Amsterdam, with its canals, vibrant culture and rich history, is an excellent destination for families. The city offers a wealth of activities and attractions that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Whether you are navigating Amsterdam on foot, by bike, or even by boat, there are countless ways to keep both kids and adults entertained. From interactive museums and beautiful parks to cultural experiences and delicious food, there is no shortage of fun and entertainment in this lively city. Here is a guide to exploring Amsterdam with children, some of the best family-friendly activities in Amsterdam and the surrounding area, ensuring a fun and memorable visit for everyone.

Interactive museums

NEMO Science Museum

Located near Amsterdam Central Station, the NEMO Science Museum is an interactive wonderland for curious minds. Kids can engage in hands-on experiments, learn about the human body, and discover the wonders of physics and engineering. Beyond its interactive exhibits, the NEMO Science Museum offers a rooftop terrace with water games and installations that allow kids to splash around and cool off on warm days. This is a great place for parents to relax and have a sandwich or a drink while children play. The rooftop terrace offers views of Amsterdam and is an excellent spot for a family photo.

Micropia, the first microbe museum in the world, and a Butterfly Greenhouse

The ARTIS Royal Zoo is one of the oldest zoos, it features a wide variety of animals, gardens and even a planetarium. Adjacent to the zoo, Micropia is an award-winning museum dedicated to the world of microorganisms. Both attractions provide educational and entertaining experiences for kids and adults alike. Nearby ARTIS you will also find Hortus Botanicus, a botanical garden with thousands of tropical and native trees and plants. Hundreds of tropical butterflies frolic around the Butterfly Greenhouse.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

The National Maritime Museum offers a day out for families with children. Explore five hundred years of Dutch maritime history. There are various interactive and educational exhibitions for children of all ages. At the jetty outside the museum you will find ships. The replica of a Dutch trading ship you definitely should not miss during a visit is the East Indiaman Amsterdam. Discover what it was like to live aboard a ship like the Amsterdam in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Canal cruises

Canal boats

Exploring Amsterdam by boat is a must-do, especially for families. Numerous canal cruise companies offer kid-friendly tours that provide an engaging way to see the city’s iconic sights. Some boats even have special activities or narratives designed to keep young passengers entertained while learning about the history and architecture of Amsterdam.

Eco-friendly fun

Explore the Amsterdam canals by yourself and at your own pace. Rent a canal bike (also called pedal boat) with a maximum of four people or rent an electric canal boat at Boaty, with a maximum of six people. Zero-emission, silent and easy to operate. Bring your own food and beverages for a picnic on the water. You can also order food online somewhere along the way and pick it up. At pizzeria San Marco (Amstelkade 148 A), the pizzas arrive straight to your boat via a special pick-up hatch on the water.

Parks and play areas

Vondelpark

Amsterdam’s largest park, Vondelpark, is a green oasis in the middle of the city. It is perfect for a family picnic, a leisurely bike ride, or a relaxing stroll. The park features several playgrounds like Groot Melkhuis and De Vondeltuin, whilst parents sit back on the terraces. Furthermore, you will find an open-air theatre and plenty of space to kick a ball or play a game of frisbee.

Amsterdamse Bos

For a more extensive outdoor adventure, head to the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest). This vast area offers boating, swimming, Klimbos Fun Forest with ten climbing routes, and even a petting zoo, don’t forget to taste the famous goats milk ice-cream here. Bike rentals are available if you want to explore the trails, and the park’s pancake house, Boerderij Meerzicht, is a hit with kids. Every Saturday between the beginning of May and the end of September you can take an enchanting trip through this lush piece of nature with the open tour boat Fluistervink.

Interesting attractions

Anne Frank House

While the Anne Frank House might seem like a more serious destination, older children can gain valuable insights into history and empathy from visiting this poignant museum. Be s, ure to book your tickets in advance as it is one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions.

This is Holland

For a thrilling family experience take the free ferry to Amsterdam North and visit This is Holland, a 5D flight simulation that takes you on an aerial journey across the Netherlands. The immersive ride includes special effects like wind, mist, and scents, providing a unique way to see the country’s landscapes and landmarks.

A’DAM Tower

Next door of This is Holland you will find the A’DAM Tower. The elevator takes you from the 1st to the 20th floor in only twenty seconds. The A’DAM Tower is home to a selection of bars, restaurants and a rooftop observation deck with panoramic views across Amsterdam and Europe’s highest swing ‘Over the Edge’ (the minimum height for the swing is 1.20 cm). Or take a seat in the Amsterdam VR ride, a virtual reality rollercoaster through the city.

Food and markets

Poffertjes and pancakes

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without trying some traditional Dutch treats. Poffertjes (fluffy mini pancakes) and Dutch pancakes are sure to be popular with kids. Many restaurants specialize in these delights, offering a variety of toppings from syrup and powdered sugar to fruits, cheese and chocolate. Or sail with the Pancake Boat on the IJ, they depart in Amsterdam North. During the cruise you can eat as many pancakes as you like. Choose between bacon, apple and plain pancakes and then top the pancakes yourself with garnishes from the buffet.

Albert Cuyp Market

A visit to the Albert Cuyp Market offers a bustling atmosphere filled with sights, sounds, and flavors. Kids will love sampling Dutch snacks like stroopwafels (waffles with a buttery caramel syrup) or patat (Dutch fries) with any sauce they prefer while parents explore the diverse stalls offering everything from fresh produce to clothing.

Family-friendly cycling

Biking is a quintessential Amsterdam experience, and it is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Numerous bike rental shops offer child seats, trailers, cargo bikes and even tandem bikes designed for kids. Exploring the city on two wheels allows you to cover more ground and see Amsterdam from a local perspective, but it requires good cycling skills. You can also take a bike route through Amsterdam’s scenic city parks like Vondelpark, Amstelpark and Westerpark. The Woeste Westen, a nature playground for adventurous children up to thirteen years old, is located in the northwest of Westerpark.

Safety tips:

• Stick to designated bike paths.
• Always wear helmets.
• Follow traffic rules and signals.

Day trips from Amsterdam

Zandvoort Beach

When visiting Amsterdam with children, a day trip to the sandy beach of Zandvoort is a perfect escape from the city and a fantastic way to add some seaside fun to your itinerary. The wide beach offers water sports activities and plenty of space for kids to run, play, and swim. Located just a half-hour train ride from Amsterdam Central Station, trains to Zandvoort aan Zee depart regularly. Zandvoort beach is lined with numerous beach clubs and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy a meal. Beach clubs often provide amenities such as lounge chairs, umbrellas, and restrooms. Some well-known beach clubs include Ubuntu Beach, Hippie Fish, and Tijn Akersloot, all of which provide a laid-back atmosphere and tasty food.

The medieval castle Muiderslot

Located just a short distance from Amsterdam, this historical gem offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich past and provides a perfect day trip. Muiderslot, also known as Muiden Castle or Amsterdam Castle, was originally built around 1285. Today, it functions as a museum, beautifully showcasing its storied past. There are guided tours but visitors can also explore the castle and gardens on their own. A free audio tour in ten languages is included in the entrance fee. In the Tower Route, there is an audio tour for children and there is another audio tour available through the Knight’s Route. Muiderslot offers interactive quests and scavenger hunts tailored for children, making history fun and engaging for young visitors. The children’s quest is suitable for kids aged six through eleven. There are often extra activities in weekends and during school holidays. During the summer months, you can take a ferry from Amsterdam IJburg to Muiden, adding a scenic boat ride to your journey. You have to book in advance via the website of Navigo/Veerdienst Amsterdam.

Zaanse Schans: a historic Dutch windmill village

Zaanse Schans is a picturesque village, an open-air museum and conservation area located in the province of North Holland, just a short distance from Amsterdam. With its iconic windmills, wooden houses, and artisanal workshops, Zaanse Schans is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the charm and history of Holland. At the clog workshop you can watch craftsmen create traditional Dutch clogs and even try your hand at making your own pair. Visit the cheese farm to see how traditional Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam are made. Take a boat tour along the Zaan River for a different perspective of the village and its windmills.

Madurodam: the miniature world of the Netherlands

Madurodam is a captivating attraction located in The Hague, showcasing the Netherlands’ most iconic landmarks and cultural heritage in miniature form. This family-friendly park offers an interactive way to explore Dutch history, architecture, and innovation through meticulously crafted scale models. You can see a miniature version of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, complete with tiny replicas of its art pieces, and an intricate model of Amsterdam’s Dam square, showcasing the Royal Palace and National Monument. Explore the Netherlands’ relationship with water, including iconic structures like the Delta Works and Dutch windmills. Several play areas are scattered throughout the park, providing kids with a chance to burn off some energy. Many exhibits feature buttons, levers, and touchscreens that allow kids to interact directly with the models and learn through play. Children can get acquinted with the world of the Dutch Masters (like Van Gogh, Mondriaan, Vermeer and Rembrandt) while jumping, climbing and clambering. Madurodam is easy to reach by public transport and by car in less than an hour from Amsterdam.

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