Amsterdam with Kids (11 Attractions Families Love!)

Should you travel to Amsterdam with kids? As an American expat who has lived in the Netherlands with my children for 20 years, I wholeheartedly say YES! Amsterdam is for kids! While the city is sometimes known more for rowdy grown-up activities than kid-friendly fare, there is an abundance of wonderful attractions for families here. Here are 11 of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam with kids.

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1. Science Center NEMO

Opened in 1998, the Science Center NEMO is the biggest science museum in the Netherlands. Housed in a ship-shaped building, there are five floors full of hands-on activities, in both English and Dutch, to engage the senses.

Discover how math class really does matter and trick your brain with optical illusions in World of Shapes. Then participate in science experiments in the Laboratory. Kids will love capturing energy from light, wind and water in Energize. These are just a few examples of the center’s 13 impressive permanent exhibits.

2. National Maritime Museum

Learn about Amsterdam’s history at sea on the 18^th century Dutch East India Company ship, The Amsterdam. Located next to the Science Center NEMO, this replica of an original ship sailed from the Netherlands to the Far East with cargo for the Dutch settlements. On its return, a storm in the North Sea resulted in damage to the ship and it was beached off the coast of England, where it later sank.

Look inside the vessel to see the cramped quarters where 200 sailors slept. At the National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum), families can also take a peek at the pantry and cook’s quarters as well as the surgeon’s cabin, which is stocked with antiquated medical supplies.

3. Vondelpark

With more than 10 million annual visitors, Vondelpark is the most popular park in Amsterdam. This 120-acre public space offers several play areas, a film museum, and several cafés. Look for free shows for children at the Vondelpark Open Air Theater during the summer.

Also, the Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House) is a national monument that is often used for theater performances and festivals. Stop by Snoephuise (Candy House) to enjoy a Dutch pannekoek (pancake).

4. Rijksmuseum

A stone’s throw from Vondelpark is the Museumplein, home to three museums including the world famous Rijksmuseum. With over 8,000 works of art on display, your family is sure to find something to enjoy here. Be sure to look for Rembrandt’s most famous masterpiece, The Night Watch. Children enjoy seeing The Dolls’ House, too, which was made by Petronella Oortman and is an intricate miniature display of a wealthy home in the 17th century.

Wander through the museum’s beautiful gardens filled with fountains, sculptures, topiaries, and children’s play areas. Older kids will especially enjoy Family Quest, an electronic scavenger hunt of the museum. There are also daily family workshops related to the museum’s current exhibitions on weekends and daily during school summer break.

5. Van Gogh Museum

Also located at the Museumplein is the Van Gogh Museum, which features more piece of art by the Dutch artist than any other location in the world. If traveling with children ages 6 to 12, ask for the audio guide made specifically for families. The museum also offers a Treasure Hunt for kids.

On weekends, children can participate in Van Gogh art lessons. Prepare for your Van Gogh Museum visit by downloading these free coloring pages before you go!

6. Amsterdam Tramway Museum

Next to bicycles, trams are the most popular mode of transportation in Amsterdam. Visit the Amsterdam Tramway Museum (Electrische Museumtramlijn Amsterdam) to learn more about the Netherlands’ preferred method of public transportation. You’ll also see trams from other European cities, such as Vienna and Prague.

After you’ve explored the museum, take a spin on the museum tram. This 90-minute trip will take you on a historic ride through Amsterdam and bring you to the doorstep of Amsterdamse Bos.

7. Amsterdamse Bos

Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is a large recreational park on the outskirts of the city. Grote Vijver (Big Lake) is accessible via footbridges and extensive rope courses that meander through the trees and vary in height and difficulty levels. Add to that an adventure playground, and this park is definitely worth the trip.

8. Muziekgebouw

Take your children to Amsterdam’s Muziekgebouw (Music Building) for a wonderful music workshop for kids at the Klankspeeltuin (Sound Garden). This real life school of rock allows children to learn about music with the sound installations in residence at the Muziekgebouw. The Xenax, with its drawing boards, pens and flashing lights, allows children to “draw” sounds. The Omni recalls the 1970s game “Simon” and has colored squares that trigger sounds. Kids especially love Kosmix, a cosmic dance floor. The workshops are in Dutch, but since music is a universal language, children will enjoy the experience, nonetheless.

Muziekgebouw is the largest classical music venue in Amsterdam. Here’s how to buy tickets to watch a live musical performance when you visit Amsterdam with kids.

9. Artis Royal Zoo

The Artis Royal Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. This is not your typical zoo, though, since many of the animals are not separated by bars but by a moat. Artis is also home to an aquarium, botanical garden, geological museum, and planetarium. After your children have fully examined those facilities, there is a playground and an art workshop with classes for children aged 6+.

10. Anne Frank House Museum

No first-time visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a visit to the Anne Frank House. It was made famous by the Holocaust-era Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl. This is where Anne hid with parents, sister, and another Jewish family when Amsterdam was taken over by Nazis during World War II.

It’s a tragic monument but an important one. A visit here gives parents to discuss the essential lesson of standing up for what’s right and fighting injustice lest history repeats itself. You may want to encourage older kids and teens to read this significant book before your Amsterdam family vacation.

11. Old Holland Candy Store

Before you leave Amsterdam, stop into the Oud-Hollandsche Snoep Winkeltje (Old Holland Candy Store). Go Dutch in this old-fashioned candy store, which carries sweet and salty licorices, cinnamon sticks, and other Dutch favorites.

I Amsterdam Card

When visiting Amsterdam with kids, be sure to get the I Amsterdam Card. For one low price, you’ll receive entrance to the Science Center NEMO, the Van Gogh Museum, and discounts to a number of Amsterdam’s other venues, attractions and restaurants.

Explore More of the Netherlands with Kids

Now that you’ve learned about Amsterdam’s family-friendly side, I hope you see Amsterdam in a different (non-red) light!

Discover another expat mom’s favorite kid-friendly attractions in the Netherlands.

Learn what you need to know about bicycling in the Netherlands with kids, the preferred mode of Dutch transportation.

Visit them Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk, one of the symbols of the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is also famous for its beautiful tulips. Take a tour of the Keukenhof Gardens Near Amsterdam.

Save these Amsterdam with Kids Tips

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Would you like to visit Amsterdam with kids? Let us know in the comments below!

Monique White is a mom of two and the editor of An Unstoppable Journey, a blog about travel, running, and her expat life in the Netherlands.

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