Local Advice – Amsterdam with Kids

Although Amsterdam has a reputation for being an ideal destination for adults and young backpackers, the capital of the Netherlands is also a family-oriented city that offers plenty of activities for parents travelling with children. Whether you wish to explore Amsterdam’s narrow cobbled alleys, ride bikes with your kids, or visit some of the best kid-friendly museums in Europe, the options for having a good time in Amsterdam whilst travelling with the little ones are endless.

To help you kick-start your vacation plans, we’ve combined a short list of top kid’s attractions in Amsterdam, as recommended by Amsterdam local experts!

Vondelpark

No visit to Amsterdam with your little ones is complete without exploring the most famous park in the city – the gorgeous Vondelpark. The park is home to dozens of playgrounds and there’s a nice paddling pool where you can have fun with your kids. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Kinderkookcafé where kids can learn how to prepare simple dishes. During the summer season the open-air theatre Openluchttheater offers free entertainment for children including acrobats, mime and puppet shows.

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Canal Boat Tours

One of the best ways to experience the charming canals of Amsterdam is by going on a boat tour. Most kids love boats and it’s also a great option to rest their feet after long walks in Vondelpark and admire the unique canal houses from the water. Some of these boat tours include meals (and there is a toilet on board, so no “OMG, I haven’t signed up for THIS as a parent” moments. You know what we’re talking about).

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Nemo Science Museum

The largest science centre in the country, the Nemo Science Museum is one of the must-visit attractions when visiting Amsterdam with kids. This fascinating museum is aimed at children 6 years and up and offers numerous exhibitions, demonstrations, films and workshops giving the kids an opportunity to learn new things by sound and touch. Kids – and you (!) – will love the science, machines, construction, teens (yay!) galleries and so much more.

NEMO Universe EN from KesselsKramer on Vimeo.

Artis Zoo

Opened in 1835, Artis is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and boasts impressive animal exhibits, as well as picturesque gardens and playgrounds for kids. Although the zoo is not that big, it still has plenty to offer to visitors. Expect to see an abundance of wildlife including giraffes, wildebeests and zebras. There’s also a large aquarium and even a planetarium to keep your children entertained.

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Now that you have the best attractions to consider, you may want to plan the accommodation part of the trip. Amsterdam offers plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels and nicely-furnished apartments to cute cottages with picturesque gardens and downright basic rooms for rent. If you are travelling with children, we recommend booking a property close to the landmarks and attractions you’re planning to visit to cut back on transportation. The Leidseplein area is a good option and it’s close to numerous museums, shops and the famous Vondelpark. Travellers with kids who are looking for a quieter location should definitely consider booking accommodation at the lovely Plantage area in Amsterdam. These are favourite family-friendly properties in Amsterdam.

From quirky museums to lovely parks, Amsterdam has lots of interesting activities and attractions to look forward to!

Visit HelloAmsterdam.com for more ideas