Best cafés with outdoor play areas
The only thing better than relaxing on a sun-soaked terrace on a summer afternoon is knowing that the kids are enjoying it as much as you are. These top-rated cafés and restaurants have the best outdoor play areas so you can keep the whole family entertained on your next relaxing lunch or coffee break in Amsterdam.
Café Jaap
The urban beach at Jaap Eden provides an idyllic location for a family outing. Kids can play in the sand as you lounge on deck chairs and feast on delicious dishes like smoked salmon salads, three-cheese fiocchetti pasta and pancakes.
Café Jaap | Radioweg 64
Haddock
As one of the most child-friendly restaurants in Amsterdam, Haddock has a huge play area, football pitch and indoor playroom complete with table football and other toys. The programme of kids’ events like craft sessions, discos, performances, and even a weekly visit from a children’s hairdresser, will keep you coming back.
Haddock | Marie Baronlaan 19
Kantoor
Westerpark requires no further explanation when it comes to kids’ adventures thanks to its petting zoo and playgrounds. The office-themed décor at Kantoor adds a stylish ambiance and the kids’ menu is devised by chefs who understand the struggle with dishes named “I don’t know (tomato soup)”, “I don’t care (melon and ham) and “I don’t want that (chicken nuggets)”.
Kantoor | Haarlemmerweg 8
Pause at Pulitzer
This garden terrace at Amsterdam’s luxe Pulitzer hotel is a tranquil setting tucked away from the busy streets. The quiet courtyard is the perfect space to play and the kids’ menu is filled with classic favourites like burgers, pasta and ice cream.
Pause at Pulitzer | Prinsengracht 323
Zomerbloemenpluktuin
Zomerbloemenpluktuin (summer flower picking garden) is a pick-your-own flower garden with an impressive playground. The café regularly hosts children’s parties, craft workshops and serves kids’ high tea with cupcakes, fruit kebabs and lemonade with edible flowers.
Zomerbloemenpluktuin | Amsteldijk Zuid 183
IJ-Kantine
The large windows overlooking the IJ River are great for little ones who like to watch ships sailing by. On sunny days, kids can play on the spacious terrace and sandpit, and in cooler weather head inside to the collection of toys, games and colouring activities. Every weekend there’s a kids’ entertainment programme too.
IJ-Kantine | NDSM-kade 5
