Amsterdam may be famous for canals, historic houses and world-class museums, but it’s also an excellent city for families.
Children can experiment with science, see animals at one of Europe’s historic zoos, cruise through the canals, explore huge parks and visit museums specifically designed to make learning interactive.
The city is compact enough that you can combine several attractions without spending half the day travelling between them.
If you’re planning a family city break, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Amsterdam for toddlers, school-age children and teenagers.
Here are 12 of the best.
Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam: Quick List
Our top family attractions are:
- NEMO Science Museum
- ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
- Take a Kids Canal Cruise
- Vondelpark
- WONDR Experience
- Wereldmuseum Junior
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
- Amsterdamse Bos
- Maritime Museum
- STRAAT Museum
- Rembrandtpark
- Explore Amsterdam by Bike
These give you a mixture of indoor attractions and outdoor activities, making it easier to plan around the Dutch weather.
Let’s look at the best things to do with kids in Amsterdam in more detail.
1. NEMO Science Museum
NEMO Science Museum is one of the strongest choices for families visiting Amsterdam.
Instead of asking children to quietly walk around display cases, NEMO encourages them to experiment.
Interactive exhibits introduce subjects including:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Energy
- The human body
- Everyday physics
Children can test ideas, press buttons, build things and discover what happens through hands-on activities.
That makes NEMO particularly useful if your children quickly lose interest in traditional museums.
Who Is NEMO Best For?
NEMO works especially well for school-age children, although younger visitors can also enjoy many areas.
Allow several hours rather than trying to rush through it.
It’s also a good option when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Before visiting, check the official NEMO Science Museum website for current exhibitions, tickets and opening arrangements.
For families who enjoy interactive attractions, NEMO easily ranks among the best things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
2. ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
ARTIS is much more than a conventional zoo.
Located in the Plantage neighbourhood, ARTIS combines animals, historic buildings, gardens and other nature-focused experiences.
The zoo dates back to 1838 and remains one of Amsterdam’s best-known family attractions.
Children can see animals from around the world while exploring a surprisingly green part of the city.
ARTIS also includes a Planetarium, and its restored Aquarium has reopened following major renovation work.
What Else Is at ARTIS?
The wider ARTIS complex includes:
- ARTIS Zoo
- Planetarium
- Aquarium
- Micropia
- Groote Museum
- Gardens
- Historic buildings
Not every attraction is automatically included under exactly the same ticket arrangements, so check before visiting.
According to ARTIS, the zoo currently opens daily and tickets are cheaper online than at the ticket counter.
You can check current details on the official ARTIS website.
Animal-loving families should place ARTIS high on their list of things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
3. Take a Kids Canal Cruise
Seeing Amsterdam from the water is one of the city’s classic experiences.
With children, choosing a cruise specifically designed to keep younger passengers entertained can make a big difference.
Blue Boat currently offers a Kids Cruise experience as part of its City Canal Cruise.
Children listen to an interactive story and receive an activity pack while adults can listen to the standard sightseeing commentary.
The current Kids Cruise lasts around 75 minutes and includes an audio story and activity materials.
You can see the current details on the Blue Boat Kids Cruise website.
Why Take a Canal Cruise with Children?
A cruise gives everybody a break from walking while still allowing you to sightsee.
You’ll pass historic canal houses, bridges and parts of central Amsterdam without needing to navigate busy streets.
For younger children, having a dedicated story can be considerably more engaging than listening to a standard historical commentary.
A family canal cruise is therefore one of the easiest things to do with kids in Amsterdam when everybody needs a slower part of the day.
4. Spend Time in Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s best-known city park and a useful place to escape the busy centre.
You don’t need a complicated plan.
Families can walk, cycle, relax on the grass or stop at one of the cafés and facilities around the park.
There are also play areas for children.
Why Families Like Vondelpark
A morning of museums and sightseeing can be tiring, particularly for younger children.
Vondelpark gives them space to move around without having to behave like they’re inside another attraction.
Bring snacks or have a picnic when the weather is good.
For families wanting relaxed things to do with kids in Amsterdam, the park is also useful if you’re travelling with a pushchair.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Amsterdam, Vondelpark is one of the easiest choices.
5. Visit WONDR Experience
Not every family attraction in Amsterdam needs to be educational.
WONDR Experience is designed around colourful, interactive spaces where visitors can play, take photographs and immerse themselves in unusual installations.
It can work particularly well for older children and teenagers who enjoy visual experiences and social-media-friendly attractions.
Expect colourful rooms, imaginative sets and plenty of opportunities for family photos.
Is WONDR Suitable for Young Children?
Age restrictions or dedicated family sessions can apply, so check the current rules before booking.
This is particularly important if you’re travelling with toddlers or very young children.
WONDR isn’t an essential Amsterdam sight in the traditional sense, but it provides a completely different experience from museums, churches and historic buildings.
For families wanting something playful and modern, it can be one of the more unusual things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
6. Explore Wereldmuseum Junior
The attraction previously known as Tropenmuseum is now Wereldmuseum Amsterdam.
Its family offering is called Wereldmuseum Junior.
The museum focuses on cultures, identity and the ways people live around the world.
Rather than simply looking at objects behind glass, its children’s programme includes interactive activities and opportunities to learn by doing.
The museum says Wereldmuseum Junior is aimed at families and children up to age 12, with activities including workshops, stories, interactive exhibits and educational games.
Why Visit Wereldmuseum Junior?
It can be a good choice for families who want a museum experience that feels different from conventional art or history museums.
Children can encounter:
- Stories from around the world
- Cultural objects
- Interactive displays
- Creative activities
- Family exhibitions
Check the official Wereldmuseum Junior website for the current programme.
At the time of writing, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, with additional Monday openings during certain school holidays.
For an educational indoor activity, Wereldmuseum Junior deserves a place among the best things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
7. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Madame Tussauds can be a fun break from Amsterdam’s more traditional attractions.
Children and teenagers can see wax figures representing celebrities, sports stars, musicians and other famous personalities.
A large part of the appeal is taking photographs.
Rather than simply looking at exhibits, visitors can pose alongside the figures and explore themed areas.
Who Will Enjoy Madame Tussauds?
It tends to work best for children old enough to recognise the celebrities and characters represented.
Teenagers may particularly enjoy it.
Its central location also makes it easy to combine with other things to do with kids in Amsterdam during a day in the city centre.
If the weather turns wet, Madame Tussauds is another useful indoor option when looking for things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
8. Spend a Day at Amsterdamse Bos
If your children need more space than a city park can provide, head towards Amsterdamse Bos.
This enormous wooded recreation area sits southwest of central Amsterdam and gives families much more room for outdoor activities.
Depending on the season and current facilities, activities can include:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Playgrounds
- Picnics
- Water activities
- Exploring woodland
- Visiting family attractions within the park
Amsterdamse Bos is particularly useful for families staying in the city for more than a couple of days.
Why Leave the City Centre?
Amsterdam’s central districts are beautiful but can feel crowded.
Spending half a day surrounded by trees and open space gives children a completely different experience.
It also helps balance a holiday filled with museums and sightseeing.
For active families, Amsterdamse Bos is one of the most refreshing things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
9. Visit the National Maritime Museum
Amsterdam’s history is closely connected with the water.
The National Maritime Museum, or Het Scheepvaartmuseum, introduces visitors to that maritime history through ships, maps, navigation and stories of the Netherlands’ relationship with the sea.
Family-friendly museum displays can make maritime history easier for children to engage with.
One of the best-known features is the replica historic ship moored outside the museum.
Why Kids May Enjoy It
Ships are naturally more tangible than many traditional museum exhibits.
Children can learn about:
- Sailing
- Navigation
- Ships
- Life at sea
- Trade
- Dutch maritime history
It’s also close enough to NEMO to combine two popular things to do with kids in Amsterdam in the same day.
Families interested in boats and exploration should consider the Maritime Museum when choosing things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
10. See Street Art at STRAAT Museum
Traditional art galleries aren’t always an easy sell to children.
STRAAT takes a very different approach.
Located in Amsterdam-Noord, the museum focuses on street art and graffiti, with large-scale works displayed in an enormous former industrial space.
The size and visual impact of the artworks can appeal to older children and teenagers who aren’t particularly interested in traditional paintings.
Combine It With the Ferry
Part of the experience is getting to Amsterdam-Noord.
Free ferries cross the IJ from behind Amsterdam Centraal station, making the journey itself more interesting for children.
Check the museum’s current programme and ticket arrangements before travelling.
STRAAT is one of the more distinctive things to do with kids in Amsterdam, particularly for families with teenagers.
11. Relax in Rembrandtpark
Rembrandtpark provides another opportunity to escape the busiest sightseeing areas.
It’s a large green space west of central Amsterdam with paths, lawns, trees and areas suitable for families.
You don’t necessarily need to dedicate half a day to it.
Instead, use the park as a break between activities or somewhere to spend a relaxed morning.
Why Add Parks to Your Amsterdam Itinerary?
Family city breaks can become exhausting when every hour has a ticketed attraction.
Children often need time when nothing is scheduled.
Parks provide somewhere to:
- Run around
- Eat snacks
- Have a picnic
- Play
- Walk
- Take a break from crowds
Adding Rembrandtpark or Vondelpark to your itinerary is an easy way to make sightseeing more manageable.
Free outdoor spaces also help balance the cost of paid things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
12. Explore Amsterdam by Bike
Cycling is deeply embedded in everyday Amsterdam life.
For families comfortable on bicycles, seeing parts of the city by bike can be memorable.
However, Amsterdam isn’t automatically an easy place for inexperienced cyclists.
Cycle lanes can be busy and local riders move quickly.
Is Cycling in Amsterdam Good for Children?
That depends on:
- Children’s ages
- Cycling ability
- Confidence
- Where you’re staying
- Traffic conditions
- The route
Don’t make central Amsterdam your child’s first experience of riding independently on public roads.
Families who aren’t comfortable with urban cycling could instead hire bikes for quieter areas or explore parks away from the busiest streets.
You may also find family bikes or cargo bikes available from specialist rental companies.
When done safely and within your family’s abilities, cycling can be one of the most memorable things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
More Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam
If you have more time, Amsterdam has plenty of additional possibilities.
Depending on your children’s ages and interests, consider:
- Rijksmuseum
- Van Gogh Museum
- A’DAM Lookout
- Indoor play centres
- Smaller canal cruises
- Pancake restaurants
- Local markets
- Children’s theatre
- Seasonal festivals
- Day trips outside Amsterdam
Don’t assume every famous Amsterdam attraction will appeal equally to children.
Build the trip around what your family actually enjoys.
Best Free Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam
Amsterdam can become expensive when you’re buying tickets for several people.
Fortunately, not every activity costs money.
Free or low-cost family ideas include:
- Vondelpark
- Rembrandtpark
- Amsterdamse Bos
- Riding the ferry across the IJ
- Walking beside the canals
- Exploring neighbourhoods
- Watching boats
- Visiting playgrounds
- Having a picnic
- Looking for unusual canal houses
Mixing free activities with major attractions can make a family trip much more affordable.
Some of the simplest things to do with kids in Amsterdam can also give children a welcome break from structured sightseeing.
Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam When It Rains
Rain doesn’t have to ruin a family trip.
Good indoor options include:
- NEMO Science Museum
- ARTIS Aquarium and indoor areas
- Wereldmuseum Junior
- Madame Tussauds
- National Maritime Museum
- STRAAT Museum
- Canal cruise
- WONDR Experience
Keep at least one indoor option flexible rather than booking every activity weeks ahead.
That gives you somewhere to move your plans if the forecast changes.
Having a mixture of indoor and outdoor things to do with kids in Amsterdam makes planning much easier.
Things to Do with Toddlers in Amsterdam
Travelling with toddlers requires a different itinerary from travelling with teenagers.
Keep days shorter and allow plenty of breaks.
Good options may include:
- Vondelpark
- ARTIS
- Canal cruise
- Amsterdamse Bos
- Rembrandtpark
- Playgrounds
- Short walks beside the canals
Avoid expecting toddlers to spend hours moving between galleries.
One major attraction per day may be enough.
Also check pushchair access before booking particular activities.
When planning things to do with kids in Amsterdam at this age, convenience matters as much as the attraction itself.
Things to Do with Teenagers in Amsterdam
Teenagers may want something more active or visually interesting.
Consider:
- NEMO
- STRAAT Museum
- WONDR
- Madame Tussauds
- Cycling
- Canal cruise
- A’DAM Lookout
- Shopping
- Food markets
- Exploring Amsterdam-Noord
Letting teenagers choose one or two attractions themselves can make the whole family itinerary easier.
Many of the best things to do with kids in Amsterdam work for adults too, so there’s no need for every activity to feel like a children’s attraction.
Is Amsterdam Good for Families?
Yes.
Amsterdam works well as a family city break because many major attractions are relatively close together.
Public transport is extensive, and much of central Amsterdam can also be explored on foot.
The city’s official tourism organisation highlights canal cruises, interactive museums, outdoor activities and major attractions such as ARTIS and NEMO among its family recommendations.
The main challenge is avoiding an overly ambitious itinerary.
Young children will rarely appreciate five museums in two days.
Balance educational attractions with parks, food stops, cruises and relaxed time.
That combination makes things to do with kids in Amsterdam much more enjoyable for everybody.
How Many Days Do Families Need in Amsterdam?
Three days is enough for a good introduction.
Four or five days gives you a more relaxed pace and enough time to enjoy more things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
3-Day Family Amsterdam Itinerary
Day 1: NEMO + canal cruise
Day 2: ARTIS + Vondelpark
Day 3: Wereldmuseum Junior + central Amsterdam
4-Day Family Amsterdam Itinerary
Add Amsterdamse Bos, STRAAT or another attraction suited to your children’s interests.
5-Day Family Amsterdam Itinerary
Use the extra day for a slower itinerary or a day trip outside the city.
There are enough things to do with kids in Amsterdam that you don’t need to squeeze every major attraction into one weekend.
Getting Around Amsterdam with Children
Walking works well for shorter distances in the centre.
For longer journeys, Amsterdam has:
- Trams
- Metro
- Buses
- Trains
- Ferries
Ferries across the IJ can be particularly fun for children and are useful for destinations in Amsterdam-Noord.
Cycling is another option, but only if everyone is confident enough for the environment.
With babies and toddlers, check whether your accommodation and planned attractions are convenient with a pushchair.
Amsterdam’s historic centre contains bridges, narrow streets and busy areas, so planning efficient routes can save considerable energy.
Keeping journeys short leaves more time for the actual things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
Where Should Families Stay in Amsterdam?
Location can make a big difference.
Families may prefer somewhere quieter than the busiest nightlife areas while remaining close to public transport.
Areas worth researching include:
Museum Quarter
Convenient for museums and Vondelpark.
Plantage
Useful for ARTIS and generally calmer than some central districts.
Jordaan
Atmospheric and reasonably central, although accommodation can be expensive.
Amsterdam-Oost
Good public transport and access to parks and family attractions.
Amsterdam-Noord
Can offer a different atmosphere while remaining connected to the centre by ferry and public transport.
When you search for hotels, consider travel time and room setup alongside the headline nightly price.
A hotel that’s slightly more expensive but close to transport or major family attractions may make the overall trip easier.
What Is the Best Age to Take Kids to Amsterdam?
There’s no perfect age.
Amsterdam offers something for almost every stage.
Babies and Toddlers
Parks, cruises and short attraction visits work well.
Ages 5–10
This is an excellent age for NEMO, ARTIS, Wereldmuseum Junior and canal cruises.
Tweens
Mix interactive museums with cycling, parks and more independent activities.
Teenagers
Street art, photography attractions, shopping, food and neighbourhood exploration may become more appealing.
Choose attractions according to your children rather than trying to follow a generic list.
The variety of things to do with kids in Amsterdam is one reason the city works for such a wide age range.
Tips for Visiting Amsterdam with Children
A few simple decisions can make the trip considerably easier.
Don’t Overschedule
Leave time between major attractions.
Book Popular Attractions Ahead
Timed tickets can sell out during busy periods.
Check Age Restrictions
Some interactive attractions have specific sessions or rules for younger children.
Bring Layers
Amsterdam weather can change quickly.
Use Parks as Breaks
Children don’t need every hour filled with sightseeing.
Watch for Bikes
Amsterdam’s cycle lanes are busy.
Teach children not to wander into them while looking for traffic.
Check Current Details
Opening hours, exhibitions and activities change.
Always check official attraction websites shortly before visiting.
Good planning lets you enjoy more things to do with kids in Amsterdam without making the holiday feel like a timetable.
Planning a Family Trip to Amsterdam
Start by choosing two or three attractions that your children genuinely want to visit.
Then add parks, walks and canal rides to create a varied itinerary of things to do with kids in Amsterdam.
You can find flights and search for hotels through TravelHype when planning your family break.
If Amsterdam forms part of a wider Netherlands road trip, you can also compare car hire where driving suits your itinerary.
Don’t feel that you need to complete every attraction on this list.
The best things to do with kids in Amsterdam are the ones your own family will actually enjoy.
Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam: Final Thoughts
Amsterdam offers much more for families than many first-time visitors expect.
NEMO turns science into a hands-on experience, ARTIS combines animals with nature and historic surroundings, and a canal cruise lets children see the city without another long walk.
Vondelpark and Amsterdamse Bos provide space to run around, while Wereldmuseum Junior, the Maritime Museum and STRAAT offer very different museum experiences.
Older children and teenagers may prefer cycling, WONDR or Madame Tussauds.
The key is variety.
Mix museums with parks.
Mix sightseeing with play.
And don’t try to fill every hour.
With a balanced itinerary, there are enough things to do with kids in Amsterdam to turn the city into an enjoyable family break rather than simply an adult city trip with children tagging along.
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