Nature and active in the Oostelijke Eilanden
12 November 2025
Image from Pauline Arkesteijn
Family and kids in the Oostelijke Eilanden
Updated 12 November 2025 at 10:53
Amsterdam’s Eastern Islands and Eastern Docklands are a fantastic place for kids to explore, with island-hopping adventures, fascinating glimpses into the city’s maritime history and plenty of space to roam. From some of the world's best museums to lush sprawling parks, playful child-friendly cafés and unique shops, the Oostelijk Havengebied offers fun for the whole family.
500 years of maritime wonder
Image from Het Scheepvaartmuseum
The Oostelijke Eilanden neighbourhood carries historical significance as the departure point for Dutch sailing ships that travelled to far corners of the world. The National Maritime Museum relays this fascinating history for children of all ages. Kids will get excited as soon as they lay eyes on the replica of the famous Dutch East India Company ship moored outside. There are interactive family games that recreate the experience of life on board a 17th-century ship, maps and audio exhibits that tell the stories of 17th-century seafarers and how their travels impacted the world at large.
Music to their ears
Image from Vera Duivenvoorden
This neighbourhood is renowned for its high-profile concert venues, Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ and Bimhuis, however there’s always a section in their programmes dedicated to children’s performances. Kids can unleash their inner Rockstar or concert pianist during the SoundLAB workshops, which make instruments available to budding musicians. The hands-on workshops encourage kids to experiment with sound and even create their own pieces of music.
Play and swim
Image from Koen Smilde
The entirety of the Oostelijke Eilanden neighbourhood is really one big playground. Kids can let loose in the car-free Funenpark on the edge of Czaar Peterbuurt, get their skates on at the Zeeburgereiland Skatepark or take a dip on summer days at Bogortuin Park beach on Java Island. There’s also another superb designated swimming area at the Marineterrein with stunning views over the Maritime Museum and the docked VOC ship replica. Its also traditionally the starting point for Amsterdam City Swim - a charity sports event which takes place each August.
Wind n Wheels
Image from Wind n Wheels
Discover a one-of-a-kind adventure at the world’s only urban land sailing park. For kids aged 7 and up, Wind n Wheels offers this unique sport - also known as blow-karting - for the whole family. Enjoy the summer sun with this hands-on day of landsailing, archery and bouldering at Zeeburgereiland.
Skate Park Zeeburgereiland
Image from Pauline Arkesteijn
Skate your heart out at Skatepark Zeeburgereiland, the largest outdoor skatepark in the Netherlands. Catering to all skill levels, this massive skate park offers areas for all abilities, with dedicated spots for street, flow and bowl skating. Surrounded by green spaces, jogging tracks and playgrounds, it's a truly family-friendly spot to relax and have fun.
Child-approved shopping
Image from Rick Akkerman
Inspiring children’s boutiques can be found throughout this neighbourhood, with highlights including Kids en Koters, a second-hand clothing store that also re-sells items your kids have grown out of. It’s a fantastic way to replenish their wardrobes and to do your bit to reduce textile waste. Treat your peanut butter lovers to a visit to De Pindakaaswinkel, where they can sample handmade, palm-oil-free peanut butter in imaginative flavours – looking at you, stroopwafel-cinnamon.
Dining out with kids
Image from Kompaszaal
When it’s time to refuel from your day of discovery, there are some perfect family-friendly eateries nearby. Head to city beach KAAP Amsterdam on Zeeburgereiland, next to Wind ’n Wheels, where you’ll find tasty food, a kids’ play area and beautiful views of the water. For a relaxing afternoon on a terrace with waterfront views, travel to KNSM Island, where cafés like Kompaszaal and Kanis & Meiland serve child-friendly dishes, juices and snacks.
