Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a vibrant city, with unique experiences included for all ages, making it even more exciting when you are traveling with kids. There's little shortage of things to do in Amsterdam with kids, be it cycling through charming neighborhoods, discovering fascinating museums, or indulging in fun activities.
Take a boat tour with the family through the iconic canals, explore interactive exhibits at the NEMO Science Museum, or enjoy a day at Artis Zoo. For something really different, the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum offer child-friendly ways to learn about history and art. Plenty of the parks in Amsterdam are a great outdoors and picnic potential for making unique family memories possible in Amsterdam, such as Amsterdamse Bos and Vondel's park.
What Airport Do You Fly Into in Amsterdam?
Schiphol Airport is the main airport for Amsterdam and one of the busiest in Europe. Located about 11 miles (18 km) southwest of the city center, there are several ways to reach Amsterdam:
- By Train: Direct trains run from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station in about 15–20 minutes.
- By Taxi: A taxi ride to central Amsterdam takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By Bus: The Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) connects the airport to popular city spots like Museumplein and Leidseplein in about 30 minutes.
- By Private Transfer: AirportTransfer.com provides door-to-door transportation for a stress-free journey.
With Amsterdam Airport Transfer, you can enjoy hassle-free and door-to-door transport in Amsterdam, including Amsterdam bus hire options. Hotel transfer at Amsterdam Airport ensure that the journey to and from the hotel - or exploring the city - goes hassle-free.
Cycling with Kids in Amsterdam
Image by Zhivko Dimitrov from Pixabay
Amsterdam is just fantastic for families who enjoy biking. Rent a bike with a kinderzitje-a child seat-and you'll be having a great time exploring with kids. The city is flat, with bike lanes and feeling safe. You can ride along canals, through parks, and in quiet neighborhoods without crossing any busy streets or taking buses.
- For Younger Kids: For small kids or toddlers, a cargo bike-bakfiets is good. There is space for 2–3 kids upfront in these bikes to sit safely. They are great for long rides or quiet areas like Jordaan. The little ones will love sitting upfront and watching the canals, cobblestone streets, and old buildings while you ride.
- For Older Kids: You can either bring your bikes for them to bike along or sometimes even walk together with bigger kids. On a bike, you will want to explore spots like Vondelpark, Rijksmuseum, or the Van Gogh Museum. With Amsterdam having bike lanes, it's not only safe but also fun to do so with them.
Bike shops such as Black-Bikes and Albert Cuyp Bike Rental also have bikes with child seats or bakfiets. Rentals are between EUR 10–27 per day depending on the bike.
Het Muizenhuis (The Mouse Mansion)
Image by Eli Digital Creative from Pixabay
Het Muizenhuis, or "The Mouse Mansion," is a place of magic for any family visiting Amsterdam. It is located in the Jordaan district, which is in itself a wonderful neighborhood to wander around. In fact, this is more of a mini-museum, really interesting, with much creativity-a tiny world full of mice and their little houses.
What You Will See:
- The Mouse Mansion contains tiny, handmade rooms, which include a kitchen, living room, and library in minutest furniture and decoration.
- There is even a bumper car and roller coaster for mice; kids love it! Each nook has a surprise waiting to be explored and will definitely fire your imagination.
Why Visit: Muizenhuis is great for children who enjoy tiny, intricate worlds and playing imaginatively. Admission is free of charge, and thus the house constitutes an activity quite well adapted to family visits. You can even take home some Mouse Mansion magic: there's a toy-and-book gift shop at the house.
Butterfly Garden at Hortus Botanicus
Image by PIYA BO-NGULUAM from Pixabay
Hortus Botanicus is a peaceful and educational spot in Amsterdam, perfect for families. It’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and has many exciting areas to explore, like a tropical forest, cactus hall, and palm house. The most magical part for kids is the Butterfly Garden.
The Butterfly Garden is a small greenhouse filled with colorful butterflies flying among vibrant flowers and lush plants. Kids will love watching these beautiful creatures up close in their natural habitat. It’s a calm and magical experience that also teaches them about nature.
- Check the schedule, as the Butterfly Garden sometimes closes for maintenance.
If it’s closed, there are still plenty of other sections to explore, like the tropical forest or the palm house.
Entry Fees:
- Adults: EUR 12.50
- Children (5 and up): EUR 6.50
- Children under 5: Free
- Free entry with the I Amsterdam City Card.
NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is an interactive fun place where kids can learn about science. It is cool, in a boat-shaped building by the water, and is meant to be a fun way to explain science to kids.
This is a five-story museum with different floors assigned to the various sciences of energy, space, biology, and machines. Children are allowed to experiment with hands-on exhibits, live shows, and interactive displays. They could play with physics, learn about the human body, or explore space.
Highlights:
- Do fun things with science.
- Solve energy puzzles.
- Learn about the human brain and more.
Ticket Prices:
- Children (4 and up): 17.50 EUR
- Children under 4: FREE
Since it is a very popular museum, it's a good idea to book your tickets in advance. NEMO Science Museum is a great place where families can learn and enjoy together.
De Poezenboot – The Cat Boat
Image by Gundula Vogel from Pixabay
The Poezenboot, or "Cat Boat," is a very unique and special stop in Amsterdam. It is a houseboat on the Singel Canal that houses a safe home for rescued cats. If your family loves animals, this is a must-see!
- Meet friendly, rescued cats who roam freely around the boat.
- Children can pet and interact with the cats, learning about animal care and shelters.
- It is a place where kids can have a break and spend their time with cats, learning at the same time about kindness towards animals.
Important Information:
- Entry is free but any donations towards the care of the cats will be gratefully received.
- Open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays—check schedule before you go.
- And the best part is, entrance is free of charge, so it's really a great and relatively inexpensive family activity to enjoy in Amsterdam.
De Poezenboot is a great spot for families to have fun, educational, and affectionate exposure to animals.
Shop for Vintage Toys at Mechanisch Speelgoed
Mechanisch Speelgoed is a charming shop in Amsterdam where you can find unique vintage toys. These toys include wind-up trains, moving dolls, music boxes, and more. Many of them are hand-cranked or mechanical, offering a fun and interactive experience for kids.
- The toys encourage kids to think creatively and use their hands, helping to develop problem-solving and motor skills.
- You'll find everything from vintage cars and mechanical animals to puzzles.
- These toys let children explore how things work, making playtime both fun and educational.
Shop for a Souvenir:
The shop is free to visit, but you might be tempted to buy a special toy as a souvenir for your little ones.
Whether you’re looking for a classic wind-up toy or a rare mechanical toy, Mechanisch Speelgoed is a great place for both kids and collectors.
If you're looking for a unique and nostalgic gift, this shop is a must-see during your family trip to Amsterdam!
Take a Canal Cruise
Image by Laura Montagnani from Pixabay
One of the best ways to view Amsterdam's famous canals and beautiful building facades is on a canal cruise. This is also very relaxing but at the same time fun for families since kids and adults alike can enjoy the city from the water.
The Amsterdam canals are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and during the cruise, you will pass by famous buildings/landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Dam Square.
- The cruise gives a glimpse into the city with its quaint bridges, houseboats, and buildings.
- Most canal cruises allow for children at discounted rates or even for free, making it rather economical.
- Most cruises run approximately one hour in length-a length just perfect for younger kids: long enough to enjoy it but not long enough to become bored.
- Some boats may have a glass roof to offer protection from inclement weather; others are open for air in sunny days.
Why It's Great for Families:
It’s a peaceful way to see the city, with children entertained by the views and parents able to relax. Some of them even have a bar, so mom and dad can enjoy a drink while the kids gaze out at the sights. Discover Amsterdam in style and comfort with an educational and fun canal cruise, suitable for the whole family.
ADAM Lookout and Extreme Swing
Photo by Tom Podmore on Unsplash
The ADAM Lookout is an excellent place to be for families with older kids or for those families who love thrilling activities. This is a must-see when in Amsterdam, sitting atop the A'DAM Tower with great panoramic views of the city and beyond.
How to get there:
First, it's a lot of fun to reach the tower by ferry over the IJ River; it doesn't take too much time and is an exciting voyage in itself.
At the Top:
- Reach the summit for spectacular skyline views of Amsterdam: the sprawling city, view the canals, and generally the countryside laying adjacent.
- Get your lungs gasping with an extra thrill at the Extreme Swing. Suspended high above the tower, this swing allows you to swing over the edge of the building! With great views, this promises to be an exciting ride that is for those who enjoy a great dose of adrenaline.
For Families:
The Extreme Swing is intended for children 11 years and above with no acrophobia. The ADAM Lookout is also available with family discounts, which make it more affordable for families. If your family is looking for some thrills, then the ADAM Lookout is just the place to get a great view and an adrenaline rush.
ARTIS Zoo and Aquarium
Image by Ruiterlijk from Pixabay
ARTIS Zoo Amsterdam is a perfect site to visit with your family. Being among the oldest zoos in Europe, it offers a perfect mix of animal meetings, entertaining, and learning processes.
- The inhabitants of ARTIS, among many others, include elephants, lions, penguins, sea lions, and many more. The animals will be put in spacious accommodations much like natural conditions.
- Visitors can see these majestic creatures up close and learn about their care and conservation.
- ARTIS has a number of interactive exhibitions where children learn about animals and the care of wildlife in an interesting manner.
- Daily animal shows and keeper talks are available for kids to learn about animal behavior and protection of endangered species.
Aside from the zoo itself, ARTIS has an aquarium, which has extraordinary sea creatures in it, including a shark aquarium; a planetarium where kids may learn something different about space and the earth in general; a beautiful botanical garden with so much flora.
Ticket Information and Pricing:
- Adult tickets: 24.00 EUR
- Children (3 and up): 19.00 EUR
- Children under 3: Free
- The I Amsterdam City Card gives free entry to ARTIS Zoo, among other attractions, hence much value for families.
ARTIS Zoo is a great place where children can learn about animals, nature, and space in a fun way with the whole family.
Food Hallen – A Food Paradise
Image by -Rita-👩🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay
Food Hallen is one of those perfect places for families, especially if one's kids are picky with their food. Situated in Amsterdam's vibrant De Hallen district, this food court offers all kinds of food to satisfy each and every taste.
- Be it food from home or a completely new sensation, Food Hallen has something for every family.
- You can find sushi, burgers, Dutch specialties like bitterballen, and poffertjes.
- Fresh, delicious food is sold within the food stalls that appeal to both adults and kids alike.
The food court has a lively and casual atmosphere where kids can explore and choose their favorite food while parents are relaxing and enjoying their meals. The open-air setting makes it easy for one and all to find something of their liking in a fun, welcoming environment.
Perfect spot to recharge:
Foodhallen is an exceptional place for having meals in between sightseeing. You can have everything from having a quick snack to having a full meal with sitting; this place works great to sit and eat with family while trying many things. If you're seeking one of those nights out in Amsterdam when looking for an interactive dining experience with ease, well, your destination will be Food Hallen.
Amsterdam is very friendly for kids, offering a lot of interesting activities for the whole family. Be it cycling along the scenic streets, visiting fascinating museums, or taking in the vibrant neighborhoods, one will find something to his or her liking.
The charms and variety of Amsterdam will delight families with toddlers and older children alike.
You can go see famous Rijksmuseum, interact with NEMO Science Museum, or make a relaxed cruise on the canals. Paying for an I Amsterdam City Card is also an excellent way to save money: it offers either free or discounted entry into many top attractions in town.
From a weekend visit to a longer sojourn, Amsterdam has it all-a little learning combined with adventure and fun for an unforgettable family vacation. Where the motto of 'Learning is Fun' truly takes center stage and offers experiences of a lifetime in the city of dreams.
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