Family and kids in Nieuw-West
In a neighbourhood as vast and varied as Nieuw-West, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do for kids and families. From extensive play areas and outdoor sports to diverse cultural offerings, Nieuw-West is a haven for children who love the outdoors.
Sloterplas strand
The beautiful and spacious Sloterpark in Amsterdam’s Nieuw West has a large lake (Sloterplas) and locals flock to its urban beach for picnics, family outings and games of volleyball. Alternatively, the Sloterparkbad, one of the Netherlands' largest outdoor swimming pools is only a minute away. You can also rent a canoe and go for a self-guided tour around the lake.
De Meervaart
The cultural hotspot of Nieuw-West, Meervaart Theatre, offers an extensive program for young people. From drama and dance to musical theatre, children are introduced to the rich cultural offerings of Amsterdam at an early age. Even without attending a performance, you can always stop by for a snack or drink at the child-friendly theatre café.
Fruittuin van West
The Fruittuin van West is located far west, near the Halfweg. In addition to the farm, greenhouses and stables, you will also find a huge orchard where you can pick your own fruit. As soon as the work is done and everyone’s baskets are filled with fruits galore, it's time for the children to rush off to the various playgrounds around the site while parents enjoy a coffee at the accompanying Garden Café.
De Natureluur
Head out on an adventure into the Amsterdam jungle. De Lange Bretten is a nature reserve where all the beauty of Dutch nature grows together. Stroll along the dikes and through the water features as you spot birds, goats and hairy Scottish Highlanders. You’ll also find De Natureluur - a playground and adventure park that’s a surefire hit with kids of all ages. The organisers host a variety of active and educational activities, ranging from kayaking and archery to nature lessons on creepy crawlies and wildlife. It’s also the perfect spot for birthday parties, delighting little ones with campfires, pony rides, hut-building and all sorts of outdoorsy treats.
Street Art Museum Amsterdam
This outdoor museum gives kids the chance to come into contact with art in an accessible way. With more than 300 works of art including colossal murals painted on the side of apartment buildings, the aim of the museum is to stimulate children’s interest in street art and their living environment. Check their agenda for a range of creative workshops (making stickers, stencils, letters, and spray paint tags) and tours led by local artists and museum volunteers.
Stadsboerderij Osdorp
For nature and good food with the neighbours, pay a visit to Stadboerderij Osdorp Petting Zoo. In addition to chickens, rabbits and goats, you'll find vegetable gardens, herb gardens and a children's garden for the little ones. The farm organises many activities and is a green meeting place for young and old. The farm trains locals to become health ambassadors, and you can enjoy excellent farm-to-table lunches.
Sports galore
Children who love sports and exercise are spoilt for choice in Nieuw-West. There are several padel courts (Padel Dam and Peakz Padel), and children can rise to great heights in two different climbing halls: Klimhal Mountain Network Amsterdam and Klimhal Amsterdam. At Ookmeer Jungle in Osdorp, children can throw themselves into BMX, survival and zip lining. At RUIG at Sportpark De Eendracht, you can also run, climb and clamber, making Nieuw West an excellent choice for energetic daredevils.
