Amsterdam is definitely one of the most exciting destinations in the world. Therefore, real travellers must visit this city at least once in a lifetime. It’s a place with amazing history, extraordinary culture, and incredible landscapes. However, what many parents wonder is if they can visit Amsterdam with kids.
Keeping in mind this is a place known for adventurous activities and exceptional nightlife, it’s natural to think Amsterdam might not be the most family-friendly location. However, truth be told, this glorious city has something for everyone. This means you can freely plan that forever-wanted trip with the whole family. There are so many amazing activities that your children will love. What’s more, there are also suitable accommodation options, which will make you feel comfortable during your stay- without missing out on anything!
Here, I’ve included some awesome recommendations that will make you start packing immediately. I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like which your children will wholeheartedly enjoy. In other words, you will see there’s no reason to postpone your trip to Amsterdam until they are older. You can go now and have tremendous fun!
Our 7 Favorite Things To Do in Amsterdam With Kids
1. Enjoy Sweet Delights at Van Wonderen Stroopwafels
When you visit Amsterdam with kids, you simply can’t miss out on letting them try something heavenly delicious. A stop at Van Wonderen Stroopwafels for some of the most iconic Dutch treats is a perfect way to start your adventure. It’s a must-visit spot during your Amsterdam family holiday. Even if you try to avoid giving sweets to your kids, this place is worth the exception! The delightful treat includes two thin waffle cookies filled with caramel- a dessert you cannot find elsewhere in the world!
Moreover, Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is decorated in such a way that makes you feel as if you’re stepping into a fairytale. Even adults love it, so there’s no way you can give your child a better treat than this. Plus, children are allowed to pick their own toppings for the waffle, which is something they really enjoy doing!
- Activity type: Eating out
- Age: All ages
- Cost: €4 – €8
2. Tiny House Hunt
If you want to keep your children active during a family vacation in Amsterdam, you should consider an activity similar to a treasure hunt. Remember when you were a kid? I bet you loved looking for hidden stuff! So, there’s an absolute chance they will love looking for these tiny hidden houses around a neighbourhood. The Jordaan neighbourhood is a place with amazing architecture and colourful homes. However, the highlight of this location is that in between some houses, there are tiny hidden homes stacked on top of each other. The location is between houses 54 and 70, but you should let your kids try to find them and wait for their reaction.
I know I’ve introduced this one as a children’s activity, but believe me- it can only so easily be turned into a family adventure! So, while your kids impatiently wait to find the hidden treasure, you will be able to admire the rest of Amsterdam’s remarkable architecture. It’s a win-win situation!
- Activity type: Sightseeing
- Age: All ages
- Cost: Free
3. Enjoy The Petting Farm at Westerpark
If you want to really enjoy Amsterdam with kids, take them to a petting farm. Children don’t often get to see farm animals that freely wander around, so why not give them the chance to experience something unique? The entrance is entirely free, and the animals are amiable, showing no signs of fear or threat to the children. Your kids will love petting sheep and goats, and you’ll have the opportunity to teach them something about animals.
Besides the farm, the park includes a playground that is perfect for toddlers. If your kids are different ages, you shouldn’t worry- the older ones will definitely enjoy the petting experience. Once they’re finished petting the animals, you can spend some more time on the playground. Westerpark is an awesome spot to avoid the tourist crowds and blend with the local community. If you want to avoid looking like a tourist, this is a place to go to!
- Activity type: Sightseeing
- Age: All ages/ The playground only for toddlers
- Cost: Free
4. Walk By or Visit The Anne Frank House
When looking for things to do in Amsterdam with kids, you shouldn’t limit your imagination to choosing only child-appropriate activities. Namely, I’m sure you want to see something remarkable, such as the House of Anne Frank. Even though this activity isn’t suitable for young kids, you can take time to admire the house from the outside. However, if your children are 10 or older, then feel free to take them to explore the insides, as well.
Generally speaking, it’s up to the parents to decide whether their children can understand the story of Anne Frank. So, if you think that your kid is ready, then why not enjoy the ultimate experience in a museum with immense cultural and historical significance? If you know the history, you can make your whole visit into a story to tell your children and make it really memorable. You will be surprised how much children enjoy historical stories.
- Activity type: Exhibition
- Age: 10+
- Cost: € 16.00 (adult); € 7.00 (child 10-17) € 1.00 (child 0-9)
5. A Tour at The Houseboat Museum
There’s no doubt children love boats. So, you won’t believe your eyes when you see how excited they will be to step into one and explore its surroundings. And Amsterdam has something really special. Along the canals, there are many houseboats your kids will love taking a peek at. This activity is interesting for the whole family, so I strongly suggest adding it to your agenda. Your Amsterdam family holiday requires new experiences, and this is definitely one of them.
When someone mentions a museum, you probably imagine the museum’s traditional features. However, this one is truly unique, which is why it’s so worth visiting it. The museum is a floating houseboat on the canal that you can board to experience life on the water. Everyone wants to see what this life feels like, so make sure to include this activity in the things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Activity type: Exhibition
- Age: All ages
- Cost: € 5.00 (adult); € 4.00 (child 5-15) Free (child 0-5)
6. See The Diverse World of Plants in Amsterdam Botanical Gardens
You may think visiting botanical gardens isn’t really something you will enjoy when in Amsterdam with kids. However, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is much different compared to the gardens you’ve seen in your life so far. There are lots of different plant varieties that will leave you breathless. At the same time, it will give your kids something new to explore and enjoy. What’s so special about it is the greenhouses inside. They are simply spectacular and are something you don’t see often.
Inside the greenhouses, you can see desert and tropical flora, green palms, and even butterflies. If you have a particular fondness for visiting butterfly houses, it’s safe to say you’ll love this place. This will make your family holiday to Amsterdam exceptional and full of new sights. Even if you’re not a big fan of the botanical world, I’m more than certain you will love breathing the fresh air in this spectacular garden.
- Activity type: Exhibition
- Age: All ages
- Cost: € 13,5 (adult); € 7.00 (child 5-17) Free (child 0-5)
7. Enjoy The Glorious NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is a five-story wonderland full of exciting experiments. These will introduce children to the realms of shapes, light, sound, water, human nature, and so on! What‘s more, the museum has a publicly accessible rooftop with entertaining play zones for children. Moreover, there are some fantastic water attractions during the summer, offering a refreshing way to beat the heat. When you are travelling to Amsterdam with kids, this is the perfect spot to visit!
Your children will love discovering the world of science, and they can learn a lot of new stuff. Nonetheless, if your kids aren’t into science and experiments, you can only visit the rooftop. It is an extraordinary place that children adore, and you can spend some quality time there. This place can be a super highlight of your family vacation in Amsterdam.
- Activity type: Exhibition
- Age: All ages
- Cost: € 17.50 (adult); € 17.50 (child 13-17); € 17.50 (child 4-12); Free (0-3)
More Amsterdam Activities for Kids
If you want to discover a few more things to do with kids in Amsterdam, then feel free to explore the ones listed below:
- Fun Photoshoot at The Upside Down Amsterdam: It’s an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts and children who like posing in front of the camera.
- Explore The Beauty of Vondelpark: Vondelpark stands is the largest park in Amsterdam, offering a great number of walking and cycling trails, cosy cafes, open-air amphitheatres, and engaging playgrounds for visitors with kids to enjoy.
- Bike Tour Around The City with a Kids Seat: If you want an easier and quicker way to explore Amsterdam, then consider renting a bike with a kid’s seat. It is the perfect activity for you – and your child will love it!
- Adventurous Day at The Nature Playground Het Woeste Westen: You can engage in activities like playing with water and sand, capturing small water creatures, embarking on a rafting adventure, or frolicking in a gentle stream.
4-Day Family-Friendly Amsterdam Itinerary
If you’re not sure how to plan your family vacation in Amsterdam, I’ve included some ideas that you might find helpful. You can use it as your actual itinerary or simply as a guide, which you can follow to make an agenda you like.
Day 1
- Take a kids bike tour of Amsterdam
- Try sweet delights at Van Wonderen Stroopwafels
- Visit The Van Gogh Museum
- Explore the House of Anne Frank
Day 2
- Visit the Jewish Museum
- Admire the Portuguese synagogue
- Enjoy a walking tour around the city
- Take a boat tour of Amsterdam Canals
Day 3
- Apple pie for breakfast at Winkel 43
- Explore Noordermarkt
- Enjoy a tiny house hunt in the Jordaan neighbourhood
- Have an Indonesian rijsttafel dinner at Sama Sebo
Day 4
- Visit the NEMO Science Museum
- Explore The Botanical Gardens Amsterdam
- Get ready for your trip home
Book Your Memorable Family Vacation in Amsterdam
Travelling to Amsterdam with kids can be an unforgettable experience as long as you plan your travels well. Getting yourself informed ahead of time is very important, as it will help you make the ideal itinerary that promises a really enjoyable time. These family trips are a great way to bond with your loved ones, so make sure to make it memorable.
I hope my recommendations will help you have the time of your life with your family and make great memories while exploring Amsterdam!
Frequently Asked Questions
Amsterdam is a small city, making it easy to get around with children. There are numerous activities that a child of every age can enjoy, so you can easily find something your kids will like.
Generally, most travellers can expect to spend anywhere from 2 to 4 days in Amsterdam, and this can vary based on whether they include day trips in their itinerary and the overall duration of their visit to the Netherlands.
Most neighbourhoods in Amsterdam are safe, so you can pick different locations for your accommodation. The city centre might be the most convenient spot for your stay because it will be easy to get around to the many places you want to visit.
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