Best things to do with kids in Amsterdam

Activities for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers

Amstelpark

While the famous Vondelpark offers plenty of playgrounds, it can get busy. Amstelpark is a quieter alternative with everything you need for a family day out: toddler-friendly play areas, a kids’ train, a petting zoo and even a monthly farmer’s market. Wide-open spaces and shaded spots make it perfect for crawling, running about and enjoying the fresh air.

Amstelpark | Amstelpark 1, Zuid

The Pancake Boat

Set sail on the ever-popular Pannenkoekenboot (Pancake Boat), where little ones can tuck into unlimited pancakes while cruising Amsterdam’s scenic IJ-river, complete with an onboard ball pit for extra fun. Prefer to stay on dry land? WOW Family Centre in De Pijp offers creative play, art and movement classes in a relaxed café setting. Or check out Club Abbey in Oost. It’s a lovely space with an indoor play area and baby service station, where the smallest family members are fed just as well as the grown-ups.

De Pannenkoekenboot | Ms. van Riemsdijkweg (opposite 41), NDSM

Fruittuin van West

For a healthy, hands-on outing, rent a bakfiets and cycle way out west to this large organic orchard. Kids can pick fresh fruit—raspberries in spring, cherries in summer, apples in autumn—making for a tasty and educational day out. Or, head to the Kinderkookkafé, where kids get to take charge in the kitchen (with a little grown-up guidance) and then serve their creations in the adjoining café. It’s a playful, confidence-boosting intro to cooking and a welcome break for parents.

Fruittuin van West | Tom Schreursweg 48, Nieuw-West

Activities for primary school kids: aged 4-7

Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm

Nestled in Amsterdam’s largest park, Amsterdamse Bos, this organic goat farm offers a delightful day out for families. Children can feed bottle-feed goat kids while parents relax with organic treats from the farm café. Looking for something more central? Kinderboerderij De Pijp lets kids feed and pet animals like pigs, ponies and rabbits.

Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve | Nieuwe Meerlaan 4, Amstelveen

Wereldmuseum

Housed in a striking 19th-century building, this culture-focused museum explores how people live around the world and how global issues shape our lives. Its engaging children’s exhibits include the colourful Feestwinkel (Party Shop). Just outside, leafy Oosterpark offers a sandy playground, splash pool and plenty of grassy space to burn off extra energy.

Wereldmuseum | Linnaeusstraat 2, Oost

ARTIS

Amsterdam’s historic ARTIS Zoo delights kids of all ages with a wide variety of animals from across the globe, from shimmering blue morpho butterflies and lounging lions to playful penguins and the most adorable red pandas. There are stroller-friendly paths and handy pull carts for when little legs tire.

But there’s more. The impressive Planetarium lets kids travel the universe without leaving the city (or their seat). ARTIS-Micropia is a one-of-a-kind museum about microbes. It’s perfect for curious minds eager to explore the unseen world. And ARTIS-Groote Museum delves into the connection between humans and nature through science, art and interactive experiences.

Tip: Don’t miss the gift shop.

ARTIS | Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, De Plantage

Activities for primary school kids: aged 8-12

De Klimmuur Amsterdam Centraal

Let your energetic pre-teens burn off steam at Amsterdam’s centrally located indoor climbing centre near Centraal Station. With trained instructors and kid-friendly routes, even beginners can climb safely and confidently. It is ideal for rainy days or when the kids need a break from sightseeing.

Alternatively, take them to VROG, a 3000 m2 underground trampoline park in the Jewish Cultural Quarter. Or make an outdoorsy day of it at Klimbos Fun Forest, where kids (ages 6+) can zipline and climb across suspension bridges between the trees of Amsterdam Forest.

Tip: For more ideas, check out our article on outdoor and adventure activities in Amsterdam.

De Klimmuur | Dijksgracht 2, Oostelijk Havengebied

Moco Museum

Moco’s street art exhibitions are sure to appeal to older kids with colourful, thought-provoking works by artists like Banksy and Warhol. It’s a cool cultural stop that feels fresh and fun rather than stuffy. The museum’s playful, bold artworks and interactive elements keep children interested while introducing them to contemporary art’s biggest names.

Of course, the "Big Three" museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum) are nearby and offer free tickets for kids up to 18 years old. Graffiti and street art lovers should also check out STRAAT Museum at the NDSM-Wharf in Noord, with work by over 170 artists in a wide range of styles.

Moco Museum | Honthorststraat 20, Oud-Zuid

Jeugdland

Let them run wild at this popular natural playground in Flevopark. Kids can build forts in the wood cabin village, splash in the water play zone, saw and hammer in the DIY workshop, or get messy with arts and crafts. Jeugdland is a little world of its own, designed to spark imagination and let children explore freely in nature.

Nearby, the heated Flevoparkbad outdoor pool complex is ideal for a swim, and the surrounding park has playgrounds suited to younger kids, too.

Tip: For more swimming spots, see our article on outdoor swimming spots.

JEUGDLAND, Flevopark 3, Oost

NEMO Science Museum

A hit with budding scientists, the Netherlands’ largest science museum offers interactive exhibits designed to stimulate young minds across five floors. Inside, themed rooms, hands-on labs and exciting shows invite children to touch, test and explore science in action.

The newly renovated rooftop terrace features over 75 types of plants, as well as various features and activities for learning. Access to the terrace is free (use the stairs on the east side).

NEMO | Oosterdok 2, Centrum