Amsterdam with Kids: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Practical Tips

Amsterdam might not seem like the easiest city to visit with kids. Between the crowds, constant bikes, and its party-focused reputation, it’s not always the first place families consider.

But after visiting with my boys, it quickly became one of their favourite trips. The canals were a highlight, and there’s a mix of hands-on museums, easy experiences like ferries and markets, and of course stroopwafels and pancakes, that kept them interested without overplanning.

Here are the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids, including what’s worth it, what to skip, and what you need to plan ahead for.

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Is Amsterdam Good for Families?

Yes, Amsterdam is a great city to visit with kids. It’s easy to walk around the centre, the trams and metro make it easy to get around outside the center, and there are plenty of family-friendly things to do beyond the traditional art museums.

What worked especially well for us was the mix of experiences. We could spend a few hours at a museum, then slow things down with a walk along the canals, a stop at a market or a ferry ride across the IJ.

Amsterdam also makes a good base for seeing more of the Netherlands. Haarlem, Zaanse Schans and several other destinations are easy to reach by train, so you can combine a visit to the city with windmills, smaller Dutch towns and a change of pace.

Best Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam

There are plenty of family attractions in Amsterdam, but you don’t need to fit all of them into one trip. These are the experiences that worked best for us, including a few that surprised us and one classic Amsterdam activity that my kids didn’t love as much as I expected.

1. Tour the Anne Frank House

This was the highlight of our trip, and one of the few places my kids specifically asked to visit. After reading a simplified version of Anne’s story before we left, they were really curious to see the Secret Annex.

It’s a more serious experience than most of the attractions in this guide, but it held their attention far more than I expected. Walking through the hidden rooms behind the bookcase made a real impression and led to some good conversations afterwards.

We went with the regular museum visit and the included audio tour was great. There’s even a specific version for kids, and my boys enjoyed listening to it right to the end of the tour.

TKE Tip: Tickets are only sold through the official Anne Frank House website, and they sell out weeks in advance, especially in summer and school holidays. Book as early as you can, but they do release a set of new tickets every Tuesday for the following week. This as how we managed to get them, so worth checking if you’re booking last minute like us. Don’t expect to show up at the door and get tickets though.

2. Explore the NEMO Science Museum

NEMO is one of the best places in Amsterdam for kids. My 10-year-olds loved it, and we ended up staying almost four hours when I’d budgeted two.

The museum is hands-on throughout. Kids can build, experiment, use their body weight to test pulleys and guide a ball through a giant marble-run-style machine using bursts of air. The exhibits work for different ages and attention spans, with plenty of opportunities to move as well as think.

We visited on our first afternoon after an overnight flight from Canada, and it worked really well. Having something interactive kept everyone awake and helped us push through until evening. NEMO would also be a good mid-trip reset after a few history or art museums.

TKE Tip: Avoid weekends if you can. We visited on a Sunday and it was packed. Weekdays are will be less busy and the exhibits would be much easier to enjoy.

3. Visit One of Amsterdam’s Museums

I didn’t go to Amsterdam expecting to enjoy the museums as much as we did. Nearly every museum we visited had a kids’ audio guide, activity cards, or scavenger hunt style activities designed to keep kids engaged, and it made a real difference for the boys.

The Rijksmuseum was a good introduction to Dutch art and history. My kids didn’t love every part of it, but the children’s guide and activity cards kept them interested. One of my boys was especially intrigued by the hidden library.

Our Lord in the Attic was the real surprise. This Catholic church hidden across the upper floors of a 17th-century canal house caught their attention from the moment we walked in, and the children’s audio guide kept them engaged throughout the visit.

We missed the Van Gogh Museum because tickets were already sold out by the time we looked. That’s one I’d book ahead of time. The Resistance Museum was also on my list. It’s said to be well done for kids but a little heavy, but we simply ran out of time, partly because we spent so long at NEMO.

Honestly, I was surprised at how many museums in Amsterdam had fun activities for kids, which definitely helped make our sightseeing more fun for all of us.

4. Wander the Jordaan

One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam with kids is simply to wander, and the Jordaan is a great place to start. It’s quieter than the busier streets near Dam Square and Centraal Station, with narrow streets, canals, and small shops and cafés around every corner.

We spent a lot of time just walking here, stopping to watch boats pass under the bridges and seeing the canals from different angles. Even when it took a while to get somewhere, the kids didn’t seem to notice.

For one of my boys, seeing the canals was a bucket-list moment, and this was the perfect place to slow down and enjoy them.

5. Spend Time in Vondelpark

After a few hours of museums and busy streets, Vondelpark gives kids some much-needed space to move. The park has winding paths, grassy areas, playgrounds and several places to stop for food or a drink.

My kids were happy to find somewhere to kick a soccer ball around, and the playground made a good break during our walk.

It’s also one of the better spots to rent bikes if you have kids. Amsterdam’s streets can be intense with bikes speeding by, constant trams, and almost no stop signs, but inside Vondelpark it’s quieter and a good place to get comfortable before venturing out onto the city streets.

Tip: Bring snacks or pick something up nearby for a picnic. There are also cafés and a beer garden in the park if you’d rather sit down.

6. Browse Albert Cuyp

The Albert Cuyp Market was one of our favourite stops in Amsterdam. It felt more local than the busy areas near Centraal Station, and the stalls sold everything from food and souvenirs to clothing and household things.

We wandered through slowly, picked up a few snacks and let the boys browse. Prices were noticeably better than in the main tourist areas, and they found Amsterdam football jerseys for a fraction of what we’d seen elsewhere.

It’s an easy place to spend an hour without committing to another ticketed attraction. Come hungry, because this is also one of the best places to try a freshly made stroopwafel.

7. Try a Stroopwafel and Other Dutch Treats

Food was one of the easiest parts of visiting Amsterdam with kids. There are plenty of Dutch foods to try, and many are familiar enough that even cautious eaters can find something they like.

Stroopwafels are the one thing you’ll see everywhere, and they’re definitely worth trying. The traditional version has two thin waffles with caramel syrup in the middle, and they’re best served warm from a market stall. We liked the ones at Albert Cuyp Market, although you can buy less expensive packages (and GF ones) at grocery stores too.

Dutch pancakes are another easy option with kids. They’re thinner than American pancakes and closer to crêpes, with a mix of sweet and savoury toppings. We found a good spot near the Anne Frank House, but you’ll find options all around the city, including Pancakes Amsterdam near Damrak, which is popular but busier.

Fries are everywhere too, served in paper cones with mayo or other toppings. Manneken Pis near Centraal Station is one of the most well-known spots, but we also liked Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx, which tends to be a bit less busy.

8. Ride the Free Ferry to NDSM

One of the easiest things to do in Amsterdam with kids costs nothing. Free ferries leave from behind Centraal Station and cross the IJ to Amsterdam Noord. It takes just a few minutes, and the experience is worth the ride.

You’ll be joined with lots of cyclists, and watching the crowd of bikes rolling on all at once was something my kids talked about for days.

On the other side, the atmosphere is completely different from the canal district. NDSM is industrial and covered in street art, with plenty of spaces to wander that make it worth the short crossing. It’s also a great way to see Amsterdam from the water if you’re skipping the canal tour.

9. Visit the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA)

We went to the OBA because I’d heard the rooftop terrace had great views over the city, and it does. But even better was the children’s section downstairs.

There’s a wide reading tower kids can climb up into, oversized chairs scattered throughout, and plenty of books, including an English section.

My boys were more than happy to hang out there for a while, which gave me a chance to sit down with a coffee and actually look at a map.

10. Take a Canal Tour

A canal cruise is one of those classic Amsterdam experiences, and it’s worth doing if you have the time.

We enjoyed seeing the city from the water, but it wasn’t a highlight for my kids. They liked it at first, but their interest didn’t last as long as it did in places like NEMO or the markets.

One thing worth knowing is that not all canal tours are family-friendly. Many are geared toward adults, with unlimited drinks or a party atmosphere. We ended up booking with Lovers, which I wasn’t sure about from the name alone, but it turned out to be one of the better options for families. Blue Boat and the pancake cruise are also great family-friendly canal tours worth checking out.

If you’re short on time, this is one thing you could skip. There are plenty of other ways to experience the canals that kids tend to find more interesting.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam With Kids

You don’t necessarily need to stay in the historic centre, but choosing a hotel near a tram or train station can make family travel much easier.

We stayed at the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, within walking distance of Centraal Station. The location worked well for arriving from the airport, taking day trips and reaching many of the main attractions.

Other areas to consider are the Jordaan or the Museum Quarter, which are both a bit quieter but still easy to reach most places you’ll want to visit. This guide on where to stay in Amsterdam breaks down the different areas, and which is best for families.

How Many Days Do You Need in Amsterdam With Kids?

We spent five days in Amsterdam and never ran out of things to do, but three to four days will be enough for most families.

Three days in Amsterdam gives you time to see a few major attractions, walk through different neighbourhoods and enjoy some slower experiences such as Vondelpark or Albert Cuyp Market. Four days gives you more breathing room or the option to add a half-day trip without making the itinerary feel rushed.

With only one or two days, choose the experiences that best fit your family rather than trying to cover the entire city. I would prioritize the Anne Frank House if your children are old enough to understand it, NEMO, time along the canals and one easy food or market stop.

If you have five days or more, Amsterdam works well as a base for day trips around the Netherlands.

Getting Around Amsterdam With Kids

You don’t need a car in Amsterdam. We walked most of the time, and exploring the canals ended up being part of the experience rather than simply a way to get between attractions.

Trams, buses and the metro are useful when little legs get tired or you need to cross the city quickly. Adults can check in and out using a contactless debit card, credit card or mobile device, but each traveller needs a separate payment method or ticket.

For kids, you can’t link a child’s fare to your card, so the GVB Children’s Day Ticket is the easiest option. It’s €5 for unlimited travel on trams, buses, and the metro for 24 hours. We bought this, thinking it would be a good idea, but then ended up walking more than we’d thought, and not getting the full use out of it.

Make sure you tap in when you board and tap out when you leave. If you forget to tap off, you’ll be charged more than you should.

What Is the Best Age to Visit Amsterdam?

Amsterdam can work with children of any age, but I think it is especially good for school-aged kids.

Younger kids will enjoy the canal boats, ferries, parks, playgrounds and hands-on areas at NEMO. Older kids can get more from places such as the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum while still enjoying other parts of the city.

What I liked most was that we didn’t need to spend the entire trip at attractions designed exclusively for children. Many of Amsterdam’s regular museums and experiences gave my boys enough to do without making the day feel like it revolved only around them.

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam With Kids

Amsterdam is a year-round destination, but spring through early fall is the best to enjoy parks, markets and walking along the canals.

We visited in September and found it a good time to explore. The weather was comfortable for walking and the city didn’t feel as busy as I had expected, although we still needed advance tickets for the major museums.

Spring is busy for the famous tulip season and summer is also one of the busiest times to visit. Winter is colder and wetter, although the city’s museums and seasonal lights still make it a possible city break if you pack warm layers.

Easy Day Trips from Amsterdam with Kids

Amsterdam is an excellent base for exploring more of the Netherlands. Trains are frequent and easy to use, and staying in one hotel means you don’t need to keep packing and unpacking.

Haarlem: This was one of our favourite day trips. Just 15 minutes by train, it has a completely different feel, with a beautiful central square, canals, shops and plenty of places to wander. There’s plenty of things to do in Haarlem, and a great half-day trip if you want a change of pace.

Zaanse Schans: Another short train ride, this is a good way for kids to see traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and demonstrations like cheese-making and clog-carving. It gets busy though, so best to go early to beat the crowds.

Utrecht: About 20 minutes by train, with a unique two-level canal design where cafés and shops sit right at the water’s edge. Fun to explore and less touristy than Amsterdam.

For more options, here are some of the best day trips from Amsterdam for families.

TKE Tip: Kids can travel anywhere in the Netherlands for just €2.50 per day with the Rail Runner ticket, which made it really easy to do day trips and see more of the country..

Practical Tips for Visiting Amsterdam with Kids

Book Ahead

Amsterdam isn’t a city where you can assume you’ll get into every major museum at the last minute. The Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum often sell out, and several other attractions use timed-entry tickets.

I suggest reserving your highest-priority attractions first, then build the rest of your itinerary around those times. We waited too long to book the Van Gogh Museum and missed it entirely.

Teach Kids to Watch for Bike Lanes

The bikes were the biggest adjustment for us. Amsterdam’s bike lanes often look like part of the sidewalk, but cyclists move quickly and won’t expect pedestrians to step in front of them.

Before doing much walking, show your kids the difference between the sidewalk, bike lane and road. Make it a habit to look both ways before crossing any of them.

Don’t Overplan Your Days

This goes without saying, but don’t overplan your days and leave room for attractions to take longer than expected. We spent twice as long as planned at NEMO, and trying to squeeze another major museum into that day would have made everyone miserable.

Plan for Changing Weather

Amsterdam weather can change quickly, even during the warmer months. Bring light layers and a waterproof jacket, and keep one or two indoor options in mind in case a wet afternoon changes your plans.

Budget for Food

Restaurant meals can add up quickly when you’re feeding a family. What worked for us was eating a good breakfast, picking up snacks or market food during the day and having one sit-down meal in the evening. It kept things simple and helped keep costs under control.

Our Take on Amsterdam For Families

Amsterdam ended up being one of the most enjoyable cities we’ve explored as a family, even though not everything went according to plan. NEMO ran way over time, we missed the Van Gogh Museum entirely, and the canal cruise wasn’t a highlight for my kids.

But the Anne Frank House was one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve had travelling, the museums worked far better than we expected, and some of the best moments came from things we hadn’t planned at all. Sitting in a reading tower at the library, watching a crowd of bikes roll onto a ferry, or finding football jerseys at a market stall.

Amsterdam was easy to explore without a car and gave us the right mix of planned attractions and time to wander. We could have easily spent our entire trip in the city, and it’s somewhere we’d all like to return to.

If you’re travelling with kids and want to keep them engaged along the way, our Netherlands activity book includes fun facts, simple activities, and prompts to use while exploring.

Planning Your Trip to Amsterdam?

Here’s how to spend 3 days in Amsterdam without overloading your schedule, along with our guide to the best museums in Amsterdam for kids so you can focus on the ones that are actually worth it.

If you’re deciding on accommodation, this guide on where to stay in Amsterdam for families breaks down the best areas, and if you have extra time, here are some easy day trips from Amsterdam, including Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, and Utrecht.