Is Amsterdam worth visiting with kids? In our experience: yes, but maybe not in the way you expect. Because while Amsterdam is often seen as busy and expensive, it actually works surprisingly well with children—especially if you plan your days in a relaxed way. The city is safe, compact and easy to navigate, which makes traveling with kids much less stressful than in many other large European cities.
In our experience, Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to explore with children, mainly because everything is relatively close together. You don’t need to spend hours traveling from one attraction to another, and there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks in parks, playgrounds or cafés.
From exploring canals and visiting world-class museums to enjoying parks, playgrounds and unique attractions, there is something for every family. Whether you are traveling with toddlers, younger kids or teenagers, Amsterdam offers a great mix of culture and fun.
In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids, practical tips for getting around, safety advice and ideas to help you plan an unforgettable family trip. All examples and tips in this guide are based on traveling as a family with young children (roughly ages 2–10).
Why Visit Amsterdam with Kids
Amsterdam may be famous for its canals and historic buildings, but it’s also an incredibly welcoming city for families. One of the biggest advantages is that the city is so compact and walkable. Many of the main attractions are located close together, which makes it easy to explore without long travel times.
The city also offers a wide variety of kid-friendly activities. From interactive museums to parks and boat rides, children are rarely bored here. Even just walking through the streets can be interesting for kids, with canals, bridges, bikes and boats everywhere.
Another big plus is the biking culture. While biking in Amsterdam can be a fun and very Dutch experience, it can also feel busy and overwhelming if you’re not used to it. We personally recommend only renting bikes if you feel confident cycling in busy areas, especially with kids. Otherwise, walking and public transport are excellent alternatives.
How Many Days in Amsterdam with Kids?
Most families spend two to three days in Amsterdam with kids, which is usually enough time to see the main highlights without rushing.
If you only have one day, you can still see some of the most famous sights, but it might feel rather busy. With two days, you can explore at a more relaxed pace and include a mix of museums, outdoor time and fun activities. If you have three days, you can add extra experiences like the zoo or a second museum visit.
We recommend spending at least two days in Amsterdam to really enjoy the city and not feel rushed.
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids
Amsterdam offers a great variety of activities for families. Below are some of the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids.
Visit the NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is one of the absolute highlights for families visiting Amsterdam. This large, ship-shaped building is filled with interactive exhibits that allow kids to experiment with science, technology and engineering.
Children can learn about electricity, water, chemistry and construction through hands-on activities. One of the best things about NEMO is that kids are encouraged to touch, try and explore everything. It’s not a museum where they have to be quiet — it’s designed for learning through play.
At the top of the building, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with great views over the city and a water play area, which is especially fun on warmer days.
In our experience, this is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam with kids, especially in case of rainy weather. It does get busy, especially on rainy days, so going early in the morning makes a big difference.
Take a Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to explore Amsterdam with kids. From the water, you get a completely different perspective of the city.
Kids often enjoy spotting bridges, houseboats and the narrow canal houses that Amsterdam is famous for. Many tours offer audio guides, and some are specifically designed for families. There are plenty of canal cruises and they start at many different locations throughout the city center.
We highly recommend doing a canal cruise early in your trip. It helps both parents and kids get a better understanding of the city layout and it’s also a great way to rest after walking. Not every canal cruise is equally suitable for kids. Shorter tours (around 60 minutes) usually work best, especially with younger children.
Visit the Anne Frank House (for older kids)
The Anne Frank House is one of the most important historical sites in Amsterdam. While it may not be suitable for very young children, it can be a meaningful and educational experience for older kids and teenagers.
It’s a good idea to prepare your children in advance by explaining the story or reading The Diary of Anne Frank together. This helps them better understand what they will see. That said, it can be quite intense, so it really depends on your child’s age and interest.
Tickets must be booked in advance and often sell out quickly, so planning ahead is essential. Tickets can be purchased six weeks in advance.
Experience THIS IS HOLLAND
One of the most unique attractions in Amsterdam is THIS IS HOLLAND, a flight simulation experience where you “fly” over the Netherlands.
During the experience, you are lifted into the air in front of a large screen and feel like you are flying over windmills, canals, tulip fields and landscapes.
Kids usually love this attraction because it feels like a combination of a ride and a movie. In our opinion, it’s one of the most fun and memorable activities in Amsterdam with kids and this works best with kids from around 5-6 years and older.
Visit the Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum might not seem like an obvious choice for kids, but it can still be a great experience, especially for slightly older children.
The museum tells the story of Vincent van Gogh’s life in a very visual and engaging way. Some children enjoy learning about his life and seeing his famous paintings.
For younger kids, this is usually not the highlight of the day, so we would only include it if you already plan to visit yourself.
Explore Vondelpark
If your kids need a break from sightseeing, Vondelpark is the perfect place to relax. This large city park has plenty of open space, playgrounds and walking paths.
It’s a great place for a picnic or simply letting kids run around freely. Especially after visiting museums, it’s nice to have some downtime.
We always recommend adding a visit to Vondelpark into your itinerary, even if it’s just for an hour. Especially after a museum visit, this is often the moment where kids really need a break.
Take the Free Ferry (Pont)
One of the simplest but most fun activities for kids is taking the free ferry behind Amsterdam Central Station. This ferry crosses the IJ river and is used by locals every day, but for kids it feels like a small adventure. It’s one of those small things that feels like an attraction for kids, even though it’s just daily transport.
The ride is short but enjoyable, and the best part is that it’s completely free.
On the other side of the river, you’ll find modern parts of the city and attractions like THIS IS HOLLAND. We recommend combining the ferry ride with a visit there.
Visit ARTIS Zoo
ARTIS Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and a great place to visit with kids. The zoo features a wide variety of animals, beautiful gardens and even a planetarium.
It’s a nice option if you want a slower-paced day where kids can walk, explore and enjoy nature.
We recommend visiting the zoo if you’re staying in Amsterdam for more than two days. It’s a great option, but it’s also a more expensive and longer activity, so it works best if you don’t plan too much else on the same day. Tickets can be purchased in the zoo, but you can also do it only in advance in order to prevent waiting lines.
More Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids
Besides the main attractions, there are many smaller activities in Amsterdam that are great for families and can make your trip even more enjoyable.
One fun option is visiting A’DAM Lookout, located across the river from Amsterdam Central Station. You can get there by taking the free ferry. This observation deck offers panoramic views over the city. For older kids, there is even a swing on top of the building, which is an exciting experience.
Another great activity is exploring one of Amsterdam’s many local markets, such as the Albert Cuyp Market. Here, kids can try Dutch snacks like stroopwafels and fresh fries while walking through a lively local area. This is one of the easiest places to try local snacks without committing to a full meal.
You can also consider renting a pedal boat in the canals. This is a fun and active way to explore the city, especially with older children who enjoy being on the water.
In our experience, mixing these smaller activities into your itinerary makes your trip feel more relaxed and less rushed.
Would you like to get more inspiration for day trips from Amsterdam? Read our Best day trips from Amsterdam with kids!
Best Museums in Amsterdam for Kids
Amsterdam is known for its museums, but not all of them are equally suitable for children. Fortunately, there are several museums that work really well for families.
The NEMO Science Museum is without a doubt the most interactive and child-friendly option.
The Van Gogh Museum is a good choice for older children who enjoy art and storytelling.
Another interesting option is the Maritime Museum, where kids can learn about Dutch naval history and explore a replica of an old ship. This museum is often a hit with children who like boats and adventure.
For younger kids, it’s usually best to limit museum visits to one per day and combine them with outdoor activities.
Best Day Trips from Amsterdam with Kids
If you have more time, there are several great day trips you can take from Amsterdam with kids.
One of the most popular options is Zaanse Schans, where you can see traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses and workshops. Kids usually enjoy watching how clogs are made and tasting Dutch cheese.
Another great destination is Volendam, a traditional fishing village with a charming harbor. It’s a fun place to walk around, try local food and take photos.
For families who enjoy being in nature, Giethoorn is a unique village where you can explore canals by boat. Kids often love steering the boat themselves.
These day trips are easy to reach and can add a lot of variety to your trip.
Best Playgrounds in Amsterdam for Kids
Amsterdam has many great playgrounds where kids can burn off some energy after sightseeing. This can make a big difference during your trip, especially after visiting museums. Adding a playground stop often makes the rest of the day run much smoother.
One of the most popular playgrounds is located in Vondelpark. Here, children can climb, slide and play while parents relax nearby. It’s a perfect stop between activities.
Another great option is TunFun Indoor Playground near Waterlooplein. This indoor playground is ideal for rainy days and offers plenty of space for younger children to play.
In our experience, adding playground time to your day helps keep kids happy and makes your trip more relaxed.
Getting Around Amsterdam with Kids
Getting around Amsterdam with kids is easier than you might expect. The city has an excellent public transport system, including trams, buses and metro lines.
Trams are usually the most convenient option in the city center. They run frequently and connect most major attractions.
Walking is also a great option because many places are close together. For families, combining walking with short tram rides works best. One thing to keep in mind is that pavements can be narrow, especially in older parts of the city.
If you plan to use public transport several times a day, it may be worth buying a day pass.
In our experience, kids often enjoy taking trams, and it gives them a chance to rest between activities. Tickets can be purchased on the tram.
Is Amsterdam Safe for Kids?
Amsterdam is generally a very safe city for families. Violent crime is rare, and the city is very well organized.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. The biggest thing to watch out for is bike traffic. Bikes move quickly and often have priority, so it’s important to pay attention when crossing streets. Especially for younger children, bike traffic can feel unpredictable at first.
Busy areas in the city center can also get crowded, so it’s good to keep an eye on your children and belongings. Although getting around on foot is very easy in Amsterdam, keep in mind that it is quite busy in the city center. The narrow streets, which often have to be shared with cars, get crowded easily.
In our experience, safety is not a major concern — just stay aware of your surroundings, especially around bikes.
Biking in Amsterdam with Kids
Biking is a big part of daily life in Amsterdam, and many families consider renting bikes during their visit.
There are bike rental shops all over the city, and some offer bikes with child seats or cargo bikes for families.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that cycling in Amsterdam can be busy. There are many cyclists, and they often move quickly.
In our experience, biking can be a great activity if you are comfortable on a bike and familiar with cycling rules. If not, it’s perfectly fine to stick to walking and public transport. If you are not used to cycling in busy cities, we would honestly skip this.
For a safer experience, consider biking in parks like Vondelpark or quieter neighborhoods.
Amsterdam with Kids in the Rain
Rain is quite common in the Netherlands, so it’s a good idea to have a backup plan.
Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities in Amsterdam that are perfect for families. The NEMO Science Museum, Van Gogh Museum and THIS IS HOLLAND are all great options.
Indoor playgrounds like TunFun are also ideal for younger children.
In our experience, rainy days can actually be a great time to visit museums, especially if you go early in the day before it gets busy.
What to Pack for Amsterdam with Kids
Packing for Amsterdam can be a bit tricky because the weather is unpredictable.
We recommend bringing:
- a light rain jacket
- comfortable walking shoes
- layers of clothing
- a small backpack for day trips
Even in summer, it can rain or get windy, so it’s best to be prepared.
If you are traveling with younger children, bringing snacks and small activities can also make sightseeing easier.
Sample 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary with Kids
If you are short on time, here is a simple two-day itinerary. In practice, you’ll probably adjust this depending on your kids’ energy levels, but you can use this as a guideline.
On the first day, take a canal cruise, visit the NEMO Science Museum and spend some time in Vondelpark.
On the second day, visit the Anne Frank House (for older kids), experience THIS IS HOLLAND and take the free ferry. If you still have time, you can add a visit to the zoo or another museum.
We recommend keeping your schedule flexible so you can adjust based on your kids’ energy levels.
Do you have more time to spend in the Netherlands? Have a look at this 7-10 days Netherlands itinerary with kids.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Kids
Choosing the right area to stay can make a big difference when traveling with kids.
Family-friendly areas include Museumplein, Jordaan and Oud-West. These areas are well located but slightly quieter than the busiest parts of the city. Staying right in the very centre can look convenient, but it is often noisier and busier than expected.
In our experience, staying just outside the very busy center makes your trip a lot more relaxed.
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam with Kids
Amsterdam can be visited year-round, but each season offers something different.
Spring is great for tulips and mild weather. Summer offers the best weather and lots of outdoor activities. Autumn is quieter and more relaxed. Winter is colder but has a cozy atmosphere.
Our favorite time to visit is late spring, when the weather is pleasant and the city feels lively.
Final Tips for Visiting Amsterdam with Kids
Before your trip, it’s helpful to keep a few practical tips in mind. Book popular attractions in advance, especially during busy periods. Bring a light rain jacket, as the weather can change quickly.
Plan a mix of activities and downtime, and don’t try to do too much in one day. It’s better to do less and enjoy it than to try and see everything.
Visiting Amsterdam with Kids: What to Expect
If it’s your first time visiting Amsterdam with kids, it’s helpful to know what to expect.
The city is lively and busy, especially in the center. Streets can be narrow, and there are many bikes, trams and pedestrians sharing the same space.
At the same time, Amsterdam has a very relaxed atmosphere. People are used to children, and you will see families everywhere.
Restaurants are generally welcoming to kids, and many places offer simple dishes that children enjoy.
In our experience, Amsterdam is a city where families can feel comfortable quickly, even if it’s their first visit.
Final thoughts
Amsterdam is a fantastic destination for families, offering a unique mix of culture, history and fun activities for kids.
With the right balance between sightseeing and relaxation, your trip to Amsterdam with kids can be both easy and unforgettable.
FAQ Amsterdam with kids: best things to do
Yes, Amsterdam is a great city to visit with kids, especially if you keep your planning realistic. The city is compact, easy to navigate and has a good mix of activities like parks, museums and simple things like canal walks or ferry rides.
Most families need two to three days in Amsterdam with kids. With one day, it often feels rushed. Two days gives you enough time for one or two activities per day plus some downtime, which usually works best.
Some of the best things to do include visiting NEMO Science Museum, taking a canal cruise, exploring Vondelpark and using the free ferry behind Central Station. These are simple but very effective activities with kids.
Yes, it can be, but it depends on your choices. A day with a museum and eating out can get expensive, while a day in the park with simple food can stay relatively affordable. Keeping your schedule simple helps manage costs.
Yes, Amsterdam is very walkable, especially in the centre. Many attractions are close together, which means you don’t need to rely heavily on public transport. That said, pavements can be narrow and busy in some areas.
Yes, public transport is easy to use. Trams are the most convenient option in the city centre and are a good way to move between areas when kids get tired from walking.
It depends. If you are confident cycling in busy environments, it can be a fun experience. If not, it’s often better to skip biking and stick to walking and public transport, especially with younger children.
Amsterdam has plenty of indoor options. The NEMO Science Museum and THIS IS HOLLAND are both great choices. Indoor playgrounds like TunFun also work well for younger children.
It depends on the age. For older children and teenagers, it can be a meaningful experience. For younger kids, it may be too intense, so it’s important to consider whether it fits your child.
Trying to do too much in one day. Amsterdam can feel busy, and children get tired quickly. Most families have a better experience when they keep their schedule simple and allow time for breaks.