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 Amsterdamse Bos to learning about the human body at Body Worlds, and from enjoying pancakes at Meerzicht farm to having adventures at Klimpark Fun Forest. Discover Amsterdam together with children through these exciting and varied activities.

1. Take a canal cruise

A canal cruise offers a view of the city from the water. This gives you the chance to learn more about the history and architecture of Amsterdam. At Bootuitjes, you can choose not only a canal tour, but also rent a private boat. Since 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 kids 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. Entry 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 from it. 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 love 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 that explore the magic of cinema. It is a fun museum where kids can learn more about film history and how movies are made.
• The Upside Down Amsterdam: This is an interactive experience that mixes fantasy and reality. Children can explore upside down rooms and colorful installations here, 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. Eat pancakes at Meerzicht Farm

This cozy farm 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 Klimpark 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 above all have a great day full of fun and action.

6. Pet and feed goats at Ridammerhoeve goat farm

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 the chance to get close to nature and learn about animal care. 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 a beautiful view of the impressive skyline and the busy streets below. It is the place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoy a quiet moment with your family. Plus, you can experience Europe’s tallest swing here, which adds excitement to your visit.

8. 5D-flight experience at ‘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 can feel the wind, mist and even smells 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 soccer club Ajax, is a fun activity for children. During the tour, they get a chance to look behind the scenes of one of the biggest soccer stadiums in the Netherlands. They can feel like a real soccer player for a moment by walking along the field, seeing the dressing rooms and standing on the spot 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 discover the human body in detail. This museum is interesting for 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 Zoo Artis

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 located on the same grounds 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 kids: what to consider?

Amsterdam is a big city where you’ll often use public transportation, especially if you’re visiting activities that are both in and out of the city center. For a visit to Amsterdam with kids, it’s smart to plan well in advance so you know which activities for children you want to visit. Also, on a weekday it is quieter, which can make your visit more enjoyable.