Amsterdam is a city full of history, culture, and plenty of fun for families. Whether you’re looking for interactive museums, outdoor adventures, or unique experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here are ten fantastic kid-friendly activities to check out while exploring Amsterdam.
1. NEMO Science Museum
📍Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
🎟️ Approx. €17.50 (adults & kids 4+), free for kids under 4
If your kids love hands-on learning, the NEMO Science Museum is a must-visit. Spread over five floors, this interactive museum lets children conduct experiments, learn about the human body, and even make giant soap bubbles. The rooftop terrace offers stunning city views and a café, making it a great place to take a break.
2. ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
📍Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
🎟️ Approx. €24 (adults), €20 (kids 3-9), free for kids under 3
As the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, ARTIS is home to over 700 animal species, an aquarium, a planetarium, and even a butterfly pavilion. Younger kids will love the petting zoo and playgrounds, while older children can explore fascinating exhibits about wildlife conservation.
3. Vondelpark
📍City Center, Amsterdam
🎟️ Free entry
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest and most famous park, perfect for families looking to relax, explore, or have a picnic. Kids can run around in playgrounds, rent bikes, or even cook their own meals at the Kinderkookkafé. In the summer, the park hosts free open-air theater performances, making it a lively spot to visit.
4. Canal Boat Tour
📍Various locations
🎟️ Approx. €15 (adults), €8 (kids), varies by company
A canal cruise is one of the best ways to see Amsterdam from a unique perspective. Many tour companies offer kid-friendly boat rides, some with special audio guides just for children. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum.
5. The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)
📍Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam
🎟️ Approx. €16.50 (adults), free for kids under 18
Step back in time at the National Maritime Museum, where kids can explore a life-size replica of an 18th-century sailing ship. Interactive exhibits bring Amsterdam’s rich naval history to life, making it an engaging stop for curious young minds.
6. Anne Frank House
📍Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam
🎟️ Approx. €14 (adults), €7 (kids 10-17), free for kids under 10
For families with older children, the Anne Frank House is a deeply moving and educational experience. Walk through the secret annex where Anne Frank hid during World War II, and see firsthand the powerful impact of her story. Due to the subject matter, this museum is best suited for pre-teens and teens.
7. A’DAM Lookout
📍Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam
🎟️ Approx. €13.50 (adults), €7.50 (kids 4-12), extra for the swing
If your family loves thrill-seeking adventures, head to A’DAM Lookout, where you’ll find breathtaking panoramic views of the city. For those feeling extra brave, try ‘Over the Edge’, Europe’s highest swing that lets you swing 100 meters above the ground!
8. Micropia
📍Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
🎟️ Approx. €16 (adults), €14 (kids 3-9), free for kids under 3
Micropia is a one-of-a-kind museum where kids can discover the hidden world of microbes. Using microscopes and interactive displays, they’ll learn about bacteria, fungi, and viruses—all the tiny creatures we can’t see but are part of our daily lives.
9. Zaanse Schans
📍15 km north of Amsterdam
🎟️ Free entry (some attractions may charge a small fee)
For a taste of traditional Dutch life, take a short trip to Zaanse Schans, a charming open-air museum with working windmills, wooden houses, and clog-making workshops. Kids can watch cheese-making demonstrations and even try on a pair of wooden clogs!
10. Amstelpark
📍Southern Amsterdam
🎟️ Free entry (some attractions may have a small fee)
Amstelpark is a hidden gem for families, offering beautiful gardens, a petting zoo, and a mini train ride that kids love. There’s also mini-golf, playgrounds, and plenty of open space to run around and explore.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam has so much to offer families, from interactive museums and historical sites to outdoor adventures and thrilling attractions. Whether you’re exploring the city’s canals, visiting a world-class museum, or running around in a park, there’s no shortage of ways to create unforgettable memories with your kids.