Amsterdam with Kids: A Practical Family Guide

This guide focuses on what tends to work for families visiting Amsterdam, rather than a generic list. Pair it with the 2-day itinerary if you want a broader plan and adapt the pacing down for younger children.

If your trip coincides with a wet spell, the rainy-day guide has indoor options that also work well for kids, including the library and covered markets.

NEMO Science Museum

NEMO, the green, ship-shaped building near Centraal Station, is Amsterdam's main hands-on science museum and reliably a hit with children roughly aged six and up. Exhibits are largely interactive, and the rooftop terrace is free to access even without a museum ticket and gives a good view over the harbour.

Artis Royal Zoo

Artis, one of Europe's oldest zoos, sits within walking distance of the centre and combines animal enclosures with a planetarium, an aquarium, and the Micropia museum next door, which is dedicated entirely to microorganisms and is more entertaining than it sounds, especially for slightly older kids.

Give Artis at least half a day. It is spacious and well shaded, which helps on warm days, and there are several cafés inside if you would rather not carry a full picnic.

Playgrounds and parks

Vondelpark has multiple playgrounds spread along its length, plus wide flat paths that work well for scooters and balance bikes. Westerpark and Sarphatipark both have smaller, quieter playgrounds if you would rather avoid the crowds. Amstelpark, further out, has a small children's farm and a mini-train in summer.

• Vondelpark: several playgrounds, open grass, paddling areas in summer
• Amstelpark: children's farm, mini-train, generally quieter
• Westerpark: playground plus regular family-friendly markets
• Sarphatipark (De Pijp): compact and easy to combine with lunch nearby

Ferries and pancake boats

The free ferries across the IJ to Amsterdam Noord are, unofficially, one of the best free kids' activities in the city, and a highlight of any free things to do in Amsterdam list. They run constantly, take only a few minutes, and most children enjoy them regardless of what is on the other side. NDSM Wharf, on the Noord side, has open space to run around and a floating pool in summer.

Pancake boats, canal boats that serve a pancake lunch while cruising, are a popular option for younger children and combine a canal tour with a meal in one go, which can save you a mealtime meltdown elsewhere; our Dutch snacks guide has more kid-friendly treats to try along the way.

Getting around with kids

Amsterdam's cobblestones and tram rails are hard on both prams and small wheels, so factor in slower progress than a flat pavement would give you. Trams are pram-friendly, with low-floor sections on most vehicles, and GVB day tickets cover trams, buses and the metro; see Amsterdam public transport for details.

Cycling with kids is completely normal here, and rental shops offer bikes with child seats or small trailers. If you are not confident cycling in city traffic yourself, it is worth reading cycling in Amsterdam before you commit to renting one with a child on board.

Where to stay and eat with children

De Pijp and the Jordaan both work well as bases: central enough to walk to major sights, calmer than the very centre in the evenings, and full of casual, kid-tolerant restaurants. The where to stay in Amsterdam guide covers neighbourhood trade-offs in more detail.

A sample family day

1. Morning: NEMO Science Museum, then lunch at the harbourside nearby
2. Early afternoon: ferry across to Amsterdam Noord for a run around NDSM
3. Late afternoon: back to Vondelpark for the playground before dinner
4. Evening: an early canal or pancake boat if energy allows