Best family-friendly festivals and events in Amsterdam

King's Day

Nothing is as quintessentially Dutch as King's Day. But all-day revelry aside, King's Day also plays an important part in a Dutch childhood: ask any local, and they’ll tell you about their youthful memories of the vrijmarkt (free market), the biggest flea market of the year, which takes place each year on King's Day. One of the holiday’s most enduring traditions, the vrijmarkt is a sight to behold, as the streets and parks of Amsterdam transform into a market. There’s a community feel in the air, and while the fare isn’t ‘free’, it’s open to anyone and everyone. Some great places to check out the market are Vondelpark, Sarphatipark, and NDSM Wharf, which are great for families as these are designated particularly as child-friendly zones. It helps to turn up early, since the pickings get slimmer as the day progresses.

Rolling Kitchens

At Rolling Kitchens, you'll find food tracks galore with something for everyone to enjoy. Even the pickiest of palettes will find something to savour at this unmissable foodie fest in Westerpark, packed with snacks from the Netherlands’ finest mobile eateries. Lose hours walking around with the little ones, sampling everything from noodles to tapas and BBQ dishes. Sample a little of everything from the festival-sized smorgasbord and dine under the sun or stars – the event runs into the evening. As well as the fantastic array of cuisines, live bands perform to exuberant crowds.

Hemeltjelief

Head across the River IJ on Ascension Day for Hemeltjelief - a magical festival packed with family delights. The NDSM Wharf becomes a fairy-tale forest full of bands, DJs and entertainment with 'Gnomes and Leprechauns under 12' admitted for free. Expect music and magic, cats and curiosities, bears and dens and bubbles in this magical wonderland.

De Parade

The Netherlands’ much-loved travelling theatre festival, De Parade, hits Amsterdam with open-air performances, colourful fairground tents, mysterious happenings, a carousel and food that ranges from small bites to banquets. Harking back to the carnivals and travelling caravan theatres of old, this fantastic festival, which visits four of the Netherlands' biggest cities, ends every year with a spectacular finale in Martin Luther King Park. For little ones, activities kick off in the afternoon with costume-making, poffertjes-baking or the chance to have a go at carpentry and painting. Then, steer the restless boogie-babies towards the Silent Disco for a big dance-off. The theatre tents are also a must-visit with a complete kids programme.

Junior Grachtenfestival

Amsterdam's Junior Grachtenfestival is an exciting celebration of classical music for kids, offering a vibrant program of interactive concerts, workshops and performances. Held alongside the renowned Grachtenfestival, it invites young audiences to explore the world of classical and contemporary music, inspiring creativity in a fun and accessible way.

Keti Koti

Translating literally to 'broken chains', Keti Koti celebrates the abolition of slavery and points to Emancipation Day in Suriname. This lively festival includes a parade, music, dance and educational activities such as workshops. Creating a joyful yet reflective atmosphere that pays homage to a painful past as well as celebrating the future, Keti Koti is an enriching experience for the whole family.

Other ideas

• If your kids are active, why not take them along to watch (or even participate in!) Amsterdam City Swim, the TCS Amsterdam Marathon or the Dam tot Damloop run.  All have junior events for younger sportsters.
• Those who love to see the canals and waterways come to life will enjoy floats that really do float at Queer & Pride, Amsterdam Light Festival and once every 5 years, the unique and extraordinary SAIL Amsterdam.
• For festivals explicitly aimed at children, be sure to check out Cinekid in November; and, of course, the arrival of Sinterklaas, otherwise known as the Intocht in December.

For more family-friendly inspiration and tips on activities, restaurants or hotels, check out our guest blogger's website: AmsterdamWonderland.com.