Never mind Amsterdam’s hedonistic reputation as a city for sex and drugs – it’s also a huge playground for children of all ages. From hands-on science museums and canal boat rides to cycling through leafy parks and eating pancakes stacked with ice cream, you’d be hard-pressed not to find activities that work for the whole family. You can even do Amsterdam with toddlers.
I’ve visited Amsterdam twice, and what struck me both times was just how family-friendly the city feels. Cycling is a way of life here, the tram system is pushchair-friendly, and almost everyone speaks English. Add in the compact size – most major attractions sit within walking distance of each other or a short tram ride from Amsterdam Centraal – and it’s one of the easiest European cities to navigate with kids in tow.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Amsterdam with kids, from the best museums and outdoor spaces to practical tips on getting there and where to stay.
Amsterdam quick facts
- Getting there from the UK: Flights from London take around 1 hour. Eurostar runs direct from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal in around 4 hours
- Best time to visit: April to October for warmer weather and outdoor fun. Spring (mid-April to May) brings tulip season and Keukenhof Gardens
- Currency: Euro (€). Many places in Amsterdam are card-only – including ARTIS Zoo – so carry a debit card
- Language: Dutch, but English is widely spoken
- Getting around: Trams, buses and metro run frequently. The GVB day pass covers all public transport
Fun learning at NEMO Science Museum
If you only have time for one family attraction in Amsterdam, make it NEMO. The Netherlands’ largest science museum is housed in a striking green ship-shaped building designed by architect Renzo Piano, a 15-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station, and it’s packed with five floors of hands-on exhibits that keep children busy for hours.
Kids can create chain reactions, experiment with water and light, build bridges, and test gravity – everything is designed to be touched, pressed and played with. There are live demonstrations throughout the day, plus workshops during school holidays. It works best for ages 4 and up, though toddlers will still enjoy pushing buttons and exploring.
The rooftop terrace – renovated in 2025 – is free to access even without a museum ticket and offers wide views across the city’s harbour and rooftops. There’s a cafe up top, making it a good spot for a breather.
Practical details: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:30 (also open Mondays during school holidays and April to September). Closed on King’s Day (27 April).
Tickets cost €17.50 per person aged 4 and up; under 3s go free. Book online in advance with a timed slot – weekday afternoons from 14:00 tend to be quieter. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a visit.
Top tip: The National Maritime Museum sits right next door and has a full-size replica of an 18th-century Dutch East India Company ship. Kids can climb aboard and explore the cannons, hammocks and steering wheel – it’s a good pairing with NEMO if you have the energy.
Outdoor fun at Vondelpark
Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park is the perfect antidote to museum fatigue. Vondelpark has six play areas, including a large adventure playground near Groot Melkhuis – a cafe with a terrace where you can sit with a coffee while watching the kids burn off energy in the sandpit. Peak Dutch parenting.
The park is crisscrossed with paths ideal for cycling or scooting, and you can rent bikes nearby. During summer (June to early September), the open-air theatre stages free children’s shows. On King’s Day in April, part of Vondelpark traditionally becomes a children’s market where only kids are allowed to trade.
Practical details: Free entry, open 24 hours. Nearest trams: lines 1, 2 or 5 to Leidseplein, then a 5-minute walk. Best visited during daylight hours.
Meet wildlife at ARTIS Royal Zoo
Founded in 1838, ARTIS is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and sits in the leafy Plantage neighbourhood, east of the city centre. It’s home to over 700 species – including Asian elephants, giraffes, gorillas, penguins and jaguars – spread across 10 hectares of tree-lined pathways and landscaped gardens.
Children will love the Butterfly Pavilion, the petting zoo, and the Planetarium (included with your ticket), which runs daily shows taking you on a journey through space. For younger visitors, the Artis de Partis route guides small children on an adventure trail through the park. Next door, Micropia – the world’s only microbe museum – is surprisingly engaging for older kids and adults, with interactive displays about the invisible world of bacteria and viruses.
Note: The Aquarium building is currently undergoing restoration and is expected to reopen in spring 2026. In February 2026, a new elephant calf was born at ARTIS – the first time two calves have been growing up in the herd together.
Practical details: Open daily, 9:00 to 17:00 (November to February) and 9:00 to 18:00 (March to October). ARTIS is card-only – no cash accepted. Book tickets online in advance. Nearest tram: line 14 to Artis. Metro: Waterlooplein (lines 51, 53, 54), then a 10-minute walk. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Take in the views from a canal cruise
A boat tour along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals is one of the best things to do as a family. You’ll glide past gabled canal houses, arched bridges and houseboats while kids point out bikes chained to railings and ducks paddling alongside.
Most cruises last around an hour and depart from near Amsterdam Centraal or the Anne Frank House. Several operators run family-friendly options – Blue Boat Company offers a free children’s audio tour, while Amsterdam Circle Line provides colouring pages and has onboard toilets (important when you’re travelling with young children). Standard tickets cost around €16 to €20 for adults and €8 to €13 for children aged 4 to 12, with under 4s typically free.
For something more hands-on, consider renting a small electric boat – no licence required – and navigating the canals yourselves. Several rental companies operate from the Jordaan and city centre.
Top tip: Combine a canal cruise with a visit to NEMO by booking a combo ticket, which saves a few euros on the individual prices.
Take a moment at Anne Frank House
I remember gasping when I first climbed the stairs and saw the hidden doorway leading to the annexe, so moved by The Diary of Anne Frank after studying the book at school. Now a museum, the Anne Frank House is a sobering and deeply important exhibition about the persecution of the Jews during the Second World War – the rooms where Anne and her family hid for two years are left largely unfurnished, allowing you to imagine the silence and fear of daily life in hiding.
This is best suited to older kids – the museum recommends a minimum age of 10, although you can take younger children. There’s a dedicated audio tour for visitors aged 10 to 15 that tells the story from Anne’s perspective, which makes it more accessible for younger teenagers. No photos are allowed inside, and the narrow staircases aren’t wheelchair accessible.
Practical details: Located on the Prinsengracht in the Jordaan district. Open daily, 9:00 to 22:00. Tickets cost €16.50 for adults, €7 for ages 10 to 17, and €1 for children under 10. Tickets are only sold online through the official Anne Frank House website – they’re released on the first Tuesday of each month for the following six weeks and sell out within hours. Set a reminder and book the moment they go live. An optional 30-minute introductory programme costs an extra €7.
See masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum
Even if your children aren’t naturally drawn to art galleries, the Van Gogh Museum does a brilliant job of making its collection accessible to families. The world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s work – over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and more than 700 letters – is displayed chronologically, so you can follow his artistic journey from early dark-toned Dutch works through to the vivid colour of his time in the south of France.
Children under 18 enter free, and the museum offers family guides at the information desk, plus a dedicated children’s room for ages 6 to 12 with interactive activities and storytelling. Older kids tend to be drawn to the famous Sunflowers, Almond Blossom and The Bedroom – and the letters between Vincent and his brother Theo give a personal glimpse into his life that resonates with teenagers.
Practical details: Located on Museumplein. Open daily from 9:00am. Closing times vary: 17:00 Monday to Thursday, 18:00 Saturday and Sunday, 21:00 on Fridays. Check the official website for seasonal variations. Tickets cost €25 per adult; free for under 18s (but you still need to book a free timed ticket). Book well in advance – slots sell out quickly. Trams 2, 5 or 12 to Van Baerlestraat. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Go on a scavenger hunt at Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands’ national museum can feel intimidating for families, but it’s far more child-friendly than you might expect. Children under 18 enter free, and the Rijksmuseum offers family scavenger hunts (available from the front desk for ages 7 and up), guided family tours, and a Picknick Room where kids can draw and relax on weekends and during school holidays.
The building itself is impressive – kids tend to love the tunnel entrance, the grand staircase and the enormous scale of Rembrandt’s Night Watch. The model ships, dollhouses and weaponry collections on the lower floors are surprisingly popular with younger visitors. Outside, the Rijksmuseum Gardens are free to visit, with sculptures, fountains and space to run around.
Practical details: Open daily, 9:00 to 17:00. Tickets cost €25 per adult; free for under 18s. Online booking with a timed slot is required – you can’t buy tickets at the door. Located on Museumplein, next to the Van Gogh Museum, making it easy to combine both in one day.
Pedal power with kids
Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and cycling with children here feels natural rather than nerve-wracking. Dedicated bike paths are separated from traffic, and drivers are used to sharing the road with cyclists of all ages.
Several rental shops offer family setups, including cargo bikes (bakfietsen) with a box at the front for younger children, child seats and tandems. A cycling tour through Vondelpark or along the Amstel River makes for a memorable family outing. Some guided cycling tours cater specifically to families with shorter routes and regular stops.
Top tip: If your children are used to riding bikes, rent from a shop away from the busy Centraal Station area – prices tend to be lower and the bikes better maintained.
Eat lots of pancakes
Pancakes are practically a national institution in the Netherlands, and there’s no better way to win over fussy eaters. Dutch pannenkoeken are thinner than American pancakes but thicker than crepes, and they come in both sweet and savoury versions – think bacon and cheese, or Nutella with banana and ice cream.
The Pancake Bakery in the Jordaan district, housed in a 17th-century warehouse on the Prinsengracht, is a long-standing favourite. Arrive early, as queues build quickly. For something more local, look for smaller pancake houses away from the main tourist streets.
Day trips from Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s central location and excellent rail connections make day trips easy with kids.
Zaanse Schans is the most popular family day trip – a historic village around 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal, where you can see working windmills, watch clogs being carved and sample Dutch cheese. Kids enjoy the craft demonstrations, and there’s plenty of space to run around. Free to wander the village; individual attractions charge small entry fees.
Keukenhof Gardens opens from mid-March to mid-May and is worth the trip during tulip season. I was blown away by the sheer swathes of colourful tulips spreading as far as the eye could see – over 7 million bulbs flower across 32 hectares, and the scale of it is something photos don’t quite capture. There’s a treasure hunt trail for children, too.
Haarlem is just 15 minutes by train and feels like a smaller, calmer version of Amsterdam, with a beautiful central square, independent shops and family-friendly cafes. Utrecht (30 minutes by train) has the Miffy Museum for younger children and the Railway Museum for older ones.
Where to stay in Amsterdam with kids
The best areas for families are the Jordaan (quiet canals, close to Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum, local playgrounds), Museumplein/Oud-Zuid (walking distance to the big museums and Vondelpark), and Amsterdam Centraal area (convenient for NEMO, canal cruises and day trips).
Family-friendly apartments with kitchens are widely available and tend to offer better value than hotels for families. Look for places with space for a travel cot and room to spread out – Amsterdam hotel rooms can be compact.
For hotels, look for properties near tram stops with family rooms or connecting rooms. Budget around €150 to €280 per night for a family-sized apartment or hotel room in a central location.
Top tip: Amsterdam is compact enough that even accommodation slightly outside the centre works well, as long as you’re near a tram or metro stop.
Getting to Amsterdam from the UK
By air: Flights from London to Amsterdam Schiphol take around 1 hour. Budget airlines and major carriers fly from airports across the UK. From Schiphol, the train to Amsterdam Centraal takes 15 to 20 minutes.
By train: Eurostar runs direct from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal in approximately 4 hours. It’s a comfortable journey with no airport hassle – and children aged 4 to 11 travel at reduced fares. Booking opens around 6 months in advance for the best prices.
By ferry: Stena Line sails from Harwich to Hook of Holland (around 7 to 8 hours overnight), and DFDS sails from Newcastle to IJmuiden (near Amsterdam). Both routes work well for road trips with a car.
Practical tips for Amsterdam with kids
Book museum tickets early. Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum sell out weeks in advance. NEMO, ARTIS and the Rijksmuseum also require timed online bookings.
Consider the I amsterdam City Card. It includes entry to NEMO, ARTIS, the Rijksmuseum and many other attractions, plus unlimited public transport and a free canal cruise. Note: the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House are not included in the card. Check the official website to compare costs against your planned activities.
Bring layers. Amsterdam’s weather is changeable year-round. A waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes are essential. I’ve been in snow, hail and rain and then bright sunshine!
Watch the bikes. Amsterdam’s cycle lanes are busy and fast-moving. Teach children to look both ways before stepping off pavements, and keep toddlers close near the canals – there are very few barriers.
Pack a reusable water bottle. Many taps and fountains across Amsterdam dispense drinking water.
Amsterdam FAQs
Is Amsterdam good for kids?
Amsterdam is one of the most family-friendly cities in Europe. Museums offer children’s programmes, the tram network handles pushchairs easily, restaurants are generally welcoming to kids, and the compact layout means you can walk between most attractions. English is widely spoken, making it easy for children to ask for help.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam with kids?
Three to four days is ideal. That gives you time for the major museums (NEMO, Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum), a canal cruise, a park visit and a day trip without feeling rushed. Two days work for a focused weekend break, hitting the highlights.
Is the Anne Frank House suitable for children?
The museum recommends a minimum age of 10, but it’s up to parents. There’s a special audio tour designed for visitors aged 10 to 15. The exhibitions include historical images that may be upsetting for younger children, so consider your child’s maturity level. It’s a powerful and educational experience for older kids and teenagers.
What is the best area to stay in Amsterdam with kids?
The Jordaan offers a quiet, residential feel with canal-side walks and proximity to major attractions. Museumplein/Oud-Zuid puts you within walking distance of three major museums and Vondelpark. Near Amsterdam Centraal is best for easy access to NEMO, canal cruises and train connections for day trips.
Can you visit Amsterdam with toddlers?
Absolutely. Vondelpark’s playgrounds, ARTIS Zoo, canal cruises and the city’s pancake houses are all toddler-friendly. NEMO works for children from about age 3 or 4, though the more interactive exhibits are aimed at slightly older children. The tram network accepts pushchairs, and the city is generally flat and walkable.
How much does a family trip to Amsterdam cost?
Budget around €180 to €350 per day for a family of four, covering accommodation, meals, attractions and local transport. Museum tickets for two adults average €45 to €70 per attraction (children are often free or reduced). Canal cruises run €48 to €56 for a family of four.
A great read with useful tips – perhaps I should consider Amsterdam for our next trip…
I totally agree – Amsterdam is fantastic for a family holiday and Nemo in particular is amazing with younger kids, although we loved the Vondelpark and zoo when we visited as well.
great ideas! I read Anne Frank diary as a kid. I’d love to visit her museum one day
I absolutely love Amsterdam and think it’s the perfect city break with kids. Love the tips (NEMO is one of our favourite places).
I love Amsterdam, and so do my kids – it’s a great place for a family trip.