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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.









