Amsterdam with Kids: Things to Do and What to Know
Last Updated on Aug 23, 2024
While Amsterdam is mostly known as a city for young adults to go out and play, there’s plenty to do in Amsterdam with kids. In fact, the Netherlands is home to some of the happiest kids in the Dutch so don’t worry – your little one can be perfectly fine visiting with you.
I used to live in the Netherlands for a few years and when I visited with my kids and showed them around, they instantly proclaimed that they wanted to move there 😉
Is Amsterdam a Good Place for Kids?
While Amsterdam can be a fun spot for kids, if you want to experience the true Dutch culture, you need to leave Amsterdam and discover the countryside and other cities in the Netherlands.
In fact, while there are obviously many things to do with kids in Amsterdam, I truly believe that the best attractions with kids are outside of Amsterdam.
I have a whole post on things to do in the Netherlands with kids, so you can see for yourself why I recommend getting out of Amsterdam. I think 2 days in Amsterdam is enough before venturing out further. You can still base yourself in Amsterdam, but most likely it will be more budget-friendly to stay in another city.
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam with Kids
There’s no good or bad time to visit Amsterdam, as the weather can change quickly whether it’s summer or winter. Right before Christmas, it’s magical, but it’s also beautiful in the autumn when leaves change colors.
Generally, most travelers can expect to spend anywhere from 2 to 4 days in Amsterdam. If you have more than 2 days, I highly recommend getting out of the city to explore more of the Netherlands.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Toddler, Baby, or Young Kids
While I recommend staying outside of Amsterdam with kids, there are a few places that I’d recommend with little ones.
Pulitzer Amsterdam – If you can afford it, there’s no better place to stay. They’ll take care of all the amenities you might need, have a little play area inside and it’s a nice oasis in the busy Jordaan area close to everything.
The Dylan is also a great pick for everyone, with or without kids, and it feels more local than the Pulitzer
Hotel Not Hotel is a quirky spot that children might love as the rooms as different.. you can sleep on a bus or tram. Plus, you’re right by Foodhallen which comes in handy for meals.
Should You Rent a Bike in Amsterdam with Kids?
Biking in Amsterdam is more intense than biking anywhere else in the Netherlands. It’s busy, you must signal and be mindful of pedestrians and traffic.
If you’re not a comfortable biker, then I’d say don’t try biking in the city because it’s busy and you need to pay attention to lots of things.
While trams and buses work in Amsterdam and surrounding areas, you’ll have more freedom on a bike – so if you’re a comfortable biker, rent a bike.
With kids, there are two options: a regular bike with a child seat (up until 3 years old) or a bakfiets – cargo bike with a bucket on front.
While you think it’s great to rent a clog bike for photogenic purposes, these bakfiets aren’t electric and weigh about 90 lbs before any kids. It’s much better to rent an electric bakfiets, especially if you’re venturing outside of Amsterdam.
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is a huge park in the city with cafes, playgrounds, spots for picnics. There are two great playgrounds right by restaurants, so parents can grab a wine and relax while the kids play:
- Grote Melkhuis
- Vondeltuin
NEMO Science Center
The NEMO Science Museum is a fun place with various experiments. It’s very hands-on so even the smallest visitors won’t be bored, but I wouldn’t call it a place for adults. It’s a child-oriented spot.
NOTE: NEMO works with Museumkaart (Museum Pass). It costs 39 EUR a year for children up to 12, and 75 EUR per adult and it’s valid for a whole year and almost all museums in the Netherlands. It’s worth the price and will save you a lot.
Rent own Boat
Many tourists take a boat tour from one of the big stands between Central Station and Dam Square. While they’re fine, it’s much more fun to rent your own boat and go wherever you please in Amsterdam at your own pace.
There are plenty to chose from, some with a driver and some without, through this website.
Goat farm at Amsterdamse Bos
Amsterdamse Bos is another green spot to take the kids as it’s three times bigger than Central Park and has many different activities like boat rentals, green paths, playgrouns. There’s even a free public pool.
The crowd’s favorite though is a goat farm where you can feed baby goats and play inside their play pens. It’s absolutely free and there’s a very affordable cafe nearby if you get hungry.
Eat Dutch Pancakes
Carousel Pancake House which as the name suggests has tables in an old carousel and serves Dutch pancakes. While the carousel isn’t working, kids can pretend by sitting on horses in the middle.
It’s might seem like not much, it’s not as touristy as some say and kept my kids extremely happy and the food was excellent as well.
Amstelpark
Amstelpark is a wonderful place to visit with children and this is where most organized walking tours will take you to. There’s a big playground and a maze to keep little ones occupied.
If that’s not enough to satisfy the kids, there’s a goat and sheep farm nearby as well. During the summer, for a few Euros the kids (and adults) can ride a miniature train.
De Pijp Market
When you visit Amsterdam with kids, you need to introduce them to stroopwafels and poffertjes. The best ones are served at market stalls, so venture to De Pijp and buy from a street vendor.
De Pijp market is a very local area, yet not extremely crowded. You can get the feel of living like a local in Amsterdam while munching some delicious snacks.
NOTE: Many blog posts and recommendations on Instagram will point you to Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. While they look cute with random decorations, it’s a complete tourist trap where no local would even step a foot. Not to mention pay almost 10 EUR for a single stroopwafel.
What to Do in Amsterdam with Kids When It Rains
Let’s be real: the chance of at least some rain during your stay is close to 90%, regardless of the season. Don’t worry though, while Dutchies might seem less phased by the rain than most and life will go on, there are plenty of indoor activities for those wanting to stay dry.
Play Cafes
On top of the mentioned before Nemo Science Center and other museums, there are numerous play cafes. Play cafes are basically offering a kids corner to play while parents can relax.
They’re slightly hard to find in the Netherlands as you can’t really see them from the outside. Most are located at the back of the kids store, or separate from a regular cafe. You need to know where to go.
Two best recommendations are: De Kleine Parade, and Club Abbey.
There’s also The Kinderkook Cafe on the edge of the Vondelpark where even the smallest kids get to prepare their meal as well as yours. It’s a fun activity for kids 3 and up.
Soft play areas
Monkey Towns are fun indoor playgrounds, very popular when it rains. There are few in Amsterdam that can come in handy when kids have too much energy.
- Candy Castle Speelparadijs
- Monkey Town Amsterdam
- Fun Center Amstelveen
- Jimmy’s Speelparadijs
SEASONAL:
Ice skating
Right before Christmas there are plenty of cute markets all over the city. In various areas, including Museumplein (where Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museums are) there’s an ice skating rink.
If your child isn’t proficient on skates just yet, they offer the pushers available.
Festival of Lights
Every year from the end of November to January 30, Amsterdam’s Light Festival is taking place on many canals around the city. There are twinkling lights exhibits and installations.
While completely free
Trip to tulip fields
You can’t see the tulips directly around Amsterdam, but when visiting in the spring you can take a day or half-day trip to the fields. Alternatively, there’s Keukenhof Gardens that are easily accessible and don’t require to rent a bike.
I included all the info on visiting the tulips in another post.
