I’ve been visiting Amsterdam for years, since my first journey as a scholar – and with so many issues to do in Amsterdam with children, it’s no shock it was additionally one among my daughter’s first metropolis breaks as a toddler too.
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As a result of regardless of the Dutch capital’s extra grownup facet, it’s a incredible place for households to go to, from canal cruises and sprawling parks to world-class museums, together with artwork and many interactive enjoyable. Town makes an incredible base to discover extra of the Netherlands as nicely, with some nice day journeys from Amsterdam.
If you happen to’re visiting Amsterdam with toddlers, take a look at my suggestions for youthful children too, however my choose of the very best issues to do in Amsterdam with children consists of one thing for all ages, from the youngest guests to tweens and youths.
Take a canal cruise
It’d really feel like a vacationer cliche, however no go to to Amsterdam could be full with out experiencing town from the water.
An effective way to see Amsterdam with children and expertise the well-known canals with out an excessive amount of strolling, it’s a chilled-out technique to discover and also you’ll discover all the things from shorter sightseeing cruises, cruises with pancakes or pizza included, night cruises and extra.
There’s a string of corporations to select from, together with a hop-on, hop-off canal boat, and a bunch of comparable excursions with guided commentary. This 75-minute canal tour was a enjoyable introduction, or there’s a barely shorter one-hour canal tour in addition to one other heated canal boat tour (very helpful in Amsterdam’s winter!)
Or if the climate’s good, the roof of this canal tour boat might be partially opened so that you get an incredible view, plus it’s powered by photo voltaic electrical energy.
You’ll discover loads of choices together with foods and drinks too. How a couple of pancake cruise on the Pannenkoekenboot – this one goes alongside the river reasonably than the canals although – or there’s a canal cruise with pizza. If you happen to’re searching for a smaller boat, this open boat cruise additionally has the choice of limitless drinks.
Strolling tour of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is splendidly compact so it’s very straightforward to walk round as a household, however a strolling tour is the right technique to convey town’s historical past to life, with guides sharing tales concerning the Golden Age, how the canal homes have been constructed, and quirky little particulars like gable stones (the historic equal of home numbers).
As with the canal excursions, you’ll discover an enormous selection, whether or not you’re searching for a reasonably easy metropolis tour, a non-public household tour, a self-guided stroll, a foot tour, an artwork tour and an entire lot extra.
We swapped the standard guided tour for a Treasure Hunt strolling tour which was an enormous quantity of enjoyable – you choose up a backpack with a locked field inside, and have to unravel 5 puzzles to unlock every padlock and reveal the reply.
With 5 stops on the best way, it is advisable to permit not less than two hours, and we lined about 5 miles so higher for tweens and youths than simply drained toddlers; it takes you to corners of Amsterdam that you simply won’t in any other case go to, and picks out some quirky particulars alongside the best way.
If you happen to want a traditional metropolis introduction, this two-hour cultural highlights tour is appropriate for teenagers, or this barely longer small group guided stroll consists of pancakes for lunch. Need extra meals? This three-hour tour mixes historical past and tastings, with 10 completely different meals stops.
There are some enjoyable themed excursions as nicely similar to this self-guided interactive avenue artwork tour which mixes escape room-style puzzles and an opportunity to take a look at town’s avenue artwork alon the best way.
Journey a motorbike
One of many most secure locations to cycle, half town (perhaps extra!) appears to get round on bikes and there are bike paths all over the place.
In case you are on foot, do be careful for fast-moving bikes as you go; the street markings present the place it’s secure for pedestrians, however examine and examine once more earlier than you cross.
It’s straightforward to rent bikes to discover should you want to go at your personal tempo, together with children’ bikes obtainable to lease. If you happen to’re in Amsterdam with children who can’t experience, take into account renting a bakfiets – a motorbike with little trailer on the entrance – is an effective way to discover, though don’t neglect to lock them up should you do cease.
The comparatively flat metropolis streets and parks are perfect for biking with children who could also be a bit much less assured in cities too.
You’ll additionally discover loads of selection should you want a biking tour, similar to this relaxed metropolis highlights bike tour and a three-hour tour of Amsterdam’s hidden gems. For one thing shorter, this 90-minute highlights tour is appropriate for age 12+.
The Royal Palace
Constructed as a city corridor, or stadhuis, through the Dutch Golden Age, the constructing later grew to become the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) and it’s nonetheless used for state events right this moment.
And whether or not you’re a royalist or not, it’s a formidable sight, with marble flooring, ornate chandeliers and spectacular work.
There’s a youngsters’s audio tour to assist convey the palace to life, sharing tales of its lengthy historical past, plus a enjoyable path recognizing animals within the numerous room. Even youthful children are going to be impressed by the huge, echoing Citizen’s Corridor with its inlaid marble ground maps of the world – the biggest maps on this planet.
It’s also possible to get a peek on the former throne room and the lavish rooms which have hosted monarchs, heads of state and statesmen over the centuries, in addition to studying the constructing’s historical past earlier than it grew to become a palace, when the Republic managed its affairs and held trials right here. There are even hyperlinks to Rembrandt, who appeared right here when he went bankrupt.
It’s proper within the coronary heart of Amsterdam on Dam Sq., so it’s straightforward to slot in as you’re exploring. You may get tickets to the Royal Palace with free cancellation, and the audioguide is included in entry. There are additionally some guided excursions should you want.
Do examine opening hours earlier than you go, because it does generally shut for royal receptions.
If you happen to want a little bit of bribery to encourage your children inside, you’re solely a brief stroll from the Lego retailer, in addition to different household sights together with Madame Tussauds and the Amsterdam Dungeon
The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is definitely one of the spectacular artwork museums on this planet, dwelling to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and different Dutch masters. However should you’re pondering that additionally equals ‘not child-friendly’, you’d be incorrect.
There are a string of the way for households to discover this treasure trove of artwork and historical past, making it top-of-the-line museums in Amsterdam with children, together with free entry for under-18s.
The best choice is the one-hour household quest to play on particular units (aimed toward age 7-12), though you may strive the Snap information (aimed toward teenagers) to choose who leads you round, plus household guided excursions at weekends.
Take a look at our evaluation of visiting the Rijksmuseum with children, together with the Household Quest recreation
Or take a look at the varied self-guided excursions on the app, which even helps you to make your personal tour, so you may create your private scavenger hunt from a number of the museum’s highlights, difficult children to seek for particular work, objects and particulars as you go.
You’ll additionally discover all the things from dressing-up to free workshops, plus collections that includes dolls’ homes, mannequin ships, clothes, china, weapons and extra trendy items in addition to the classics like The Evening Watch.
We spent round two and a half hours right here, which felt manageable. With 8,000 treasures packed into the constructing, you shouldn’t even take into account making an attempt to see all the things!
Purchase tickets with free cancellation to the Rijksmuseum, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
The Van Gogh Museum
One other of the world-class museums in Amsterdam for artwork lovers, we first visited the Van Gogh museum when my daughter was a toddler and it’s one other nice choice in Amsterdam with children.
Housing the world’s largest assortment of works by Vincent van Gogh, together with the well-known Sunflowers, the colourful colors and daring fashion are normally successful with youthful guests – how about evaluating your personal bed room to Vincent’s depiction of his personal in The Bed room.
The museum has a lot extra family-friendly choices too, from a treasure hunt to a prime 10 guidelines, in addition to some workshops and even downloadable colouring pages in your children to create their very own tackle a number of the artist’s masterpieces. Or the audio information is nice for older children and youths.
The web site is a little bit of a treasure trove itself, with movies aimed toward completely different ages concerning the artist, plus a Van Gogh board recreation! If you happen to’re forking out, you may even get a non-public family-friendly tour of the Van Gogh Museum. Or choose up one of many skip-the-line tickets and go at your personal tempo.
Tickets should be booked on-line upfront, for particular dates and time slots, and so they do promote out so it’s a good suggestion to e-book early. Not included within the I Amsterdam card.
There’s even an immersive Van Gogh and Rembrandt expertise, with under-fives going free if you wish to convey the artwork to life in Amsterdam
The Rembrandthuis
The Rembrandthuis, or Rembrandt Home Museum, is the place the well-known Dutch grasp lived and labored from 1639 to 1658, restored to look as it might whereas the artist lived there.
So in contrast to different galleries the place there’s a variety of artwork on partitions, you can even see Seventeenth century furnishings, a number of the bizarre objects he utilized in his work, plus his personal artwork assortment. The home itself is fascinating, with slim staircases, little rooms and all types of atmospheric particulars.
Alongside the best way, you may uncover extra about Rembrandt’s private life, together with his fall from wealth and recognition to being pressured to promote the home and its contents – with paperwork from the time which have allowed the museum to recreate it completely.
It’s all much more private than your common museum. Even the youngsters’s multimedia tour is led by Rembrandt’s canine Kwast, to level out a number of the secrets and techniques of the home – aimed toward age 6+. Entry is free for under-sixes too,
Plus there are many probabilities for teenagers to get fingers on, with free demonstrations of portray and etching, together with an opportunity to find how Rembrandt made his paint, utilizing all the things from poisonous lead and shiny crimson stay to grease and pig’s bladders. At some occasions, you may even combine your personal paint (no poisonous elements for this!)
Purchase tickets with free cancellation right here, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
H’Artwork Amsterdam
Much less well-known than a few of Amsterdam’s different massive hitters, H’Artwork Museum (previously referred to as the Hermitage Amsterdam) is about in an exquisite Seventeenth century constructing on the banks of the Amstel.
The exhibitions are continuously altering, with artworks on mortgage from collections world wide, so whether or not you resolve to go relies upon partly on what’s on on the time.
One current exhibition targeted on Dutch masters similar to Rembrandt and Vermeer, one other featured Kandinsky, whereas others are much less more likely to attraction to youthful children. Most exhibitions embrace a free treasure hunt although, whereas there are some household workshops – plus it’s free for beneath 18s.
You’ll additionally discover extra exhibitions on show on the Museum of the Thoughts which is beneath the identical roof. For instance, Animal Remedy, one of many exhibitions going down throughout our most up-to-date go to to Amsterdam, checked out animal muses and what position animals play in human wellbeing, together with some iconic cat posters.
Purchase tickets with free cancellation (H’Artwork Museum solely), or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
Moco Museum
If Outdated Masters don’t tempt your children, there’s some very enjoyable and thought-provoking modern artwork to find in Amsterdam with children as nicely.
Moco Amsterdam was the primary of the three Moco Museums to open – take a look at what we considered a go to to Moco Museum London – and is options a mixture of trendy and modern artwork, with everybody from Banksy, Warhol, Haring, Basquiat, Kusama and Hirst to immersive digital installations.
Not like extra conventional galleries, it’s vibrant, vibrant and designed to get everybody questioning, in addition to some selfie-friendly installations to attraction to tweens and youths.
It’s set on Museumplein, a stone’s throw from the Van Gogh Museum in case you’re having an art-filled day, in addition to the Stedelijk Museum of Trendy and Up to date artwork, which has its circle of relatives actions.
Guide tickets with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
Banksy Museum
In case your children loved the Banksy works at Moco – or are already agency followers of the road artists – you shouldn’t miss the Banksy Museum.
Dwelling to greater than 160 works, the gathering features a string of life-size reconstructions of his well-known murals – and every art work is rigorously positioned in a setting designed to convey to life the unique streets the place they have been created.
There’s details about the inspiration behind the works too, so it’s nice for teenagers who’ll have an interest within the social commentary in addition to seeing a number of the most well-known items reproduced.
It’s not enormous, so permit round an hour to discover – the Westerpark can also be on the doorstep for burning off some power afterwards.
STRAAT: Avenue Artwork Museum
Avenue artwork followers aren’t restricted to Banksy should you’re visiting Amsterdam with children. STRAAT Avenue Artwork Museum is housed in a former warehouse in Amsterdam Noord, with works by greater than 170 artists.
The most important avenue artwork assortment on this planet, it options 180 objects, work, sculptures, and a few very massive installations – suppose enormous murals masking total partitions. There’s a lot that’s interactive, together with installations you may stroll by means of.
With a mixture of established avenue artists and up -and-coming expertise, there are additionally short-term exhibitions and an opportunity to be taught extra concerning the completely different kinds and strategies concerned. Look out for the artists-in-residence, for the chance to see avenue artists at work too.
To achieve STRAAT, take the free ferry from behind Central Station to Amsterdam Noord, which is a bonus journey in itself and takes just some minutes to cross the water. If you happen to’re visiting in winter, it’s value understanding the warehouse constructing can get chilly.
Purchase tickets with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
Wondr Expertise
Who says children are the one ones who get to play? The Wondr Expertise is definitely one of the enjoyable issues to do in Amsterdam with children AND adults, with all the things from Europe’s largest ball pit to a pool stuffed with marshmallows.
Add in confetti showers, a magical kaleidoscope, a thousand disco balls and fluffy karaoke cubicles, and it’s all designed to maintain everybody within the household grinning. There’s even a sea of teddy bears (depend me in!)
As a bonus, the SpongeBob Particular themed zone means you can even go to Bikini Backside, a assured hit with youthful children who love the cartoon as you get to discover the world’s most well-known underwater metropolis first-hand.
Plus you’ll come away with free digital images utilizing the in-house skilled digital camera system as a incredible memento – arrange in each room, you simply must activate them with a private QR code.
Situated one metro cease from Central Station, or a experience on a the free ferry (plus a brief stroll), it’s straightforward to get to. Morning classes are sometimes quieter for youthful children, and there’s a reduction should you e-book tickets upfront – free for teenagers aged 2 and beneath.
Barbie: The Dream Expertise
In case your children are massive followers of Barbie, you may’t miss a go to to Barbie: The Dream Expertise, solely in Amsterdam – and adults will love reliving a little bit of childhood too.
There’s a lot for all ages, with greater than 2,000 sq. metres of enjoyable together with the prospect to step into life-size recreations of some iconic Barbie moments from throughout six many years – slide down the Dream Home, drive Barbie’s camper van and fly to the moon (just about) alongside the best way.
Simply let your imaginations run wild, and swap the on a regular basis world for the first colors and popping pinks of Barbie’s world.
If you happen to’re searching for a singular memento of your time in Amsterdam, you may get free digital images utilizing the expertise’s skilled high quality cameras within the rooms, or choose up some unique Barbie gadgets from the reward store.
Proper subsequent door to Wondr, it’s straightforward to mix each experiences in at some point, and really straightforward to get to – the expertise is one metro cease from Central Station or a experience on the free ferry from Central, then a brief stroll. Youngsters are welcome in any respect classes earlier than 5pm, and there’s a children’ menu on the Barbie Cafe to get pleasure from as nicely. Free for ages 2 and beneath.
Nationwide Maritime Museum
With the Dutch as soon as within the forefront of exploring the globe, studying extra concerning the seafarers of the Golden Age is ideal in case your children love tales of exploration and journey – nicely, who doesn’t fancy imagining themselves on deck searching for out new worlds?
So, the Nationwide Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) is completely sensible for households. Housed in an exquisite Seventeenth-century naval storehouse, the museum tells the story of the Netherlands’ maritime historical past.
However it’s removed from being a dusty assortment of previous nautical devices – it’s splendidly interactive, particularly the full-scale reproduction of the Dutch East India Firm ship Amsterdam.
With the ability to board this 18th-century ship moored outdoors the museum is definitely a spotlight, letting children discover beneath deck, climb round, and picture life as a sailor, in addition to encouraging guests to take a look at the nation’s colonial previous and its darker chapters.
You’ll discover a lot for all ages, from nautical-inspired trend to an space about Amsterdam’s port heritage plus an part on early maps and the trendy expertise concerned right this moment, but additionally the beautiful Doris the Diver play space aimed age 2+, to not point out an exhibition on whales (for six+).
With a 60-minute junior audio information to observe, and a few interactive enjoyable to find, you may end up doing something from pretending to load cargo, hearth a cannon, recognizing bizarre figureheads, studying about whale ears, smelling spices which as soon as travelled by means of town and an entire lot extra.
Purchase skip-the-line tickets with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
Nemo Science Museum
Amsterdam’s Nemo Science Museum is unmissable should you’re visiting Amsterdam with children, particularly youthful children, giving them limitless probabilities to get fingers on.
Whereas it’s aimed toward youngsters aged six to 16, my daughter had an enormous quantity of enjoyable visiting when she was a toddler too, with an opportunity to make big bubbles, experiment with sound, and uncover interactive reveals on the human physique.
Take a look at my evaluation of our go to on this put up
However that hardly scratches the floor, with reveals to look at, plus areas aimed toward teenagers too contained in the 5 flooring of reveals which cowl all the things from physics and chemistry to biology and expertise.
Save time to move as much as the sloping roof backyard for some incredible views out over Amsterdam. In summer time it turns into a seashore with an space to paddle (convey a towel and spare garments!) too.
Purchase a skip-the-line ticket, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
Wereldmuseum (World Museum)
The Wereldmuseum (or Museum of World Cultures) is targeted on individuals from across the globe, with collections from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas, and the Islamic world.
With an entire number of objects, artworks, and cultural artefacts from across the globe, it’s a incredible introduction into alternative ways of life, beliefs, and traditions for teenagers (and adults!)
The interactive Junior exhibition Raad van de Raaf is likely one of the finest bits for households, with youngsters inspired to the touch in addition to look, and even check out a number of the gadgets on show.
However you can even use ‘Boxie’ to discover the museum, a set of 10 playing cards which can be obtainable to borrow freed from cost from the museum store. Every encompasses a particular object from one of many exhibitions, with a narrative and job to debate or perform collectively – the right mini treasure to encourage children to get extra concerned.
By the way, should you’re questioning what occurred to Amsterdam’s Tropenmuseum, it mixed with two different Dutch museums to turn into the Wereldmuseum, with branches in Rotterdam and Leiden as nicely.
Anne Frank Home
For a lot of, studying the Diary of Anne Frank is the primary introduction to the horrors of the Holocaust, the story of a teenage woman pressured to enter hiding along with her household for 2 years to flee the Nazis within the German-occupied Netherlands, till being betrayed, and despatched to Bergen Belsen focus camp the place she died.
And should you’re visiting Amsterdam with teenagers, you shouldn’t miss the Anne Frank Home, set in a constructing which comprises the Secret Annex the place Anne, her household and others stayed hidden for thus lengthy.
The museum tells the story of the eight individuals who hid right here, together with Anne, by means of images, movies and quotes, with some unique gadgets – together with her precise diary – on show. Otto Frank, Anne’s father, was the one one to return after the battle, and the Annex itself stays empty at his request.
The minimal age to go to is 10, so it’s as much as dad and mom to resolve whether or not your youngsters are prepared to go to the museum, which does embrace some disturbing pictures and movies, and it’s not unusual for adults to be diminished to tears at occasions.
However don’t draw back from a go to both; the audio information is narrated by Anne which makes it very accessible for tweens and youths, plus there are many alternatives for essential conversations as you go. The museum additionally recommends that you simply concentrate on a number of the positives, similar to those that helped the Frank household and others. There are additionally exhibitions on Jewish life in Amsterdam.
Tickets go on sale six weeks upfront, at 10am Central European Time (GMT+1) on Tuesdays, for particular timed slots. These do promote out, and in case you have a selected time you need, it’s nicely value setting a reminder to snap them up asap. You can not purchase tickets on the day.
If you wish to be taught extra about Jewish historical past in Amsterdam, the Jewish Museum must also make your record, with tickets together with a go to to the Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Museum Junior which is aimed toward youngsters aged 6 to 12. The websites are additionally a brief stroll away from the Nationwide Holocaust Museum and the Dutch WWII Resistance Museum – each advisable just for age 10+.
The Vondelpark
Town’s most well-known park is a beautiful inexperienced oasis, good if you end up visiting in summer time and wish a shady retreat for teenagers to run off a little bit of power (or cool off from town streets).
However because it covers 47 hectares, with a lake and playgrounds, it’s an incredible place to go to year-round, whether or not you merely need to amble alongside the paths or cycle round as a lot as you may.
There are half a dozen separate play areas, together with a incredible playground close to the Groot Melkhuis cafe, with sandpits and swings in addition to climbing frames. Near Museumplein, it’s ultimate for combining with time on the artwork galleries, and there are a number of cafes dotted round – or convey a picnic and sit back as you watch the herons within the pond.
The Vondelpark isn’t your solely choice should you’re searching for inexperienced area in Amsterdam – the Westerpark is one other beautiful giant park with playgrounds and a free petting zoo (Boerderij Westerpark)
Hortus Botanical Gardens
One of many oldest botanical gardens on this planet, the Hortus Botanicus dates again to 1638 when it was based as a herb backyard for town’s medical doctors.
At present, it’s a beautiful peaceable oasis, and whereas the gardens are comparatively compact (a tenth the dimensions of the botanic gardens at Kew, for instance), there’s a lot to find with vegetation from world wide.
The greenhouses are a giant spotlight; the palm home is a steamy escape on a cool day, whereas the local weather home is split into three zones, so you may stroll by means of the jungle, the desert, and the South African panorama inside one constructing.
Two winners should you’re exploring the botanical gardens in Amsterdam with children is the butterfly home (with butterflies year-round) and the carnivorous vegetation, the place all of the vegetation are at youngsters’s eye stage. Its not removed from Artis Zoo, so you may mix the 2 if you wish to lose your self within the pure world all day.
There’s free entry for kids beneath 5, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card.
Artis Royal Zoo
The oldest zoo within the Netherlands – and one of many oldest in Europe, opened in 1838 – Artis Royal Zoo is incredible should you’re visiting Amsterdam with youthful children.
With 900 completely different species of animals and vegetation, there’s a lot to attraction to all ages, with an aquarium, little petting zoo, planetarium and even Micropia, the world’s first museum about microbes. Plus, after all, all the things from giraffes to gorillas, to not point out elephants, lions, lemurs, penguins and extra.
Take a look at my evaluation of our go to to Artis Royal Zoo with a toddler
There are actions and talks all through the day, and you may take a guided tour at weekends, however half the enjoyable is ambling round at your personal tempo watching the animals and trying out a number of the play areas.
It’s nicely value downloading the app, as there’s merely a lot to see, after which you may plan your day round planetarium reveals, or work out what’s close to the place – someway it by no means feels overwhelming to wander round although. The aquarium is at the moment closed for renovations and as a consequence of reopen in spring 2026.
Get skip-the-queue tickets, with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
The KattenKabinet
Amsterdam specialises in some very quirky museums, and should you’ve received a small animal lover within the household, the KattenKabinet – or Cat Museum – is a enjoyable choice.
Devoted to all issues cat, there’s artwork that includes a string of cats, together with works by Picasso, Rembrandt and Toulouse-Lautrec, but additionally numerous different cat-themed objects from posters and drawings to images and sculptures, together with historical Egyptian cat statues.
Better of all, there are a number of real-life cats who stay there – we noticed an enormous fluffy ginger Maine Coon. When you’ve got toddlers who wish to seize, it’s value understanding that they don’t at all times wish to be petted or stroked, so it’s value setting any expectations (and conserving a brief rein on enthusiastic small cat lovers).
The Houseboat Museum
You may’t escape houseboats on the canals in Amsterdam – there are greater than 2,500 of them within the metropolis, many dwelling to households, so the Houseboat Museum is a enjoyable technique to get a glimpse into what life is like should you stay on the water.
The museum itself is about in a houseboat referred to as the Hendrika Maria, a former cargo ship in-built 1914 that was transformed within the Sixties. And should you’re fascinated by cosy narrowboats, that is surprisingly spacious, with lounge, bed room, toilet, and kitchen, all arrange as if the homeowners had solely simply stepped out.
As you discover, you may uncover extra concerning the historical past of houseboats within the metropolis, in addition to simply the way it works, with all the things from electrical energy and water to what occurs to the sewage! It’s fairly compact, really easy to see in half an hour or much less.
Get tickets to the Amsterdam Houseboat Museum with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk (Outdated Church) is Amsterdam’s oldest constructing, consecrated in 1306 – and now one of many metropolis’s latest artwork establishments.
It’s a captivating constructing to look inside should you’re involved in historical past, recognizing the tombstones of rich Amsterdammers on the ground of the medieval church and having fun with the Gothic structure. The artwork exhibitions fluctuate, so it’s at all times value checking what’s on.
Entry is free for kids aged 12 and beneath should you’re planning to cease in briefly. It’s value understanding that the church is true within the coronary heart of the Crimson Mild District, in case you might be planning to keep away from this a part of town with youthful youngsters, though should you go to early, it’s unlikely to be a giant concern.
Get tickets with free cancellation to the Oude Kerk, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
Nieuwe Kerk
One other stunning Gothic Church, the New Church – or Nieuwe Kerk – dates from the fifteenth century, sitting a stroopwafel’s throw from the Royal Palace on the Dam Sq..
It does nonetheless host some royal occasions, similar to coronations, nevertheless it largely used to deal with exhibitions and for concert events reasonably than for spiritual functions any extra.
There are audioguides to assist discover, whereas the exhibitions vary from artwork and images to shows on explicit people and cultures – throughout our go to, there was an exhibition on Jewish Amsterdam, however earlier ones have lined all the things from Indonesian historical past and tradition to the late Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.
Get tickets with free cancellation to the Nieuwe Kerk, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
Our Pricey Lord within the Attic
Amsterdam appears to specialize in quirky little museums, and Our Pricey Lord within the Attic (or Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder) is definitely one of the uncommon and interesting.
Hidden contained in the fantastically preserved Seventeenth-century canal home, the key Catholic church in its attic dates from after the Reformation when Catholics weren’t allowed to worship publicly in Amsterdam. As an alternative, many created these hidden “schuilkerk” (clandestine church buildings) in their very own homes, as freedom of worship was permitted in non-public.
Throughout your go to, you may discover the home and transport your self again to the Seventeenth century, throughout Amsterdam’s Golden Age, together with the primary rooms furnished as they might have been, earlier than climbing to the key church within the attic.
Even children who aren’t normally involved in historical past will love the joys of discovering it, though the museum does an incredible job of explaining issues for youthful guests too. You may even spot real pottery unearthed by archaeologists from a sealed cess pit beneath the home.
Be warned that there are additionally a number of steep, slim stairs in case you are visiting with youthful children, but additionally a beautiful ladybird path and booklet aimed toward youngsters aged 5-10, led by the museum’s ladybird Nan, which additionally lets children will get fingers on at sure factors. There’s additionally an audio tour for age 10-12.
It’s value understanding that you may’t take any meals or drink inside, together with water (though there’s a free cloakroom for baggage) and no stiletto heels are allowed as they could harm the flooring. You’ll want to decide on a time slot for entry as numbers are restricted, so do prebook.
Get tickets with free cancellation to Our Lord within the Attic, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card
A’DAM Lookout
Amsterdam has some nice viewpoints, nevertheless it’s exhausting to beat the A’DAM Lookout statement deck in Amsterdam Noord if you wish to look out throughout the entire metropolis.
With 360-degrees from 100 metres up, you may spot a number of the landmarks from the A’dam tower, gaze in direction of the community of canals and watch boats on the Ij river.
If you would like one thing to get your coronary heart racing greater than a 100m statement deck, you can even e-book Over the Edge, Europe’s highest swing, which swings you out over the sting of the constructing – appropriate for teenagers of 1.2m up (and age 4+).
Or for one thing rather less adrenaline-fuelled, there’s a 30-minute audio information concerning the historical past of Amsterdam, plus a bar the place you may cease for a drink with a view. You’ll find. tickets together with one drink in addition to different choices which embrace meals.
As a bonus, you may arrive by taking the free ferry from behind Central Station over to Amsterdam Noord, which is at all times a enjoyable little journey in itself.
If you happen to do desire a free viewpoint, head to Nemo Science Centre the place you don’t want tickets to move as much as the roof, which is round 22m excessive, so additionally much less daunting for teenagers who don’t get pleasure from heights.
This Is Holland
Want you had longer to discover extra of the Netherlands? This Is Holland is billed as Europe’s longest 5D flight expertise, taking you on a journey by means of the nation and its historical past.
The hour-long expertise begins by telling you extra concerning the historical past and geography of the Netherlands, from how the Dutch reclaimed land from the ocean to the well-known windmills, earlier than whisking you on to the primary occasion.
For the 5D flight, you’re suspended in entrance of an enormous domed display screen, spending 9 minutes hovering over 22 areas throughout the nation, with just a few bonus results together with wind, mist and scent. Which signifies that once you swoop over these iconic tulip fields, you may really scent the flowers.
It’s appropriate for kids aged 4+ and not less than 1m tall (and children aged 5-12 will need to have an grownup sitting subsequent to them). You may take the free ferry over to Amsterdam Noord to achieve the attraction, and it’s an incredible one to mix with the A’DAM Lookout subsequent door to mix the digital world with some actual views.
Purchase tickets with free cancellation for This Is Holland, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam metropolis card , though you do must e-book a timed slot
Physique Worlds Amsterdam
Physique Worlds Amsterdam is a kind of sights that sounds barely alarming on paper — an exhibition of over 200 actual preserved human our bodies — however is, in observe, genuinely fascinating for older children.
Admittedly, it’s a marmite selection; that is one thing you’re both going to be intrigued by or repelled by (and if it’s the latter, there are many different issues to do in Amsterdam with children). However whereas you’ll find Physique Worlds exhibitions in numerous cities across the globe, the Amsterdam exhibition is likely one of the few everlasting areas in Europe.
And the present theme of ‘The Happiness Challenge’ is one which’s more likely to intrigue older tweens and youths, what defines happiness and the way it impacts on our well being.
Unfold throughout seven flooring, the exhibition takes you on a journey by means of the completely different techniques of the human physique, from skeleton and muscle tissues to the reproductive and nervous system, so in case your children are interested in science and biology, it’s unexpectedly unmissable.
Purchase tickets with free cancellation for Physique Worlds Amsterdam, or there’s a reduction on entry in case you have the I Amsterdam metropolis card
Attempt conventional tile portray
From tiles to pottery, that beautiful Delft blue color is immediately recognisable once you see Dutch ceramics – and creating with your personal hand-painted piece at a tile portray workshop makes a beautiful expertise in Amsterdam with children, in addition to an incredible memento.
Though it’s formally appropriate for age 4+, I believe that is one expertise that’s higher for older children. You don’t want an enormous quantity of inventive expertise, as you’ll begin with a stencil earlier than portray excessive and including the shading, however you do want endurance and a gentle hand. There’s a likelihood for some inventive thrives of your personal too.
Lasting 75 minutes, you additionally get a little bit of background concerning the origins of the standard blue and white pottery and tiles, in addition to the way it grew to become so well-liked – plus some mini stroopwafels to get pleasure from as you paint.
Make stroopwafels
What’s higher than consuming stroopwafels in Amsterdam? A workshop the place you may be taught to make these candy caramel-filled treats, and adorn your personal.
Simpler than you may suppose, there are a number of workshops in numerous areas throughout Amsterdam, the place you’ll find yourself with two XL stroopwafels (one to eat, one to take dwelling) on the finish of your 45-minute session – plus some enjoyable historical past about why they have been first created.
We beloved this enjoyable stroopwafel-making class close to the Anne Frank Home, though you can even strive stroopwafel making close to the Albert Cuyp Market.
Take a look at my evaluation of a stroopwafel workshop with children
Eat pancakes
When in Amsterdam, eat pancakes – you’ll find boat cruises with pancakes on the Pannenkoekenboot, strolling excursions with pancakes, and extra locations to eat them than you may shake a frying pan at.
Pancakes Amsterdam has expanded from its unique dwelling within the Negen Straatjes to have 5 areas throughout town, a selection of Dutch or American pancakes, candy and savoury and even gluten-free choices.
Or take a look at The Pancake Bakery on Prinsengracht, which has a incredible vary, together with Indonesian fillings, plus children’ pancakes (and non-pancake choices in case you’re visiting with somebody who’d want an alternate).
Blin Queen has a spread of candy pancakes, plus some less complicated child-friendly choices but additionally some reasonably extra uncommon savoury ones – who fancies caviar?
Maintain an eye fixed out for poffertjes as nicely, pronounced ‘POFF-ur-jis’. Typically referred to as mini Dutch pancakes, they really style just a little extra like doughnuts – strive just a few your self and see what you suppose, both manner they’re scrumptious.
Bored of pancakes? Save a while – and abdomen room – for Winkel 43, well-known for its Dutch apple pie, whereas simply over the street is Bun Bun, the smallest bakery within the Netherlands, which makes use of croissant dough in its buns. Traditional cinnamon is incredible however there are an entire string of different flavours to strive as nicely, together with apple crumble
Tony’s Chocoloney
The founding father of this moral chocolate model is Dutch, so should you’re a fan, don’t miss a go to to the corporate’s HQ in Amsterdam the place you may design your personal bar and choose up some provides on the identical time.
Do count on to must queue to get in to the Tony’s Chocoloney retailer, nevertheless it strikes fairly shortly. It’s value being conscious that manufacturing for the bespoke bars stops a few hours earlier than closing time, so that you’ll have to be within the line in sufficient time to get in, make your picks and submit.
It additionally takes an hour or two for it to be created (you’ll get a notification by way of WhatsApp/electronic mail) so don’t schedule it as the very last thing you do earlier than you allow Amsterdam! You do have a few weeks to gather so it’s straightforward to swing by at a time that fits although (and you may head into the exit to choose up pre-orders and skip the queue).
The one tough half is deciding what to decide on – my daughter’s picks of cinnamon sugar, spiced biscuit and caramel in milk chocolate was a particular winner, whereas I went for espresso nibs and spiced biscuit in darkish chocolate (one other winner should you like espresso, and in addition meant I didn’t must share!)
Go to a market
Whether or not you’re shopping or shopping for, Amsterdam’s markets are nice to wander round with children – do convey money, as not all stalls will settle for playing cards.
Essentially the most well-known is the Albert Cuyp Market, the biggest every day market within the Netherlands, which stretches alongside Albert Cuypstraat within the De Pijp neighbourhood, promoting all the things from recent stroopwafels (yum!) and Dutch cheese to clothes, flowers, and family items.
Or the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) is one other iconic Amsterdam market – it’s the world’s solely floating flower market, although today the stalls are on everlasting barges reasonably than boats. Set on the Singel canal between Koningsplein and Muntplein, you’ll discover as many souvenirs as flowers today – go early as it will probably get busy.
For one thing barely completely different, strive the Waterlooplein Flea Market, the place you may rummage by means of classic clothes, antiques, books, and all types of curiosities to tempt older youngsters and youngsters.
Spot Amsterdam’s narrowest home
Amsterdam is legendary for its tall skinny homes, and there’s a very good motive why you’ll discover so many of those slim buildings alongside the canals – taxes.
At one level, tax was charged relying on how extensive the frontage was, so most thrifty Amsterdam retailers constructed up and again. Various homes widen as they return, like a wedge (though I nonetheless don’t fairly perceive how that works in observe – good job I’m not an architect!).
If you happen to had cash to burn or a repute to make, having a large home shouted to the world that you simply have been rich, and the Trippenhuis on Kloveniersburgwal is Amsterdam’s widest, measuring over 22 metres. Not removed from the Rembrandt Home, it was in-built 1660 for brothers Lodewijk and Hendrick Journey, who’d turn into wealthy buying and selling in steel and weapons – and sits reverse one of many metropolis’s narrowest.
The story goes that the Journeys’ coachman mentioned he’d be proud of a home as extensive as his masters’ entrance door – and that’s exactly what he received with the Kleine Trippenhuis, whose gable is simply 2.44m extensive.
If you happen to’re searching for one thing even narrower, head two minutes away to the Oude Hoogstraat the place the home at quantity 22 is the narrowest in Europe, solely 2.02 metres extensive (and 5m deep). Or the home at Singel 7 has the world’s narrowest facade; really the again of the home, whereas its close to neighbour at Singel 166 can also be a lot thinner on the road facet, widening to 5m in the back of the home.
The right way to get round Amsterdam with children
You’ll end up doing a variety of strolling when you’re in Amsterdam – town centre is fantastically walkable and should you keep someplace comparatively central, you’re not often too removed from any of the sights. Do be careful for bikes although!
However there’s additionally an incredible tram community, plus buses, together with routes by means of town centre and to sights like Nemo Science Centre and the Maritime Museum.
Youngsters journey free beneath the age of 4, whereas you may get diminished youngster fares from age 4-11. Youngsters aged 12+ pay the total grownup fare.
There are a string of various methods you may pay for tickets as nicely. One of the best ways for adults to pay for infrequent journeys on public transport is by contactless cost; simply faucet your card or cellphone as you board and as you exit and it calculates the fare routinely. This at all times appeared to work out cheaper for us than a single hour ticket.
If you happen to’re more likely to be making extra journeys, it’s value wanting on the GVB app to purchase multi-day tickets – a 5 day ticket prices 34 Euros (the equal of 10 one-hour tickets at 3.40 Euros), whereas you can even get tickets for 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h. It’s also possible to purchase single tickets, though I’d use contactless as a substitute to get the decrease fee and since it’s much less fiddly tapping a card than lining up the QR code.
GVB additionally has youngster tickets which price 5 Euros for at some point, however you may’t purchase these by way of the app and must go to a GVB Service and Ticket location. Once more, until you’re making a number of journeys, you may discover it really works out cheaper – and fewer problem – merely to faucet with contactless.
Lastly, in case you have an I Amsterdam card, that additionally consists of public transport – you scan the QR code on boarding and exiting. Be certain it does flash inexperienced, in any other case it hasn’t registered correctly: generally it is advisable to jiggle it a bit earlier than it really works.
Take a look at my put up on whether or not the I Amsterdam card is value it – I did purchase a 72h card throughout this journey, though not for my daughter
No matter methodology you utilize, should you don’t validate your ticket by scanning, or by tapping a card, you might be responsible for a effective, and plain garments inspectors do journey the community.
It’s value understanding that trains from Schipol airport aren’t lined by the I Amsterdam card. It’s also possible to use contactless cost for this, or use the NS app which helps you to purchase tickets for particular journeys to scan – very straightforward to make use of, and useful to get a number of tickets for the household in a single go.
If you happen to’re searching for someplace to retailer your luggage earlier than checking in or after you allow your lodging, Stasher and Baggage Hero have a string of safe baggage storage factors across the metropolis – we used Stasher on this journey to go away our baggage whereas we explored the Rijksmuseum
Day journeys from Amsterdam with children
There’s a lot to do in Amsterdam with children that you simply received’t shortly run out of the way to fill your day, however the metropolis additionally makes an incredible base to discover extra of the Netherlands.
The nation is tremendous straightforward to get round by prepare and it’s typically a surprisingly quick distance to a number of the nation’s different cities – it’s simply 23 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal prepare station to Utrecht, the place the Miffy Museum is incredible for youthful children, or just a little over half an hour to achieve the picturesque windmills of Zaanse Schans.
That’s solely the start too. Rotterdam and The Hague are each round an hour away by prepare, and will simply make an a complete vacation by themselves, whereas it’s an analogous distance to Delft for any Vermeer followers.
If you happen to’re visiting in spring, the riot of color within the Keukenhof Gardens is unmissable, with loads of excursions to Keukenhof to strive – do count on it to be busy although.
Or for extra concepts of day journeys from Amsterdam with children, take a look at my prime picks
Disclosure: This put up comprises paid promotion and affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Pictures: canal with bikes/Rijksmuseum fountains/Van Gogh museum/Rembrandthuis/Wereldmuseum/Vondelpark/Hortus Botanicus/Oude Kerk/Nieuwe Kerk/A’dam Lookout/tulip fields/poffertjes/Bloemenmarkt/Trippenhuise/Singel home/tram/Zaanse Schans courtesy of Depositphotos; royal palace with tulips courtesy Adobe Inventory; STRAAT copyright Ernst Wagensveld; Wondr/Spongebob/Barbie Dream Expertise courtesy of the attraction; different pictures copyright MummyTravels
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