Amsterdam may be best known for its red light district and coffee shops, but it is also a surprisingly family-friendly city. It is an easy city to explore, there is a good choice of family hotels in Amsterdam and there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam with kids, including canals to explore, world-class museums, and a choice of beautiful parks with fun playgrounds.
Read our full guide to Amsterdam with kids below.
Before travelling to Amsterdam, check out official travel rules and regulations that may affect your trip.
Best time to visit Amsterdam
There is never a bad time to visit Amsterdam, but the most popular tourist season is from April to September, when the weather is warmer. Weather in Amsterdam is unpredictable at any time of year, so you should be prepared for rain no matter what time of year you visit.
- The busiest and most expensive months in Amsterdam are July and August
- The quietest and cheapest months in Amsterdam are late November – February (except the festive season in December)
- Tulip season is mid March to early May and is also a popular time to visit Amsterdam
Click here to read our full guide to the best time to visit Amsterdam
How to get around Amsterdam
Central Amsterdam is easily explored on foot, or do as the locals do and hire a bike. With over 400km of dedicated cycle lanes, Amsterdam is one of the easiest and safest cities to explore by bike with kids.
Amsterdam also has an impressive public transport system with an extensive network of trams, buses, metros, ferries and trains. For visitors, the most commonly used form of public transport is the trams, which are quick and efficient and will take you to most points of interest in Amsterdam.
- Children under the age of 4 travel for free on public transport in Amsterdam
- Children aged 4-11 can buy a child ticket
- Strollers are allowed on all forms of public transport
Click here to read our full guide to getting around Amsterdam
Where to stay in Amsterdam with kids
Amsterdam is such an easy city to explore on foot and an efficient public transport system make it easy to get around. Staying at a hotel in any of the central areas will make it easy to explore Amsterdam with kids.
In our choice of family friendly Amsterdam hotels, we have focused on centrally located hotels that make this possible. Where this is not the case, we have ensured that the hotel is within easy reach of public transport to the city centre.
All of these hotels are welcoming to families, with either interconnecting rooms or rooms large enough for a family of 4.
Click here to read our top picks of family hotels in Amsterdam
Top things to do in Amsterdam with kids
There are loads of fun things to do in Amsterdam with kids. Just sightseeing around the city can be fun, with a choice of exploring by boat, bike, tram or on foot.
Then there’s world-class museums with specific kids’ programs, a fantastic zoo, beautiful parks with playgrounds – and even Europe’s highest swing for thrill seekers.
Click here to read our full guide to all the best things to do in Amsterdam for families
What to pack for Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a great walking city, and so be sure to bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes. If you are visiting with a baby or toddler, it is also easy to get around with a stroller, although we always recommend including a baby carrier on a family city break packing list.
Clothes-wise, your travel clothes for Europe will depend on what time of year you are visiting. The seasons in Amsterdam are very distinct and so your Amsterdam packing list will be very different in summer and winter.
Click here to read our full packing list for Amsterdam.
