The best 34 things to do in Amsterdam with kids

I’ve been visiting Amsterdam for years, since my first trip as a student – and with so many things to do in Amsterdam with kids, it’s no surprise it was also one of my daughter’s first city breaks as a toddler too.

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Because despite the Dutch capital’s more adult side, it’s a fantastic place for families to visit, from canal cruises and sprawling parks to world-class museums, including art and lots of interactive fun. The city makes a great base to explore more of the Netherlands as well, with some great day trips from Amsterdam.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam with toddlers, check out my tips for younger kids too, but my pick of the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids includes something for all ages, from the youngest visitors to tweens and teens.

Take a canal cruise

It might feel like a tourist cliche, but no visit to Amsterdam would be complete without experiencing the city from the water.

A great way to see Amsterdam with kids and experience the famous canals without too much walking, it’s a chilled-out way to explore and you’ll find everything from shorter sightseeing cruises, cruises with pancakes or pizza included, evening cruises and more.

There’s a string of companies to choose from, including a hop-on, hop-off canal boat, and a host of similar tours with guided commentary. This 75-minute canal tour was a fun introduction, or there’s a slightly shorter one-hour canal tour as well as another heated canal boat tour (very useful in Amsterdam’s winter!)

You’ll find plenty of options including food and drink too. How about a pancake cruise on the Pannenkoekenboot – this one goes along the river rather than the canals though – or there’s a canal cruise with pizza. If you’re looking for a smaller boat, this open boat cruise also has the option of unlimited drinks.

Walking tour of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is wonderfully compact so it’s very easy to stroll around as a family, but a walking tour is the perfect way to bring the city’s history to life, with guides sharing stories about the Golden Age, how the canal houses were built, and quirky little details like gable stones (the historic equivalent of house numbers).

As with the canal tours, you’ll find a huge choice, whether you’re looking for a fairly straightforward city tour, a private family tour, a self-guided walk, a foot tour, an art tour and a whole lot more.

We swapped the traditional guided tour for a Treasure Hunt walking tour which was a huge amount of fun – you pick up a backpack with a locked box inside, and have to solve 5 puzzles to unlock each padlock and reveal the answer.

With five stops on the way, you need to allow at least two hours, and we covered about five miles so better for tweens and teens than easily tired toddlers; it takes you to corners of Amsterdam that you might not otherwise visit, and picks out some quirky details along the way.

If you prefer a classic city introduction, this two-hour cultural highlights tour is suitable for kids, or this slightly longer small group guided walk includes pancakes for lunch. Want more food? This three-hour tour mixes history and tastings, with 10 different food stops.

There are some fun themed tours as well such as this self-guided interactive street art tour which mixes escape room-style puzzles and a chance to check out the city’s street art alon the way.

Ride a bike

One of the safest places to cycle, half the city (maybe more!) seems to get around on bikes and there are bike paths everywhere.

If you are on foot, do watch out for fast-moving bikes as you go; the road markings show where it’s safe for pedestrians, but check and check again before you cross.

It’s easy to hire bikes to explore if you prefer to go at your own pace, including kids’ bikes available to rent. If you’re in Amsterdam with kids who can’t ride, consider renting a bakfiets – a bike with little trailer at the front – is a great way to explore, although don’t forget to lock them up if you do stop.

The relatively flat city streets and parks are ideal for cycling with kids who may be a bit less confident in cities too.

You’ll also find plenty of choice if you prefer a cycling tour, such as this relaxed city highlights bike tour and a three-hour tour of Amsterdam’s hidden gems. For something shorter, this 90-minute highlights tour is suitable for age 12+.

The Royal Palace

Built as a town hall, or stadhuis, during the Dutch Golden Age, the building later became the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) and it’s still used for state occasions today.

And whether you’re a royalist or not, it’s an impressive sight, with marble floors, ornate chandeliers and impressive paintings.

There’s a children’s audio tour to help bring the palace to life, sharing stories of its long history, plus a fun trail spotting animals in the various room. Even younger kids are going to be impressed by the vast, echoing Citizen’s Hall with its inlaid marble floor maps of the world – the largest maps in the world.

You can also get a peek at the former throne room and the lavish rooms which have hosted monarchs, heads of state and statesmen over the centuries, as well as learning the building’s history before it became a palace, when the Republic managed its affairs and held trials here. There are even links to Rembrandt, who appeared here when he went bankrupt.

It’s right in the heart of Amsterdam on Dam Square, so it’s easy to fit in as you’re exploring. You can get tickets to the Royal Palace with free cancellation, and the audioguide is included in entry. There are also some guided tours if you prefer.

Do check opening hours before you go, as it does sometimes close for royal receptions.

If you need a bit of bribery to encourage your kids inside, you’re only a short walk from the Lego store, as well as other family attractions including Madame Tussauds and the Amsterdam Dungeon

The Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is easily one of the most impressive art museums in the world, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters. But if you’re thinking that also equals ‘not child-friendly’, you’d be wrong.

There are a string of ways for families to explore this treasure trove of art and history, making it one of the best museums in Amsterdam with kids, including free entry for under-18s.

The best option is the one-hour family quest to play on special devices (aimed at age 7-12), although you can try the Snap guide (aimed at teens) to pick who leads you around, plus family guided tours at weekends.

Check out our review of visiting the Rijksmuseum with kids, including the Family Quest game

Or check out the various self-guided tours on the app, which even lets you make your own tour, so you could create your personal scavenger hunt from some of the museum’s highlights, challenging kids to search for specific paintings, objects and details as you go.

You’ll also find everything from dressing-up to free workshops, plus collections featuring dolls’ houses, model ships, clothing, china, guns and more modern pieces as well as the classics like The Night Watch.

We spent around two and a half hours here, which felt manageable. With 8,000 treasures packed into the building, you shouldn’t even consider trying to see everything!

Buy tickets with free cancellation to the Rijksmuseum, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

The Van Gogh Museum

Another of the world-class museums in Amsterdam for art lovers, we first visited the Van Gogh museum when my daughter was a toddler and it’s another great option in Amsterdam with kids.

Housing the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including the famous Sunflowers, the vibrant colours and bold style are usually a hit with younger visitors – how about comparing your own bedroom to Vincent’s depiction of his own in The Bedroom.

The museum has plenty more family-friendly options too, from a treasure hunt to a top 10 checklist, as well as some workshops and even downloadable colouring pages for your kids to create their own take on some of the artist’s masterpieces. Or the audio guide is great for older kids and teens.

The website is a bit of a treasure trove itself, with videos aimed at different ages about the artist, plus a Van Gogh board game! If you’re splashing out, you can even get a private family-friendly tour of the Van Gogh Museum. Or pick up one of the skip-the-line tickets and go at your own pace.

Tickets must be booked online in advance, for specific dates and time slots, and they do sell out so it’s a good idea to book early. Not included in the I Amsterdam card.

There’s even an immersive Van Gogh and Rembrandt experience, with under-fives going free if you want to bring the art to life in Amsterdam

The Rembrandthuis

The Rembrandthuis, or Rembrandt House Museum, is where the famous Dutch master lived and worked from 1639 to 1658, restored to look as it would while the artist lived there.

So unlike other galleries where there’s a lot of looking at art on walls, you can also see 17th century furniture, some of the weird and wonderful objects he used in his paintings, plus his own art collection. The house itself is fascinating, with narrow staircases, little rooms and all kinds of atmospheric details.

Along the way, you can discover more about Rembrandt’s personal life, including his fall from wealth and popularity to being forced to sell the house and its contents – with documents from the time which have allowed the museum to recreate it perfectly.

It’s all far more personal than your average museum. Even the children’s multimedia tour is led by Rembrandt’s dog Kwast, to point out some of the secrets of the house – aimed at age 6+. Entry is free for under-sixes too,

Plus there are plenty of chances for kids to get hands on, with free demonstrations of painting and etching, including a chance to discover how Rembrandt made his paint, using everything from toxic lead and bright red live to oil and pig’s bladders. At some times, you can even mix your own paint (no toxic ingredients for this!)

Buy tickets with free cancellation here, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

H’Art Amsterdam

Less well-known than some of Amsterdam’s other big hitters, H’Art Museum (formerly known as the Hermitage Amsterdam) is set in a beautiful 17th century building on the banks of the Amstel.

The exhibitions are constantly changing, with artworks on loan from collections around the world, so whether you decide to go depends partly on what’s on at the time.

One recent exhibition focused on Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, another featured Kandinsky, while others are less likely to appeal to younger kids. Most exhibitions include a free treasure hunt though, while there are some family workshops – plus it’s free for under 18s.

You’ll also find more exhibitions on display at the Museum of the Mind which is under the same roof. For example, Animal Therapy, one of the exhibitions taking place during our most recent visit to Amsterdam, looked at animal muses and what role animals play in human wellbeing, including some iconic cat posters.

Buy tickets with free cancellation (H’Art Museum only), or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

Moco Museum

If Old Masters don’t tempt your kids, there’s some very fun and thought-provoking contemporary art to discover in Amsterdam with kids as well.

Moco Amsterdam was the first of the three Moco Museums to open – check out what we thought of a visit to Moco Museum London – and is features a mix of modern and contemporary art, with everyone from Banksy, Warhol, Haring, Basquiat, Kusama and Hirst to immersive digital installations.

Unlike more traditional galleries, it’s vibrant, colourful and designed to get everyone questioning, as well as some selfie-friendly installations to appeal to tweens and teens.

It’s set on Museumplein, a stone’s throw from the Van Gogh Museum in case you’re having an art-filled day, as well as the Stedelijk Museum of Modern and Contemporary art, which has its own family activities.

Book tickets with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

Banksy Museum

If your kids enjoyed the Banksy works at Moco – or are already firm fans of the street artists – you shouldn’t miss the Banksy Museum.

Home to more than 160 works, the collection includes a string of life-size reconstructions of his famous murals – and each artwork is carefully placed in a setting designed to bring to life the original streets where they were created.

There’s information about the inspiration behind the works too, so it’s great for teens who’ll be interested in the social commentary as well as seeing some of the most famous pieces reproduced.

It’s not huge, so allow around an hour to explore – the Westerpark is also on the doorstep for burning off some energy afterwards.

STRAAT: Street Art Museum

Street art fans aren’t limited to Banksy if you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids. STRAAT Street Art Museum is housed in a former warehouse in Amsterdam Noord, with works by more than 170 artists.

The largest street art collection in the world, it features 180 objects, paintings, sculptures, and some very big installations – think huge murals covering entire walls. There’s plenty that’s interactive, including installations you can walk through.

With a mix of established street artists and up -and-coming talent, there are also temporary exhibitions and a chance to learn more about the different styles and techniques involved. Look out for the artists-in-residence, for the opportunity to see street artists at work too.

To reach STRAAT, take the free ferry from behind Central Station to Amsterdam Noord, which is a bonus adventure in itself and takes just a few minutes to cross the water. If you’re visiting in winter, it’s worth knowing the warehouse building can get chilly.

Buy tickets with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

Wondr Experience

Who says kids are the only ones who get to play? The Wondr Experience is easily one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam with kids AND adults, with everything from Europe’s largest ball pit to a pool full of marshmallows.

Add in confetti showers, a magical kaleidoscope, a thousand disco balls and fluffy karaoke booths, and it’s all designed to keep everyone in the family grinning. There’s even a sea of teddy bears (count me in!)

As a bonus, the SpongeBob Special themed zone means you can also visit Bikini Bottom, a guaranteed hit with younger kids who love the cartoon as you get to explore the world’s most famous underwater city first-hand.

Plus you’ll come away with free digital photos using the in-house professional camera system as a fantastic souvenir – set up in every room, you just need to activate them with a personal QR code.

Located one metro stop from Central Station, or a ride on a the free ferry (plus a short walk), it’s easy to get to. Morning sessions are often quieter for younger kids, and there’s a discount if you book tickets in advance – free for kids aged 2 and under.

Barbie: The Dream Experience

If your kids are big fans of Barbie, you can’t miss a visit to Barbie: The Dream Experience, only in Amsterdam – and adults will love reliving a bit of childhood too.

There’s plenty for all ages, with more than 2,000 square metres of fun including the chance to step into life-size recreations of some iconic Barbie moments from across six decades – slide down the Dream House, drive Barbie’s camper van and fly to the moon (virtually) along the way.

Just let your imaginations run wild, and swap the everyday world for the primary colours and popping pinks of Barbie’s world.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir of your time in Amsterdam, you can get free digital photos using the experience’s professional quality cameras in the rooms, or pick up some exclusive Barbie items from the gift shop.

Right next door to Wondr, it’s easy to combine both experiences in one day, and very easy to get to – the experience is one metro stop from Central Station or a ride on the free ferry from Central, then a short walk. Kids are welcome at all sessions before 5pm, and there’s a kids’ menu at the Barbie Cafe to enjoy as well. Free for ages 2 and under.

National Maritime Museum

With the Dutch once in the forefront of exploring the globe, learning more about the seafarers of the Golden Age is perfect if your kids love tales of exploration and adventure – well, who doesn’t fancy imagining themselves on deck seeking out new worlds?

Check out my full review of Amsterdam’s Maritime Museum with kids

So, the National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) is absolutely brilliant for families. Housed in a beautiful 17th-century naval storehouse, the museum tells the story of the Netherlands’ maritime history.

But it’s far from being a dusty collection of old nautical instruments – it’s wonderfully interactive, especially the full-scale replica of the Dutch East India Company ship Amsterdam.

Being able to board this recreated 18th-century ship moored outside the museum is easily a highlight, letting kids explore below deck, climb around, and imagine life as a sailor, as well as encouraging visitors to look at the country’s colonial past and its darker chapters.

You’ll find plenty for all ages, from nautical-inspired fashion to an area about Amsterdam’s port heritage plus an section on early maps and the modern technology involved today, but also the lovely Doris the Diver play area aimed age 2+, not to mention an exhibition on whales (for 6+).

With a 60-minute junior audio guide to follow, and some interactive fun to discover, you could find yourself doing anything from pretending to load cargo, fire a cannon, spotting weird and wonderful figureheads, learning about whale ears, smelling spices which once travelled through the city and a whole lot more.

Buy skip-the-line tickets with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

Nemo Science Museum

Amsterdam’s Nemo Science Museum is unmissable if you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids, especially younger kids, giving them endless chances to get hands on.

While it’s aimed at children aged six to 16, my daughter had a huge amount of fun visiting when she was a toddler too, with a chance to make giant bubbles, experiment with sound, and discover interactive exhibits on the human body.

Check out my review of our visit in this post

But that barely scratches the surface, with shows to watch, plus areas aimed at teens too inside the five floors of exhibits which cover everything from physics and chemistry to biology and technology.

Save time to head up to the sloping roof garden for some fantastic views out over Amsterdam. In summer it becomes a beach with an area to paddle (bring a towel and spare clothes!) too.

Buy a skip-the-line ticket, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

Wereldmuseum (World Museum)

The Wereldmuseum (or Museum of World Cultures) is focused on people from around the globe, with collections from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas, and the Islamic world.

With a whole variety of objects, artworks, and cultural artefacts from around the globe, it’s a fantastic introduction into different ways of life, beliefs, and traditions for kids (and adults!)

The interactive Junior exhibition Raad van de Raaf is one of the best bits for families, with children encouraged to touch as well as look, and even try out some of the items on display.

But you can also use ‘Boxie’ to explore the museum, a set of 10 cards that are available to borrow free of charge from the museum shop. Each features a special object from one of the exhibitions, with a story and task to discuss or carry out together – the perfect mini treasure to encourage kids to get more involved.

Incidentally, if you’re wondering what happened to Amsterdam’s Tropenmuseum, it combined with two other Dutch museums to become the Wereldmuseum, with branches in Rotterdam and Leiden as well.

Anne Frank House

For many, reading the Diary of Anne Frank is the first introduction to the horrors of the Holocaust, the story of a teenage girl forced to go into hiding with her family for two years to escape the Nazis in the German-occupied Netherlands, until being betrayed, and sent to Bergen Belsen concentration camp where she died.

And if you’re visiting Amsterdam with teens, you shouldn’t miss the Anne Frank House, set in a building which contains the Secret Annex where Anne, her family and others stayed hidden for so long.

The museum tells the story of the eight people who hid here, including Anne, through photos, videos and quotes, with some original items – including her actual diary – on display. Otto Frank, Anne’s father, was the only one to return after the war, and the Annex itself remains empty at his request.

The minimum age to visit is 10, so it’s up to parents to decide whether your children are ready to visit the museum, which does include some disturbing images and videos, and it’s not uncommon for adults to be reduced to tears at times.

But don’t shy away from a visit either; the audio guide is narrated by Anne which makes it very accessible for tweens and teens, plus there are plenty of opportunities for important conversations as you go. The museum also recommends that you focus on some of the positives, such as those who helped the Frank family and others. There are also exhibitions on Jewish life in Amsterdam.

Tickets go on sale six weeks in advance, at 10am Central European Time (GMT+1) on Tuesdays, for specific timed slots. These do sell out, and if you have a specific time you want, it’s well worth setting a reminder to snap them up asap. You cannot buy tickets on the day.

If you want to learn more about Jewish history in Amsterdam, the Jewish Museum should also make your list, with tickets including a visit to the Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Museum Junior which is aimed at children aged 6 to 12. The sites are also a short walk away from the National Holocaust Museum and the Dutch WWII Resistance Museum – both recommended only for age 10+.

The Vondelpark

The city’s most famous park is a lovely green oasis, perfect if you find yourself visiting in summer and need a shady retreat for kids to run off a bit of energy (or cool off from the city streets).

But as it covers 47 hectares, with a lake and playgrounds, it’s a great place to visit year-round, whether you simply want to amble along the paths or cycle around as much as you can.

There are half a dozen separate play areas, including a fantastic playground near the Groot Melkhuis cafe, with sandpits and swings as well as climbing frames. Close to Museumplein, it’s ideal for combining with time at the art galleries, and there are several cafes dotted around – or bring a picnic and chill out as you watch the herons in the pond.

The Vondelpark isn’t your only option if you’re looking for green space in Amsterdam – the Westerpark is another lovely large park with playgrounds and a free petting zoo (Boerderij Westerpark)

Hortus Botanical Gardens

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Hortus Botanicus dates back to 1638 when it was founded as a herb garden for the city’s doctors.

Today, it’s a lovely peaceful oasis, and while the gardens are relatively compact (a tenth the size of the botanic gardens at Kew, for example), there’s plenty to discover with plants from around the world.

The greenhouses are a big highlight; the palm house is a steamy escape on a cool day, while the climate house is divided into three zones, so you can stroll through the jungle, the desert, and the South African landscape within one building.

Two winners if you’re exploring the botanical gardens in Amsterdam with kids is the butterfly house (with butterflies year-round) and the carnivorous plants, where all the plants are at children’s eye level. Its not far from Artis Zoo, so you can combine the two if you want to lose yourself in the natural world all day.

There’s free entry for children under five, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card.

Artis Royal Zoo

The oldest zoo in the Netherlands – and one of the oldest in Europe, opened in 1838 – Artis Royal Zoo is fantastic if you’re visiting Amsterdam with younger kids.

With 900 different species of animals and plants, there’s plenty to appeal to all ages, with an aquarium, little petting zoo, planetarium and even Micropia, the world’s first museum about microbes. Plus, of course, everything from giraffes to gorillas, not to mention elephants, lions, lemurs, penguins and more. 

Check out my review of our visit to Artis Royal Zoo with a toddler

There are activities and talks throughout the day, and you can take a guided tour at weekends, but half the fun is ambling around at your own pace watching the animals and checking out some of the play areas.

It’s well worth downloading the app, as there’s simply so much to see, and then you can plan your day around planetarium shows, or work out what’s near where – somehow it never feels overwhelming to wander around though. The aquarium is currently closed for renovations and due to reopen in spring 2026.

Get skip-the-queue tickets, with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

The KattenKabinet

Amsterdam specialises in some very quirky museums, and if you’ve got a small animal lover in the family, the KattenKabinet – or Cat Museum – is a fun option.

Dedicated to all things cat, there’s art featuring a string of cats, including works by Picasso, Rembrandt and Toulouse-Lautrec, but also various other cat-themed objects from posters and drawings to photos and sculptures, including ancient Egyptian cat statues.

Best of all, there are several real-life cats who live there – we spotted a huge fluffy ginger Maine Coon. If you have toddlers who like to grab, it’s worth knowing that they don’t always like to be petted or stroked, so it’s worth setting any expectations (and keeping a short rein on enthusiastic small cat lovers).

The Houseboat Museum

You can’t escape houseboats on the canals in Amsterdam – there are more than 2,500 of them in the city, many home to families, so the Houseboat Museum is a fun way to get a glimpse into what life is like if you live on the water.

The museum itself is set in a houseboat called the Hendrika Maria, a former cargo ship built in 1914 that was converted in the 1960s. And if you’re thinking about cosy narrowboats, this is surprisingly spacious, with living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, all set up as if the owners had only just stepped out.

As you explore, you can discover more about the history of houseboats in the city, as well as just how it works, with everything from electricity and water to what happens to the sewage! It’s quite compact, so easy to see in half an hour or less.

Get tickets to the Amsterdam Houseboat Museum with free cancellation, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

Oude Kerk

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is Amsterdam’s oldest building, consecrated in 1306 – and now one of the city’s newest art institutions.

It’s a fascinating building to look inside if you’re interested in history, spotting the tombstones of wealthy Amsterdammers on the floor of the medieval church and enjoying the Gothic architecture. The art exhibitions vary, so it’s always worth checking what’s on.

Entry is free for children aged 12 and under if you’re planning to stop in briefly. It’s worth knowing that the church is right in the heart of the Red Light District, in case you are planning to avoid this part of the city with younger children, although if you visit early, it’s unlikely to be a big issue.

Get tickets with free cancellation to the Oude Kerk, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

Nieuwe Kerk

Another beautiful Gothic Church, the New Church – or Nieuwe Kerk – dates from the 15th century, sitting a stroopwafel’s throw from the Royal Palace on the Dam Square.

It does still host some royal events, such as coronations, but it mostly used to house exhibitions and for concerts rather than for religious purposes any more.

There are audioguides to help explore, while the exhibitions range from art and photography to displays on particular individuals and cultures – during our visit, there was an exhibition on Jewish Amsterdam, but previous ones have covered everything from Indonesian history and culture 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 city card

Our Dear Lord in the Attic

Amsterdam seems to specialise in quirky little museums, and Our Dear Lord in the Attic (or Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder) is easily one of the most unusual and fascinating.

Hidden inside the beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house, the secret Catholic church in its attic dates from after the Reformation when Catholics were not allowed to worship publicly in Amsterdam. Instead, many created these hidden “schuilkerk” (clandestine churches) in their own houses, as freedom of worship was permitted in private.

During your visit, you can explore the house and transport yourself back to the 17th century, during Amsterdam’s Golden Age, including the main rooms furnished as they would have been, before climbing to the secret church in the attic.

Even kids who aren’t usually interested in history will love the thrill of finding it, although the museum does a great job of explaining things for younger visitors too. You can even spot genuine pottery unearthed by archaeologists from a sealed cess pit under the house.

Be warned that there are also lots of steep, narrow stairs if you are visiting with younger kids, but also a lovely ladybird trail and booklet aimed at children aged 5-10, led by the museum’s ladybird Nan, which also lets kids gets hands on at certain points. There’s also an audio tour for age 10-12.

It’s worth knowing that you can’t take any food or drink inside, including water (although there is a free cloakroom for bags) and no stiletto heels are allowed as they might damage the floors. You’ll need to choose a time slot for entry as numbers are limited, so do prebook.

Get tickets with free cancellation to Our Lord in the Attic, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card

A’DAM Lookout

Amsterdam has some great viewpoints, but it’s hard to beat the A’DAM Lookout observation deck in Amsterdam Noord if you want to look out across the whole city.

With 360-degrees from 100 metres up, you can spot some of the landmarks from the A’dam tower, gaze towards the network of canals and watch boats on the Ij river.

If you want something to get your heart racing more than a 100m observation deck, you can also book Over the Edge, Europe’s highest swing, which swings you out over the edge of the building – suitable for kids of 1.2m up (and age 4+).

Or for something a little less adrenaline-fuelled, there’s a 30-minute audio guide about the history of Amsterdam, plus a bar where you can stop for a drink with a view. You can find. tickets including one drink as well as other options which include food.

As a bonus, you can arrive by taking the free ferry from behind Central Station over to Amsterdam Noord, which is always a fun little adventure in itself.

If you do want a free viewpoint, head to Nemo Science Centre where you don’t need tickets to head up to the roof, which is around 22m high, so also less daunting for kids who don’t enjoy heights.

This Is Holland

Wish you had longer to explore more of the Netherlands? This Is Holland is billed as Europe’s longest 5D flight experience, taking you on a journey through the country and its history.

The hour-long experience starts by telling you more about the history and geography of the Netherlands, from how the Dutch reclaimed land from the sea to the famous windmills, before whisking you on to the main event.

For the 5D flight, you’re suspended in front of a huge domed screen, spending nine minutes soaring over 22 locations across the country, with a few bonus effects including wind, mist and scent. Which means that when you swoop over those iconic tulip fields, you can actually smell the flowers.

It’s suitable for children aged 4+ and at least 1m tall (and kids aged 5-12 must have an adult sitting next to them). You can take the free ferry over to Amsterdam Noord to reach the attraction, and it’s a great one to combine with the A’DAM Lookout next door to combine the virtual world with some real views.

Buy tickets with free cancellation for This Is Holland, or entry is included with the I Amsterdam city card , although you do need to book a timed slot

Body Worlds Amsterdam

Body Worlds Amsterdam is one of those attractions that sounds slightly alarming on paper — an exhibition of over 200 real preserved human bodies — but is, in practice, genuinely fascinating for older kids.

Admittedly, it’s a marmite choice; this is something you’re either going to be intrigued by or repelled by (and if it’s the latter, there are plenty of other things to do in Amsterdam with kids). But while you can find Body Worlds exhibitions in various cities around the globe, the Amsterdam exhibition is one of the few permanent locations in Europe.

And the current theme of ‘The Happiness Project’ is one that’s likely to intrigue older tweens and teens, looking at what defines happiness and how it impacts on our health.

Spread across seven floors, the exhibition takes you on a journey through the different systems of the human body, from skeleton and muscles to the reproductive and nervous system, so if your kids are curious about science and biology, it’s unexpectedly unmissable.

Buy tickets with free cancellation for Body Worlds Amsterdam, or there’s a discount on entry if you have the I Amsterdam city card

Try traditional tile painting

From tiles to pottery, that gorgeous Delft blue colour is instantly recognisable when you see Dutch ceramics – and creating with your own hand-painted piece at a tile painting workshop makes a lovely experience in Amsterdam with kids, as well as a great souvenir.

Although it’s officially suitable for age 4+, I think this is one experience that’s better for older kids. You don’t need a huge amount of artistic talent, as you’ll start with a stencil before painting over the top and adding the shading, but you do need patience and a steady hand. There is a chance for some creative flourishes of your own too.

Lasting 75 minutes, you also get a bit of background about the origins of the traditional blue and white pottery and tiles, as well as how it became so popular – plus some mini stroopwafels to enjoy as you paint.

Make stroopwafels

What’s better than eating stroopwafels in Amsterdam? A workshop where you can learn to make these sweet caramel-filled treats, and decorate your own.

Easier than you might think, there are several workshops in different locations across Amsterdam, where you’ll end up with two XL stroopwafels (one to eat, one to take home) at the end of your 45-minute session – plus some fun history about why they were first created.

We loved this fun stroopwafel-making class near the Anne Frank House, although you can also try stroopwafel making near the Albert Cuyp Market.

Check out my review of a stroopwafel workshop with kids

Eat pancakes

When in Amsterdam, eat pancakes – you can find boat cruises with pancakes on the Pannenkoekenboot, walking tours with pancakes, and more places to eat them than you can shake a frying pan at.

Pancakes Amsterdam has expanded from its original home in the Negen Straatjes to have five locations across the city, a choice of Dutch or American pancakes, sweet and savoury and even gluten-free options.

Or check out The Pancake Bakery on Prinsengracht, which has a fantastic range, including Indonesian fillings, plus kids’ pancakes (and non-pancake options in case you’re visiting with someone who’d prefer an alternative).

Blin Queen has a range of sweet pancakes, plus some simpler child-friendly options but also some rather more unusual savoury ones – who fancies caviar?

Keep an eye out for poffertjes as well, pronounced ‘POFF-ur-jis’. Often called mini Dutch pancakes, they actually taste a little more like doughnuts – try a few yourself and see what you think, either way they’re delicious.

Bored of pancakes? Save some time – and stomach room – for Winkel 43, famous for its Dutch apple pie, while just over the road is Bun Bun, the smallest bakery in the Netherlands, which uses croissant dough in its buns. Classic cinnamon is fantastic but there are a whole string of other flavours to try as well, including apple crumble

Tony’s Chocoloney

The founder of this ethical chocolate brand is Dutch, so if you’re a fan, don’t miss a visit to the company’s HQ in Amsterdam where you can design your own bar and pick up some supplies at the same time.

Do expect to have to queue to get in to the Tony’s Chocoloney store, but it moves pretty quickly. It’s worth being aware that production for the bespoke bars stops a couple of hours before closing time, so you’ll need to be in the line in enough time to get in, make your picks and submit.

It also takes an hour or two for it to be created (you’ll get a notification via WhatsApp/email) so don’t schedule it as the last thing you do before you leave Amsterdam! You do have a couple of weeks to collect so it’s easy to swing by at a time that suits though (and you can head into the exit to pick up pre-orders and skip the queue).

The only tricky part is deciding what to choose – my daughter’s picks of cinnamon sugar, spiced biscuit and caramel in milk chocolate was a definite winner, while I went for coffee nibs and spiced biscuit in dark chocolate (another winner if you like coffee, and also meant I didn’t have to share!)

Visit a market

Whether you’re browsing or buying, Amsterdam’s markets are great to wander around with kids – do bring cash, as not all stalls will accept cards.

The most famous is the Albert Cuyp Market, the largest daily market in the Netherlands, which stretches along Albert Cuypstraat in the De Pijp neighbourhood, selling everything from fresh stroopwafels (yum!) and Dutch cheese to clothing, flowers, and household goods.

Or the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) is another iconic Amsterdam market – it’s the world’s only floating flower market, though these days the stalls are on permanent barges rather than boats. Set on the Singel canal between Koningsplein and Muntplein, you’ll find as many souvenirs as flowers these days – go early as it can get busy.

For something slightly different, try the Waterlooplein Flea Market, where you can rummage through vintage clothing, antiques, books, and all sorts of curiosities to tempt older children and teenagers.

Spot Amsterdam’s narrowest house

Amsterdam is famous for its tall thin houses, and there’s a good reason why you’ll find so many of these narrow buildings along the canals – taxes.

At one point, tax was charged depending on how wide the frontage was, so most thrifty Amsterdam merchants built up and back. More than a few houses widen as they go back, like a wedge (although I still don’t quite understand how that works in practice – good job I’m not an architect!).

If you had money to burn or a reputation to make, having a wide house shouted to the world that you were wealthy, and the Trippenhuis on Kloveniersburgwal is Amsterdam’s widest, measuring over 22 metres. Not far from the Rembrandt House, it was built in 1660 for brothers Lodewijk and Hendrick Trip, who’d become rich trading in metal and weapons – and sits opposite one of the city’s narrowest.

The story goes that the Trips’ coachman said he’d be happy with a house as wide as his masters’ front door – and that’s precisely what he got with the Kleine Trippenhuis, whose gable is just 2.44m wide.

If you’re looking for something even narrower, head two minutes away to the Oude Hoogstraat where the house at number 22 is the narrowest in Europe, only 2.02 metres wide (and 5m deep). Or the house at Singel 7 has the world’s narrowest facade; actually the back of the house, while its near neighbour at Singel 166 is also much thinner on the street side, widening to 5m at the back of the house.

How to get around Amsterdam with kids

You’ll find yourself doing a lot of walking while you’re in Amsterdam – the city centre is fantastically walkable and if you stay somewhere relatively central, you’re rarely too far from any of the attractions. Do watch out for bikes though!

But there’s also a great tram network, plus buses, including routes through the city centre and to attractions like Nemo Science Centre and the Maritime Museum.

Children travel free under the age of 4, while you can get reduced child fares from age 4-11. Kids aged 12+ pay the full adult fare.

There are a string of different ways you can pay for tickets as well. The best way for adults to pay for occasional journeys on public transport is by contactless payment; just tap your card or phone as you board and as you exit and it calculates the fare automatically. This always seemed to work out cheaper for us than a single hour ticket.

If you’re likely to be making more journeys, it’s worth looking at the GVB app to buy multi-day tickets – a five day ticket costs 34 Euros (the equivalent of 10 one-hour tickets at 3.40 Euros), while you can also get tickets for 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h. You can also buy single tickets, although I’d use contactless instead to get the lower rate and because it’s less fiddly tapping a card than lining up the QR code.

GVB also has child tickets which cost 5 Euros for one day, but you can’t buy these via the app and need to go to a GVB Service and Ticket location. Again, unless you’re making lots of journeys, you might find it works out cheaper – and less hassle – simply to tap with contactless.

Lastly, if you have an I Amsterdam card, that also includes public transport – you scan the QR code on boarding and exiting. Make sure it does flash green, otherwise it hasn’t registered properly: sometimes you need to jiggle it a bit before it works.

Check out my post on whether the I Amsterdam card is worth it – I did buy a 72h card during this trip, although not for my daughter

Whatever method you use, if you don’t validate your ticket by scanning, or by tapping a card, you are liable for a fine, and plain clothes inspectors do travel the network.

It’s worth knowing that trains from Schipol airport aren’t covered by the I Amsterdam card. You can also use contactless payment for this, or use the NS app which lets you buy tickets for specific journeys to scan – very easy to use, and handy to get multiple tickets for the family in one go.

If you’re looking for somewhere to store your bags before checking in or after you leave your accommodation, Bounce (get 10% off through my link using code MUMMY10) and Luggage Hero have a string of secure baggage storage points around the city – handy when we needed to leave our luggage while we explored the Rijksmuseum

Day trips from Amsterdam with kids

There’s so much to do in Amsterdam with kids that you won’t quickly run out of ways to fill your day, but the city also makes a great base to explore more of the Netherlands.

The country is super easy to get around by train and it’s often a surprisingly short distance to some of the country’s other cities – it’s just 23 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal train station to Utrecht, where the Miffy Museum is fantastic for younger kids, or a little over half an hour to reach the picturesque windmills of Zaanse Schans.

That’s only the beginning too. Rotterdam and The Hague are both around an hour away by train, and could easily make an an entire holiday by themselves, while it’s a similar distance to Delft for any Vermeer fans.

If you’re visiting in spring, the riot of colour in the Keukenhof Gardens is unmissable, with plenty of tours to Keukenhof to try – do expect it to be busy though.

Or for more ideas of day trips from Amsterdam with kids, check out my top picks

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Images: 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 house/tram/Zaanse Schans courtesy of Depositphotos; royal palace with tulips courtesy Adobe Stock; STRAAT copyright Ernst Wagensveld; Wondr/Spongebob/Barbie Dream Experience courtesy of the attraction; other images copyright MummyTravels

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