15 BEST Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids
Amsterdam, best known for its iconic canals, historical sites, and vibrant culture, may not instantly scream “family-friendly.” However, beyond its well-known nightlife and art scenes, the city unfolds as an enchanting playground for kids. From interactive museums to lush parks, Amsterdam offers a host of activities that make it an ideal destination for families. Whether exploring science exhibits, feeding goats at a city farm, or taking scenic canal cruises, parents and children alike are bound to cherish their time in this remarkable city. With careful planning and a little insight, the Dutch capital proves to be the perfect playground for children of all ages.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a list of 15 kid-friendly activities that balance fun, education, and cultural richness. Let’s embark on an exciting journey to uncover the best Amsterdam has to offer for families.
1. Explore the NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum isn’t just a museum; it’s a multi-storied playground where imagination and curiosity meet science. Set within a striking green, boat-shaped building overlooking the Amsterdam waterfront, NEMO is a haven for young explorers and inquisitive minds.
Inside, kids will encounter interactive exhibits that explain complex phenomena in ways they’ll understand and enjoy. From hands-on experiments with electricity and water to creating bubbles as tall as themselves, this museum offers hours of entertainment while promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning. One highlight is the rooftop Energy Science Center, where kids can test their knowledge on how energy powers our world.
Tips for Families: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially during weekends and school holidays. The museum’s rooftop also doubles as a café offering panoramic views—a perfect spot for parents to relax while kids engage in rooftop experiments. Keep in mind that while most exhibits cater to children of all ages, school-aged children and teens might benefit the most.
2. Visit Artis Royal Zoo
A trip to Artis Royal Zoo, one of Europe’s oldest zoos, guarantees a day of excitement for the little ones and nostalgia for animal-loving adults. Located in the Plantage district, this sprawling zoo is a serene oasis in the heart of Amsterdam, featuring over 900 species of animals, a butterfly garden, an impressive aquarium, and even a planetarium.
Kids can marvel at animals ranging from giraffes and lions to exotic species like tree kangaroos and capybaras. The butterfly pavilion, with its lush greenery and fluttering butterflies, offers a magical experience. Another unforgettable stop is the nocturnal animal exhibit, where families can observe creatures that thrive in the dark, such as sloths and bats.
Best Times to Visit: The zoo is least crowded during weekday mornings, making it ideal for leisurely exploration. During warmer months, enjoy a picnic under the shade of ancient trees or dine at one of the family-friendly cafés on the premises. Periodic events like zookeeper talks and night-time safaris make Artis Zoo an ever-changing adventure.
3. Take a Canal Cruise
Amsterdam’s canal network is an iconic feature of the city, and taking a family-friendly canal cruise is one of the best ways to explore its beauty. For families, options like the Pancake Boat Cruise offer a twist on traditional canal tours. Kids can munch on endless pancakes while taking in views of historic architecture, charming houseboats, and quaint bridges.
Another kid-friendly option includes audio-guided tours specifically designed for children, with engaging stories about Amsterdam’s history brought to life with interactive elements. Adventure-seeking families might enjoy pedal-boat rentals, allowing them to navigate the canals themselves.
Tips for Families: Choose cruises that cater to kids, as they are often shorter in duration (around one hour) and include child-friendly amenities. Be sure to bring along snacks and water if you’re not boarding a catered cruise. Also, canal cruises are a fantastic way to rest tired legs after exploring the city on foot.
4. Discover the Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House, one of Amsterdam’s most significant landmarks, offers a profound and educational experience for families. Located on the Prinsengracht canal, the house serves as a preserved memorial to Anne Frank’s life and the diary she kept while hiding during World War II.
While the subject matter is serious, visiting the Anne Frank House is an opportunity to engage older children in discussions about history, tolerance, and human rights. The museum thoughtfully provides context about the Holocaust, featuring a permanent exhibit and original artifacts, including Anne’s iconic diary.
Tips for Families: While it’s an essential stop, the Anne Frank House is best suited for children aged 10 and up due to the emotional weight of the exhibits. Be sure to book your tickets online well in advance, as the museum is extremely popular. Prepare children by introducing the story beforehand, perhaps even reading a child-friendly adaptation of her diary.
5. Enjoy Vondelpark
Amsterdam’s largest public park, Vondelpark, offers a green escape perfect for families. Whether you’re visiting during the balmy summer or vibrant autumn, this lush urban oasis brims with activities for kids.
Start your adventure at one of the park’s several playgrounds, where children can climb, swing, and crawl to their heart’s content. Families can rent bikes to explore the park’s winding trails or feed the ducks at its picturesque ponds. During summer, the open-air theatre hosts concerts, dance performances, and even plays tailored to families.
For younger artists, Vondelpark also offers art-inspired activities near the park’s sculpture gardens. And parents can relax with coffee in hand at one of its kid-friendly cafes.
Seasonal Highlights: In winter, parts of the park turn into a winter wonderland with small ice rinks perfect for skating beginners. During spring and summer, pack a picnic and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of locals and tourists soaking in the sunshine.
6. Experience WONDR Experience
Immerse your family in a world of vibrant colors, interactive installations, and creative play at the WONDR Experience. Dubbed one of the most Instagrammable attractions in Amsterdam, this sensory pop-up exhibition invites visitors of all ages to unleash their imagination.
Kids will love bouncing between themed rooms, including a ball pit, a bubble-blowing room, and a confetti-drenched dance space. Meanwhile, parents will appreciate the creative freedom WONDR offers for snapping some truly unique family photos.
What Makes It Kid-Friendly: WONDR actively encourages playful interaction with its installations, making it an irresistible hit with children. Note that its installations are temporary, so check the official WONDR Experience website before planning your visit to confirm availability.
7. Visit the Van Gogh Museum
Although art museums may not seem like the obvious choice for children, the Van Gogh Museum goes the extra mile to make its exhibits engaging for young visitors. With one of the largest collections of Vincent van Gogh’s works, this museum is an essential stop for art enthusiasts of all ages.
For children, the museum offers scavenger hunts and interactive art workshops that transform the experience into a creative journey. Kids can learn about Van Gogh’s life story and artistic style through exhibits catered to their understanding. Don’t forget to grab an activity booklet at the information counter—it includes puzzles, challenges, and fun facts that appeal to little ones.
Family Tips: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. You can also download the museum’s app, which includes an audio guide tailored for young audiences. Keep in mind that the museum is stroller-friendly, making it convenient for families with infants.
8. Explore Zaanse Schans
Just a short trip from central Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans offers a glimpse into the idyllic Dutch countryside, complete with iconic windmills and traditional crafts. This open-air museum brings the past to life, allowing families to step back into a simpler time filled with hands-on activities and cultural learning.
Children can watch demonstrations of wooden shoe carving, cheese making, and even chocolate production. The windmills are undoubtedly the star attraction, with many open for tours. Some windmills still function as sawmills and paint factories, which makes for a fascinating live demonstration for kids.
Interactive Activities: The children’s workshops at Zaanse Schans allow kids to try things like painting their own wooden clogs or making traditional Dutch pancakes. Bring a camera to capture those picturesque moments by the windmills.
9. Spend Time at Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve
Nestled in the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest), Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve is a working organic goat farm that invites families to interact with adorable animals and experience farm life firsthand. From bottle-feeding baby goats to cuddling chickens and rabbits, this farm promises endless fun and learning opportunities for children.
In addition to animal interactions, the farm hosts workshops where kids can learn about sustainable farming and cheese-making. There’s also a vegetable garden where little ones can help with picking herbs and greens. After a session of hands-on activities, families can enjoy farm-to-table meals at the on-site café, featuring fresh goat cheese, milk, and yogurt.
Tips for Families: Visit in the mornings or early afternoon to catch feeding time for the animals. The farm is free to enter, though donations are welcome. If you’re staying for a meal, try their organic pancakes—a hit with both kids and parents!
10. Visit the Houseboat Museum
Amsterdam’s canals are lined with charming houseboats that give the city its fairytale-like character. What better way to excite kids than a visit to the Houseboat Museum, where they can step inside and learn what it’s like to live on the water?
This pint-sized museum, located on an old houseboat named “Hendrika Maria,” offers insights into the cozy lifestyle of houseboat living. Kids will be intrigued by the boat’s history, how everything fits into such a small space, and the unique challenges of living on a canal. The experience is immersive, with personal belongings and period décor showcasing life on the boat in the mid-20th century.
Why It’s Kid-Friendly: Children often find the compact, quirky interior fascinating, and the museum’s manageable size allows for a quick but engaging visit. It’s a great activity to squeeze in between other bigger outings.
11. Adventure at Fun Forest Climbing Park
For families with active, adventure-seeking children, Fun Forest Climbing Park is an absolute must. Located in Amsterdamse Bos, this outdoor adventure park offers a variety of climbing courses set among towering trees. Featuring rope bridges, ziplines, and climbing nets, the park has courses tailored for different ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone in the family—from toddlers to teens—has a blast.
For children aged 4 to 7, the “Mini Forest” offers fun challenges close to the ground, while older kids and adults can tackle high ropes for a dose of adrenaline. Safety is paramount, with harnesses and trained staff ensuring a secure experience.
Tips for Families: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Book tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid disappointment. Pack a picnic and make a day out of your visit by exploring the surrounding Amsterdamse Bos after your adventure.
12. Explore Micropia
If your kids are fascinated by the unseen world, Micropia will capture their imagination. Located near Artis Royal Zoo, this one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated entirely to microbes—the tiny organisms that are all around us but invisible to the naked eye.
Through interactive exhibits, microscopes, and animations, children can learn about the crucial role microorganisms play in our lives, from digestion to their impact on ecosystems. Highlights include magnified views of bacteria, a “kiss-o-meter” that shows how microbes are exchanged during a kiss, and live displays of microscopic creatures in action.
Why It’s Fascinating for Kids: Micropia combines entertainment with education, encouraging curiosity and wonder about the world that exists beyond human sight. This museum is perfect for kids aged 8 and above who love science, but younger children may also enjoy its hands-on elements.
13. Visit The Mouse Mansion (Het Muizenhuis)
The Mouse Mansion, also known as Het Muizenhuis, is a hidden gem in Amsterdam that delights children with its whimsical world of miniature mice homes. Created by celebrated Dutch author and artist Karina Schaapman, The Mouse Mansion features intricately designed dioramas filled with thousands of tiny details that depict the adventurous lives of fictional mice characters Sam and Julia.
The display captures the imagination of young visitors, encouraging them to spot miniature furniture, playful scenes, and tiny accessories. For those who fall in love with Sam and Julia, the adjoining shop sells books, toys, and do-it-yourself kits to create your own Mouse Mansion at home.
Why Visit: The Mouse Mansion transports children into a storybook world filled with creativity and detail. The visit works well as a short, magical stop during your Amsterdam explorations.
14. Explore Hortus Botanicus
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by spending a serene morning at the Hortus Botanicus, one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. Both adults and kids will be enchanted by its lush greenery, colorful flowers, and peaceful atmosphere.
For children, the Butterfly Conservatory is a highlight, providing an up-close encounter with stunning butterflies fluttering amongst tropical plants. The Palm House, with its towering palms and exotic plants, feels like a jungle adventure, while the garden’s outdoor space offers plenty of room to roam and explore. Educational programs and interactive exhibits bring nature to life for little ones, sparking curiosity about ecology and conservation.
Tips for Families: Don’t miss the Orangery café, which serves up delicious kid-friendly meals. Hortus Botanicus is stroller-friendly, making it a great spot for families with young children. During spring and summer, a scavenger hunt through the garden’s many paths provides added entertainment for kids.
15. Take a Tour of Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam isn’t just a wax museum—it’s an interactive attraction where kids can get up close and personal with lifelike celebrities, historical figures, and cartoon characters. From posing with Marvel superheroes to standing alongside Dutch royalty, the museum perfectly balances fun, pop culture, and history to create an engaging experience for the whole family.
For younger visitors, the museum also adds interactive exhibits, like a DJ station where they can mix their own tunes or a royal carriage photo op. Located in the city center, it’s easy to pair this visit with nearby attractions like Dam Square or the shopping district.
Tips for Families: Madame Tussauds is a great rainy-day option. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid long lines, and keep your camera ready—kids love striking poses with their favorite characters!
FAQs Section
- What are the best free things to do in Amsterdam with kids?
Free options include exploring Vondelpark, feeding animals at Amsterdamse Bos, walking through the Jordaan neighborhood, and catching outdoor performances in the summer. - How can we avoid crowds while visiting popular attractions?
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and consider weekdays over weekends. Booking tickets online in advance often helps bypass queues. - Are there any kid-friendly restaurants in Amsterdam?
Absolutely! Try Pancakes Amsterdam, Kinderkookkafé (where kids can cook their own food), or Pllek, which offers wide spaces for children to play. - What’s the best time of year to visit Amsterdam with children?
Late spring (April-May) or early summer (June) is ideal. The weather is pleasant, tulips are in bloom, and there are plenty of outdoor activities. Winter visitors can enjoy ice skating and holiday markets. - How accessible is public transportation for families?
Amsterdam’s public transportation is family-friendly, with trams and buses providing space for strollers. There are also family bike rentals for a quintessential Amsterdam experience.
Conclusion
Amsterdam is an extraordinary destination for families, offering unparalleled opportunities to combine education, recreation, and cultural discovery. From hands-on science exploration and storybook-inspired exhibits to outdoor adventures and serene gardens, the city boasts incredible diversity in its kid-friendly attractions.
By balancing iconic sites like canal cruises and the Van Gogh Museum with hidden gems like The Mouse Mansion and Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve, families can create unforgettable memories in this vibrant city. So pack your bags, set your itinerary, and get ready to uncover the magic of Amsterdam with your little explorers!
