Booked a trip to Amsterdam with the kids but unsure on the things to do with them? Whilst cycling around Amsterdam and soaking up the sunshine in its parks, is perfect for a summer trip. However what is there to do indoors with kids when the weather is not so great? Which museum or activity should you choose to fill the day with your kids?
If you are looking to take the family on an active and entertaining weekend break, Amsterdam should be at the top of your list. Small in size, it’s a breeze to explore by bike or boat, and there’s a great choice of large public parks too. And with Eurostar services now running from London, you can be there in under four hours, without any of the airport hassle.
Therefore, BabyBreaks has researched the best things to do in Amsterdam with your kids.
1. Tropenmuseum
Tropenmuseum is a museum about people, human diversity and cultural heritage. It is asking visitors to have an open view of the world. Current exhibitions include Cool Japan and Fashion Cities Africa. Certainly a fantastic place to start a dialogue with your children and shape their naturally accepting and generous nature towards others.
There is also a dedicated children’s museum, Tropenmuseum Junior, which encourages kids to learn through interactive activities. So let them see, touch, experience and participate, and they will come away with a head full of knowledge and an open heart!
Address: Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm.
2. Van Gogh Museum
Let the kids explore their inner artist whilst you admire the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, at this popular Amsterdam museum. The children’s workshops are on each weekend for ages 6-12 years, and begin with a tour of the museum, then they then get to work as artists themselves in a real studio!
Address: Museumplein 6, Amsterdam
Opening Times: Main museum open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. (On Fridays until 9 pm)
Children’s workshops: Saturdays 12:30–2:30 pm, and Sundays 3–5 pm.
3. Het Scheepvaartmuseum – National Maritime Museum
Showcasing 500 years of maritime history, the National Maritime Museum shows visitors how the sea has shaped Dutch culture. A winner of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence (2017) this museum is consequently really popular with families thanks to its interactive exhibitions, games and activities, including climbing aboard a life-size replica of an 18th century ship; ahoy!
Address: Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam
Opening Times: Open daily 9 am – 5 pm
4. Rijksmuseum
The national museum of the Netherlands tells the country’s history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Visitors can admire works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and more, including Rembrandt’s famous masterpiece, The Night Watch. Entry is however free for children under 18, and there are Escape Games, Rembrandt Drawing Lessons and Family Guided Tours. (Additional charges apply)
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
Opening Times: Open daily 9am – 5 pm, including all holidays.
5. Nemo Science Museum
This striking waterside building offers five floors of hands-on activities and exhibitions, showcasing the marvels of science and technology. Kids will love getting stuck in with the experiments, and parents will be sure to learn some fun facts too!
Last but not least, on the rooftop you will find an open-air exhibition, a large outdoor terrace and a restaurant, alongside magnificent views of the city and docklands. (Access to rooftop depends on the weather)
Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am – 5pm
During school holidays, it is also open on Mondays.
6. Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Open 365 days a year, this centrally located zoo had to be number one for our family Days Out in Amsterdam. It is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, and since 1838 has been home to a vast array of species from around the world. Certainly a must-visit for animal lovers, you can enjoy a guided walk through the park, or listen to the zookeper’s fascinating talks on lemurs, lions, jaguars or butterflies. Lastly, don’t miss the Aquarium and Planetarium, both included in the entry price.
BabyBreaks Tip: Buy your tickets online and save 2 Euros per person.
7. Canal Cruise
What better way to explore a city famous for its canals, than by boat? This semi-open boat (heated during winter) takes a leisurely 1.5 hour cruise past some of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks. For example, some highlights include Anne Frank’s House and Bloemenmarkt – the beautiful floating flower market. You can board and disembark at any of the 5 stops along the route, which gives you great flexibility if the kids get restless.
8. Vondelpark
Located near Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, this is a fantastic place for the kids to let off some steam and run about after a morning of culture! It is indeed the largest park in Amsterdam, and much loved by locals and tourists alike. Originally opened in 1865, the sprawling landscaped grounds now encompass an open-air theatre with free performances in the summer, a Pavilion restaurant, waterside café and a children’s playground. You can also rent roller skates from Snoephuisje (near Amstelveenseweg entrance).
Address: 1071 AA, Amsterdam
Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, all year round.
9. Oosterpark
Located in East Amsterdam, this green open space is much less crowded than some if the city’s other parks, and has a large new playground that’s sure to be a big hit with the kids. There’s an undulating obstacle course designed like a rollercoaster, tyre swings and fun slides – perfect for active little monkeys! It is just 0.6 miles from Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo and 0.2 miles from the Tropenmuseum. Perfect for a days out in Amsterdam!
Address: 1092 CA Amsterdam
10. Jeugdland
Jeugdland is a large, adventurous nature playground on the edge of the Flevopark. Encouraging children to build, create and get back in touch with nature, this is a fantastic place for creative little minds. Furthermore, there are carpentry huts, watersports, a petting zoo, and cooking stations to bake buns on an open fire. A really unique place for kids!
Address: Valentijnkade 131, 1095 KH Amsterdam
11. Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Spread over 4 floors, Ripley’s Believe it or Not is a fun and crazy attraction to do with the family in Amsterdam. Expect some weirdness and oddities collection in this museum famously started by Robert Ripley in 1923. Beware that parts of the museum might be scary for your little ones so maybe plan your visit with your pre teens or teenagers. We’ve heard some people staying 4 hours exploring the venue with so many artefacts. Finally, there will be a lot of opportunities to take selfies and funny photos to improve your Instagram feed.
12. Hortus Botanicus
The Hortus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, which opened its door in 1638. We know that Netherlands is famous for its huge production of flowers so it makes sense Amsterdam has such a beautiful outdoor garden too. You will also visit different greenhouses replicating three different climates with original plants. Last but not least, the Hortus has a beautiful butterfly greenhouse with hundreds of tropical butterflies. Not to be missed!
Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands
13. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Located in the central area of Amsterdam in Dam Square, Madame Tussauds is by far the best wax museum you can find in different cities around the world. The characters looks so real that you want to stop and take a picture of your favourite celebrity including a selfie with Dua Lipa or an Avengers super hero. Make sure to pre-book your ticket entries to avoid disappointment.
Address: Dam 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam, Netherlands
14. Amstelpark
Fancy a day out in Amsterdam? Why don’t you relax at the Amstelpark on a sunny day and explore one of the most famous green areas of Amsterdam. Children will love the labyrinth, a little farm with sheep and goats and even a mini golf. You can also pay a visit to the café to enjoy your favourite hot drinks with plenty of snacks available too.
Address: Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 1, 1083 GA Amsterdam, Netherlands
15. Amsterdam Museum
Last but not least, the Amsterdam Museum is unique museum with a clear objective in mind: connecting tourists and local residents of Amsterdam to understand how the city can be enhanced. It also traces back the history of Amsterdam and the culture that the city has perpetrated for centuries. The venue has thought about children too by setting an exploration Time Travel Kit available at the counter with €20 deposit. Sounds like a great cultural attraction for all families.
Address: Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
16. Street Art Museum Amsterdam
Street Art is getting bigger and bigger in lots of capitals around the world and Amsterdam is no stranger to the trend. So much so there is a dedicated museum associated with street art. Expect to enter a large hangar with huge collection of street art paintings and sculptures. Don’t forget to collect the children’s Treasure Hunt kit available at the counter free of charge. Another great experience where I am sure a lot of photos will be taken from your mobile phone.
Address: Immanuel Kanthof 1, 1064 VR Amsterdam, Netherlands
17. Electric Ladyland – First Museum of Fluorescent Art
If you are a fan of Jimi Hendrix, Electric Ladyland might ring a bell. There is a painting of Jimi Hendrix on display. However don’t expect a dedicated museum to the famous guitarist. However, the venue offers something very unique: a collection of fluorescent and phosphorescent artwork. Furthermore, each visitor is part of the art too as you are wandering the gallery.
Address: Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5, 1015 TB Amsterdam, Netherlands
18. Blue Boat Kids Cruise
Boat Cruises are very popular in the main cities of Europe. Even more so in Amsterdam with all the canals to explore. So when I have heard that the operator Blue Boat is organising a kids boat cruise experience alongside the same ordinary cruise, I thought I should mention it on our best things to do in Amsterdam. Each child will receive a complimentary activity package including pirate binoculars and your children can also tune in the kids audio commentary on the boat too.
19. WONDR Experience
WONDR is a perfect attraction that will please adults joined by their kids (children can’t go alone on this activity). This immersive experience is allowing yourself to push your creative sense in a very original playground. There are some kids time sessions every Wednesday and weekends too for a 2-hour slot. Check their website for the hours. And don’t forget to pop up at the skating room too called Rollers Dreams.
Address: Meeuwenlaan 88, 1021 JK Amsterdam, Netherlands
20. Amsterdamse Bos
On a sunny day out in Amsterdam, why not visiting Amsterdamse Bos and watch your kids having fun in the different areas of the park. There are lots of trails to follow with the kids. Your children will enjoy a petting farm but also lots of other activities such as canoeing or treetop.
The park is more like a forest with people running, walking, cycling all year round. In the summer, you can also plan a picnic and spend the day at Amsterdamse Bos park.
Address: 1182 DA Amstelveen, Netherlands
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CONCLUSION
And that’s a wrap! I hope you have found this article on the best things to do in Amsterdam with your children useful during your trip in the Dutch city. As any capitals of Europe, there are so many things to discover indoor and outdoor that this shortlist is probably far from being exhaustive. You can even try your first lesson of Stand Up paddle in Amsterdam.
I am sure you will find enough activities to keep your little brood busy on your next holiday in Amsterdam. Have a nice trip!
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