Let’s kick things off in Vondelpark—a true family paradise! We spent the whole day here, hopping between cafés, beer gardens, playgrounds, and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
De Vondeltuin Terrace - Kid-Friendly Restaurant & Playground in Vondelpark
De Vondeltuin Terrace
First up is De Vondeltuin Terrace! Nestled right in the southern-most tip of Vondelpark, this gorgeous terrace offers excellent food, beer, and a fabulous family-friendly atmosphere. It was our favourite place hands down! The best part? There's a huge nature playground attached to De Vondeltuin that has giant sandbox and a massive slide/climbing structure.
Fun tip: De Vondeltuin is very focused on sustainability - they use honey from their own hives, Fair Trade coffee beans, the beer is tapped using solar energy and the majority of décor comes from second hand shops. Get your kids involved by grabbing a litter-picker and trade in a full bag of trash for a popsicle!
Kinderkookkafe - Kids' Restaurant in Vondelpark
Kinderkookkafe
Next, head over to Kinderkookkafe. This adorable space lets kids take charge of cooking their own meals. How cool is that? They can make simple dishes like pizza and cupcakes while parents enjoy a cup of coffee. Everything is offered at kid-level, they can select the ingredients and tools they need following the visual recipe cards, and then follow the picture instructions. It's perfect even for little ones (my daughter was not even 3 and enjoyed the experience). There's also a really cute playground in the back to keep kids entertained while waiting for their food. Make sure to check their website for special events and cooking classes.
Groot Melkhuis - Kid-Friendly Restaurant & Playground in Vondelpark
Groot Melkhuis
Finally, wrap up your day at Vondelpark with a visit to Groot Melkhuis. This charming waterside café in Vondelpark is a must visit for families! It has a huge terrace overlooking a pond. They have their own large enclosed playground featuring a zipline and a separate play area for toddlers, plus a new water play fountain for warmer days. Inside, there’s a cozy indoor play corner stocked with books, board games, and more to keep kids entertained. They serve snacks and delicious wood-fired pizzas that the kiddos will love. During summer, Groot Melkhuis often hosts family-friendly events and activities, so be sure to check their event calendar for any special happenings!
Itinerary #2: Family-Friendly Neighbourhood De Pijp
De Pijp is a vibrant local neighborhood, packed with diverse culture, mouth-watering food, and plenty of kid-friendly spots. This area is ideal for families looking to explore off-the-beaten-path gems while still enjoying all the city’s best offerings. Here’s how to spend a family-friendly day in De Pijp.
De Pijp Family-Friendly Neighbourhood in Amsterdam
Sarphatipark
Kick off your morning with a stroll through Sarphatipark, a beautiful green oasis right in the heart of De Pijp. The park has two fantastic playgrounds, catering to kids of different ages. One of them is a sandy toddler playground and on the other side of the park is a really cool nature playground for older kids. It's built into the forest and has lots of ropes to climb, spider nets, a tall treehouse tower and slide, and ziplines. Tip: Don't miss the cute coffee truck called Shakes & Breaks for some refueling while the kids are playing at the playground.
Albert Cuypstraat Market
Just a short walk away, the famous Albert Cuypstraat Market is a must-visit! This bustling street market offers everything from clothing and flowers to fresh Dutch snacks. Treat the kids (and yourself) to some warm, gooey caramel stroopwafels or mini Dutch pancakes called poffertjes—they’re a crowd-pleaser for all ages. You can also grab some traditional Dutch fries, served in a cone and topped with your choice of sauces. The market atmosphere is lively, with plenty to see, taste, and experience.
De Kleine Parade
If you're looking for a quick break, head over to De Kleine Parade, a charming kids' concept store that’s part café, part indoor play area, and even has a barbershop. This hidden gem is perfect for letting the kids blow off some steam while you relax with a coffee. The shop also offers beautiful children’s clothing, toys, and decor if you feel like picking up a souvenir or two.
Kinderboerderij De Pijp
No trip to De Pijp is complete without a visit to Kinderboerderij De Pijp, an urban children’s farm nestled within the neighborhood. Here, kids can meet and interact with friendly animals like goats, chickens, and rabbits. It’s a peaceful spot that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Parents will appreciate the laid-back vibe, while the kids will love getting up close with the animals.
NDSM Wharf with kids in Amsterdam
Itinerary #3 - NDSM Wharf
For a unique family day out in Amsterdam, head to the NDSM Wharf—an industrial, creative hotspot that offers plenty of adventure for both kids and adults. Located just a short (and free!) ferry ride from the city center, NDSM is a former shipyard turned urban playground, packed with street art, quirky cafes, and endless exploring opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of your day in this offbeat neighborhood
The Pancake Bakery
Before your start your journey, you can fuel up at one of the most popular pancake restaurants in Amsterdam. Kids will love the wide variety of sweet and savory pancakes on offer, from unique savory combinations, to classic Dutch poffertjes and indulgent Nutella-covered pancakes. Tip: Each kids' meal comes with a fun toy, which little ones LOVE! From The Pancake Bakery, it's a 5 minute bike ride (or an easy 15 minute walk) to Amsterdam Central Station where you can grab the free ferry across to NDSM Wharf.
Take the Free Ferry to NDSM Wharf
Take the ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to NDSM Wharf. The ferry is not only free, but it’s also a fun experience in itself, offering beautiful views of Amsterdam’s waterfront. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and the ferry runs frequently throughout the day. Kids will love watching the boats and the bustling harbor come to life as you cruise along. Tip: The ferry is bike-friendly, so feel free to bring along your cargo bike for an easy way to get around NDSM once you arrive!
STRAAT Museum - Amsterdam’s Street Art Museum
Once you’re at NDSM, make your first stop at STRAAT, Amsterdam’s incredible street art museum. Housed in a huge former warehouse, this museum is a vibrant, colorful world that kids will absolutely love. The walls are covered in larger-than-life murals, graffiti, and art installations from artists all over the world. It’s like walking through a giant art playground! The best part? Many of the pieces have interactive elements, allowing kids to engage with the art in creative ways. Tip: The museum offers family-friendly tours and a free kids treasure hunt that you can grab at reception.
Pllek
After working up an appetite at STRAAT, it’s time to grab lunch at Pllek, a super cool, eco-friendly restaurant built from recycled shipping containers. Pllek is located right on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the river and the Amsterdam skyline. The restaurant has a relaxed, beachy vibe with lots of outdoor seating—ideal for families. The kids can play in the sand while you enjoy a meal. Tip: Every Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm they also have free kids programming called Ruige Rakkers for ages 4-12. Kids can participate in various activities like painting and creative craft projects, circus activities, children's yoga, and theatre.
More Unique Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam
Foodhallen + Playground
Foodhallen is a trendy indoor food market that is perfect for families. The space is huge, vibrant, and packed with a wide range of food stalls serving dishes from all over the world. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, sushi, or tacos, there’s something here to please every palate—even the pickiest eaters! Alternatively, grab a coffee at Café Belcampo, which is a great space inside the same tram depot building as Foodhallen. This spacious cafe has a kids play corner and is also attached to the library with a kids play section.
After you've eaten, take a short walk to this nearby playground that’s tucked away around the corner. It’s a great spot for the kids to burn off some energy while you sit back and enjoy the vibe of this lively neighborhood.
Canal Cruise
Taking a canal cruise in Amsterdam with kids is seriously one of the best ways to see the city! You get to drift past all the cute houseboats, charming bridges, and famous landmarks without doing any of the walking (which is a total win with little ones in tow). We went with a small open boat tour from Stromma, and the kids had a blast feeling the breeze and getting right up close to everything. If you want something a bit more interactive for the kiddos, you can try the Blue Boat Kids Cruise. It’s all pirate-themed with fun commentary, activity booklets, and a treasure hunt that’ll keep the kids entertained the whole time. Whether you go with an open boat or a pirate adventure, cruising the canals is a must-do with kids in Amsterdam!
Meerzicht Farm
Tucked away in the middle of Amsterdamse Bos forest, Meerzicht Farm is a hidden gem for families. The main attraction is the old-fashioned pancake house, offering hundreds of pancake options that everyone will love. Beyond the food, there’s plenty to explore, from a deer enclosure where little ones can feed the animals to peacocks wandering the grounds. Kids will also enjoy the unique digger play area, an outdoor playground, and even a self-service soft ice cream machine.
Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve
This biodynamic goat farm is a paradise for animal-loving kids! Also located in the middle of the Amsterdamse Bos forest (near Meerzicht Farm), here kids can milk goats, buy bottles of milk to bottle-feed baby goats, and even help out with simple farm chores. There’s an on-site café serving organic goat cheese and ice cream made right on the farm and a playground for the kids to enjoy.
NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is a must-visit for families in Amsterdam! Packed with five floors of interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and playful learning experiences, it's the perfect spot for curious kids (and parents) to dive into the world of science. From building your own bridges to exploring the mysteries of the universe, every corner of NEMO is designed to inspire and engage young minds. Tip: Don’t miss the rooftop terrace! Along with stunning views of the city, it features a fantastic water playground where kids can experiment with dams and pumps. It’s a great place to wind down after exploring the exhibits, and there’s even a rooftop café for parents to grab a coffee while the kids play.
Jeugdland Nature Playground
Youthland Outdoor Playground (Jeugdland) is a one-of-a-kind nature playground in Amsterdam, and the largest of its kind, where kids can not only play but also create. What makes it truly unique is the dedicated building area where kids can use real tools, nails, hammers, and saws to construct their own huts, bridges, and even rafts! The playground promotes self-expression and independence, allowing children to get hands-on with nature in a safe, supervised environment. Best for older kids!
