The Magic of Amsterdam with Children – 17 Pleasant Actions That Households Love Receive US

Imagine it or not, Amsterdam is likely one of the world’s most family-friendly locations. We’ve visited Amsterdam with youngsters a number of instances and cherished it a lot that we moved right here with our now 3-year-old.

When visiting Amsterdam, youngsters will love the numerous parks, museums, and kid-friendly actions. Most vacationer points of interest have particular reveals only for households.

The Dutch meals can also be household pleasant – french fries, flammkuchen (like flatbread), and kaastengels (fried cheese sticks) will preserve the children stuffed with acquainted tastes.

Earlier than you go, we advocate getting the I Amsterdam City Card, which supplies you entry to most locations on this checklist and extra. When touring with youngsters, buying tickets forward and skipping the road is at all times a good suggestion. Learn our full assessment for those who’d wish to study extra.

Beneath are our high picks for issues to do in Amsterdam with your loved ones.

1. Go to the Anne Frank Home

Deal with: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The Anne Frank House is a must-see in your Amsterdam household trip. The museum honors Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager who hid from the Nazis throughout World Struggle II.

It’s situated at Prinsengracht 263 at Anne Frank’s actual home, together with the key annex the place the Frank and Van Pelt households stayed for 2 years. The museum entrance is simply across the nook.

Children can study by means of interactive excursions, academic actions, and museum shows. Older youngsters can acquire perception into the historical past of the Holocaust, the persecution of Jews throughout WWII, and the bravery of those that hid within the secret annex.

Children love visiting the key annex the place the Frank household and several other others hid for 2 years throughout World Struggle II. After climbing the steps to the highest and strolling by means of a bookcase that reveals the annex, the entire household can expertise the total hidden house with its personal kitchen, pantry, rest room, and residing space.

After wandering by means of the halls of the Anne Frank home and annex, you head again downstairs for different reveals displaying footage of Anne Frank and her associates, in addition to actual pages from Anne Frank’s diary. The Anne Frank Home additionally has a historical past exhibition with movie clips and authentic gadgets from that point.

Whereas kids could learn Anne Frank’s diary in class, stepping foot into the place she lived and was later compelled to cover is a memorable expertise that may depart an enduring impression. Ebook your tour of the Anne Frank Home in advance with GetYourGuide. Tickets promote out quick.

See Associated: The Awe-Inspiring Expertise of the Anne Frank Home

2. Be taught on the NEMO Science Museum

Deal with: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The NEMO Science Museum has 5 flooring of reveals for all ages and actions that even dad and mom will take pleasure in. The museum can promote out, so it is very important get your tickets on GetYourGuide in advance. Tickets are additionally included within the I Amsterdam City Card.

The NEMO Science Museum is thought for its interactive experiments and workshops. Children can construct a dam, see how a polder works, and journey to outer house. The museum even has a full ground known as Humania, which is all about human life.

The museum additionally options an interactive exhibit known as “Filled with Power,” the place youngsters can seize power utilizing wind, mild, and water. On the highest ground is a laboratory for teenagers to conduct science experiments.

In case you want a break from the science experiments, the rooftop has a cafeteria and out of doors house with water fountains to look at and play in, with unimaginable views of Amsterdam. It’s an ideal spot to spend a sunny summer time afternoon!

The NEMO Science Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to five:30 p.m. and on Mondays throughout the summer time and on public holidays. If you wish to study extra, take a look at our NEMO Science Museum Assessment.

See Associated: These Are the Finest Retailers in Amsterdam

3. Discover a life-size Dutch ship on the Nationwide Maritime Museum

Deal with: Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam, Netherlands.

One in every of our favourite locations to take our youngster to is the Nationwide Maritime Museum. It’s the good factor in Amsterdam for households to do as a result of it isn’t loopy busy, and it has totally different actions for teenagers of all ages. You should buy skip-the-line tickets at GetYourGuide.

The largest spotlight is the full-size mannequin ship exterior the museum. The ship has reproduction rooms to see what it was like for the Dutch sailors who sailed worldwide. The bottom stage of the boat is sort of a huge playground, full with a stage and issues to climb on.

After seeing the reproduction ship, you may head indoors. There’s a fantastic museum inside with artwork and reproduction ships that older kids would take pleasure in.

Most significantly, the Nationwide Maritime Museum has two devoted play areas for youngsters. One house is for toddlers and youthful and has a ship with a play kitchen, a lighthouse you may construct, and a climbing/crawling space.

Throughout the best way is a whale exhibit with a life-size whale the place you may stroll inside (like within the film Discovering Nemo) and study all about whale conservation and whale looking. The whale exhibit could be a little scary for youthful youngsters, however for ages 5 and up, it’s actually enjoyable!

The very best half in regards to the Nationwide Maritime Museum is that could be a native favourite for Amsterdam dad and mom, and it isn’t stuffed with vacationers or lengthy traces. You may comfortably spend time right here, even in the summertime months. Get tickets at GetYourGuide and tell us what you suppose!

See Associated: ​​Finest Museums in Europe to Go to

4. Take a Canal Cruise

A canal cruise is a incredible strategy to discover Amsterdam with your loved ones. The town, famend for its intricate community of canals, makes it a super vacation spot for a ship tour. There are quite a lot of canal cruises you may take while you go to Amsterdam, however we advocate the Private Canal Cruise.

It’s within the morning earlier than the canals get busy, you don’t need to take care of many crowds and have your personal house. It’s dearer than the mega-tours, however at round $150 whole for the household, it’s price it.

The I Amsterdam City Card additionally has a canal cruise included. The canal cruise within the I Amsterdam Metropolis Card will likely be bigger with extra individuals, which is much less preferrred. However it would nonetheless take you to all of the scenic locations.

See Associated: Finest Canal Cruises in Amsterdam

5. Stroll by means of the Royal Palace Amsterdam

Deal with: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Lots of people go to Dam Sq. after they go to Amsterdam, however few notice that the large constructing is definitely a palace. The very best half? The palace is free for everybody below the age of 18. This can be a should in Amsterdam with youngsters!

The Royal Palace has a kid-friendly self-guided tour full with a map and stickers. Our sister’s youngsters (ages 8 and 13) completely cherished following the map and discovering all of the enjoyable issues across the palace. On the finish, youngsters who full the scavenger hunt get a prize.

The Royal Palace is a straightforward exercise to slot in with youngsters and adults. The entire go to can take a half hour or two hours, relying on how lengthy you need to keep. Children are free, so if the children need to discover the palace a bit after which run round Dam Sq., there is no such thing as a additional value!

See Associated: Finest Accommodations in Amsterdam, Netherlands

6. Step into Nature at Amsterdam Parks & Out of doors Locations to Go to with Children

Amsterdam is thought for its lovely parks. Once we moved to Amsterdam, we couldn’t consider how nice the parks have been for teenagers and adults. Each park on this checklist has a little bit playground (or an enormous playground), a splash pad (child’s pool), and a restaurant.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the most well-liked park in Amsterdam. Spanning 120 acres, Vondelpark is a perfect spot for households to discover – with timber, ponds, and pathways that make it the proper spot for a picnic or a cease at a restaurant. You’ll discover playgrounds, a wading pool, gardens, and cafés right here.

The Blauwe Theehuis is a brewery with nice beers (my favourite is the Blondie) and kid-friendly meals like bitterballen, pizza, and cheese sticks. Additionally they serve wine and have a wide selection of ice cream.

If the children want a playground, head over to Groot Melkhuis—the cafe with good beer and wine picks which are connected to a child’s playground.

That is the most important playground in Vondelpark. It contains swings, a climbing space, a sandbox, and an space with pay-per-use vehicles (like what you’ll see exterior of a Kmart within the Nineteen Nineties).

One other good spot is Vondeltuin, a restaurant with good meals and drinks connected to a large sandbox and climbing space for teenagers to have enjoyable. There’s even a Montessori-style play space right here.

See Associated: Finest Bridges in Amsterdam to See

Westerpark

Westerpark is the closest park to Amsterdam Central Station. It’s a large park that could be a good spot to go to with youngsters.

Westerpark has a complete space with eating places, cafes, and even a brewery. In case you enterprise additional into the park, you will discover the Boerderij (or farm), an ideal place to go to with youngsters. Children can pet the animals and stroll to the infant goats, sheep, and cows. It’s free to go to and pet the animals!

Westerpark can also be an ideal place to remain in Amsterdam with youngsters, with the Aware Lodge on the entrance. You may e-book a room on the Conscious Hotel through the use of my link on Booking.com.

Westerpark can also be residence to the Fabrique des Lumières artwork heart and Westergas, identified for having many alternative festivals, lots of that are family-friendly.

Amsterdam Forest (Amsterdam Bos)

The Amsterdam Forest, often known as the Amsterdam Bos to the locals, is a superb spot to go to Amsterdam with youngsters. This big forest has boat leases, horseback using, petting zoos, farms, a enjoyable forest, and a flower park. You may simply spend a complete day right here.

Our daughter loves going to Meerzicht Farm, which has a speaking tree, an enormous playground, and sugary pancakes. It does get very crowded on weekends at Meerzicht Farm, so be ready. Another choice contained in the forest is the Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve, the place youngsters can feed and pet child goats.

Kimbos Enjoyable Forest is a superb exercise for older youngsters. Right here, you climb a course up within the timber with some obstacles and have quite a lot of enjoyable! This can be a very totally different factor to do in Amsterdam!

Within the spring, you may see the cherry blossoms on the Bloesompark. It will get crowded throughout that point, so go early within the morning!

There are lots of different issues to do within the Amsterdam forest. It’s essential to go and test it out! The simplest strategy to get there may be by bike, about 20 minutes south of the town. You may also take the tram or bus.

See Associated: Issues to Do in Amsterdam in December

Amstel Park

Searching for an amusement park with out all of the annoying elements of an amusement park? Then Amstel Park is your home. Situated about 5-10 minutes exterior the town, that is a straightforward factor to do in Amsterdam with youngsters.

When it comes to family-friendly Amsterdam issues to do, Amstel Park meets all the necessities. There’s a boerderij (farm/petting zoo) with quite a lot of various kinds of animals, together with llamas.

The “amusement” a part of the park has small rides for teenagers of all ages. You should purchase tokens and take a look at the rides, which makes it simpler than looking for cash on the backside of the backpack.

After all, there are a number of playgrounds in Amstel Park. Some are for giant youngsters, others for small youngsters. However total, the children completely cherished visiting this park in Amsterdam!

In case you’re on bikes, you may as well see an previous windmill – De Riekermolen which was constructed within the seventeenth century. It’s on the very south of the park, so it may be an extended stroll.

Beatrixpark

We at all times advocate Beatrixpark to our associates who go to Amsterdam with youngsters as a result of it’s a actually native expertise. The park is small however lovely.

You go rose gardens as you stroll to the playground, which additionally has a wading pool and a restaurant. The park isn’t overcrowded. And out of doors the playground, the park is so quiet and delightful that you simply by no means need to depart!

See Associated: Finest Bridges in Amsterdam to See

Rembrandt Park

Rembrandt Park is one other small, native park. It has a stream and pond proper by means of the center, with picture-worthy bridges and tall timber. An awesome escape from the bustling metropolis heart!

7. Paint on the Rijksmuseum

Deal with: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The Rijksmuseum is the nationwide museum of the Netherlands that’s kid-friendly. You may deliver all of your kids alongside at no additional value – youngsters below 18 are free. Tickets are additionally included with the iAmsterdam Metropolis Card.

The museum showcases 800 years of Dutch historical past, specializing in the Golden Age. Our daughter’s favourite elements of the Rijksmuseum embody the particular exhibition rooms crammed with previous movie playing cards, mannequin ships, and the Petronella Oortman Doll Home.

The museum additionally provides a “Household Quest” to discover world-famous masterworks from artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh whereas unraveling a thriller. The Rijksmuseum additionally has child-friendly excursions (verify their schedule for those in English) hosted by Miffy or a puppet of a well-known painter.

Children over 4 can take a portray class on the Rijksmuseum. The portray lessons observe well-known Dutch painters equivalent to Vermeer and Van Gogh. You may verify the schedule on their web site to see what they provide that week.

It’s essential to book your ticket prematurely, particularly within the excessive season of the summer time months. However keep in mind, youngsters below 18 are free. We advocate going early because the museum will get very crowded round lunch.

See Associated: Finest Airbnbs and Trip Leases in Amsterdam

8. Go to the Van Gogh Museum

Deal with: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The Van Gogh Museum is a must-do in Amsterdam with youngsters, and additionally it is free for teenagers below the age of 18. However it’s essential to book your tickets in advance here, it would promote out.

Van Gogh painted so many enjoyable scenes that youngsters will take pleasure in seeing. Children love doing the Van Gogh Museum Treasure Hunt and Guidelines, the place they get to run across the museum and discover enjoyable issues in regards to the painter’s life and historical past.

The Van Gogh Museum provides kid-friendly excursions centered on kids of all ages. The entire household can find out about Vincent Van Gogh and the work he made.

Test the Van Gogh Museum website for kid-friendly events. And ensure to e-book your tickets no less than two weeks prematurely, tickets promote out quick! You will get skip-the-line tickets through GetYourGuide here.

9. Bike by means of the Dutch Countryside

The town has loads to do, however you may’t actually expertise Dutch tradition with out biking. I do know what you’re pondering – biking by means of Amsterdam with youngsters sounds sophisticated.

However as soon as you permit the town heart of Amsterdam, the biking is simple (and flat). You may rent bikes through GetYourGuide here or use bikes included with the iAmsterdam Metropolis Card.

Some in style routes are the Zeeland Delta Path to the Veluwe Nationwide Park Route and the Six-castle Route in Friesland. In case you don’t need to enterprise too far, you may bike to the Amsterdam Bos (or lease bikes there).

We extremely advocate no less than making an attempt biking whereas visiting Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside is a superb place to do it! Belief us, all the kids and adults will adore it!

See Associated: Finest Bike Excursions In Amsterdam

10. See Elephants at Artis Zoo

Deal with: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands.

One in every of our favourite family-friendly issues to do in Amsterdam is the ARTIS Royal Zoo. The ARTIS Zoo is likely one of the oldest zoos in Europe and has quite a lot of fascinating animals to see. Tickets are included with the iAmsterdam Metropolis Card.

You may see over 700 kinds of animals, equivalent to elephants, giraffes, tigers, hippos, and monkeys. The ARTIS Zoo is not like any zoo you’ve seen within the US. The animals cohabitate, and the shows are unimaginable. In a single space, you stroll below a waterfall. And one different space has lemurs out within the open, so you may get shut.

We extremely advocate getting your tickets to the ARTIS Zoo through GetYourGuide (here) prematurely. The traces are lengthy, and it may well promote out, particularly on weekends. In case you can’t go to the zoo for a full day, you may at all times take a ship tour and see the giraffes and elephants from the canal!

11. Scent Flowers on the Botanical Gardens

Deal with: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands.

One other must-do in Amsterdam with youngsters is the Hortus Botanicus botanical gardens. The gardens are open year-round and proper subsequent to the ARTIS Zoo, which makes a straightforward cease.

Whereas visiting the gardens, make sure the household sees the glass room and snippendaal backyard used for medicinal functions within the seventeenth century. Lots of the vegetation are nonetheless there at present, which makes for a enjoyable go to.

Children can have enjoyable recognizing the carnivorous vegetation and cooling down below a palm tree. You’ll fully overlook that you’re within the metropolis!

The gardens are included on the I Amsterdam City Card and are free for teenagers below 5. Children between 5 and 17 get half-price tickets.

See Associated: Finest Gardens in Europe to Go to

12. Immerse Your self at Moco Museum

Deal with: Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Dad and mom and youngsters who’re enthusiastic about interactive reveals and fashionable artwork ought to make a go to to the Moco Museum. You may even get a ticket that comes with a canal cruise. Tickets to the Moco Museum are included with the I Amsterdam City Card, or you may get them by means of GetYourGuide.

Situated within the Museum Quarter, the Moco Museum is thought for its Banky, Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Kusama collections. They’ve NFTs and different digital artwork exhibitions which are out of this world!

The Moco Museum additionally has an outside backyard with sculptures that youngsters can climb and uncover. It’s a smaller museum with an immersive artwork expertise on the finish that makes the entire go to price it for the children!

13. Go on high of a Skyscraper at A’DAM Lookout

Deal with: Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Throughout the IJ river from Centraal Station is the lesser-known Noord neighborhood that’s crammed with fascinating locations to find in your Amsterdam household trip. The A’DAM Lookout is unquestionably the most well-liked attraction and for good purpose.

Right here, you may e-book tickets for a large swing on the high of the constructing. Thrill-seeking youngsters and adults can swing over the sting of the constructing and take within the sights of the town. If the swing isn’t your factor, you may benefit from the views from the rooftop with a horse statute you may sit on and a bar. You may also do a digital actuality experience.

The A’DAM Lookout is included within the Amsterdam GoCity Pass. In any other case, you may e-book online here. You’ll need to e-book your go to prematurely; the swing will get in style, and wait instances could be as much as 5 hours.

See Associated: Important Journey Suggestions for Visiting the Netherlands

14. Take a look at Avenue Artwork on the STRAAT Museum

Deal with: NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Searching for a museum that’s large enough for energy-filled youngsters to run round? That is it. The STRAAT Museum interprets to “Avenue Museum” and is crammed with road artists’ works. The museum is huge. It’s actually huge and open makes it an ideal factor to do in Amsterdam with youngsters.

Children get their maps to find hidden footage on the street artwork across the museum. In the event that they full the map, they get a prize.

There are additionally interactive reveals the place youngsters and adults can enter the artwork. This can be a hidden gem within the metropolis! You may e-book your tickets on-line through GetYourGuide.

15. Pet Cats at The Cat Boat

De Poezenboot: The Catboat is a houseboat within the Amsterdam metropolis heart that doubles as a house for stray and deserted cats. Dad and mom and children can go to after reserving a time on the web site.

The aim of the Cat Boat is to assist cats discover a new residence, however they nonetheless like guests! It’s a enjoyable story and expertise on a ship in Amsterdam!

See Associated: Ouderkerk aan de Amstel

16. Strive Residing the Dutch Approach on the Houseboat Museum

Deal with: Prinsengracht 296K, 1016 HW Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The Houseboat Museum is one other enjoyable factor to do in Amsterdam with youngsters. Proper in Amsterdam’s 9 Streets, the museum is constructed inside a former cargo ship that was constructed within the early 1900s. You may go contained in the houseboat and study all in regards to the story.

Additionally they provide a houseboat strolling tour so you may see totally different boats across the metropolis and find out how Amsterdam’s locals stay. Children will take pleasure in studying the story behind houseboats and seeing what’s wish to stay in a ship on the water!

17. Strive Dutch Delicacies

Do you know that Dutch youngsters are thought of the happiest kids on the earth? It’s true, and we expect the meals has one thing to do with it.

Poffertjes are a well-liked breakfast and snack. They’re mini pancakes cooked in butter and coated with powdered sugar. You will get these at most road markets. The tastiest are at Albert Cuyp, and cafes. The very best cafe for poffertjes is the Papeneiland Café.

Hagelslag might be probably the most well-known dish for teenagers. It’s buttered bread topped with chocolate sprinkles – quite a lot of chocolate sprinkles. Native kids have hagelslag for breakfast at residence. So head to the grocery retailer (Albert Heijn is nice however is cash-only for internationals) and decide up some white bread and De Ruijter chocolate sprinkles to make it at residence.

The bar snacks are our private favourite. Our toddler loves the bitterballen (fried balls of mashed potatoes, gravy, and veal/beef served with mustard) and kaasstengels (fried cheese sticks). Kaassoufflé is one other in style one, only a deep-fried cheese snack!

For adventurous individuals, attempt a plate of uncooked herring served with diced onions and pickles – a basic Dutch specialty that’s good on your well being. You’ll find this at a lot of the road markets.

In case you’re craving one thing savory, attempt stamppot – a mash comprised of potatoes, greens, and sausage. Eating places like Moeders and The Pantry have unimaginable conventional meals, however make a reservation! These eating places are very talked-about among the many locals, ourselves included.

See Associated: Finest Locations to Ski within the Netherlands

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Alex is a contributor of ViaTravelers. She has lived in three international locations, 4 states, and traveled the world. She enjoys top-tier eating places, previous books, and uncovering historic websites across the globe.