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.
Read on for all the best things to do in Amsterdam for families.
Before travelling to Amsterdam, check out official travel rules and regulations that may affect your trip.
Canal Cruise
Amsterdam is all about the canals so you can’t miss the opportunity to see the city by boat.
Taking a river cruise is the ideal way to check out Amsterdam’s historical centre.
There are loads of different canal cruises to choose from but with kids we particularly like the evening pizza cruise, which comes served with unlimited drinks for adults and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for the kids.
Click here to check prices and book your Amsterdam Canal Cruise with kids
A’DAM Lookout
The A’dam lookout observation deck offers unparalleled 360° views over Amsterdam, and an interactive exhibition about Amsterdam’s history and culture. But what’s really fun here is the ‘Over the Edge’ swing, Europe’s highest swing, where thrill seekers can swing 100m above the ground, with Amsterdam below their feet. For children over 130cm only.
Click here to book tickets to the A’DAM Lookout and Over the Edge swing
Guided Bike Tour
Do as the Dutch do, and explore Amsterdam by bike. With over 400km of cycle paths, Amsterdam is one of the easiest and safest cities to explore by bike with kids.
The tour will take you along canals and past some of the most famous historical sights of Amsterdam, while a guide gives you insider information about the city’s history and culture.
Click here to check prices and book your Amsterdam guided bike tour
NEMO Science Museum
The five floors of NEMO Amsterdam provide an exciting learning experience in the world of science and technology for kids of all ages.
The continuously updated exhibitions include interactive machines, science lab experiments, films, workshops and demonstrations.
Finish your visit with a trip to the fabulous roof terrace, complete with bar, café and views of Amsterdam: this is one of the best kid-friendly museums in Amsterdam.
Click here to book Skip-the-Line tickets for the NEMO Science Museum
Countryside and Windmills Tour
Anyone visiting Amsterdam should take the opportunity to get out of the city for a few hours and experience the Dutch countryside.
This tour is fun for the whole family, giving you the opportunity to snap postcard-perfect windmill shots, try Dutch Edam at the cheese factory, check out a fishing village and discover how traditional wooden clogs are made.
Click here to check prices and book your Countryside and Windmills Tour
Efteling Theme Park
The magical fairy tale-themed amusement park is a guaranteed fun day out for the whole family.
Expect elves, trolls, fairies and talking trees throughout the four themed lands, which draw inspiration from ancient myths, folklore, fairy tales and legends. There are plenty of rides to suit the very young, as well as rollercoasters for older daredevils. Fun!
Click here to book Efteling Theme Park tickets online
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum has the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh. There is a special audio tour for kids, as well as family guided tours on offer. To help the kids get really engaged, there is also a free treasure hunt sheet and various fun ‘assignments’ available from the information desk. There are also painting workshops for kids aged 6-12 at weekends.
Click here to book Skip-the-Line tickets to the Van Gogh Museum
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
The ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo in the heart of Amsterdam is so much more than just a zoo. In addition to housing over 700 animals, there’s also a planetarium, an aquarium and a botanical gardens featuring more than 200 tree varieties. One thing’s for sure – a day here is guaranteed fun for the family.
Click here to book Skip-the-Line tickets for the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Vondelpark
Amsterdam’s most famous park is a kids paradise. There are several fantastic playgrounds to choose from, in addition to sandpits, paddling pools, open-air theatres, cycle paths and plenty of space to run around. Enjoy lunch at the Groot Melkhuis, with its kids menu and famous playground, or the kids can have a go at making their own meals at Kinderkookcafe.
Click here to learn more about Vondelpark
Anne Frank House
Visiting the Anne Frank House is an educational and amazing learning experience for older children, but probably not really suitable for younger children. Many older children and teenagers will have read Anne Frank’s diary but preparing children before going about the history and nature of the museum is advised. Children under 10 are free.
Anne Frank tours of the surrounding area are also available.
Click here to check prices and book tickets for the Anne Frank walking tour
Take me back to the Amsterdam City Guide
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