Families & children
There are great things for children to do throughout the Netherlands, but is there any other city where you will find so many fun, crazy, exciting and fascinating attractions together as in Amsterdam?
A city for all ages
Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, Amsterdam is a top destination for families. Where else can you take a canal cruise, visit a working windmill and get scared out of your wits in a dungeon – all in one day? And don’t forget the world-class museums, historical treasures and outdoor activities like biking and boating.
Magical museums and attractions
Amsterdam’s museums have plenty to offer even the most restless children. Forget complete silence and stuffy displays – these museums and attractions are made to be played in! At Science Center NEMO you can learn more about technology and the natural world with exhibits that are designed to be touched. When you’re done with your visit, climb up on the roof for an amazing view of the city. You can come face-to-face with the world’s biggest stars at Madame Tussauds or get a major scare at the Amsterdam Dungeon. The Amsterdam Museum and Tropenmuseum have a variety of special activities just for children. And for football fans of all ages, The Ajax Museum is not to be missed.
From anteaters to zebras and everything in between
Get to know more than 750 species of animals at Artis Royal Zoo, the oldest zoo in Europe. This charming park has everything from butterflies to giraffes, and also contains an aquarium, planetarium and petting zoo. Young kids will go crazy for the petting zoo at the Amstelpark, especially after a ride on the small train the tours the whole park. And you can pet goats and other farm animals at Ridammerhoeve goat farm in Amsterdamse Bos, as well as taste delicious homemade cheese and ice cream.
Amsterdam on the water
Of course, no trip to Amsterdam is complete without a canal cruise. A great cruise for kids is the Pancake Boat, a boat tour with all-you-can eat pancakes! If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can rent a canal bike or motorboat and explore the waterways on your own. During the summer, Amsterdam’s city beaches are an excellent option for families that would rather be next to the water than floating on it.
Get moving! Active adventures around the city
If your family likes being active, then Amsterdam is the city for you. You can rent bikes and discover the various neighbourhoods, or rent rollerblades for a spin around the Vondelpark. Test your climbing skills at the Fun Forest in Amsterdamse Bos or splash in the outdoor pools at the Flevopark or Mirandabad in the summer. In case the Dutch weather puts a damper on your outdoor plans, there is still plenty to do inside. The youngest members of your family will love the indoor playground TunFun, while the older kids might enjoy a lesson at an indoor climbing wall. Or take the whole family to the recently renovated Marnixbad – an indoor swimming pool plus a fitness centre, spa and more.
Get out of town
If you’ve exhausted all your options in the city, grab a bus, train or even a high-speed ferry and discover a different side of the Netherlands just a short trip from Amsterdam. The beaches of Zandvoort, Wijk aan Zee, Bloemendaal, IJmuiden and Noordwijk all have their own character and a variety of activities for the whole family – from sampling seaside treats to taking kite surfing lessons. Or take a trip back in time at Zaanse Schans, an outdoor “living museum” full of working windmills, clog makers and a taste of the good old days.
Canal Bike Puzzle Tour
The Canal Bike Puzzle Tour is an exciting rally through the canals of Amsterdam. Compete against your friends or colleagues to see who can gather the most correct answers. You.. Read more... »
The Amsterdam Dungeon
Combining museum-worthy facts from Amsterdam’s history with theatrics, the Amsterdam Dungeon attraction plays up the fear factor. Think plague, witches, the Spanish Inquisition.. Read more... »
Fun Forest Amsterdam
Fun Forest is a climbing park full of exciting adventures suitable for the young and the old. Fun Forest has different courses in living trees ranging in various heights and.. Read more... »
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
In 1971, the world-famous wax figure museum, Madame Tussaud’s opened an establishment in Amsterdam - the first branch outside of the United Kingdom. At Madame Tussaud’s you can.. Read more... »
Tropenmuseum
Amsterdam's Tropenmuseum (Museum of the Tropics) is one of Europe's leading ethnographic museums. The vivid, interactive and life-like exhibitions offer a glimpse of life in the.. Read more... »
Mini Golf Amstelpark
Let's play mini golf at the Amstelpark with your family, company or bachelor party. There are 18 tracks to be played. After your game you can enjoy drinks and food at the terrace. Read more... »
World of Ajax Tours - Amsterdam Arena
This tour takes approximately one hour and consists of a roundtrip through the stadium with an experienced guide. Read more... »
Artis Express
The Artis Express is a regular service through the beautiful canals of Amsterdam for a visit to Artis Zoo and back. The Amsterdam canal belt is officially recognized as a UNESCO.. Read more... »
Artis Royal Zoo
Welcome to Artis Royal Zoo: the first zoo established in the Netherlands and located right in the centre of Amsterdam. It is a place where nature and cultural heritage come.. Read more... »
Kids Club at Fifteen
Every third Sunday of the month Fifteen organises the 'Fifteen Kids Club'. A special afternoon full of culinary entertainment. Between 4.00 p.m. till 6.00 p.m. The workshop.. Read more... »
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