Amsterdam With Kids: What Works and What to Skip

The three family anchors

If you only have time for a few big activities, these three give the broadest appeal across ages. They are within reach of each other by tram or on foot, but they are full-day or half-day commitments each, so do not stack all three into one day.

NEMO Science Museum is hands-on and designed for children and adults to explore together. Tickets are issued with a start time, and the museum itself suggests weekdays after 14:00 are often less busy. It is generally closed on Mondays except on specific dates listed on its official site, so check before you plan. Read our full NEMO guide for tickets and layout.

ARTIS Royal Zoo, the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, is set in a green park with historic buildings; its official site lists daily opening hours of 09:00 to 17:00, but check for seasonal changes. It combines animals, historic buildings and shaded paths, which makes it suitable for toddlers through teenagers. Our ARTIS guide explains tickets and how to pace the visit.

Micropia, next door to ARTIS, is a museum of microbes. It is compact and visual, which works well for older children who like science and for a shorter indoor visit. Read the Micropia guide before you book; ARTIS and Micropia are run together, so combined tickets are worth looking at.

Outdoor time that costs nothing

Vondelpark is the obvious place to let children run. It has paths, ponds and playgrounds, and entry is free. Pack a snack, and note that cyclists use the main paths at speed, so keep young children close.

The free GVB ferries from behind Amsterdam Centraal are a ready-made adventure for children who love boats. The crossing to Buiksloterweg only takes a few minutes, so it works as a short treat rather than a full outing. On the north side, the NDSM area has space to wander. See our free things to do page for other options that cost nothing.

On the water and up high

A canal cruise gives a gentle introduction to the city, particularly for children who tire quickly on foot. Choose a covered boat in cooler or wetter months and book a shorter route for younger children, as sitting still for 75 minutes can feel long. Our canal cruise guide and comparison cover the main operators.

The A'DAM Lookout gives older children a high view across the city and is reached by the free ferry from Centraal, which makes the journey part of the fun. Think carefully if your children are nervous about heights, because some visitors find the experience more intense than they expect.

Indoor options for wet days

When the weather turns, NEMO, Micropia and the zoo's indoor buildings are your safest choices. For something different, THIS IS HOLLAND offers a simulated flight over Dutch scenery, and Upside Down Amsterdam is a short, playful visit that suits older children and teenagers. Check height and age requirements on the official sites, as policies vary.

Museums can work with children if you keep them short. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are the most popular, and several major Amsterdam museums let children under 18 enter free of charge, but you should still check each museum's rules and book a time slot. Aim for 60 to 90 minutes, choose three or four works to look for, and leave before attention runs out. Our Van Gogh Museum guide and Rijksmuseum guide include practical tips. For more wet-weather ideas, see things to do when it rains.

What to think twice about

Some attractions are popular but poorly suited to young children. The Amsterdam Dungeon has scary content and age guidance, so check the minimum age before booking. The Red Light District is not a place for a family stroll; use another route through the centre, and see our guidance on visiting respectfully if you must pass through. The Anne Frank House is suitable for many older children, but it is a serious experience, and the museum itself advises considering age; read our Anne Frank House guide before deciding.

Practical details for families

Pushchairs work on most main routes but not on every canal-side cobbled street, and many older buildings have steep stairs, so check accessibility before you commit. In the museum and zoo buildings, lifts and baby-changing facilities are normally available, but confirm with the venue.

Cycle traffic is the biggest hazard for visitors from other countries. Cyclists have priority on bike paths, which often run alongside pavements and look like part of them. Teach children to stop and look both ways before crossing any red-painted lane. A day trip can also work for families who want a break from the city; our family-friendly sightseeing guide covers options outside Amsterdam, and the day trips from Amsterdam hub lists more.

A simple three-day family rhythm

Day one: a late-morning ARTIS visit with a long lunch, then Vondelpark or a ferry ride. Day two: NEMO in the morning, a canal cruise in the afternoon. Day three: Micropia and a lighter museum visit, or a trip outside the city. Keep one afternoon unplanned, because children often remember a playground or a stroopwafel as much as a museum.