The Ultimate Family Guide to Amsterdam with Kids

Amsterdam has quickly become one of my absolute favourite cities to visit with kids. After spending two weeks there this summer and a long weekend last year, we’ve now been twice and covered so much of the city. What makes it so special for families is the lifestyle - biking everywhere, amazing kid-friendly cafes, and playgrounds that are on a whole other level. Add in fantastic family attractions and you’ve got a city that’s as easy as it is fun to explore with little ones. Here’s my full guide to Amsterdam with kids, packed with parent-tested tips, hidden gems, and all the best family-friendly stops.

Biking is a way of life in the Netherlands and truly is the best way to get around! We rented a couple of e-bikes, including an Urban Arrow e-cargo bike from Black Bikes. They have 16 locations around the city so it was easy to find the most convenient location for us near our hotel to pick up and drop off the bikes. The kids had an absolute blast and the cargo bike itself was way easier to use than we anticipated.

Last year, we rented a regular cargo bike and while it was fun, the e-bike was night and day - it really does make a HUGE difference! With the electric assist, we could cover so much more ground without getting tired, even with two kids in the front. Note: I recommend you reserve well in advance if you want an e-cargo bike, since not every central Amsterdam location carries them.

If you are short on time in Amsterdam or just want an easy way to cover a lot of ground with kids, the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus and boat is a great option! With one 24- or 48-hour ticket, you can switch between buses and canal boats as much as you want, covering the city’s biggest attractions without overcomplicating your day.

The buses have panoramic upper decks and audio guides in 16 languages. My son, who is obsessed with his Yoto, loved plugging in and listening along while spotting landmarks out the window. The boats give you the classic Amsterdam canal experience and are stroller-friendly too. If the weather turns, it is easy to swap from boat to bus. Discounted family tickets make it affordable, and the City Sightseeing app lets you track buses and boats in real time.

City Sightseeing runs in more than 100 cities worldwide, including London, Paris, Barcelona, New York, Toronto, and Dubai, so once you’ve tried it in Amsterdam you’ll know how useful it is for family travel anywhere. 

After spending two weeks in Amsterdam, we quickly realized the playgrounds here are on another level. The Dutch embrace risky play - kids are trusted with real tools, open water, and big climbing structures - and it shows. My kids couldn’t get enough, and my husband and I both noticed a huge boost in their confidence and bravery after just a few days.

Before you do anything else, make sure you grab my Amsterdam Playgrounds Google Maps List. I've compiled all of our favourite playgrounds onto a Map so you can easily check them out on the go. 

• How to save your list: When you open the Google Maps List, you'll see a button that says "Save List"
• How to find your saved list: In Google Maps, click on your profile picture to the right of the Search bar. Then select "You places" and you'll see all of your Saved Lists there

If you only go to one playground, make it Youthland Outdoor Playground (Jeugdland). At this one-of-a-kind nature playground in Amsterdam, kids are handed real hammers, nails, and saws to build their own forts (some are even three stories tall)! There are also incredible water play areas, ziplines across a pond, rope courses, and more. It’s messy, wild, and totally amazing. It's definitely different from what we're used in North America, but this playground promotes self-expression and independence. A must see!

Set in a nature reserve inside Westerpark, Woeste Westen feels like a true wild playground. Kids can wade through streams, use nets to catch critters, float across on rafts, and pull themselves over the water on rope ferries. It’s muddy, adventurous, and so much fun. In the summer, you can even roast marshmallows over open fires. Definitely bring a change of clothes! This was my kids' favourite place. 

The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most picture-perfect neighborhoods, with narrow canals, flower-draped bridges, and historic houses. It isn’t packed with kid-specific attractions, but it’s full of little hidden gems that still make it fun to explore as a family. The Anne Frank House is here too, which is an important and moving stop best for older kids. Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure to book well in advance. Between visits, you’ll find plenty of cozy cafes, sandwich and cheese shops, and other quirky stops. This is also the best place to hop on a boat and explore the canals from the water - it's really gorgeous!

This whimsical spot is pure magic for kids and free to visit. Inside, you’ll find an entire miniature world of mouse-sized houses, shops, and streets filled with tiny details. The dioramas are incredibly creative, and little ones will love spotting all the hidden corners and characters. There’s also a small shop where you can pick up Mouse Mansion books and toys to bring the story home and to build your own mini homes. Be careful though, it's not cheap!

The Art Zoo Museum was one of the most surprising finds of our trip. It’s small but stunning - set inside a 17th-century canal house and filled with dramatic taxidermy art. From shimmering feathers to crocodiles and even a T. Rex, the displays feel theatrical, like the animals could spring back to life.

What I loved most is that every animal here died of natural causes, so it’s more about celebrating the beauty of nature than anything else. And while it sounds like a grown-up museum, the kids were just as fascinated. It hit that perfect mix of beautiful and a little weird.

Don’t miss the private courtyard cafe (Bar Vasari) at the end, one of the prettiest in Amsterdam and actually very peaceful. You can grab coffee, wine, or a really good (and reasonably priced) sandwich while kids explore the little garden.

As the world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt is a fun little stop with kids. The stalls are lined with tulip bulbs, quirky souvenirs, and plenty to wander through. My kids favourite part though were all the free cheese samples from the Dutch cheese stores lining the market. They were absolutely obsessed with taste testing all the different types of cheese with little toothpicks. The store owners are used to it and happy to let you try everything! 

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. Each kids' meal also comes with a fun toy, which little ones LOVE! 

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. 

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. We absolutely love this place - not only is their food great, but there's also a huge nature playground attached to it with a giant sandbox and a massive slide/climbing structure. Parents can grab a drink and sit on the benches to watch their kids play. 

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. 

No visit to Vondelpark is complete without stopping at Groot Melkhuis. This charming waterside cafe 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 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.  

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.

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. Don't miss the cute coffee truck called Shakes & Breaks for some refueling while the kids are playing at the 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! Don's miss the chicken bowl from the Indonesian spot, Toko Bumbu (my husband and I went back 3x for it). 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 neighbourhood.

No trip to De Pijp is complete without a visit to Kinderboerderij De Pijp, an urban children’s farm nestled within the neighbourhood. My 4 year old daughter demanded to come here two days in a row and refused to leave. Kids can get hands-on with goats, rabbits, chickens, pigs, and even ponies, and there’s a small petting area where little ones can safely interact with the animals. Beyond the farmyard, you’ll find a playground, toys, sandpit, picnic tables, and a cafe serving coffee and simple snacks. The farm often runs seasonal events like sheep-shearing demonstrations, and weekly crafts / kids’ workshops. Entry is free, making it one of the best-value, family-friendly stops in Amsterdam.

Just a short walk away is the famous Albert Cuyp Market. This bustling street market has over 250 stalls and 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.

If you're looking for a quick break, head over to De Kleine Parade, a charming kids' concept store that’s part cafe, part indoor play area, and even has a barbershop (my son got a haircut here last year and it was very cute!). 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.

For a unique family day out in Amsterdam, head to the NDSM Wharf - a super cool industrial and creative hotspot with lots to dofor both kids and adults. Located just a short (and free!) ferry ride from the city centre, NDSM is a former shipyard turned urban playground, packed with street art, quirky cafes, and unique museums. Here’s how to make the most of your day in this offbeat neighbourhood.

Take the free 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. 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 (although it's very compact and easy to walk around as well).

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, colourful 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. The museum offers family-friendly tours and a free treasure hunt for kids that you can grab at reception. 

A great place to grab lunch with kids is 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 and live music. The kids can play in the sand while you enjoy a meal. Also, 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.

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. 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 cafe for parents to grab a coffee while the kids play.

This trio is right next to each other, which makes it an easy family day. The Artis Zoo is the oldest in the Netherlands and a stunning green space that feels like you've left the city. It has everything from giraffes and elephants to penguins and tropical fish. The compact size is part of the appeal: it’s big enough to see lots of animals, but small enough that you don’t feel exhausted after a few hours.

Just next door is Micropia, a one-of-a-kind museum all about microbes. It’s interactive, weird, and surprisingly fun and interactive for kids. My 6 year old son is very into science, so this museum was a big hit. The Hortus Botanical Gardens round it out with leafy paths, greenhouses, and a peaceful spot to recharge.

The highlight for my kids though was the outdoor fountain in the middle of the complex next to the flamingos. They spent over an hour running back and forth through the sprays while we sat nearby at the outdoor cafe with a cold beer. It was the perfect parent break!

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 and popcorn machine. 

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