from home, just like other freelancers are allowed to do," she says.

Yet authorities say no moral judgment is involved in curbing disproportionate numbers of “men aged 18 to 35 that only come to party and use our city as a backdrop,” says city spokeswoman Carina Noordervliet.

“The streets in [Amsterdam's city center] are very small and therefore much [more] crowded than, for example, the wide public spaces in Paris, London or Berlin," she continues. "The discouragement campaign [is] targeted at a group of people who in general don't contribute to the city in a positive way.”

New measures on “feestbeest” and cannabis 

More comprehensive measures on feestbeest ("party animals" in Dutch) – pub crawls, stag parties, stagettes and so on – will prevent raucous conduct in busy inner areas like Rembrandtplein , Leidseplein and particularly the Red Light District. Further measures – such as reducing the number of Airbnb rentals, hotels and river cruises – aim to dial down tourism overall, bringing annual overnight stays from 18 million to below 10 million.

Amsterdam is also increasing measures to discourage the sale of alcohol. Already, you can't buy alcohol after 4pm between Thursday and Sunday – and the city now requires that alcohol be hidden from view or removed from stores during these hours.

In February, the city council announced it would ban people from smoking marijuana on the streets in the Red Light District  from mid-May. This is in response to complaints from residents about disruptive tourists who flood the district in the late hours and engage in antisocial behavior.

"Residents of the old town suffer a lot from mass tourism and alcohol and drug abuse in the streets," the council said in a statement. "Tourists can also attract street dealers who in turn cause crime and insecurity."

There's still plenty of fun to be had in Amsterdam. If you're going to experience the city for its dynamic culture (in both daytime and nighttime), historic architecture, forward-thinking gastronomy and pristine natural spaces, here are some tips for having a fantastic time in the Dutch capital – while being respectful of local life.

Venture outside the city center 

Amsterdam's canals offer just one perspective on a fabulously diverse urban landscape that Noordervliet, the city spokeswoman, says many visitors don't fully explore. It's true that just a short tram ride or cycling adventure away from downtown , sprawling greenery abounds in the city's wonderful parks . Explore divine lakes and meadows around the Bos forest. At Sloterpark and Westerpark , you'll find plenty of space to picnic and even go swimming.

You can also take the five-minute ferry from Centraal Station to Noord , Amsterdam's ultra-cool, up-and-coming warehouse district. Enjoy the seaside breeze while discovering street art and popping into industrial haunts like NDSM-Werf , an 84,000 sq m former shipyard hosting art galleries and restaurants.

Stay and travel green

Amsterdam is one of the world's leading cities for smart mobility. Traverse the canals aboard a kayak, pedal boat or electric craft. Many tour operators, including Those Dam Boat Guys , offer zero-emission canal tours.

Afterward, retire to a hotel with a clear green focus. The brothel-turned-boutique hostel Cocomama and local hotel chain Conscious offer organic meals, eco-friendly design and upkeep using sustainable methods and supplies. 

Support Amsterdam's "circular city" goals

A few years ago, Amsterdam announced it wanted to become the world's first " circular city ," aiming for a waste-free (or "circular") economy by 2050 using sustainable and renewable raw materials. As a visitor, you can support this by shopping locally and sustainably at vintage boutiques along the  Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets), patronizing ecologically focused designers like Mercer and Property Of , and (especially) dining at eco-conscious restaurants like  De Ceuvel , Foccaceria and Gartine . 

Seek out socially responsible initiatives

Set out for a tour or activity that enriches local life. The world's first sustainable-fashion museum, Fashion for Good , explores fast fashion's alarming impact. A percentage of ticket sales goes toward a same-named nonprofit that helps local designers become more sustainable.

With  Plastic Whale , you can directly help clean up polluted waterways by "plastic fishing" from boats made of retrieved and recycled plastic waste. Or learn about the city's lesser-known stories and social issues via Tours That Matter , which offers guided walks along such themes as colonialism and gentrification. 

Meet the locals 

You can really get to know the city on a walking tour that brings diverse Amsterdam voices to the fore. Mee in Mokum tours are led by volunteers of all ages (often, feisty grannies). Meanwhile, Rederij Lampedusa offers canal-boat tours in former refugee boats led by those who arrived during the refugee crisis.

See the Red Light District in a new light…

Scout out socially responsible initiatives in the Red Light District, such as the Condomerie , a boutique condom shop run by a safe-sex and HIV/AIDS-prevention foundation, or visit the sex-worker collective My Red Light's mini-museum about De Wallen history. Grab a pint at the De Prael craft brewery , which employs ex-prisoners and those with a history of mental illness. Or time your visit with events such as the Red Light Jazz Festival , which highlights a different side of De Wallen's culture.

…or go for a pub crawl in a different neighborhood

Amsterdam was the first city to appoint a nachtburgemeester (night mayor) to ensure that nightlife thrives even despite overcrowding. Several eclectic and lively after-dark establishments have popped up in recent years showcasing the vibrance and diversity that Amsterdam has to offer. In a revamped Noord warehouse,  Sexyland World  is an artists' hub bringing together 365 businesses and organizations that hosts everything from roller-disco nights to poetry slams. At Amsterdam Roest , you can relax at an industrial shipyard–turned–beach bar, or join thousands of other ravers enjoying the beats at Warehouse Elementenstraat .

"There's a much bigger picture of nightlife in Amsterdam than the Red Light District and other places to feel the pulse of the city," says current nightlife mayor Ramon de Lima. "Instead of closing down clubs, the creative community and municipality are finding solutions…[showing] our culture of not ignoring problems but trying to solve them together."

Respect the rules

Don't forget that illegal acts are punishable by fine and enforced by patrolling officers. Smoking cannabis is not allowed on city-center streets, nor is lighting up tobacco indoors. Photographing sex workers is highly disrespectful, not to mention illegal. If you use common sense, your visit to Amsterdam is sure to be, as the Dutch say, lekker gezellig .

Which loosely translates to "absolutely freaking awesome."

This article was first published Mar 6, 2023 and updated Mar 30, 2023.

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PICS: Mom-to-be Richa Chadha wonders if her ‘days of impromptu solo travel’ are over as she recalls trip to Amsterdam

R icha Chadha is in the last leg of her pregnancy and is currently spending time lounging at home with her husband, Ali Fazal. While she gears to step into motherhood, the actress also reflected on the time when she took an impromptu solo trip from London to Amsterdam.

Recalling the trip, she also wondered if she would be able to take such a last-minute solo trip ever again now that she would be responsible for another human being. Read on!

Richa Chadha wonders if she will be able to take a solo trip after baby

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are expected to be parents by next month. As the actress eagerly waits for the arrival of her first child, she also went down memory lane and recalled the impromptu solo trip she took to Amsterdam.

In a long note, she shared that in July last year, she wrapped up a ‘stressful and strange shoot in London’ and decided to take a solo trip to Amsterdam the next morning.

Sharing multiple images of herself from London’s Pimlico station, she wondered if her days of impromptu solo travel are over. She penned in her post, “Accompanied by @harryrajput64, who'd just had his camera stolen due to a break-in, from the production car. Harry who was eager to party on his last night in London, clicking away at Pimilico station...i was just keen on getting to Amsterdam via Eurostar for a bit of gallerying and soul-searching.”

Take a look:

In her post, the mom-to-be added that she crashed at her friend's apartment that night. As she reminisced those days, she asked, “What will happen now, I will be responsible for a whole other human being. Can't just up and leave now anymore na? Mommies weigh in?”

Soon after the Fukrey actress dropped the post, actress Gul Panag commented, “Yes, Sister. Definitely. You will have trips with the baby. It might be challenging to begin with. But it will get better and better with each trip. But don’t stop taking trips.”

Rasika Dugal, Heeramandi’s Sanjeeda Shaikh, Kriti Kharbanda, Sobhita Dhulipala, and others complimented the beautiful pictures.

ALSO READ:   Father’s Day 2024: Mom-to-be Richa Chadha wishes hubby Ali Fazal on behalf of baby ‘from the womb’: 'You’re the best thing'

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New York Today

A royal visit to the city that was once called new amsterdam.

Among other stops in New York, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands will tour an exhibit focused on 400 years of Dutch history.

By James Barron

Good morning. It’s Thursday. We’ll get details of a royal visit to New York City. We’ll also find out what Mayor Eric Adams said when asked about pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

They did not arrive in the United States the way many couples do — the husband, who has a pilot’s license, was in the cockpit of the Boeing 737 jet, serving as the co-pilot for at least part of the flight from Europe.

Still, on their outing in New York City today, the pair, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, will do what many tourists do. They will stroll along the High Line and go to a museum.

But they said the trip had a purpose — emphasizing ties between the Netherlands and the United States and strengthening economic connections. The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis showed that the Netherlands ranked third in direct investment in the United States with $617.1 billion at the end of 2022, after Japan ($712 billion) and the United Kingdom ($663.4 billion).

So the royals’ itinerary includes a midday event at the Brooklyn Navy Yard about business startups and ways to accelerate clean technology .

They will also go on a tour of East Flatbush, Brooklyn, where they will “discuss urban challenges such as climate action, affordable housing and societal resilience” with community leaders, according to the Dutch government. Their day will end with a reception at Hudson Yards in Manhattan; the king and Mayor Eric Adams are expected to speak there.

The trip is not the royals’ first visit to New York. Willem-Alexander and Máxima visited in 2009, when he was the crown prince (he ascended to the throne in 2013). Máxima had lived in New York from 1996 to 2000 when she was an investment banker.

They arrived in New York City after two days in Georgia and one in Albany. (Willem-Alexander flew the plane there, too, according to a spokeswoman for the Netherlands Embassy in Washington.) Willem-Alexander’s focus was on jobs during a session at a nanotechnology center in Albany that describes itself as the largest nonprofit semiconductor research-and-development facility in the country . Willem-Alexander was all business in his brief remarks there, saying that trade with the Netherlands accounted for 57,000 jobs in New York State.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said that “New York became what it is because of the Dutch” and mentioned names like Brooklyn and the New York Knicks that have Dutch roots. She also referred to the Schuyler mansion in Albany, where Elizabeth Schuyler grew up. Of the three daughters in the household — familiar to theatergoers who’ve seen “Hamilton” — she was the one who married the man whose portrait is on the $10 bill.

Later, as the king looked on, Hochul and a Dutch trade official signed a memorandum of understanding that confirmed shared interests in advancing semiconductor research and development.

Today, after their stops in Brooklyn, Willem-Alexander and Máxima will walk through an exhibition commemorating 400 years of Dutch history in New York at the New-York Historical Society on the Upper West Side. The exhibition includes a 1626 letter that describes the “purchase” of Manhattan from Native Americans for 60 guilders, which later was said to have been $24.

The exhibition also includes a letter from three chiefs of contemporary Lenape communities whose ancestors lived in Manhattan when the Dutch arrived with hopes of establishing a Dutch republic in North America. And the exhibition displays a map of New Amsterdam, called the Castello Plan, that was painted around 1660, long before Peter Stuyvesant surrendered to the British.

So what do you say when a king and queen cross the threshold?

“I’m going to invite them to have a look at Dutch history, beginning at the very beginning,” said Louise Mirrer, the president and chief executive of the historical society .

“What’s eye-opening is to see evidence that the Dutch actually did believe they had purchased Manhattan from the Lenape,” she said. “The letter really says something about how cultures can understand each other incorrectly, or misunderstand one another. Obviously, history bore out how the misunderstanding was disadvantageous to the Lenape.”

Enjoy a sunny day in the mid-80s. The evening should be mostly clear, with temperatures in the low 70s.

ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING

In effect until Monday (Eid al-Adha).

The latest Metro news

Curbing broker fees : A majority of the City Council supports a bill that would transfer the cost of most broker fees from renters to landlords .

Controversy at a NYCHA playground : Signs put up at Wise Towers say the playground is for residents only. There have been tense encounters with some neighbors on the wealthy, liberal Upper West Side .

Menendez trial : Philip Sellinger, New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor, testified in the bribery trial of Senator Robert Menendez, his onetime close friend, fund-raiser and political ally .

Move to fight the halt of congestion pricing : The New York City comptroller, Brad Lander, and a group of stakeholders have developed a legal strategy to try to overturn Gov. Kathy Hochul’s shutdown of the Midtown toll program .

What we’re watching : Stefanos Chen, a Metro reporter for The New York Times, will discuss the current state of congestion pricing on “The New York Times Close Up With Sam Roberts,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. [ CUNY TV ].

Embezzlement charge : Prosecutors say that the head of the charity Modest Needs crowdsourced donations for the poor but spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at high-end restaurants .

Selling firearms through Telegram : Manhattan prosecutors say that a Texas man operated through a white-supremacist channel on Telegram that they discovered after the racist massacre in Buffalo two years ago.

Arts & Culture

Fake bags on display but not for sale : A new exhibition on the corner of Broadway and Canal Street that looks like a store is meant to draw attention to the prevalence of “superfake” handbags .

Celebrations for two New York icons : The Apollo Theater celebrated its 90th anniversary and a Tribeca Film Festival dinner celebrated artists and one of its co-founders, Robert De Niro .

Adams praised a reporter’s ‘summer body’

Mayor Eric Adams told a journalist who asked him about pro-Palestinian demonstrations that it looked as if he had been working out and complimented the reporter’s “summer body.”

One of the mayor’s top female advisers, sitting nearby at City Hall, shook her head in disbelief. Another deputy mayor looked down and covered her eyes.

My colleague Emma G. Fitzsimmons writes that the remark was not unusual for Adams. He often comments on people’s physical appearance or clothing. And while he speaks proudly about the number of top cabinet officials who are women, he has also made the point to note that they lead while wearing Christian Louboutin shoes, with their signature red-soled heels.

This was not the first time that Adams had singled out the reporter he said had a “summer body” — Pete Cuddihy, an intern at Fox News. At a news conference in March, when Cuddihy asked about the city’s housing crisis, the mayor said, “I like that turtleneck — people don’t wear turtlenecks anymore.”

A spokeswoman for Fox News sent a statement from Cuddihy that said: “Speaking only about my interaction on June 11 with Mayor Adams, I felt his comments towards me were friendly, and I did not feel uncomfortable.”

Adams is far from the only notable elected official who has been criticized for making comments that seem inappropriate. President Biden has made remarks about people’s physical appearance; Donald Trump often mocks people’s physical appearance and was found liable in a civil trial for sexually abusing the writer E. Jean Carroll. And the Justice Department found that Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor, subjected female employees to a “sexually hostile work environment,” made unwanted comments and gave preferential treatment to some employees based on their physical appearance.

Adams, a Democrat, was himself accused in a lawsuit of sexually assaulting a colleague in 1993 when he was a police officer.

Fabien Levy, a deputy mayor and Adams’s chief spokesman, said the mayor “would never intentionally make someone feel uncomfortable. He’s a warm and engaging person who talks to New Yorkers the way any regular New Yorker speaks to one another.”

METROPOLITAN diary

Dear Diary:

Anyone who lived or worked in Midtown Manhattan in the 1970s and ’80s knew Gene Palma as the guy who “played” Sixth Avenue. He even had a cameo in “Taxi Driver.”

With shoe-polish blackened hair and heavy makeup, Gene would play his drum on the sidewalk. Sometimes, he would bang his sticks on newspaper vending machines, or sit on the curb and play the street itself.

In the winter, to avoid the frigid north wind that swept down the avenues, he would move onto the side streets. Once, when I saw him on 52nd Street, I asked why he moved onto the side streets every winter.

“The sound’s better,” he said.

— Jace Weaver

Illustrated by Agnes Lee. Send submissions here and read more Metropolitan Diary here .

Glad we could get together here. See you tomorrow. — J.B.

P.S. Here’s today’s Mini Crossword and Spelling Bee . You can find all our puzzles here .

Melissa Guerrero and Ed Shanahan contributed to New York Today. You can reach the team at [email protected].

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James Barron writes the New York Today newsletter, a morning roundup of what’s happening in the city. More about James Barron