Amsterdam with kids: 12x best activities to do with your child

Looking for the best activities to do with your child in Amsterdam? This page provides you with a handy guide to 12 activities that are both educational and entertaining for children of all ages. From exploring the Amsterdam Forest to learning about the human body at Body Worlds, and from enjoying pancakes at Meerzicht farm to having adventures at Klimpark Fun Forest. Explore Amsterdam together with children through these engaging and varied activities.

1. Take a canal cruise

A canal cruise offers a view of the city from the water. This gives you a chance to learn more about the history and architecture of Amsterdam. With Boat Outings, you can not only choose a canal cruise, but also rent a private boat. Because there is little walking involved with this activity, it fits well with a day out in Amsterdam with children.

2. Playing, exploring and building at Jeugdland Amsterdam

At Jeugdland Amsterdam, children can join the world of playing, exploring and building. With fun activities and all kinds of objects specially designed to let children get creative. The park is open Wednesday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., for an afternoon of adventure in northern Amsterdam. Admission to Jeugdland Amsterdam is €1 per child.

3. Visit kid-friendly museums

Visiting a museum is not only a fun way to spend time together, but children can also learn a lot. Here are some kid-friendly museums that are definitely worth visiting:

• Van Gogh Museum: Discover Dutch art and delve into the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. With a special audio tour designed for young children, this museum becomes an interactive experience that brings them closer to art.
• Nemo Science Museum: This interactive museum brings science to life through fun experiments and exhibits. It is the place for curious minds who like to learn how things work.
• Moco Museum: Offers a selection of modern and contemporary art that is both engaging and inspiring for children. The museum is accessible and offers art in a way that appeals to young people.
• Eye Film Museum: A paradise for young film fans, with a series of exhibitions exploring the magic of cinema. It is a fun museum where children can learn more about film history and how movies are made.
• The Upside Down Amsterdam: This is an interactive experience that blends fantasy and reality. Here children can explore upside-down rooms and colorful installations, perfect for a day of fun and pictures.
• Wondr Experience: A playground for all ages, but especially for young children, where they can dive into rooms filled with glitter, color and interactive art installations.

4. Eating pancakes at farm Meerzicht

This cozy farmhouse offers a delicious selection of pancakes for a tasty meal after a day of adventure in nature. Farmhouse Meerzicht is the ideal place for families who want to get together and enjoy the best that the Amsterdam Forest has to offer. Whether hiking, biking or just relaxing.

5. Climb and scramble at climbing park Fun Forest

Klimpark Fun Forest is like a big playground in the sky, located in the south of Amsterdam, close to the Amsterdamse Bos. With several playgrounds high among the trees, the park offers adventures for all ages. Here children can push their limits, learn new skills and most importantly have a fun day full of fun and action.

6. Pet and feed goats at goat farm Ridammerhoeve

Petting and feeding goats at goat farm Ridammerhoeve is an activity suitable for children and is located in the heart of the Amsterdam Forest. This experience offers children a chance to get close to nature and learn about caring for animals. It is not only educational, but also incredibly fun. Children can pet the goats, feed them and learn more about farm life.

7. Look out over Amsterdam at Amsterdam Lookout

Located at one of the highest points in the city, it offers great views of the sprawling skyline and busy streets below. It is the place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy a quiet moment with the family. In addition, you can experience Europe’s tallest swing here, adding excitement to your visit.

8. 5D-flight experience bij ‘This Is Holland’

‘This Is Holland’ offers a unique 5D flight experience where you can discover Holland by virtually flying over it. As you soar and dive above landscapes, you feel the wind, mist and even scents that match the environments you explore. ‘This Is Holland’ is more than just an attraction; it is an educational yet exciting experience suitable for visitors of all ages.

9. Tour of the Amsterdam Arena

A tour of the Amsterdam ArenA, home of the famous Ajax soccer club, is a fun outing for children. During the tour, they will get a chance to look behind the scenes of one of the largest soccer stadiums in the Netherlands. For a moment, they can feel like a real soccer player by walking along the field, seeing the locker rooms and standing where the coaches run the games. It is a unique experience that is not only fun, but can also be inspiring for young soccer fans.

10. Get to know human body at Body Worlds

Body Worlds in Amsterdam offers a fascinating and educational experience where you can explore the human body in detail. This museum is of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about how our bodies work, inside and out. Visitors even have the opportunity to take a body test, giving them personal insights into their own health and well-being.

11. Meet your favorite idols at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds, close to Central Station, offers a unique opportunity to “meet” your great idols in the form of lifelike wax figures. It is an experience where you can stand next to celebrities, sports legends and historical figures as if they were really standing next to you. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, a visit to Madame Tussauds is easy to combine with other activities in the city.

12. Visit Artis Zoo

Visiting Artis Zoo, the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, is an activity that is fun for all children. Artis offers the chance to see a huge diversity of animals, all on the same property located in the heart of Amsterdam. Children here can not only see the animals up close, but also learn about their habitats and behavior, making the visit both educational and entertaining.

Amsterdam with children: what to consider?

Amsterdam is a big city where you often use public transportation, especially if you are visiting activities that are both downtown and beyond. For a visit to Amsterdam with children, it is smart to plan well in advance so you know which activities geared toward children you want to visit. It is also quieter on a weekday, which can make your visit more pleasant.

Visiting Amsterdam with older children

Exploring Amsterdam with teenagers is an adventure in itself, with plenty of activities and sights to suit their interests specifically. From exploring unique art in museums to experiencing action in climbing parks, there is plenty to do in Amsterdam for teens to discover all that the city has to offer. This makes Amsterdam a destination for families looking for a mix of culture, fun and adventure.