People who assume that Amsterdam is not an appropriate place for children do not know the city very well. There are many fun and educational things to do with children in Amsterdam, from letting them cook their own meals to exploring the canals and museums.
Enjoy unique and free things to do with children in Amsterdam
One of the most unique activities for children in Amsterdam (especially on a rainy day) is a trip to the Kinderkookkafé (Children’s Cook Café), where your children dress up in chef’s aprons and hats to prepare all kinds of creations, from pizzas and sandwiches to chocolate croissants and cookies. Located near the Vondelpark, the cafe is open every day from 10 a.m. M. At 5 p. M. Call +31 (0) 20 625 3257 to inquire about special programs and availability.
If your children like horses, consider stopping at the nearby Hollandsche Manege (Dutch Riding School), where they can learn to ride and care for horses and ponies. The Dutch equestrian school museum teaches children about horses and their different breeds and even has live horse shows.
Take a canal cruise with kids in Amsterdam
Many children enjoy a boat ride on the winding canals of Amsterdam. Seeing all the ‘crooked’ buildings, old bridges and a surprisingly modern harbor from this perspective is sure to entertain the little ones.
During warmer and warmer days, try an open cruise operator like those “Dam Dam Boat Guys” (they welcome families, but note that the easy-going group draws a hip crowd that brings their own beer , wine, etc. to enjoy). In colder climates, choose the larger variety with a glass top; of these, Canal Company offers a pizza cruise that could appeal even more to kids.
If your kids are big enough to pull (or pedal) their weight, opt for the four-seater self-propelled Canal Bike, also from Canal Company.
Visit Amsterdam’s museums with fun activities for kids
Some of the best museums in Amsterdam have unique programs for children:
- Rijksmuseum: Special guided tours are held for families with children every day from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Van Gogh Museum – Find an audio tour, weekend workshops, scavenger hunt, and coloring pages to help your kids enjoy the Dutch painter.
- NEMO: The target audience for the science and technology museum is between the ages of 6 and 16. Interactive displays encourage visitors to use all of their senses (touch everything!).
- Dutch Maritime Museum – This ship and navigation museum can be for all ages, but the exhibits are particularly suitable for children thanks to their imaginative execution.
- Jewish Historical Museum and Tropenmuseum: Both have excellent children’s museums.
Play in parks and playgrounds in Amsterdam
The best parks in Amsterdam are great places for your children to spend some of that energy that they never seem to lack. The Vondelpark offers a children’s pool that is very popular with children in summer, as well as Het Groot Melkhuis (The Big Milkhouse), a family-friendly café with a huge playground.
On rainy days you might consider the TunFun Playground, where children between the ages of 1-12 can crawl, climb, slide, and bounce to their heart’s content. They can even dance at a kids’ disco and jump on an inflatable block in Amsterdam.
Immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s Christmas traditions with kids
Amsterdam focuses on everyone’s kid on vacation. It begins with the arrival of Sinterklaas (the Dutch Saint Nicholas; not Santa Claus) in mid-November. After docking his boat in the harbor, he parades through the city on his white horse with a crowd of helpers (Zwarte Pieten or Black Petes), who throw candy at the cheering children. This is a great event for children in Amsterdam. If you miss your arrival, have a “Rooftop Rehearsal” on the deck about NEMO (last week in November).
What kid doesn’t love sweets? There is a lot to choose from in Amsterdam during the holidays: poffertjes and oliebollen are for sale on the streets. Fill up, then take a spin on the outdoor ice rinks at Leidseplein or in front of the Rijksmuseum!
