Outdoor adventures
Despite being a bustling urban centre, Amsterdam’s scattered with parks and waterways all waiting to be explored. Take a ferry to Amsterdam North from behind Centraal Station, rent a bike to whizz around, or hop on a canal boat to see the city from a duck’s eye view.
Little ones will enjoy the fairy tale sight of this grand octagonal windmill dating from 1725. Plus it’s in a handy spot right next to the Brouwerij ‘t IJ – one of Amsterdam’s finest microbreweries. Grab a spot on the terrace to enjoy a beer while kids’ imaginations go wild looking up and up at the windmill.
Funenkade 5, 1018 AL Amsterdam.
Vondelpark
The great green Vondelpark is to Amsterdam what Central Park is to New York. It’s a vast swathe of lawns, ponds, and meandering pathways where little ones can frolic about to their hearts’ content. The park’s particularly special in summer when a never-ending festival vibe takes root, centred on the grand tea house.
Vondelpark, Amsterdam
Museums
Amsterdam’s brimming with art-laden galleries and world-class museums, and many are child-friendly thanks to creative programmes and events. The area is also home to a scattering of cool, quirky, and interactive city centre exhibition spaces which the family will relish. Science Center NEMO
From the moment your big and little kids clap eyes on the waterside, metallic-green, ship-shaped Science Center NEMO, they’ll be eager to head inside. With a huge array of fun hands-on exhibits, including a cool interactive science lab and a machine that lets you build your own dam, this is one place your family will be happy to explore for hours on end.
Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam.
Also known as the Het Scheepvaartmuseum, this iconic harbour-side building is where kids can pretend to be pirates on the impeccable replica of a traditional tall-ship. They'll be able to crawl through the holds and even fire cannons, while a selection of child-friendly exhibitions adds to the whole experience.
Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam.
Exciting attractions
From dynamic youth theatres to outdoor adventure parks, Amsterdam’s brimming with attractions designed to get hearts beating faster. One of the best is the place where the wild things are…
Founded way back in 1838, Artis Zoo has long been a go-to spot for Amsterdam’s families. Among the elephants, zebras, and giraffes – which kids and adults alike will gawp at – you’ll discover a kaleidoscopically colorful butterfly pavilion, as well as a rather special historic aquarium.
Plantage-Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam.
Family restaurants
Even the tiniest of Amsterdam’s diverse restaurants will no doubt be helpful enough to squeeze you and your kids in. For something super child-friendly you can head to any number of locally-loved cafés, bistros, and hangout spots.Pllek
Built out of shipping containers, this cool Amsterdam North restaurant is a neighborhood favourite. Head here after a ferry ride for yummy lunchtime soups, and kid-friendly banana Nutella sandwiches.
Tt. Neveritagweg 59, 1033 WB Amsterdam.
Is there anything more appealing to kids than eating with their fingers? Well, at De Bierfabriek, little ones can pick at flame-grilled baby chicken and scrummy chips in a casual eating spot and brewery close to Dam Square.
Rokin 75, 1012 KL Amsterdam. Tel:+31 2 0528 9910
