15x fun things to do with the kids in Amsterdam

Buckle up! These are our fav activities together with the kids when visiting Amsterdam. Prepare yourself and the little once's for the tastiest apple pie, exciting adventures, cool museums and playful Instagram Walhalla's. Cycling is definitely the easiest way to get around Amsterdam with kids, so make sure to rent a clog cargo bike – the kids will love it for sure!

Family-friendly things to do in Amsterdam

You and the kids will never be bored in Amsterdam, ever! From eating pancakes on the pancake boat and visiting NEMO to petting exotic animals in the zoo. No worries if the sun's not out, we've wrapped up some indoor things as well. Grab your pen, and take some notes – here we go!

1. Pet exotic animals in Artis Zoo

One of the most popular activities in Amsterdam is a visit to Artis, a zoo in the middle of the city. From beautiful penguins and roaring lions to running monkeys: you will never be bored at Artis! Children up to 2 years old can enter for free.

2. NEMO

Without a doubt, one of the best Amsterdam kids activities is visiting the NEMO Science Museum. It's located in an impressive architectural building with a roof that can be seen from around the city. As a parent, you'll enjoy yourself here too, promised! At the end of your tour, go to the NEMO roof – if the weather is nice – it's definitely worth a visit.

3. It’s lunchtime!

Getting hungry? Go to the WestergasTerras in the Westerpark. It's spacious, so there is enough space for the stroller and the kids to play. There's also a charming terrace where the little ones have plenty of space to run around.

4. Climbing Park ‘Fun Forest’

Are you all real adventurers (and over six years old)? Then we recommend the Fun Forest climbing park in the 'Amsterdamse Bos'! Choose one of the many routes and climb from tree to tree. You will encounter different obstacles during your adventure: from bridges, nets and zip lines to even a free fall. Do you dare?

5. Amsterdamse Bos’ (Amsterdam Forest)

While you are in the neighbourhood… The 'Amsterdamse Bos' has countless playgrounds – even on the water - for unlimited fun. Besides a goat farm (where you can eat the most delicious pancakes), there’s also a forest theatre

6. Ship ahoy!

Take the ferry to Amsterdam-Noord towards the NDSM district and discover a completely different Amsterdam. The pound is free to use and goes approximately every 7 minutes. The crossing takes about 3 minutes. This ferry, called “het pondje”, will bring you to our next activity…

7. Watch a movie in the Eye Film Museum Grabs popcorn

This one is fun to visit with the little ones: the Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam-Noord. It’s a beautiful building next to the IJ, opposite Amsterdam Central Station. Fun element: the kids can create their own film with a 'green screen'. Every Sunday morning, there is Cinemini: a film for the little ones (aged 2 to 6 years old).

8. Best apple pie in town

This one is not only fun for the kiddos…😉 Winkel 43, a shop on the Noordermarkt (Jordaan neighbourhood), is known for its freshly baked apple pie with delicious whipped cream. Enjoy a (large) piece of apple pie on the terrace after visiting the organic market on Saturday. You'll love it!

9. Strike a pose in The Upside Down

Discover the largest interactive Instagram museum in Europe, where you make the rules: The Upside Down. It has all kinds of rooms - from a huge ball pit to candy-pink rooms and even rooms that are upside down. You'll walk out of the museum with 1000 cool snapshots on your phone. The Upside Down is located near the RAI.

10. Jumpers Indoor Trampoline Park

Does everyone still have a lot of energy? Go to the Indoor Trampoline Park! This trampoline park offers thirty consecutive trampolines, a foam pit with a slackline and a tumbling track. Oh, this is also a cool activity for birthday parties! You're welcome.

11. The WONDR Experience

Forget those boring art museums. WONDR is a true playground where people of all ages – including adults – can explore the art of play in a series of rooms designed by artists. Take a dip in a pool of pink marshmallows. Jump into the biggest ball pit you've ever seen. Dance under a sky full of glittering stars. Every corner is the perfect set-up for your TikTok video or fun family photo. At this immersive pop-up adventure, all your senses will be tickled!

12. Cruise along Amsterdam’s canals

A bucket-list item: go on a tour boat and see the beautiful canals. Make sure to check out Blue Boat Kids tour, designed especially for the little ones (and all pirates among us). The kids will hear a different (much more exciting!) audio story on this cruise than the parents. The kids also receive an assignment booklet, earphones and pirate binoculars. You can board at the Stadhouderskade.

13. Discover the canals on a pedal boat!

The best way for the family to cruise through the canals of Amsterdam might be the pedal boat. It's a bicycle on water, and for sure, kids will have a blast. From the moment you jump into the pedal boat, you'll immediately understand why the canal belt is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

14. Candy Castle Play Paradise

Do you have a day planned in Amsterdam, but is it raining cats and dogs? Come play, jump and climb at the indoor Candy Castle. Because this play paradise is mainly for the little once's, parents can enter for free.

15. Finally time to relax? Go to vessel

When visiting Amsterdam, drop by at Vessel. It's a vibrant hangout to get cosy around the fireplace during those cold days and a local beach in the summer with an amazing view overlooking the IJ. Vessel is your all-day destination to eat, enjoy, and share delicious dishes all year round.

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