Things to do in Amsterdam with Children
Whether you are traveling with young children or nearly grownups, in the city of Amsterdam you will find activities that are fun, crazy, exciting and fascinating.
Museums
There are few amsterdam museums aimed or suitable for children.
The National Maritime Museum
When you think of the Netherlands, the first thing that may come to mind is dikes. But think about the sea behind the dikes and how much of Dutch prosperity, culture and identity is owed to the people who saw the opportunities the sea gives us and sailed out to seize these opportunities. Het Scheepvaartmuseum, The National Maritime Museum, tells their stories.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the museum of the Netherlands. They are greeted by a stunning building, amazing interior design, wonderful exhibitions, lively events, and many fine amenities for young and old. Families can foloow the multimedia tour: an exciting group game inviting you to solve eight fascinating Rijksmuseum mysteries. It takes about 1 hour and if you succeed, there's another surprise waiting at the end of the tour.
Science Centre Nemo
At NEMO, every visitor can experience science for themselves. By getting to grips with our interactive exhibits, you can discover all kinds of things. For example, how bridges work, how lightning occurs and why you sometimes see things that aren't there. There are also workshops, films and demonstrations to make your day at NEMO complete.
The Amsterdam Dungeon
The Amsterdam Dungeons is an 80 minute journey into 500 years of Amsterdam's horrible history. You will laugh and scream as you encounter live actor shows (available in both English and Dutch), gripping storytelling, and state of the art special effects. The Amsterdam Dungeon will ensure you'll have a scarily funny time.
Tropenmuseum Junior
In Tropenmuseum Junior children can experience that it is worthwhile and fun to encounter the unknown with curiosity and open mind. One of the touchstones upon which Tropenmuseum Junior was first founded still remains of vital importance, namely that children ought to be taken seriously. And what better way to take them seriously than by building their own museum?
Amsterdam Museum
Families with children can go on an exciting adventure at the Amsterdam Museum. In its special children's display "Het Kleine Weeshuis" - The Little Orphanage, the museum offers children and their parents an insight into what life must have been like in the 17th century orphanage.
Visit a park
Amsterdam has many very nice parks to offer. The lively Vondelpark is very suitable for children. You can have a drink and eat a "tosti" at cafe Vertigo, visit the charming small tea house "Blauwe Theehuis" and the play yard "Groot Melkhuis". Don't forget to take a stroll though the rose garden with more than 70 types of roses. More places on our Amsterdam parks webpage.
Artis Royal Zoo
Come and stroll in nature's oasis in the midst of the bustling city. See more than 200 species of trees and more than 900 species of animals. Admire the gardens with their flowering bulbs in spring and study their rich vegetation in summer and autumn.
Hortus Botanicus
The Hortus presents the Superplants for children of all ages. On the Superplants map you will find 15 record keepers in the world of plants. And, of course, the locations in the Hortus where they can be found.
Rent a bike
Ride like the locals and rent a bike. It's the most common way of transportation in Amsterdam. And perfectly safe to do. You can widen your view by riding on the Amsterdam canals or ride in one of the many parks. There are many bike rental shops all over town. But don't forget to lock your bike, otherwise you will be walking home.
Rent a boat
When the sun is shining boat lovers tend to get their boats out and sail the Amsterdam canals. With some good food and drinks on board you will have a very relaxed afternoon. Get off board and on shore once in a while to visit a local attraction. Rent your own boat or join a canal cruise and learn about the background and history of the Amsterdam canals.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is interactive nowadays. Here you can actually do what the stars do. What would you say to having a kick about with the world famous football player Ronaldinho, or perhaps doing some abdominal training with David Beckham? Or maybe you would find it much more exciting to pose with Justin Timberlake, Madonnna, super star Lady Gaga or perhaps with the teen sensation Justin Bieber?
Tun Fun indoor playground for kids
An indoor playground for small children age 1 to 12, offers plenty of opportunities to climb, jump, run, crawl. Special structures ware built to climb as well as different slides, ball pools, trampolines, soft inflatable obstacles, indoor football field and other attractions safe for kids. Location: Mr. Visserplein 7
Carrying children equipment
Traveling with small children often requires packing extra luggage and carrying bulky items. Which is an inconvenience on its own. But with increasing luggage restrictions on flights it can become even bigger problem. When visiting Amsterdam you can rent all you need at Travel Baby Amsterdam. So you don't have to bring it with you.
Shopping in the 9 Straatjes
When you prefer small, original and exclusive boutiques, you will find them in the famous Jordaan district. The so called 9 little streets or in Dutch "9 Straatjes" is a charming district in Amsterdam city centre. In addition to shops you will also find plenty of terraces, restaurants and cafes so you can energize while shopping. More info on our 9 Streets shopping district webpage.