The factory itself is a little cheesy but its a great place pick up a souvenir and watch artisans at work. If your kids arent art fans, there are a range of other great options we strongly recommend: In need of a good run around? Tried the traditional stroopwaffel with the caramel filling, and it was hot off the cooking plate - rea;;y tasty and crispy, and better than any others in Amsterdam I tried. This was one of our favorite things to do in Amsterdam. The citys favorite park is a wonderful place to throw down a blanket and observe the Amsterdammers at playon sunny days its easily the most populated spot in the city. , went on a canal cruise, enjoyed the architecture and visited some coffee shops. If your kids arent that keen on the idea of raw(ish) fish, grab them some kibbeling whilst youre there hot crispy battered chunks of white fish served with mayonnaise. And no, I'm not a Belgium fan. The Artis Royal Zoo, located in the city center of Amsterdam is a must-see for kids of all ages. Our tried and tested selection of things to do in Amsterdam with kids Discover Nemo Science Museum and its terrace - the best place in Amsterdam for toddlers and school age kids Amsterdam science museum tops our list as one attraction specifically for kids but easy to enjoy for adults too. In Summer, city kids love to make waves in Amsterdams numerous splash pools which provide welcome relief from the heat. From extensive play areas and s Bursting with open green spaces, cultural hotspots and sky-high attractions, Amsterdam Noord is one of the most exciting neighbourhoods for visiting f Hosting a diverse range of family-friendly attractions including museums, childrens concerts and theatres, Amsterdam Oost offers a great day ou With its hidden cultural gems, sporty and creative activities and direct access to Vondelpark, little visitors to Amsterdam will find much to enjoy in Oud-Zuid is best known for its rich cultural attractions. Upgrade your package with a snack box lunch. Lovely to walk through. Such a charming area. Im going to assume its a first visit, that the weather is warm (Spring to September lets say) and that you have kids who are somewhere between toddlers and teenagers. Amsterdam has a glorious historic tramline run by volunteers which winds it way across the city on Sundays between April and November. 5. And dont forget the world-class museums, historical treasures and outdoor activities like biking and boating. It also offers skating lessons, private event hosting and a snack bar with food and drinks. Our minis adore this one which is great for younger and older kids and also has a football cage usually with obliging young locals and a ball. Finally, if your minis are animal lovers you could always tram your way east to Amsterdams world-famous and beautiful zoo Artis(read on to find out how to build this into your evening itinerary), or why not jump in an Uber. Many of the citys most popular family attractions are located right in the historic heart of Amsterdam. Located in the Jordan neighborhood, it was constructed in the 17th century and is lined with historic burgher houses. This is why Amsterdam is sometimes called the "Venice of the North.". We weren't disappointed on either - they were both great. With a great mix of greenery, activities, and affordability, visiting Amsterdam parks is one of the best things to do with kids. The kids can easily drive the model boats themselves and the boats are powered by electric motors. If you have kids under 10, you may want to skip the Amsterdam Dungeon and substitute with the Artis Royal Zoo (free entry with iamsterdam ). Take elevator to the sixth floor and access cafe and overlook of the city. Amsterdam has so many pretty little waterways and canal houses, but I think the Bloemgracht is the most scenic. Photo by Catia Mingote. My 8-year-old loved it, and we all learned things about the museum that we would have otherwise missed. Further into town, check out the completely brilliant kid-friendly science museum NEMO which lives and breathes its touch-everything philosophy. So throw aside all your preconceptions of Amsterdam as a stag and hen night destinationand discard your memories of thathungover morning in Dam Square, Amsterdam is in fact one of the most family friendly cities around. 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We recommend NEMO as one of our must-dos if youre travelling with kids so whether you visit at this point on the weekend or early on Sunday morning when it might be a little quieter be certain to include it in your itinerary. The Pulitzer Amsterdam, set within 25 restored 17th- and 18th-century houses, offers split-level family rooms, suites, and interconnected rooms. It was always on time, clean, inexpensive, and runs everywhere in and around the city and outskirts. There are also plenty of opportunities for play - practically all of the city's parks and most patches of greenery have some form of playground, and the recreation area in the Vondelpark Dropdown content is heaven for kids and parents alike. Top free activities in Amsterdam: Bloemenmarkt. Walk back into town along theHaarlemmerdijk and discover the unique boutiques and cafes on offer. Amsterdams kids are spoiled for museum choice, but high on the list is the fabulous Scheepvaartmuseum dedicated to all things maritime. with lots of great pathways leading through to lovely lakes with fountains. NEMO Science Museum 4,402 Any tips for November? If you're looking for things to do in Amsterdam with kids, here are some ideas: Visit a museum: Amsterdam is home to a number of world-renowned museums, including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. If your kids are old enough it is a wonderful way to spend a day - cycling around and taking in the sights. Centrally located . The museum and tour of the attic where Anne and her family hid for two years is so powerful and one of the best museums I've been to. Kids dancing in Dam Square in Amsterdam (Photo credit: JanKranendonk, Depositphotos.com) 1. Amsterdam has a population of a little over 850,000 people. Families love it for its indoor pool, babysitting services, and two-minute walk to the Van Gogh museum. Our top ten things to do with kids in Amsterdam. Plenty of good restaurants. It offers spacious family suites with bunk beds, a charming courtyard garden, and bike rentals to help families get around the city. Theres always a line but its well worth the wait. Over 60 miles of waterways break the city up into rings, with the oldest neighborhoods packed into the center, and the more modern parts toward the edge. Plus, every Dutch person learns English at a young age, so language isn't a barrier. Kids bikes are widely available or why not reserve yourself a Mamafiets (a mum-bike with a seat at the front, the back or both. Brilliant immersive museum experience for science fans or not! Madame Tussauds Wax Museum - $25.40 USD: Walking distance from Central Station to see your favourite stars. I asked a handful of Family Travel Bloggers, what is the best thing to do in Amsterdam with kids. Only downside was there are no toilets, and you have to go to a caf or fast food place. 4 - Visit the Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve in Amsterdamse Bos. No trip to Amsterdam with kids is complete without loading the family onto bikes and taking a spin around the city. Fantastic area with loads of architectural variety, Perfect spot to people watch and absorb the. Westerpark itself is one of Amsterdams largest green spaces, with bike paths, playgrounds, water fountains, and even a petting zoo. Despite its small size, the Netherlands is one of the largest exporters of agricultural produce in the world. 15. The Van Gogh Museum, situated in Museumplein, Amsterdam, is dedicated to Vincent van and his contemporaries. Alternatively, if the mornings pirate cruise has left them wanting more watery adventures, make tracks to the fabulous Scheepvaartmuseum and let them loose on board the full size reproduction ship before heading inside the beautiful museum building. With its placid canals, narrow cobblestone streets, and diminutive canal houses, Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The 40-year-old Pancake Bakery has a huge menu of toppings and serves some of the best pancakes in the city. Before catching the ferry back, why not grab an ice cream at Ijscuypje at the dock. Sweet, traditional, untouristy and something that locals are fighting hard to preserve, show them the love and join the fun. Amsterdam 1,193 Speciality Museums Alternatively, Amstelpark in South Amsterdam has lots of kid-related activities. Read about our amazing trip here. 16. Bodies of Water Points of Interest & Landmarks. This flower-filled, family-run hotel is housed in a 17th-century building (now included on UNESCO's world heritage list) in the heart of Amsterdam along the city's oldest canal, the Singel. 3. There are many parks in Amsterdam that we recommend but our kids very favourite is the vast Amstel Park. Feeling peckish? Our favorite budget activities for kids in Amsterdam were the ones I listed above, but you could also: Walk through Ten Kate or Albert Cuyp Market and eat freshly baked stroopwafels. Increase your child's knowledge about the Dutch painters and the golden era of the region. Its surprisingly brilliant for kids (download the app before you go) and enjoy the stunning space and some extraordinarily beautiful works of art. This was the first canal built, and it's the most opulent. Buy oliebollen at a food stall and top them off with champagne and snacks as you say goodbye to the old year! Once your children are out of nappies and buggies, everything gets a whole lot easier and days out in Amsterdam become even more thrilling. And then there are also countless water sports . On her death in 1939, she donated her entire art collection, and the forested estate, to the Dutch people. Visit the actual place where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. Kids will love Amsterdam. With children, the Groot Melkhuis is highly recommended. Amsterdamse Bos 8. In just 15 minutes youll arrive at the sweet childrens farm at Elsenhove. Ripley's Believe It or Not! We had a blast exploring the city with her riding piggyback. It's like a huge park where you can go for BBQ or picknicking with some friend and family. This is the largest cluster of windmills in Holland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amsterdam boasts a whole host of unique shows and activities for kids. Information was easy to read & stamp collecting was really fun (even for 2 adults!). SIX THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS. Tell us what you like Things To Do In Amsterdam With Kids 5. And otherwise just wandering outside to see the city. Admission to the Rijksmuseum costs 15 for adults, children are free and it's best to book online and visit early in the day to avoid the queues. Freshly cut and perfectly cooked, theyre served in a paper cone and topped with a big dollop of one of the sausmeesters (sauce masters) 28 sauces, like curry ketchup, sambal sauce, or lemon mayonnaise. The perfect place for little daredevils to scale to new heights, Klimmuur (Climbing Wall) Haarlem was the first climbing wall to open in the Netherlands and offers a range of activities for children. We struggled to find it- our fault, our map was basic- but I'm so glad we finally did. Hang out and grab a coffee at the Westergasterras restaurant, or head deeper into the park and explore the little children's farm. Every age is catered for and young ones will be captivated by the buttons, levers and pulleys to say nothing of the bubbles that you can step into and the clouds that make rain just make sure you have some serious incentives to persuade them to leave when its time to go home! Catch the free ferry to Amsterdam Noord (NDSM) Even if often overlooked by tourists, one of the absolute best things to do in Amsterdam is going to Amsterdam NDSM, the biggest cultural hotspot in the city hosting a big artist community, located north of Amsterdam Central Station! How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday SeasonApply Soon! It opens for river traffic several times a day and is illuminated every night with 1,200 light bulbsits a spectacular sight thats definitely worth a visit after dark. But whatever you do, get yourself to Amsterdam for a visit. Everything about the brand is pretty fabulous, and we used to the love the shop below their office in the Westerpark, but if you head to Beurs van Berlarge (which unfortunately is in a pretty touristy part of town), not only will your choc-chips get to enjoy the wonders of Tonys make your own chocolate vending machine in the basement store but the brand new Chocolate Bar is open upstairs for Smores, pretzels with toppings, popping candy crazy shakes and chocolate on tap . Going here felt like a whole immersive experience, went away feeling inspired and like I'd learnt a lot. Id generally suggest this as a lunch destination for families as it can get hectic in the evening, but if your action-packed agenda doesnt accommodate a lunchtime stop, go early and you should be absolutely fine (my top tips for kids would be grab them some posh nuggets from Holy Fried Chicken or a hot dog from Bulls and Dogs and then head to the vast Kanarie Club at the back where you are more likely to find a table and a little less mayhem). Discover more family travel destinations in our European Travel Guide for Families, which features other kid-friendly cities in Europe such as London and Paris. 3.5 million people visit Amsterdam every year. Though to be honest, our kids just love exploring the turbines and machinery. The less populated southern side of the park has a wonderful climbing playground and cafe, plus a flock of wild parrots and parakeets that live there year-round. Van Gogh Museum 6. 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