Family and kids in De Pijp
De Pijp is one of Amsterdam’s most buzzing neighbourhoods and you’ll find plenty of fun things to do with children. Unwind with the furry critters in the petting zoo, tackle the climbing frame in Sarphatipark or enjoy spectacular family cinema and theatre. You can also explore a range of child-friendly restaurants and unique concept stores for parents and kids alike.
Pet the animals at Kinderboerderij De Pijp
Who’s that bleating in the middle of the city? Experience the sounds (and countryside aromas) of the farm with a relaxing day out at De Pijp’s very own petting zoo. Little ones have the opportunity to meet and greet all kinds of animals with donkeys, rabbits, small birds and even turtles in residence. The farm also organises activities such as craft workshops and pony rides.
Watch children’s cinema and theatre
Rialto Cinema on the Ceintuurbaan screens children's films all year round, which will thrill and amuse children from 3 to 12 years. During the holidays, they also have a complete youth programme, including colouring days, craft activities and workshops. If you’re more in the mood for drama, keep your eye on the English programme at the CC Amstel Theatre, which holds regular family performances.
Picnic and play in Sarphatipark
The beautifully landscaped gardens of Sarphatipark provide a wonderful central meeting point in the heart of De Pijp. In one corner you’ll find a children’s playground complete with climbing frames, slides and a sandpit. Surrounding this, there are plenty of quiet spots to sit and chat as the kids play when the sun breaks free. One of the best things to do in De Pijp is to stroll through the vibrant vendors of the Albert Cuypmarkt and have a picnic in the park with your market-bought food finds.
Visit the goblin house
For centuries, the children of Amsterdam have been fascinated by the green hobgoblins sitting atop the gables of the Huis met Kabouters (House with the Goblins). Rumour has it that the mysterious pair throw a ball to one another in secret, but nobody knows whether this happens at midnight, on New Year’s Eve or during the leap year. There are plenty of reasons as to why the goblins are there, one being that they were inspired by the house owner’s surname, Van Ballegooyen which roughly translates as ball-throwing.
Feast on pancakes and stroopwafels
Fancy pancakes with a twist? At Mr Stacks, they’ll load you up with (you guessed it) a stack of pancakes and you can choose from savoury, sweet and vegan options. Bulls & Dogs give the familiar hot dog a makeover with heaps of funky toppings. All these can be washed down with an eye-popping milkshake generously decorated with marshmallows, chocolate sauce and much more. If you prefer to feast in the open air, take a stroll down the Albert Cuypmarkt where you’ll find plenty of culinary options to suit all tastebuds including warm stroopwafels.
Shop at kid’s concept stores
De Pijp is full of unique shops specialising in clothes, toys and books for children. Broer & Zus are committed to sustainable clothing or visit Big & Belg on Ferdinand Bolstraat. Archive Store sells everything from changing tables and lunch bags to children's bicycles and soft scarves. De Kleine Parade has everything under one roof; pop in for lunch at the kid’s cafe and come out with a new haircut, full stomach and a fresh outfit. Bookworms will be kept quiet with a purchase from the Casperle, adjacent to the Sarphatipark. Not just a children's bookshop, they also organize reading afternoons and workshops (mostly in Dutch). You can learn, for example, how to write a Sinterklaas poem - perfect for budding linguists!
