9 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Amsterdam

A boat trip around the Amsterdam Canal Ring is a must-do on any Amsterdam-with-kids itinerary. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, there’s something magical about exploring the city’s sights by water—especially when it means you don’t have to worry about tired legs or getting lost in the crowds. Sit back and cruise past landmarks such as the 17th-century Westerkerk, Skinny Bridge, and the Damrak.

But if a canal cruise alone doesn’t sound quite fun enough, you can also check out the Pancake Boat. One of the best places to take a family-friendly tour in Amsterdam, this memorable experience combines cruising and sightseeing with Dutch pancake–making (and eating). Then there's the famed Cat Boat, a floating houseboat turned charity haven for stray cats.

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Offering some of the best educational activities for children in Amsterdam, the NEMO science musuem is as interesting outside as it is within, especially in summer, when the splash park is open. Visiting the museum’s rooftop, which includes a café and views over the city, is just the beginning (or the end) of the fun, though; admission to NEMO, where cutting-edge science and tech are brought together in entertaining and innovative ways, takes learning to the next level.

Insider tip: The interactive fun in Amsterdam needn't stop here, though. If you have older kids (12+), pay a visit to the Straat Museum, where they can join the graffiti workshop, learn the basics, and try it out for themselves.

One of the oldest zoos in the world, Amsterdam’s ARTIS Zoo has been enthralling children and adults alike since it first opened in 1838. Up there with the best kid-friendly things to do in Amsterdam, the zoo sits side-by-side with the ARTIS–Groote Museum and Micropia, an interactive science museum dedicated entirely to microbes. Admission to the zoo includes weekend tours and talks about conservation and caring for its 300 species of animals, plus entry to the planetarium, where you can travel through space and learn about Earth from afar.

Housed in a 17th-century naval supply building that appears to be rising out of the River IJ, the National Maritime Museum may look a little serious, but behind its stern facade lies one of the best interactive museums for children in Amsterdam. Great for history and ocean lovers alike, the museum highlights include a life-size replica of the 18th-century VOC (Dutch East Indies) ship, Amsterdam. Kids—and adults—are free to roam the ship, including exploring the captain’s quarters, lying in sailors’ hammocks, and even firing a cannon.

Visiting the Van Gogh Museum is up there with any must-do family activities in Amsterdam. While the adults admire Sunflowers or Starry Night, there are audio guides, checklists, and treasure hunts for younger visitors (complete with prizes), and even open studio drawing sessions for anyone who feels inspired after their visit.

As the museum is very popular, consider prebooking reserved entry tickets (key if you want to avoid disappointment and save the stress of waiting in line), or opt for a small-group tour or a private tour.

Insider tip: Alternatively, you can head to the Rembrandt House Museum instead, for an amazing introduction to Amsterdam's other most famous artist, as well as the benefit of a robust children's activities center with free paint and etch demonstrations.

Towering over the city, the A’dam Lookout not only offers some of the best views in Amsterdam, but it also features one of Europe’s highest swings and a VR rollercoaster ride through the streets of Amsterdam. Although the swing isn’t suitable for young children, the elevator—which takes 20 seconds to rise 22 floors—offers a light show, and the views from both inside and outside more than make up for any disappointment. There’s also a free audio tour, plus rooftop restaurants and bars for weary kids and adults alike. Save time, money (and arguments) by prebooking your admission ticket.

Related: 10 of the Best Views in Amsterdam and Where To Find Them

Amsterdam’s parks are as much a part of its culture as its canals—especially when the sun shines. While the list of contenders for best parks for families in Amsterdam is long, Amstelpark’s Amsteltrein, petting zoo, playground, and minigolf make it especially appealing for those with young kids. Vondelpark is another great option, along with Flevopark and the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest), which has swimming ponds, a goat farm, and pedalboats.

Did you know?: The 17th-century Hortus Botanicus is home to more than 6,000 different species of plants, including a 2,000-year-old agave and a 150-year-old waterlily named Victoria.

In years gone by—and occasionally still, depending on the weather—Amsterdam’s canals would freeze during winter. As soon as the ice got thick enough to skate, they were transformed into open-air rinks complete with market stalls offering gluhwein (mulled wine) and hot chocolate.

While the weather is a little less predictable these days, this yearly tradition has continued, with ice rinks and market stalls popping up in front of the Rijksmuseum and in Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein) every winter. The best bit? When you’re done skating—or watching—you can reward everyone with some tasty Dutch treats, such as stroopwafels, oliebollen (doughnut balls, only available during the narrow window of the Amsterdam winter season), and poffertjes (mini pancakes).

There are plenty of adventures for kids in Amsterdam, but even more can be found within day-tripping distance of the city. While you can always hop on a train from Amsterdam Central Station, booking a day trip makes escaping the city even easier.

Depending on your preference, opt for a cycling and kayaking tour through the countryside, take a trip out to the Keukenhof Gardens, famed for their springtime tulips; visit the wooden windmills of Zaanse Schans; or explore Volendam to experience traditional Dutch history and culture. However, kids are bound to love Muiden Castle, a real castle surrounded by a moat, where they can watch bird-of-prey demonstrations and dress up in armor to battle it out with their siblings.

Insider tip: If you fancy something more fantastical, there’s always Efteling, one of the oldest theme parks in the world, renowned for its impressive shows and rides.