Family places in Amsterdam
🎠Activities 25
- A'DAM Lookout TowerA rooftop viewpoint with panoramic views over Amsterdam and a swing on the edge of the building. Minimum height 1.20m for the swing.
Ages 6+IndoorOutdoor space
Official website
- Albert Cuyp MarketA long daily street market (closed Sundays), with stroopwafels, poffertjes and Dutch herring.
FreeOutdoor space
Official website
- Anne Frank HouseThe house where Anne Frank and her family hid during the Second World War. Moving, and best for ages 10 and up. Book online well in advance.
Ages 10+Indoor
Official website
- Blue Boat Kids Canal CruiseA children's themed canal cruise through Amsterdam.
Outdoor space
- Canal Cruise with Friendship AmsterdamFamily canal cruises through Amsterdam aboard the Rederij Friendship tour boats.
Outdoor space
- De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets)Nine canal-side streets with independent shops, stroopwafel bakeries and ice cream.
Outdoor space
Official website
- De Hallen AmsterdamA cultural centre in the Kinkerbuurt in Amsterdam West, with children's activities every Wednesday and plenty for all ages.
Ages 5+Indoor
Official website
- Free IJ FerryThe free ferry from Central Station to Amsterdam Noord, a seven-minute ride children tend to enjoy.
FreeIndoor
Official website
- Jaap Eden Ice RinkAn ice-skating complex with an indoor covered rink and an outdoor rink with a practice area.
IndoorOutdoor space
Official website
- LOVERS Canal CruiseA family canal cruise through Amsterdam's waterways and past its main sights.
IndoorOutdoor space
- Mountain Network Climbing GymA climbing gym in Amsterdam for children aged 7 and up, with sessions, outings and climbing parties.
Ages 7+Indoor
Official website
- MuseumpleinAmsterdam's main museum square, free, with a large playground and a winter ice rink.
FreePlay areaOutdoor space
Official website
- Nature Playground Het Woeste WestenA natural playground in Amsterdam Noord with ropes, mud, water and woodland. Free entry.
FreeAges 2+Play areaPetting farmOutdoor space
Official website
- Racesquare AmsterdamAn indoor karting and racing venue in Amsterdam Noord.
Ages 10+GamesIndoor
Official website
- The Park Playground (VR gaming)A VR gaming venue in Amsterdam.
Ages 13+Play areaGamesIndoor
Official website
- This Is HollandA 5D flight ride in Amsterdam Noord over Dutch windmills and tulip fields. From age 4.
Ages 4+Indoor
Official website
- Tiny Hidden HousesA walking hunt for the miniature houses tucked along Jordaan canal walls.
Outdoor space
Official website
- VR Voyage Canal CruiseA virtual-reality boat tour showing Amsterdam as it was 400 years ago.
Ages 5+Indoor
- VROG Trampoline & FreerunningA trampoline hall in Amsterdam with freerunning platforms, obstacles and a large airbag for practising tricks.
Indoor
Official website
- You Jump Trampoline ParkA trampoline park in Amsterdam, with a Mini-Jump session for children aged 2 to 9 on weekend mornings.
Ages 2-9Indoor
Official website
Showing the 20 most central. See all 25 activities in Amsterdam
🌳Parks 14
- AmstelparkA park with a maze, minigolf, a rose garden, a windmill, a city farm, a playground, bumper boats and the small Amsteltrein.
FreePlay areaPetting farm
Official website
- Amstelpark mini-train (Amsteltrein)A small train that loops around Amstelpark, which also has a maze, minigolf, a windmill, a city farm and bumper boats.
Play areaGamesPetting farm
Official website
- Amsterdamse BosA large urban forest with a goat farm, the Fun Forest climbing park, paddling pools and electric mini-boats.
Play areaPetting farm
Official website
- BeatrixparkA park in Amsterdam Zuid with a summer paddling pool, a large playground and a herb garden.
FreePlay area
Official website
- ErasmusparkA small park in West Amsterdam with two good playgrounds and the cafe Terrasmus.
FreePlay area
Official website
- Hortus Botanicus AmsterdamOne of the world's oldest botanical gardens (1638), with tropical glasshouses and over 5,000 plants. Cafe on site.
Outdoor
Official website
- Keukenhof GardensA large flower garden open from mid-March to mid-May, with around seven million bulbs in bloom.
Play area
Official website
- Kids' Cooking CaféA cafe in Vondelpark where children cook their own pizzas, pancakes or cookies while parents relax.
Ages 2-12Games
Official website
- OosterparkA spacious park in Amsterdam East with two playgrounds, summer water play and the National Slavery Monument.
FreePlay area
Official website
- RembrandtparkA park with lakes, playgrounds and 'Het Landje', a wild play area where children aged 6-14 can build dens and rafts.
FreePlay area
Official website
- SarphatiparkA green space in De Pijp with a playground, a play forest, and volleyball, basketball and table tennis.
FreePlay area
Official website
- Sloterpark Nature GardenA nature garden in Sloterpark and the Ruige Riet nature island, with quiet planted areas to explore.
FreePlay area
Official website
- VondelparkAmsterdam's best-known park, with several playgrounds, an open-air summer theatre, the Kids' Cooking Cafe and wide lawns.
FreePlay area
Official website
- WesterparkA park in West Amsterdam with a nature playground, a city farm, the Westergasfabriek complex and family cafes.
FreePlay areaPetting farm
Official website
🏛️Museums 17
- Allard Pierson MuseumThe archaeology museum of the University of Amsterdam, covering ancient civilisations and their influence on European culture.
Ages 10+
Official website
- Dutch Resistance Museum JuniorThe children's section of the Dutch Resistance Museum, where a 'time machine' explores the Netherlands during the war. Free under 7.
Ages 7+
Official website
- Foam Photography MuseumA photography museum on the Keizersgracht, with exhibitions plus workshops and events for children. Free under 12.
Ages 10+
Official website
- Highlights of Holland Interactive MuseumAn interactive walk-through of the Netherlands' main sights, taking about an hour. Free under 5.
Ages 2+Play areaGames
Official website
- Jewish Museum JuniorThe children's section of the Jewish Museum, set up as an educational family visit.
Ages 6-12
Official website
- MicropiaA museum dedicated to microbes, where children build microscopes and see live bacteria up close. Free under 2.
Ages 2+
Official website
- Museum of CanalsA museum on the Herengracht that traces 400 years of Amsterdam's canals through interactive displays.
Ages 2+
Official website
- Museum of Illusions AmsterdamA museum with more than 60 optical illusions to explore. Free under 4.
Ages 4+
Official website
- National Maritime MuseumBoard a replica 18th-century sailing ship and explore Dutch seafaring history, with hands-on areas for children. Activities for ages 2 and up. Free under 4.
Ages 2+
Official website
- NEMO Science MuseumFive floors of hands-on science covering air, water, light and technology, with a free rooftop terrace overlooking the IJ. No booking needed for walk-ins. Free under 3.
Ages 3+
Official website
- Our Lord in the Attic MuseumA preserved canal house in the centre with a complete hidden church in the attic. Family activity for ages 5-10 and a children's audio tour for ages 10-12.
Ages 5+
Official website
- Rembrandt House MuseumThe reconstructed home and studio of Rembrandt, showing how the artist lived and worked.
Indoor
Official website
- RijksmuseumThe main Dutch art museum, with children's scavenger hunts, family tours and art workshops. The garden is free and has a playground. Free under 18.
Ages 4+Play area
Official website
- Stedelijk MuseumA modern and contemporary art museum, with workshops and children's guided tours alongside the exhibitions. Free under 19.
Indoor
Official website
- STRAAT MuseumA museum of street art and graffiti in Amsterdam Noord. Free under 12.
Indoor
Official website
- Van Gogh MuseumThe largest Van Gogh collection, with children's audio tours and treasure hunts. Free under 18.
Indoor
Official website
- World Museum AmsterdamA museum of world cultures. Free under 6.
Ages 6+
Official website
🎭Theatres 7
- Black Cat TheatreA children's theatre in Westerpark with shows for ages 1-5, mostly at weekends.
Ages 1-5Games
Official website
- EYE Film MuseumA riverside cinema in Noord with regular family screenings. The free entrance area is worth the ferry ride.
Free
Official website
- Het Bruggehuisje Children's Storytelling TheatreA small venue in Amsterdam for children aged 6 to 12, with storytelling, puppet shows and music.
Ages 6-12
Official website
- Koos Kneus Puppet TheatrePuppet shows every Sunday and Wednesday, with dress-up and face painting. In Dutch but not language-heavy.
Ages 2-8
Official website
- Munganga Children's TheatreA small theatre in Oud Zuid with Sunday-morning shows for ages 2-8 at 11am. No booking needed.
Ages 2-8
Official website
- Plejater TheatreA free improvisation theatre in Amsterdam Noord for children aged 4 to 9.
FreeAges 4-9
- Theatre De KrakelingA children's theatre with shows for all ages, including 'language no problem' performances for non-Dutch families.
Ages 2+
Official website
🦁Zoo & Animals 14
- 't Brinkie Children's FarmA city farm in Amsterdam Zuidoost with animals, a sandbox, play equipment and snacks.
Play area
Official website
- Artis Royal ZooAmsterdam's city zoo (1838), with elephants, lions, a planetarium, an aquarium and a butterfly pavilion. A full day out.
Indoor areas
Official website
- De Bijlmerweide Children's FarmA city farm in Amsterdam Zuidoost with various animals and a large playground. Free entry.
FreePlay area
Official website
- De Boterbloem FarmA farm in Amsterdam growing organic vegetables on site, with regular activities.
Outdoor
Official website
- De Buiktuin Children's FarmA city farm in Amsterdam Noord with various animals. Free entry.
FreePlay area
Official website
- De Dierencapel Children's FarmA city farm in the centre, on the water at Bickerseiland, with animals roaming freely for petting.
FreePlay area
Official website
- De Gliphoeve Children's FarmA small, green city farm in the Bijlmer.
FreePlay area
Official website
- De Pijp Children's FarmA city farm in Oud Zuid with a heritage garden.
Outdoor
Official website
- De StadsHoeve City FarmA working farm on the edge of Amsterdam with roaming animals, lamb days and children's parties.
Outdoor
Official website
- De Uylenburg Children's FarmThe second-oldest city farm in Amsterdam, in Rembrandtpark.
Play area
Official website
- De Werf Children's FarmA city farm near Amsterdam Science Park station, with a rodent hotel and a rabbit rescue.
Play area
Official website
- Ons Genoegen Community FarmA neighbourhood farm with food and drink and space for children's parties.
Outdoor
Official website
- Osdorp City FarmA city farm on the western edge of Amsterdam, with farm animals and a play area. Free entry.
FreePlay area
Official website
- Zimmerhoeve City FarmA city farm in Amsterdam Oud-West with various roaming animals and regular activities.
Play area
Official website
🛝Playgrounds 28
- Amsteldorp PlaygroundA neighbourhood playground in Amsterdam Oost, run by volunteers who organise activities.
Free
- Bilderdijkpark PlaygroundA supervised playground for children up to about 13, with clubs and activities run in the playground building.
Free
Official website
- Candy Castle Indoor Play ParadiseAn indoor play centre in a converted church in Amsterdam West, with jumping, climbing and clambering.
Indoor
Official website
- De Gibraltar PlaygroundA fully inclusive playground in Amsterdam West, with a wheelchair roundabout, wide slides, an accessible sand element and a changing table. Open Mon and Sat 10:00-17:00.
Free
- De Speelvogel PlaygroundAn inclusive SPIN playground in Noord with accessible equipment, wheelchair swings and sand and water play.
Outdoor
- De Sterspelers PlaygroundAn inclusive SPIN playground with accessible routes, water and sand play, wheelchair swings and sports pitches.
Free
- De Zeeslag PlaygroundA supervised playground run by the SPIN foundation, with activities during opening hours.
Free
- Flevopark PlaygroundA playground in Flevopark with a sandbox, slides, swings, a zip line and a see-saw.
Free
- Gerardus Majella PlaygroundA freely accessible playground in the Indische neighbourhood.
Outdoor
- Het Bloemenkwartier PlaygroundAn inclusive SPIN playground in Amsterdam Noord with accessible equipment, water play, sports pitches and wheelchair routes.
Free
- Het Landje Adventure PlaygroundAn adventure playground where children can build huts, ride ponies (paid), canoe, build rafts, craft and play sports.
Free
Official website
- Jeugdland / MaaklandA wild nature playground in Amsterdam Oost where children up to 14 can play, build and explore, with wheelchair-accessible water play and paths.
FreePetting farm
Official website
- Mariotteplein PlaygroundA large playground in Amsterdam Oost.
Free
- Mercator PlaygroundA playground in Amsterdam West with activities for ages 4-12 during the holidays.
FreeAges 4-12
- Nieuwendam PlaygroundA SPIN-foundation playground at Monnickendammerplantsoen in Amsterdam Noord.
Free
- Noorderpark Nature PlaygroundA nature playground in Noorderpark, Amsterdam Noord, with plenty for children to explore.
Outdoor
- Tuindorp Oostzaan PlaygroundAn inclusive SPIN playground in Tuindorp with accessible equipment, wheelchair swings and hardened routes.
Free
- UJ Klaren Playground (oldest in Amsterdam)Amsterdam's oldest playground, at Weteringplantsoen behind the pancake house in the centre.
Free
Official website
- Volewijck PlaygroundAn inclusive SPIN playground in Noord with nest swings, accessible paths and water play.
Free
- Zuiderspeeltuin PlaygroundA supervised play spot near the Houthavens in Amsterdam West, with equipment and play materials for local children.
Outdoor
Showing the 20 most central. See all 28 playgrounds in Amsterdam
💦Water Parks 12
- Bijlmer Sports Centre PoolA swimming pool at the Bijlmer Sportcentrum in Amsterdam Zuidoost, with lessons and swimming parties.
Indoor pool
Official website
- Brediusbad outdoor poolAn outdoor pool in Amsterdam West, open in summer, with a paddling area for young children.
Outdoor
Official website
- De Breek Outdoor PoolAn outdoor pool in Landsmeer.
Outdoor
Official website
- De MirandabadA large indoor and outdoor water park in Amsterdam Zuid with a wave pool, slides and a paddling area. Open year-round.
Indoor pool
Official website
- Flevoparkbad Outdoor PoolAn outdoor pool in Amsterdam Oost with several pools, sunbathing lawns, play equipment and a terrace.
Games
Official website
- Gibraltarbad Toddler PoolA toddler pool in Bos en Lommer, maintained by the city, with occasional supervision.
Indoor pool
- Het Amstelbad Outdoor PoolAn outdoor pool with three pools and various activities.
Play area
Official website
- Marnixbad Pool (Het Marnix)An indoor pool in Amsterdam with swimming lessons and family swimming.
Indoor pool
Official website
- Noorderparkbad PoolA modern, sustainable pool in Amsterdam Noord, replacing the former Floraparkbad.
Indoor pool
Official website
- Sloterparkbad PoolOne of the largest swimming pools in the Netherlands, in Amsterdam.
Indoor pool
Official website
- Sportfondsenbad Amsterdam-Oost PoolAn indoor pool in Amsterdam Oost with facilities for family swimming.
Indoor pool
Official website
- Zuiderbad PoolA historic indoor pool in the city centre, suitable for family swimming.
Indoor pool
Official website
⛳Mini Golf 3
- Aloha (bowling, laser game & glow minigolf)An entertainment venue with bowling, laser game, glow mini-golf and food.
Ages 2+
Official website
- Glow Golf Amsterdam SloterdijkA glow-in-the-dark mini-golf venue at Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
Ages 4+
Official website
- GlowGolf Amsterdam (Hollywood Entertainment Center)A glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course where the surroundings are fluorescent.
Ages 4+
Official website
🏖️Beaches 3
- Diemerstrand City Beach (Diemerpark)A small, compact city beach, well suited to parents with young children.
Outdoor
Official website
- Jaap Eden BeachA city beach next to the Jaap Eden ice rink, with activities for children.
Outdoor
- Sloterstrand Beach (Sloterplas)A lake beach on the Sloterplas, good for swimming, picnicking and playing.
Outdoor
Official website
⭐Local Tips 18
- Blitskikker Kids' ShopA children's shop with toys, clothing, shoes and gifts, plus a children's hairdresser.
Indoor
Official website
- Casperle Children's BookshopA children's and youth bookshop that also runs workshops, performances and activities.
Indoor
Official website
- De Bakkerswinkel (Westergas)A bakery cafe at the Westergas site in Amsterdam West, serving breakfast, lunch and high tea.
Indoor
Official website
- Knutsel Frutsel (toys & crafts)A shop with toys, children's books and craft supplies.
Indoor
Official website
- LEGO Store KalverstraatThe central LEGO store, free to browse, with interactive building stations.
FreeIndoor
Official website
- Mikado Toy ShopA toy shop on the Albert Cuyp specialising in wooden and original toys.
Indoor
Official website
- MiniMarkt Family ShopA concept store with clothing, breakfast and lunch, a children's hairdresser and gifts.
Indoor
Official website
- Oude Muis & Kleine Beer Toy ShopA toy shop on Scheldestraat in Zuid with quality toys.
Indoor
Official website
- Stins Flower MarketAmsterdam's floating flower market on the Singel, where children can choose bulbs to take home.
Outdoor
Official website
- Teuntje Kids' ShopA shop in the centre with children's clothing, gifts, baby carriers, blankets and strollers.
Indoor
Official website
- The Children's BookshopA dedicated children's bookshop, with an online store too.
Indoor
Official website
- The Kids' Party ShopA party shop near the Albert Cuyp Market stocking everything for a children's party.
Indoor
Official website
- The Miffy ShopA shop selling Miffy (nijntje) merchandise, with branches in Amsterdam and Maastricht and an online store.
Indoor
Official website
- The Mouse House Shop & WorkshopA shop and workshop in the Jordaan based on Karina Schaapman's Mouse Mansion books.
Indoor
Official website
- TinkerBell Toy ShopA toy shop on the Spiegelgracht with a range of unusual toys.
Indoor
Official website
- Toverknol Kids' ShopA children's shop with clothing, dress-up outfits and toys, which also runs toddler dance and drama classes.
Indoor
Official website
- Van Stapele KoekmakerijA tiny bakery near the Spui with one product: a warm dark-chocolate cookie with a white-chocolate centre.
Indoor
Official website
- van Wonderen StroopwafelsA make-your-own stroopwafel shop near the Flower Market, where children pick the filling and toppings.
Outdoor
Official website
🍔Kids Restaurants 27
- Barbie Café (The Dream Experience)A Barbie-themed cafe in Amsterdam.
Games
Official website
- Café ClichéA family-friendly restaurant on Middenweg in Amsterdam Oost, with a playroom for children.
Games
Official website
- Café de CeuvelA cafe in Amsterdam Noord with a scavenger hunt and activities for children.
GamesTerrace
Official website
- Café KepplerA village-style cafe in Amsterdam Noord, family-friendly, serving food, lunch, drinks and coffee.
Indoor
Official website
- Café NoorderlichtA cafe on the NDSM site in Amsterdam Noord, with plenty to do for all ages.
Terrace
Official website
- Candela Pancake HouseA pancake house on Bilderdijkstraat in the centre of Amsterdam.
Indoor
Official website
- De Kleine Parade (shop, studio & café)A shop with children's clothing, a children's workshop and a cafe.
Games
Official website
- Dignita HoftuinAn all-day brunch spot with a children's corner and a garden terrace.
GamesTerrace
Official website
- FoodhallenAn indoor street-food market in a former tram depot in De Pijp, with several cuisines.
Indoor
Official website
- Grand Café Het PaviljoenA cafe between the Jordaan and Westerpark, with space to play, eat and drink.
Play areaTerrace
Official website
- Groot MelkhuisA family restaurant in Vondelpark with a large playground next door. No booking needed.
Play areaTerrace
Official website
- Hard Rock Café AmsterdamThe Amsterdam branch of Hard Rock Cafe, which welcomes children for breakfast and dinner.
Indoor
Official website
- Lowlander Botanical Bar & RestaurantA relaxed restaurant suitable for families, with games available.
GamesTerrace
Official website
- Lunchroom LastigA lunchroom set up for children, with toys, computer games, books, a games room and a chalk table.
Games
Official website
- Pancake BoatAn all-you-can-eat pancake cruise on the IJ, with toppings for children and waterfront views.
Indoor
Official website
- Restaurant Meneer NiegesA restaurant that welcomes children, with a terrace.
Terrace
- Restaurant MoedersA central restaurant serving traditional Dutch dishes alongside international options.
Terrace
Official website
- The Lebanese SajeriaLebanese street food in the Jordaan, with flatbreads and generous fillings. Popular with families.
Indoor
Official website
- The Pancake Bakery AmsterdamA long-running pancake restaurant on the Prinsengracht.
Terrace
Official website
- Winkel 43An apple-pie spot on the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan, a classic Dutch treat stop.
Terrace
Official website
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Practical tips
- Watch the bike lanes, not the roadsThe red asphalt strip is a bike lane and it is busier than the road beside it. Cross it deliberately and hold hands.
- Canal boats work with young childrenAn hour on the water is often the easiest hour of the day: they are seated, contained and looking at something new. Pick a shorter trip over a longer one.
- Weather changes fastRain arrives quickly and passes quickly. Keep one indoor option in reserve rather than rebuilding the whole day around a shower.
If you have a spare afternoon, the parks outside the centre are where local families actually go, quieter than the Vondelpark and with better play equipment.