Curator’s statement
Amsterdam is a very family friendly destination—which you might find surprising! In this guide you will find tips to help your family have a great time in Amsterdam. After living in Amsterdam for over three years with a child, I've certainly learned a few tips and tricks that I am excited to share with you. From where to stay, what to do and even where to eat—you'll find it all in my local's guide to Amsterdam with kids.
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Where to stay in Amsterdam
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Things to do in Amsterdam
Indoor activities—great for rainy days:
NEMO Science Museum
OBA Oosterdok: Library with indoor play area and rooftop cafe.
Playhood: An indoor creative play space.
Candy Castle: For when kids really need to get their energy out.
Tony's Chocolonely: You can even create your own chocolate bar.
Maritime Museum
Outdoor activities:
Canal cruises: You can find one or two hour cruises which are great for little ones; some are covered for rainy or cold days.
ARTIS Zoo: On Saturday evenings in summer there is live music.
Exploring parks and playgrounds around the city.
Amsterdamse Bos: You can find a petting zoo, a pancake house, splash pool and climbing course.
Amstelpark offers a small amusement park with rides.
Weekly markets around the city.
Best playgrounds:
de Vondeltuin: Located in Vondelpark, a climbing tower great for older kids next to a cafe.
Groot Melkhuis: Located in Vondelpark, a great playground combined with a cafe.
Terrasmus: Located in Erasumuspark, a cute playground with a cafe.
Saraphatipark: Offers two playgrounds, one for smaller kids and one for larger kids.
Herenmark: Great when exploring Jordaan and need a break for the kids.
Day trips:
Zandvoort Beaches: Kids can run and play while parents relax at the beachside cafes.
Zaanse Schans: To see windmills and get an insight into history.
Keukenhof Gardens: To see the tulips in April.
Places to eat & drink in Amsterdam
Breakfast:
Dignita: Several locations, some with play areas.
Staring at Jacob
Flo's Bagels: Several locations.
Box Sociaal
Winkel 43
Dutch pancake spots or even a Dutch pancake cruise.
Lunch:
de Vondeltuin: Outdoor dining with a playground.
Focacceria
Winkel 43: For a toastie and apple pie.
A covered and heated patio on Leidseplein for classic Dutch bites.
Terrasmus: Outdoor dining with a playground.
EshPitabar: Near Rijksmuseum.
Dinner:
Groot Melkhuis: Pizza and playground.
Ikaria Park: For really good Greek food with an outdoor area.
Ladybird: Fried chicken and mac n cheese.
PizzaBeppe: Several locations.
Mangia: Several locations for pizza.
Burgers: Bill's Burgers or BeefChief.
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Travel Advisor
Ashley Farlow
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Amsterdam. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, 1 Week in Switzerland with Babies, Toddlers & Kids.