Family and kids in Oost
Hosting a diverse range of family-friendly attractions, including museums, children’s concerts and theatres, Amsterdam Oost offers a great day out for visitors - young and old. Budding thespians can enjoy performances and workshops courtesy of Plein Theatre, whilst anyone interested in world culture can get stuck into the interactive displays at Wereldmuseum Junior. For fun at the farm, meet the donkeys and pigs at Kinderboerderij De Werf or splash about at one of the neighbourhood’s fantastic outdoor pools.
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Junior
This fascinating museum houses a three-storey collection of artefacts from around the globe, each with its own story to tell about world cultures, past and present. Kids can get stuck into the Wereldmuseum Junior - the oldest children’s museum in the Netherlands - which uses appealing installations that promote seeing, touching, experiencing and participating to promote an open view of the world.
Kinderboerderij De Werf
Just a short walk away from the Science Park train station, this urban farm is home to over 50 critters (big and small) including goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens, peacocks and pigs. Kinderboerderij De Werf has been in existence since the 1990s and is recognised for its particularly high level of animal welfare. Throughout the year, you can stop by for seasonal activities including sheep shearing demonstrations and talks.
Plein Theatre
This unique theatre offers young talent the platform to gain experience and experiment with the performing arts, with a diverse programme orientated towards children and young adults. The agenda includes everything from puppetry to mime, modern dance, hip-hop, youth theatre and world music as well as imaginative workshops, performances and theatre lessons for children of all ages.
Museum Tot Zover
Fancy visiting something completely out of the box? take the kids to Museum Tot Zover, a.k.a the funeral museum. Whilst this may not be the first place you’d think of, it’s actually a very educational and interesting option for a fun day out. Children can learn about themes such as death, saying goodbye and which rituals are associated with this inevitable rite of passage. There's even a treasure hunt!
Parks
When you’ve spent enough time soaking up all that culture, Oost offers plenty of outdoor space to burn off steam. Oosterpark is the heart of the neighbourhood, where activities such as picnicking, playing, walking, sports and splashing in the paddling pool are very welcome. Or discover you can discover other green parts of the city including Park Frankendael or Flevopark. On the edge of the latter, you’ll also find Jeugdland, an adventure nature playground where the little ones can let loose on all kinds of play equipment, with some water sports activities or by building a hut in the village.
Swimming pools
Flevoparkbad is an outdoor swimming complex located on the edge of the spacious Flevopark boasting an Olympic-sized (50-metre) pool for laps, a much shallower pool for children, and a wading pool for toddlers. The best news of all? It’s heated. Surrounding the pool you’ll find lush grassy sunbathing spots, a large playground, a cafeteria and lockers for your valuables. Little ones can also enjoy some splashy times at the Pierenbad in Oosterpark - a delightful paddling pool with water fountains, coloured lights and some other nicely-designed playthings.
Jaap Eden Ice Rink and VROG
Sporty family? From October to March, active types can skate to their heart's content at the Jaap Eden IJsbaan. Make sure you practice your best moves, because every Saturday night there’s an ice disco on the agenda. Right next to the ice rink is VROG, a large complex that is fully equipped for freerunning, parkour and trampolining. Children from 6 years old are welcome to participate in parkour training or jump on the trampoline for an hour. Younger children can take an exciting jump with a parent.
Restaurants and shops
Oost is full of fun, hip eateries and luckily many are child-friendly. Lunchroom Lastig, for example, is a neighbourhood gem where parents can munch down on delicious Indonesian fare as the little ones enjoy a sandwich or a slice of cake in the play area. For something different, you can also visit Cafe Restaurant Polder at the Science Park with a farm play location for children. Also check out Blitskikker on Javastraat, where, as well as browsing for clothes or small gifts, you can enjoy a coffee in the family café or book a kid’s haircut.
NedPhO Koepel
This former church in the Indische Buurt is the home base for the Netherlands Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras. Anyone who loves music is welcome to attend the free open rehearsals, including special children's concerts on Wednesday afternoons. Check out the agenda as there is also a range of educational activities on offer throughout the year.
