Amsterdam with Kids: Best Things to Do on A Family Trip

Are you planning to visit Amsterdam with kids?

Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world. With an abundance of art museums, parks, canals, historic buildings, and delicious food, this beautiful city should be at the top of every family's bucket list!

If you dream of seeing the charming rows of canal houses with your kids, you're in the right place!

I've always wanted to visit Amsterdam, and finally got the chance when I found cheap flights to Belgium this winter for my toddler and me. I added a weekend in Amsterdam to the itinerary since it's so easy to get to by train from Belgium!

I discovered that there are so many fun things to do with kids, and realized that my quick weekend visit wasn't nearly long enough. Now I plan to go back someday with my entire family to spend more time exploring this charming city!

Amsterdam has some of the best museums in the world, including the Anne Frank House, and you can do unique activities like taking a cycling tour or a canal tour.

Hopefully this post will help you figure out the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids, where to stay, and what to know before you go!

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Getting There

There are several ways to get to Amsterdam.

Fly

There are many flights from the United States to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

From the airport, you can take a train to the city center by accessing Schiphol Airport Station directly beneath the airport.

You can also hire a taxi or rent a car to take you to your hotel. If I'm arriving in a new city late at night, especially if I'm traveling alone with a child, I like to book a private transfer from the airport ahead of time.

By Train

If you fly into a different city in Europe, you can take the Euro Star to Amsterdam Centraal, the main train station in Amsterdam.

We arrived here from Bruges, Belgium, and had about a mile walk from the train station to our hotel.

We later found that there are trams that travel quickly around the city, and that would have been a much better option than lugging our bags!

Top Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam

Many of Amsterdam's top attractions are located in the city center, or Centrum, including the smaller neighborhoods of Old Centre, De Wallen, Jordaan, Nieuwmarkt, Lastage and Grachtengordel.

You can easily walk to most of the spots on this list of things to do but watch out for the bike paths where locals on bikes will be zipping past!

Enjoy my list of things to do on your Amsterdam family vacation!

Anne Frank House

You can visit the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her family, along with 4 other people, hid during WWII. The entrance to the Secret Annex was hidden behind a bookcase, and visitors today can walk through the space and see where the Frank family, the Van Pels family, and a man named Fritz Pfeffer spent their days in hiding.

Anne kept a diary during her time in the Secret Annex from the age of 13. But when the Minister of Education of the Dutch government spoke on the radio urging people to keep their diaries from WWII, Anne, now 15, decided to rewrite her diary and turn it into a story with the hope of being published.

Now her diary has been read by millions and translated into 70 languages, making the Anne Frank house one of the most visited sites in Amsterdam.

Kids are welcome to visit, though the website suggests that it may be better suited to older kids. I brought my 3-year-old and she behaved very well, but you can decide if your children are ready for the serious subject matter. For my 3-year-old, I kept the explanation simple, saying that Anne and her family were hiding from the bad guys.

Be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance since timed tickets are required and often sell out.

Anne Frank House is a great place to take older kids, especially if they have read The Diary of Anne Frank or are interested in World War II historical sites.

I can't wait to go back someday with my older kids!

Try Stroopwafel

Stroopwafel is a delicious Dutch treat that features 2 thin waffle cookies held together by caramel filling, and an essential experience when visiting Amsterdam!

Many places around the city sell stroopwafel, but we decided to try one of the most popular cookie shops in the city! Van Wanderen is a boutique cookie shop that sells giant stroopwafel. You can choose between plain stroopwafel or dipped in chocolate and topped with colorful candy.

I chose the smallest size of the chocolate-dipped stroopwafel with crumbled Oreo cookies as my topping. It was certainly eye-catching and Instagrammable! It was also shockingly expensive.

In my opinion, this is a treat worth the splurge with kids, but be aware that you can buy packs of stroopwafel at any market or grocery store. If you want to eat them fresh but don't want to pay the inflated prices of Van Wanderen, try any bakery or stroopwafel stand around town. You really can't go wrong!

Canal Cruise

Take a boat ride down the fabled canals of Amsterdam to see the city from a different perspective.

We boarded the Amsterdam Circle Line boat for the Offical Amsterdam Canal Cruise from Anne Frank House. This was very convenient since we visited Anne Frank House first thing in the morning, and then saw the cheerful yellow boat waiting for tourists to board just outside the museum.

The cruise was 75 minutes long with commentary in up to 7 languages. It was funny and informative, and we learned about the history of the canals, the houseboats, and more.

I was thankful the boat had a roof since it was a rainy and chilly February day, and my toddler even took a little nap while we cruised along.

Hot tip: grab a pack of stroopwafel and a coffee before you board the boat. There are tables inside so you can relax and sip your coffee and eat your treats while you tour the canals.

We did not book our tickets in advance for this. You can purchase your tickets in person, and the tours leave fairly frequently.

Flower Market

You have to visit the only floating flower market in the world while in Amsterdam! The stalls are on houseboats and are brimming with souvenirs, flower bouquets, and tulip bulbs.

This is the best place to find typical Dutch souvenirs like wooden clogs, cheese, and miniature canal houses.

The market is colorful and bustling with activity, so it's a fun place to browse with kids, grab some snacks, and even purchase some tulip bulbs to bring home!

Try Dutch Fries with Mayonnaise

The Dutch, like the Belgians, lay claim to the origins of the French fry. But there's no debate about whether they've perfected it!

You'll find Dutch fries, or frites, on every street corner, and they love to add mayonnaise on top!

I was skeptical, and typically do not prefer mayonnaise, but I wanted to try the customary Dutch way to eat their frites, so I decided to order the parmesan fries with truffle mayonnaise from Fabel Frite, one of the most popular fry shops in Amsterdam.

There was a short wait in line, but the workers have a great system for getting customers in and out of the shop quickly, so the line moves fast!

I have to say, Amsterdam may have converted me to a fries with mayonnaise lover!

My 3-year-old was a fan of the thick-cut frites, but not a fan of the mayo, so don't be afraid to get the fries plain or just with ketchup if you have kids who aren't the most adventurous eaters yet.

Wander Along the Canals

This is an especially great activity if you have young kids, since you can load them into the stroller for a little afternoon nap while you enjoy the scenic waterways of Amsterdam.

Some of the best and most photogenic canals include Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Bloemgracht.

Just strolling through a new city and taking in the sights is one of my favorite things to do, and can be fun with children of all ages!

Sample some Cheese

The Dutch produce excellent cheese, so make sure to stop in one of the many cheese shops around Amsterdam that offer plenty of free samples!

You can buy cheese in the shop to enjoy back at your hotel room, or purchase some vacuum-packed cheese to bring home with you.

More Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Amsterdam (That We Didn't Get To)

We only had about 24 hours in Amsterdam, which wasn't nearly enough! There were so many interesting and kid-friendly museums, tours, and sights that we didn't get to experience during our visit.

I have plans to return with my older kids, but in the meantime, here are the best things you can do in Amsterdam with kids that we didn't personally experience, but that are on my list!

Van Gogh Museum

Vincent Van Gogh is perhaps the most famous Dutch artist, so go and enjoy his masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum! It hosts the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings.

Tickets are € 22 per person, but kids 18 and under are free! That makes this museum exceptionally family-friendly in my book.

There is an audio guide for families that you can purchase at the front desk. It's € 3.75 for adults, € 2 for children aged 13 to 17, and free for children under 13 years old.

You can also have your kids ages 6-12 participate in a treasure hunt, which you can find at the Information Desk. And young children ages 4-6 can go on a treasure hunt to find Vincent's rabbits hidden in the paintings.

I love that the Van Gogh Museum has thought of multiple ways for the whole family to participate.

Nemo Science Museum

We passed the impressive Nemo Science Museum on our canal tour, and I made a mental note to come back and visit sometime. Kids can learn about a multitude of scientific topics like how light and sound work, how to capture energy from the wind, water, and sun, and what types of particles make up outer space.

There are many hands-on exhibits for both little kids and older children, so this would be a great thing to do in Amsterdam on a rainy day.

Tickets for the Nemo Science Center are € 17.50 for visitors 4 and over, while children under the age of 4 are free.

National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum has one of the largest maritime collections in the world, which includes sea charts, navigation instruments, ship models, and more.

There are many kid-friendly exhibits for families to enjoy, including Doris the Diver, an interactive exhibit and narrative for kids over the age of 2.

Kids over the age of 6 will enjoy the Tale of the Whale exhibit, detailing how humans have viewed whales over the years, and the effects of the whaling industry.

Tickets are € 18,50 for adults, € 8,50 for kids ages 13-17, and free for kids 12 and under.

Rent Bicycles

Bicycles are clearly the most popular form of transportation in Amsterdam, so why not go for a bike ride with your kids? It might be the best way to experience Amsterdam!

First, you'll need to decide if you want to rent a bike to explore on your own, or if you want to take a guided tour of the city.

If you decide to explore independently, you can find bike rentals around the city. Look for bike shops with the word "Fiet" in the title. If you're traveling with small children you can even find bike rentals with child seats attached to the back, and cargo bikes that have a large bucket in the front for kids to sit in. You'll find many bike rental shops near Dam Square and Central Station.

Guided bike tours are another great way to see the city and a unique experience on your family trip!

Take a Day Trip to Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof Gardens are among the most beautiful in the world, and located just an hour from Amsterdam, making it one of the easiest day trips to take from the city!

Keukenhof is only open for 8 weeks each spring, so be prepared for crowds if you go! It's a great spot for vibrant photos with blooming tulips!

You can take public transportation, but booking a roundtrip shuttle will cut down on logistical headaches and allow you to explore the gardens at your own pace.

Many combine a day trip to Keukenhof with a visit to Zaanse Schans, a whimsical neighborhood with windmills and charming wooden houses near Zaandijk, Netherlands. This bus tour serves as transportation to both popular spots, but you will have time at each location to explore independently. You will not be stuck walking with a tour guide!

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, covering the history of the Netherlands from 1200 to the present day.

This Amsterdam museum is free for ages 18 and under, and you can buy tickets that include the Family Game, which is essentially a scavenger hunt around the museum.

You can also take the guided Family Tour which will cover the highlights of the Rijksmuseum for kids ages 6-12 (but all ages can enjoy!).

The museum features artwork (over 8,000 pieces of art) from famous artists that hail from the Netherlands, including The Night Watch by Rembrandt, and many other works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam with 6 play areas and one large playground for kids. You might even catch a children's show in the open-air theater!

This is a good place to visit with kids, especially in the summer months, and there are plenty of things to do in the park.

Try Dutch Pancakes

Another food younger kids might enjoy in Amsterdam is Dutch pancakes! Dutch pannenkoeken are thinner than American pancakes but thicker than crepes and can be topped with a variety of sweet or savory toppings.

You can find Dutch pancakes at pancake houses around the city, or try Poffertjes, mini Dutch pancakes loaded with butter and sugar in the De Pijp neighborhood.

Artis Zoo

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo is located in the center of Amsterdam and is open year-round, making it the perfect place to go with kids!

There are many animal exhibits, plus a daily schedule of activities and presentations to see.

While you're there you can also visit the Groote Museum where you can learn about plants, animals, and our role in nature.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Did you know Amsterdam has a monarch? King Willem-Alexander currently serves as head of state of the Netherlands, and you can visit the royal palace if there are no royal receptions.

They even have a special tour for families with children!

You can also book tickets to explore the palace on your own.

Check the website for tickets, tours, and dates that are open for visitors.

Petting Zoo

If you want to venture off the beaten path, you can check out the petting zoo in De Pijp, a residential neighborhood of Amsterdam. Kids can pet domestic and farm animals.

You'll find another petting zoo called De Uylenburg in Rembrandtpark with peacocks, horses, pigs, and more.

How Many Days Do You Need in Amsterdam?

We only had a brief weekend visit to Amsterdam, which I did not feel was enough time to enjoy all the city has to offer.

I would recommend visiting Amsterdam for at least 3 days with kids to make time for all of the museums, parks, and tours available to families.

Our visit to Amsterdam was part of a week-long trip to Europe to see the highlights of Belgium and a day in Luxembourg. You can find our exact itinerary for Belgium, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg here!

Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Kids

From all my research, I concluded that the Red Light District, Dam Square, and the area around Amsterdam Centraal are areas to avoid.

We stayed at a hotel along the Prinsengracht Canal, and I believe it was either in or near the Jordaan neighborhood.

Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel

I chose this hotel because it offered a quad room for our group of 4 (my friend and her daughter, plus my toddler and me), complementary breakfast, and a desireable location within walking distance of the places we wanted to visit.

They were very friendly, and happy to store our suitcases after we checked out until it was time to head to the train station!

The only word of caution I would give about our hotel is that the steps to get up to the quad room where very steep, so if you're carrying a child or heavy suitcases you're in for a workout!

Other than that, our stay was wonderful, and I could not get over the views of the Prinsengracht Canal from the breakfast room. I really savored my coffee and fresh bread while people watching from the window.

Check rates for the Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel here!

Hyatt Regency Amsterdam

I'm always a fan of Hyatt Hotels with kids, since you can easily book them on points. Chase Ultimate Reward Points can transfer to Hyatt Hotels, and Hyatt point rates are some of the lowest out there.

The Hyatt Regency has some spacious suites for families, and is located in the city center near the east neighborhood.

Check rates at the Hyatt Regency here!

Best For Big Families - Stayokay Hostel Vondelpark

Consider a hostel with private rooms that sleeps up to 6, plus ensuite bathroom, if you have several kids and a budget! This hostel is located near Vondelpark, which is ideal for families.

This is definitely a budget-minded accommodation, and there's even a common area where you can interact with other families.

Check rates here.

Other hotels in Amsterdam for Families

If you want to keep browsing, use the filters on Booking.com to find the exact type of accommodations you want! You can filter for breakfast included, the number of people in your party, and which neighborhood you want to stay in.

Booking is always the place I start when searching for hotels or vacation rentals in a new city.

Amsterdam City Card

If you're just staying for a short time, you probably don't need the Amsterdam City Card. However, if you plan to visit many museums and use public transportation, plus do a canal tour, the City Card could end up saving your money in the long run.

Just compare the activities included on the city card with everything that's on your itinerary to see if it's worth it for you.

Tips for Visiting Amsterdam with Kids

Safety Tips

Amsterdam is a very safe city, but as with most cities it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets and petty theft can be common as in most European capital cities, so keep your phone and money in a safe place.

Having said that, I had my phone and mirrorless camera out almost the entire time I was in Amsterdam and didn't have any issues.

I didn't go out at night since I was with my toddler, but my friend and her pre-teen daughter walked around at night to get some stroopwafel and felt very safe. Likely this will depend on the neighborhood you're in.

As long as you pay attention near tourist sites and while on public transportation, listen to your gut, and avoid bad neighborhoods at night, you should be just fine.

Money

Everywhere we visited accepted credit card, but I always carry a little bit of cash when I travel just in case I need to tip a tour guide or driver, or on the off chance that a smaller shop or restaurant doesn't accept credit card.

The Euro is the currency used in Amsterdam, so having a credit card with no foreign transaction fees plus a bit of cash should do the trick.

Language

Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, and I always like to learn a few words in the local language before traveling anywhere, but in the touristy areas of Amsterdam it was truly unnecessary. Everyone speaks English very well, so you will have no problem communicating in Amsterdam.

Watch Out for Bikes!

When we walked around Rome with kids we were vigilant about keeping them away from the cars careening close to the sidewalks. In Amsterdam, you have to be vigilant about the bikes!

Bikes are the most common form of transportation in Amsterdam, and there are red bike lanes on every road.

Stay in the pedestrian lane and look both ways before you cross the street and you'll be just fine. If you have a young child that's not in a stroller, be sure to hold their hand so they don't run into a bike lane.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The seventeenth-century canal ring area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be sure to take the time to enjoy the beauty and history of this unique area of the city.

Getting There