Amsterdam has a lively, family-friendly atmosphere just waiting to be explored. Dive into a variety of unique experiences and adventures that promise to create lasting memories for everyone in the family.
Tips: Consider purchasing Amsterdam City Card for free entry multiple museums, public transport to save your money.
NEMO Science Museum
NEMO, a giant ship-shaped building on the waterfront, is a haven for curious minds. With interactive exhibits on everything from space to the human body, kids can learn through play and experimentation. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city.
- Location: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam.
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.
- Tickets:
- Adult: €17.5
- Young (4-17 years): €17.5
- Children under 4 years: Free
*Children under the age of 13 are only permitted to visit the museum if accompanied by an adult.
Visit Artis Zoo in Amsterdam
Artis is one of the oldest zoos in the world, and it’s a fantastic place to encounter a variety of animals. From majestic elephants and playful monkeys to exotic reptiles and colorful birds, there’s something to fascinate every young naturalist.
The zoo also offers interactive exhibits that make learning about animals fun and engaging for children. Kids can participate in hands-on activities and discover fascinating facts about their favorite creatures.
- Location: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam.
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, all weekdays.
- Tickets: can be purchased online Artis Royal Zoo or at the door
- Regular (from 13 years): €26.5
- Student: €13.25
- Young (3-12 years): €22.5
- Children under 3 years: Free
Zaanse Schans: A Family Adventure with Windmills
Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village nestled near Amsterdam, offers a delightful escape into the heart of Dutch history and culture. This charming destination is particularly enchanting for families with young children, providing a unique opportunity to experience traditional Dutch life firsthand.
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM all weekdays.
- Tickets: Zaanse Schans does not charge an entrance fee. But each of the sub-museums does (each windmill, for example)
Explore Vondelpark: A kid-friendly haven in Amsterdam
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park and a popular spot for families. There are playgrounds, bike paths, and plenty of open space for running and playing. You can also rent rowboats and enjoy a leisurely paddle on the park’s lake.
Let’s explore some of the kid-friendly highlights in Vondelpark:
- The Kinderboerderij: This petting zoo is a favorite among children, where they can interact with various farm animals like goats, sheep, ponies, and rabbits. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about different animals and their habitats.
- The park boasts a large playground with a variety of equipment, including swings, slides, climbing frames, and even a small train. Let your kids run wild and burn off some energy in this fun-filled space.
- Pack a delicious lunch and find a shady spot in the park to enjoy a family picnic. Vondelpark offers plenty of grassy areas and benches where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere.
- Rent a small boat and paddle around the park’s ponds. It’s a peaceful and enjoyable way to spend time together.
- Rent bikes for the whole family and explore the park on two wheels. It’s a fun and active way to see the sights and get some exercise. You can rent a bike for about €10 an hour.
A boat tour: a perfect way for kids to experience the city
Amsterdam is a city built on water, so a boat tour is a must-do activity. There are many options available, from canal cruises to river tours. Kids will love seeing the city from a different perspective and spotting all the interesting sights along the way.
The Hortus Botanicus: A lush oasis in the heart of Amsterdam
The Hortus Botanicus is a beautiful botanical garden located in the heart of Amsterdam. It’s home to a wide variety of plants from around the world, including tropical rainforests, deserts, and alpine meadows. Kids can explore the gardens, learn about different plant species, and even spot some exotic animals.
Highlights of the Hortus Botanicus:
The Palm House: This iconic glasshouse is home to a tropical rainforest environment, featuring towering palm trees, exotic orchids, and vibrant bromeliads.
The Japanese Garden: A peaceful oasis inspired by traditional Japanese gardens, complete with koi ponds, stone lanterns, and carefully manicured bonsai trees.
The Medicinal Herb Garden: Discover the healing properties of plants used in traditional medicine, from chamomile to lavender.
The Cactus House: Explore the arid landscapes of the American Southwest and Mexico, featuring a diverse collection of cacti and succulents.
- Location: Plantage Middenlaan 2A, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Bloemenmarkt: The world’s only floating flower market
The Bloemenmarkt is a fantastic place to visit with kids in Amsterdam. Lets take your children to explore the floating flower market, stroll along the Singel canal and admire the colourful flower stalls lining the water. Kids will love spotting all the different flowers and plants, and you can buy some bulbs to plant at home. However, as my experience the quality of the flower bulbs sold is questionable at best. A 2019 survey found bulbs bought at the Bloemenmarkt rarely to never flower. You have better consider this advice.
If you want to get to Bloemenmarkt – The Amsterdam Flower Market can be reached by trams 1, 2 and 5 from the Koningsplein stop and by trams 4, 9 and 14 from the Muntplein stop.