22 Things to do with kids in Amsterdam + Where to Stay
We recently took a short Amsterdam family holiday which led to me doing sooo much research on things to do with kids in Amsterdam. We had one full day to explore Amsterdam with our kids, but we definitely could have spent more days enjoying the fun things the city has for kids to enjoy and the amazing parks surrounding the city.
This list of things to do in Amsterdam includes things to do in Amsterdam with toddlers, top Amsterdam kids attractions, delicious places to eat, plus where to stay in Amsterdam with kids!
I’ve compiled 23 great things to do on an Amsterdam family vacation no matter the age of your kids. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers you are bound to love some of these things to do in Amsterdam as a family.
*There may be affiliate links in this post. Read my privacy/disclosure policy to learn more. This article is in collaboration with ‘Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Amstel‘ all opinions are my own.
Where to Stay as a Family in Amsterdam
By far one of the highlights of our Amsterdam family itinerary was the hotel we stayed in. We stayed at the Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel Hotel and seriously could not have loved the accommodations more.
Not only does Van der Valk Amstel have rooms catered specifically to families with their family suite and comfort triple room, but they also provide beautiful boutique-style accommodations (which can be hard to come by when traveling as a family).
Plus, the price of the hotel feels on par with other hotels in the city, even though it has so many awesome extra amenities. Our room had a large, king-size bed, a beautiful bathroom with a HUGE tub perfect for a fun bath time, an amazing rain shower head, a separate room with a bunk bed, and even a crib for our little one.
The absolute highlight of our stay at the Van der Valk was the outdoor heated pool. We arrived in Amsterdam the evening before our day of exploring and it was the perfect activity to enjoy before heading to bed. Plus, after a long day of exploring the next day, we were all so excited to head back to the hotel and swim.
Along with the outdoor pool, Van der Valk Amstel has amazing wellness facilities that are included in the price of your stay (think sauna, steam room, foot baths, and more!). It’s so dreamy and we pretty much had it to ourselves anytime we walked through.
Since the gorgeous wellness facilities are included with your stay it makes it super easy for parents to take turns watching their kiddos and sneak down to relax. Definitely a unique experience when traveling with kids!
My husband and I still talk about wanting to go back to the Van der Valk Amstel Hotel just to take more advantage of the sauna and relaxation areas.
Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel also has a really great breakfast buffet which can be added to the price of your room. We loved the fresh squeezed orange juice and smoothie options, plus they had made-to-order omelets and provided any other sweet or savory breakfast item you could think of.
To top it off, it’s only a short 8-minute metro ride into the city with the metro stop about a 5-minute walk from the hotel. The Van der Valk has beautiful, family-friendly rooms and amazing facilities that can’t be missed in Amsterdam!
If you are looking for a great place to stay as a family in Amsterdam, I definitely recommend the Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel Hotel. Read more about our stay in my post about Van der Valk Hotel!
Map of Where to Visit in Amsterdam with Kids
*Use this interactive map to see where all the top family-friendly Amsterdam sights spots are located*
23 Things to do in Amsterdam for kids
1. Eat Amsterdam’s iconic treat at van wonderen stroopwafels
Can there really be a better way to start your day in Amsterdam than by picking up delicious stroopwafels? A stroopwafel is a yummy & sweet Dutch treat with two thin waffle cookies with a caramel filling.
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is such a cute place with whimsical decorations and the prettiest stroopwafels I’ve ever seen (okay I haven’t seen many stroopwafels, but still these are by far the prettiest). Our little girl loved picking out which toppings she wanted and of course, loved snacking on them throughout the day.
You can order a box of small stroopwafels or order large, made-to-order warm ones. We ordered a box to share throughout the day but next time would try a warm one for sure!
We visited in the morning before lunch and were the only ones in the shop. However, we did notice a couple of small ropes that help control a queue that I’m guessing forms later in the day.
2. Take a child-friendly Canal Tour with Blue Boat Company
My favorite thing we did during our one day in Amsterdam with kids was taking the Blue Boat Company Canal Tour. We weren’t sure if we were going to take this canal tour, however, our little kiddo was so intrigued by all of the boats she saw in the canals and really wanted to take a ride herself.
After lots of research, I had learned about the (only?) child-centered boat tour in Amsterdam and I was very happy with our experience! We were given a small activity packet for our two kiddos to help them stay entertained during the 75-minute canal tour.
The packet had a coloring book with colored pencils, small cardboard binoculars, and an eye patch. Plus, they even had a special pre-recorded story they can listen to instead of the tour commentary that the kiddos may not be as interested in.
We brought her own headphones that were easier for her to use rather than the small earbuds the boat provides. All the activities kept her entertained for about 3/4 of the canal tour which I would say was a success!
Plus, the boat even has a toilet which is a must when traveling with a toddler! I recommend booking a canal tour in advance in case they sell out. And when you arrive, be sure to ask them for the activity packet for your kids!
3. Hunt for the tiny, hidden Amsterdam Houses
A great way to enjoy walking along the beautiful canals in the city, but also a way to keep your kids engaged is to hunt for the tiny, hidden art installation of the tiny Amsterdam houses. These cute houses are located in a crack between two buildings at Westertraat 54 in’ The 9 Streets (De 9 Straatjes)‘ district.
A great thing about their location is they are located just down the road from the cafe, Winkel 43 where you can get delicious Dutch apple pie (more on that below)!
4. Snack on Dutch Apple Pie at Winkel 43
Another iconic treat in Amsterdam is Dutch Apple Pie. The difference between Dutch apple pie and American apple pie is the top layer. The top layer of a Dutch apple pie is more of a crumbly, streusel topping vs a pie crust topping of an American pie.
One of the most popular places to pick up Dutch Apple Pie is from the corner cafe, Winkel 43. Plus, Winkel 43 also has a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu if you are in need of something a little more substantial than dessert 😅.
You can eat your pie inside or enjoy it outside on their terrace just a short hop and jump to a nearby canal.
5. Walk by or Tour the Anne Frank House
Touring the Anne Frank House may not be suitable for young kids. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t walk by and see the outside! The museum’s website says the recommended minimum age for children is 10 years old, however, it is up to the parents to decide if their kids are ready for the subject matter even at that age.
The Anne Frank House was a secret annex where for two years during WWII, Anne Frank, her family, and others hid. Today, you can see the preserved hiding place plus photos, film clips, and original items from the time.
If you want to visit the Anne Frank House, purchase tickets on their website. It’s important to note that every first Tuesday of the month, all tickets for the following month become available. They do go fast, so put it in your calendar and hop on to secure your time slot.
Another good thing to note is that there are many steep stairs in the Anne Frank House without an elevator. The website states that if you have difficulty walking, you may have trouble climbing these stairs.
If you are looking for some great books to read to prep for your time at the Anne Frank House you can of course read ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ which is probably the most popular book. But another favorite (and one I really enjoyed) is ‘Anne Frank Remembered: The Story of the Woman Who Helped to Hide the Frank Family’.
6. Pick up lunch to-go at The Lebanese Sajeria
This lunch spot may feel random, but it came highly recommended from the popular foodie vloggers TOPJAW. We picked up lunch to-go at The Lebanese Sajeria at their Nine Streets location and it was perfect for what we wanted.
First of all their wraps (as I’ll call them) can be suited to many different dietary needs like gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. Secondly, it was healthy and delicious. And lastly, we took our wraps on the go and ate them at a small, nearby park while the kiddos played (it’s a 7-minute walk from The Lebanese Sajeria).
And at least for our kiddo, this was a great kid-friendly lunch. We were able to get a wrap with only hummus and she munched on it for the rest of the day. Or you could get a wrap with just meat or cheese or whatever you can get your little one to eat.
I ordered the vegetarian Aubergine & Labneh wrap and my husband ordered the Chicken & Labneh and both were super delicious and hit the spot.
7. Step onto a houseboat at the Houseboat Museum
One of my favorite things in Amsterdam (plus one of our 3-year-olds favorite things) was seeing all the different houseboats along the canals. And there are a lot to see because there are around 2,500 houseboats in the canals of Amsterdam with many of them moored in the city center.
Our kiddo asked multiple times if we could get on one of the houseboats and I so wish we had realized what the Houseboat Museum was when we visited! At first, it didn’t sound like something she’d be interested in (I was thinking a traditional museum that wouldn’t be catered to kids).
But basically what the museum is, is it’s a houseboat in the canal you can actually get on and see what life on a houseboat is like I think we all would have loved this and it’s definitely on the top of our list for the next time we visit Amsterdam with kids.
The houseboat museum is open every day from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm, it’s super inexpensive and it only takes about 10-15 minutes to see (how does that sound for kid-friendly 😄?) Tickets are only available onboard but check out their website for more info.
8. See the flowers at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Located near the ARTIS Zoo is the Amsterdam Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus). You can wander the gardens outdoors or visit their three greenhouses.
In the greenhouses, you’ll find desert and tropical plants, palms, and even a butterfly greenhouse! We love visiting butterfly houses and trying to let a butterfly land on us. The botanical gardens are open every day from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm but check out their website for more info.
9. Get great views of the city at the A’dam lookout
If you’re a lover of great views like I am, then you will love the A’dam Lookout Observation Deck. No matter the age of kids, there is likely something there they will love. With young kids, you can enjoy the 360° views of Amsterdam and the surrounding cities while you enjoy ice cream.
Or if you have older kids (taller than 1.2 meters or 47.2 inches) they can swing over the edge of the building 100 meters up on Europe’s highest swing or experience a unique virtual reality ‘rollercoaster’ ride through the city. You can get a small discount if you purchase tickets online ahead of time. Check out the A’dam Lookout website.
10. Pick up a famous cookie from Van Stapele Koekmakerij
At Van Stapele Koekmakerij they sell one kind of cookie and only one kind. It’s a delicious dark chocolate cookie with a gooey white chocolate filling. We wondered if it was going to be worth it since we had to wait in a queue out the door to get our box of six cookies… but it was worth it.
They roll out the cookie dough fresh in front of you throughout most of the day and are continually taking them out of the oven so you are likely to get super fresh, warm cookies ( like we did)! I think any sweet stop is a good motivator to help your littles make it to their next destination in the city.
11. Participate in the family-friendly activities at the Rijksmuseum
The Amsterdam Rijksmuseum (art museum) is free for kids up to the age of 19 and there are lots of awesome, daily family activities at the museum. For example, you can participate in a guided family tour, a family game through the museum, drawing or even a sensory-friendly evening for families (just to name a few).
If you think your kids aren’t up to exploring the museum (and it’s a hot day), they may love playing in the Rijksmuseum fountain just outside. You could even have the adults take turns watching the kiddos outside while the other goes in to explore the museum on their own.
12. Pick out souvenirs at Stins Flower Market (floating flower market)
I’m sure in your research you’ve heard of the bloemenmarkt (floating flower market) in Amsterdam. Truth be told, it sounds much cooler than it is in real life. Basically, it is a row of very touristy shops that happen to be built out over the canal making it a floating flower market.
That being said, there was one shop at the end of the bloemenmarkt called Stins Flower Market that was a little cuter than the others and turned out to be a great place to pick up a few trinkets to take home as souvenirs. You can purchase bulbs, seeds, and flowers, among other fun Amsterdam favorites like Dutch wooden shoes.
I wouldn’t choose this place as a destination on its own, but if you happen to be in the area and want to do some touristy shopping, this is a good stop.
13. Experience the NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum consists of five floors full of fun experiments to learn about shapes, light, sound, water, humankind, and more! The NEMO Science Museum also has a public rooftop with fun play areas for kids and super cool water features in the summer months to cool down!
So even if you aren’t into science experiments or don’t want to pay for entrance, the rooftop can still be a super fun place to visit as a family (plus it’s free!).
14. Snap quirky pics at The Upside Down Amsterdam
The Upside Down Amsterdam is perfect for anyone who loves taking pictures and all things quirky! It is the biggest Instagram experience in Europe with over 25 fun rooms and installations for taking pictures.
You can jump in the large swimming pool full of balls, pretend to be hanging upside down from the ceiling, or pose with your own pink airplane! They even have museum cameras set up in each room that you can download for free after your visit. Check out tickets here!
15. Explore Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park with many walking and bike paths, cafes, outdoor amphitheaters, and playgrounds. Check out this page to learn more about specific play areas within Vondelpark.
Vondelpark is 120 acres large with one end conveniently located near the Rijksmuseum and the dock for Amsterdam’s child-friendly canal tour. The park is very popular among both Amsterdam residents and tourists.
16. See the city on bike (with a kids seat!)
Amsterdam is known for its extensive bike paths and lanes that make cycling an efficient and safe mode of transportation maybe only rivaled by Copenhagen (which I am partial to as a resident of Denmark). But if you think renting bikes in Amsterdam is only for adults, think again!
These Amsterdam bike rentals come with the option to add an infant/child seat to the back of your bike plus helmets. We didn’t have the time to rent bikes in Amsterdam, however, we have in Copenhagen and it was such a great time and we really felt like the locals.
I’d recommend renting bikes in Amsterdam if you will be staying in the city for a few days and will have time to explore both on foot and on bike.
17. Cross the water on a rope-drawn ferry at Play Island in Amsterdam Bos
Another awesome park in Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam Bos just a little bit out of the city center. Amsterdam Bos is a huge park (one of the largest city parks in Europe) with lots of different things to do. One of the most interesting and unique play areas in Amsterdam Bos is called Play Island (Speeleilanden).
It’s an awesome water play area (with no lifeguards fyi) where kids can get to island across the water with fun walkways and rope-drawn ferries! Play Island is definitely something that’d be hard to come by in the US- so check it out if you can!
Check out this video to see more of what there is to do at Play Island!
18. Feed the goats at the Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve in Amsterdam Bos
Another fun and unique thing to do within Amsterdam Bos is to visit the Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve. It’s basically a farm where you can visit goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, cows and horses! You may even be able to feed the baby goats a bottle or the grown goats their own food.
Plus, while you’re there, you can play in the small play areas and snack on goat cheese or even goat ice cream!
19. Have an adventure at the Nature Playground Het Woeste Westen
If you haven’t realized by now, Amsterdam is full of fun playgrounds. Another great playground to check out is the nature playground, Het Woeste Westen. You can play with water, and sand, catch little water critters, ride on a raft or even play in a little stream.
There are playground managers available every day and kids up to the age of 13 can play for free! It’s located just a 20-minute metro ride from the central station and is a great place to hang out with kids who want to play.
20. See the animals at ARTIS zoo
If your kiddos love visiting zoos whenever they have a chance, be sure to swing by ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam. You can listen to the zookeepers tell stories about different animals, visit the planetarium or just explore the different exhibits.
The great news is that ARTIS Zoo is open every single day of the year (even holidays) so you’ll for sure be able to fit it into your Amsterdam schedule! Get your tickets in advance here.
21. Run through the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens
If you plan your trip just right, you can visit Amsterdam in spring to see millions (yes millions) of tulips blossoming! One of the most popular places to see the tulips in Amsterdam is at Keukenhof Gardens just outside of the city. In the gardens, 100 flower growers exhibit their gorgeous bulbs with designs specifically geared toward blooming times, color, height, and more!
For the easiest (and comfiest) transport to Keukenhof Gardens be sure to purchase the Keukenhof entrance ticket with coach transport from near central station in Amsterdam. We know with kids it’s best to have the easiest and most comfortable accommodations when traveling around cities.
The coach transport to Keukenhof (with entrance tickets) even has a bathroom on board! Plus it’s much quicker than taking the metro from central station (a major win in my opinion) and you’re guaranteed a spot back.
22. Take a ride on the Amstelpark Train
Yet again, another awesome park in Amsterdam is Amstelpark. Be sure to take the Amsteltrein for a lovely 15-minute ride around the huge park for only about 3 euros. After the train ride, you can check out the playground, hedge maze, children’s farm and more!
Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:
- The Best Family Hotel in Amsterdam: Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel
- How to Find the Amsterdam Airport Playground: Things You Need to Know
- The Best Double Stroller for Travel to Europe From Personal Experience
- 15 Essential Tips for Disneyland Paris Planning
- 10 Top Hacks: How to Enjoy Wintery Bruges Belgium with a baby
- 10 Fun Playgrounds in Paris Near Top Paris Attractions
And those are the top activities in Amsterdam with kids that I recommend! Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. I love to talk all things travel.
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