BEST Things to do in Amsterdam with Kids of all ages
With its sparkling canals, museums, and famous red-light district, most people think Amsterdam is for adults only. Truth is: there’s no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam with kids.
The capital city of the Netherlands is home to many young families, who enjoy adventurous parks and free playgrounds in every neighborhood. Even traditionally ‘stuffy’ spaces like museums now offer engaging experiences for kids. Best of all, there’s an equal balance of outdoor and indoor activities.
Whether you’re entertaining tiny tots at a petting zoo or raising a future scientist, Amsterdam’s family-friendly activities cover a wide range of interests.
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Things to do in Amsterdam with kids
Amsterdam is actually extremely family-friendly with plenty of things to do with kids. Try to schedule outdoor activities as there are some incredibly unique venues in the city and on good weather days, you should enjoy the sunshine. But, children’s museums and heritage programs are readily available on rainy days too. If you’re short on time, I recommend spending a day at a children’s theme park as the attractions tend to be both fun and educational.
Have fun with younger children in Amsterdam
Playgrounds
When your child gets antsy but you’re tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, look for the nearest playground. Your accommodation could easily point out where the steel slides and wooden climbing beams are because in Amsterdam – every neighborhood has at least one kid-sized stomping ground. If you’re in the Jordaan, this is a nice residential spot. Close to the Vijzelgracht metro? This one is perfect and by a canal. Playgrounds are squeezed in where possible and that’s seen on Elandsgracht where this playground is across from a favorite ramen restaurant.
Petting Zoo
Amsterdam loves its tiny, cuddly friends and there are many petting zoos to prove it. Let your little one meet other little ones (like rabbits, pigs, and goats) at a city petting zoo and kick-start their wildlife learning!
Artis Zoo
Artis Zoo has been entertaining kids in Amsterdam since 1835, moving animal housing units into a stunning set of gardens. While relatively small, the range of animal enclosures, fantastic playgrounds, and a restaurant mean plenty of family fun even on rainy days.
Puppet Show
For 30 minutes, your child will sit enthralled by the puppets of Koos Kneus’ show. Designed for toddlers and under 8, the play finishes with free face painting and costume dress-ups. It’s time to pull out your camera!
Kids pool in Westerpark
Westerpark is full of family-friendly stops, including an amazing summer swimming pond for kids. Take a dip to cool off or lounge beside it on the grassy lawns. Note that it’s only open from May 1 to October 1.
Ride an old tram
Sightseeing can be hard when you’re toting around small children, but this tram tour makes traveling Amsterdam with kids extremely easy! Starting from Dam Square, this 100-year-old ride will bring you through Rijksmuseum to Rembrandt Square, commentary included.
Amstel Park
From Disco Boats to becoming a firefighter, Amstel Park is an extraordinarily fun thing to do in Amsterdam with kids. The pint-sized attractions are designed for younger visitors. They sometimes put on seasonal events too, like farmers’ markets, so check out their website beforehand.
Interested in things to do with children around the Netherlands, and not just Amsterdam? We’ve got you covered!
Family-friendly activities for pre-teens and teens
Movie in Pathe Tuschinski
If you’ve never watched a movie in an Art Deco building with plush opera-like halls (balconies included), you have to bring your family to Pathe Tuschinski. Typically, movies are in English with Dutch subtitles; but children’s movies come in several languages.
Muiderslot Castle
Older kids would find it so cool to step into a proper TV drama set. Dress up as knights or ladies-in-waiting and explore Muiderslot Castle, whose medieval turrets and moat are no less impressive than the preserved 13th-century rooms inside.
Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore
With Amsterdam being the biggest cocoa port in Europe, this chocolate shop is a family-friendly must. Learn about chocolate, make your own bar, and of course, take photos with the mega-monster-super-choco vending machine.
Fun forest climbing park in Amsterdamse Bos
Kids in Amsterdam don’t have to leave nature behind! Right outside the busy capital is Fun Forest Amsterdam, where your teens can zipline, climb among treetops, play archery tag and try all sorts of team-building challenges.
5D Flight experience
Bring the family on a flight through the Netherlands without leaving Amsterdam. Not only do the special effects and domed screen feature stunning Dutch landscapes, but you’ll learn about how early communities built their country over water.
Amsterdam Museums for Kids
NEMO Museum
Filled with demonstrations, workshops, and interactive exhibitions, NEMO Science Museum is hugely popular to visit with kids in Amsterdam. Don’t forget the sloping roof, as it transforms into a beach in the summer – café included.
Micropia
Rise and shine with microbes! Is your child a budding biologist? The fascinating museum of Micropia teaches you all the need-to-knows about the invisible life around you. Book in advance as online reservations are mandatory.
Jewish Museum
Set up like the home of a Jewish family, the junior corner of the Jewish Museum offers fun ways for children to learn about the culture. The kids will have an engaging time baking mini-hallahs, picking up some Hebrew, or practicing some tunes.
Tropen Museum
Celebrating the 180 nationalities that make up Amsterdam, Tropen Museum has gathered a trove of art, objects, films, and more. Adults and children alike will have a blast while browsing these engaging exhibits, but there’s a hidden secret only children can access: seek the mysterious cupboard at the Suriname depot and discover ‘the World behind the Things’!
Rijksmuseum for kids
The epic masterpieces at Rijksmuseum aren’t just for adults. Navigate your way around the porcelain, dollhouses, sculptures, and paintings via scavenger tours. Other kid-friendly activities include art workshops and sense-based family tours.
Maritime Museum
Another popular day out for families in Amsterdam is the National Maritime Museum. Teens love the replica Indiaman, which transports them into 17th-century port life; or, learn more about whaling through an interactive show.
Van Gogh Museum
The colorful collection of the Van Gogh Museum is equally inspiring as the tale behind the artist. Children aged 6 to 14 can set off on the Treasure Hunt experience, and learn how passion can transcend time.
Safety in Amsterdam with kids
Before you skip out the door, children in tow, there are just a few things to watch out for when it comes to kid safety in Amsterdam. While the city itself is low on crime, structural hazards can cause unwanted accidents.
There are rarely railings around canals, so be watchful of your children.
Cobblestones are everywhere; ramps and elevators aren’t. Pair these with narrow sidewalks in the center of the city, and you may encounter problems while pushing strollers. Plan accordingly!
Bikes are everywhere, so be sure you and your child don’t walk in the bike lanes. These are usually red pavement that looks like sidewalks but are only for bikes.
If you need a doctor, Amsterdam Tourist Doctors seem to have the best reviews. Still, if you need to, just Google “Tourist Doctor” when in Amsterdam to find other alternatives. Apotheek is the Dutch word for pharmacy, but what you really want to look out for is the green cross sign that signals a pharmacy. For more of a CVS/RiteAid type of store, look for Kruidvat or Etos. These are available all over the city.
If you need specific advice, Amsterdam Mamas is a great group and organization to help other families (not just mamas!). You can check out their website here.