👨👩👧👦 Top 15 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam with Family
Amsterdam may be famous for its canals and bicycles, but it’s also a treasure trove of family adventures waiting to be discovered. The Dutch capital is bursting with green spaces, exciting museums, historic landmarks, and playful surprises around every corner. Traveling with kids here is a joy thanks to the city’s safe environment, walkability, and endless activities for all ages. In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Amsterdam with family, complete with opening hours, prices, and insider tips to make your trip stress-free and full of laughter.
- 1. 🌳 Vondelpark
- 2. 🛥️ Canal Cruise
- 3. 🧪 NEMO Science Museum
- 4. 🦒 Artis Zoo
- 5. 🎡 A’DAM Lookout
- 6. 🍫 Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store
- 7. 🖼️ Van Gogh Museum (Family Tour)
- 8. 🌲 Amsterdamse Bos
- 9. ⚓ National Maritime Museum
- 10. 🏰 Muiderslot Castle (Day Trip)
- 11. 🦠 Micropia Museum
- 12. 🥞 The Amsterdam Pancake Boat
- 13. 🎢 This is Holland (5D Flight Experience)
- 14. 🛶 Rent a Pedal Boat
- 15. 🍽️ Foodhallen
- 🗺️ Map of 15 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam with Family
1. 🌳 Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s green heart, and it’s the kind of place where kids can run free while parents relax. Families can rent bikes to ride along its winding paths, enjoy a picnic under leafy trees, or stop at one of the many playgrounds. Street performers often entertain near the open-air theater, while summer brings concerts and events. For younger kids, the park offers shallow ponds and grassy fields that are perfect for games. It’s a must-visit if you want a slower-paced day in the city while still enjoying Amsterdam’s lively atmosphere.
🕘 Always open
💸 Free entry!
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Bring a blanket and snacks for an impromptu picnic.
🌟 Rent family bikes with child seats for easier exploring.
🌟 Stop at Groot Melkhuis café, which has a playground right outside.
2. 🛥️ Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is one of the most iconic things to do in Amsterdam with family. These boats glide past historic houses, bridges, and landmarks, giving you a new perspective of the city. Kids love spotting quirky houseboats, ducks, and even swans along the way. Many cruises now offer family-friendly commentary or even special kids’ audio guides that make the journey fun and educational. Evening cruises are magical, with the city lights reflecting on the water, while daytime rides are great for little ones who love being outside.
🕘 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (varies by company)
💸 Entrance fee: €15–€20 per adult, €10–€12 per child
📍 Multiple departure points near Central Station
🌟 Choose a cruise with a glass roof for rainy days.
🌟 Book in advance during peak season.
🌟 Pack small snacks and water bottles if permitted.
3. 🧪 NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is where science meets play. Kids can build giant structures, experiment with bubbles, and explore hands-on exhibits about energy, chemistry, and physics. It’s a place where children are encouraged to touch, test, and discover. The interactive approach makes even complex topics engaging for young minds. Parents will enjoy it too, as it sparks curiosity and gives kids space to be creative. Don’t miss the rooftop, which not only has stunning views of the city but also features interactive installations and a café.
🕘 Daily 09:30 AM – 5:30 PM
💸 Entrance fee: €21.50 per person, kids under 3 free
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Plan at least half a day, the museum is big.
🌟 Bring a change of clothes for kids who play with rooftop water features.
🌟 Arrive early to avoid school group crowds.
4. 🦒 Artis Zoo
Artis Zoo is one of the oldest in Europe and a favorite with families. Children will love seeing giraffes, lions, and monkeys up close. But Artis is more than just a zoo, it also has an aquarium, planetarium, and butterfly garden. The shady paths and open play areas make it easy to spend the whole day here. For parents, there are cafés and shaded benches to relax while the kids explore. The zoo is centrally located, so it’s an easy addition to your itinerary.
🕘 Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💸 13+ years: €29,50 (online) €30,50 (at counter)
3 to 12 years old: €25,50 (online) €29,50 (at counter)
0 to 2 years old: free
students: €14,75 (online) €15,25 (at counter)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Visit in the morning to see animals at their most active.
🌟 Check the feeding schedule, kids love watching it.
🌟 Bring a stroller for younger kids; the zoo is spacious.
5. 🎡 A’DAM Lookout
Families with adventurous kids will love A’DAM Lookout, a tower with spectacular city views and Europe’s highest swing. While older children might brave the swing, younger ones can still enjoy the indoor observation deck and interactive exhibits. The tower also offers a fun virtual reality ride. Getting there is part of the adventure too, you’ll take a free ferry across the IJ River, which feels like a mini-excursion. It’s a thrilling stop with a mix of excitement and stunning scenery.
🕘 Sunday-Tuesday 10:00-22:00, Wednesday-Saturday 10:00-19:00
💸 Check out their special family and combo tickets
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Take the free ferry from Central Station for a fun extra ride.
🌟 Visit around sunset for the best views.
🌟 Book swing tickets online to secure your spot.
6. 🍫 Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store
For families with a sweet tooth, Tony’s Chocolonely is pure joy. This colorful shop is dedicated to Amsterdam’s most famous ethical chocolate brand. Kids can taste different flavors, learn about chocolate making, and even design their own bar. Parents will appreciate the focus on fair trade and the vibrant storytelling that makes the shop more than just a store. It’s a short but delicious stop that adds something playful and tasty to your day.
🕘 Daily 10 AM – 7 PM
💸 Free entry! bars €3–€5
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Visit earlier in the day to avoid long queues at the create-your-own counter.
🌟 Buy a few bars to take home as gifts or travel snacks.
🌟 Combine the visit with nearby Westerpark for outdoor play.
7. 🖼️ Van Gogh Museum (Family Tour)
Art museums can feel intimidating for kids, but the Van Gogh Museum makes it engaging with special family tours and interactive activities. Children can follow treasure hunts through the galleries, while parents admire Van Gogh’s masterpieces. The museum explains art in ways that children understand, making it a fun cultural outing for the whole family. It’s one of the most enriching things to do in Amsterdam with family, especially for those wanting a balance of play and learning.
🕘 Daily 9 AM – 6 PM
💸 Above 18 years: €24.00, Visitors aged under 18: free entry
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Book tickets online to skip the long lines.
🌟 Download the family guide before your visit.
🌟 Visit earlier in the day when galleries are quieter.
8. 🌲 Amsterdamse Bos
Amsterdamse Bos is a massive forest three times larger than New York’s Central Park. Families can rent canoes, visit the goat farm, or play in adventure playgrounds. There are also bike paths, open meadows, and even a pancake house. It feels like a countryside escape right outside the city. For kids, feeding animals and climbing in play areas is a highlight, while parents enjoy the peace and natural beauty. It’s perfect for families who want outdoor fun away from the crowds.
🕘 Always open
💸 Free (activities may cost extra)
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy a full day outdoors.
🌟 Don’t miss the goat farm where kids can bottle-feed animals.
🌟 Try the forest pancake house, it’s family-friendly and delicious.
9. ⚓ National Maritime Museum
Step aboard a full-size replica of a 17th-century ship and imagine life as a sailor. The National Maritime Museum brings Dutch seafaring history to life with interactive exhibits. Kids can explore the ship’s cabins, steer the wheel, and play dress-up as sailors. Inside the museum, there are maps, globes, and models that spark curiosity about the world. Families love it because it mixes history with play, giving children plenty to do while adults soak up fascinating stories.
🕘 Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
💸 Adults 18 years and up: €18.50, Children 13 – 17 years: €8.50 and Children 12 years and under: Free
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Visit on a sunny day to enjoy the ship outside.
🌟 Bring snacks and eat by the waterfront terrace.
🌟 Join the family tours for extra storytelling.
10. 🏰 Muiderslot Castle (Day Trip)
Just outside Amsterdam lies Muiderslot, a storybook castle surrounded by water. Children will love the knight’s armor, treasure hunts, and falconry displays. The castle gardens are perfect for a picnic, and the towers provide stunning views. Families enjoy the blend of history and fairytale atmosphere, and it’s one of the best day trips from Amsterdam with kids. Taking a boat to the castle adds even more magic, turning the visit into a mini-adventure.
🕘 Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
💸 Adult: €19.50, Child 4 – 11 year: €7.50, Child 0 – 3 year: Free
📍Google Maps
🌟 Take a boat ride from Amsterdam to the castle for extra fun.
🌟 Bring snacks, as food options inside are limited.
🌟 Kids love the knight costumes available for dress-up.
11. 🦠 Micropia Museum
Micropia is the only museum in the world dedicated to microbes, making it one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam with family. Kids are fascinated by the unseen world of bacteria and microbes, explored through microscopes and interactive exhibits. They can scan themselves to see the invisible organisms on their skin and learn about how microbes affect daily life. It’s quirky, fun, and surprisingly engaging for children, especially science lovers aged 8 and up.
🕘 Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
💸 13+ years: €17,50, 0 to 12 years old: free
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Combine with Artis Zoo next door for a full day out.
🌟 Best for older kids who enjoy science and detail.
🌟 Allow at least 1–2 hours for exploring.
12. 🥞 The Amsterdam Pancake Boat
If your family loves pancakes (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), the Amsterdam Pancake Boat is a must-do. This fun cruise combines sightseeing with an all-you-can-eat Dutch pancake buffet. As the boat sails along the IJ River, kids can load their pancakes with sweet or savory toppings while parents enjoy the views of Amsterdam’s skyline. The experience is lively and relaxed, making it one of the tastiest things to do in Amsterdam with family. Children especially love the play area on board, giving parents a chance to enjoy their meal in peace.
🕘 Trips usually run at set times (12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM). Check schedule in advance.
💸 €26 per adult, € 21 per child 3 to 11 years old
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Book tickets early, weekend cruises sell out fast.
🌟 Arrive hungry, as pancakes are unlimited.
🌟 Take the free ferry from Central Station to NDSM for extra fun before boarding.
13. 🎢 This is Holland (5D Flight Experience)
This immersive 5D flight experience lets you “fly” over the Netherlands in a motion simulator. Families soar over tulip fields, windmills, and canals while wind and scents enhance the ride. Kids love the thrill, and parents enjoy the breathtaking visuals. It’s entertaining and educational, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Dutch countryside without leaving Amsterdam. It’s also weatherproof, making it a great choice for rainy days.
🕘 Daily 10 AM – 7 PM
💸 Variety of family and combo tickets, see here.
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Height requirement is 102 cm, check before booking.
🌟 Great rainy-day activity if outdoor plans fall through.
🌟 Visit in the morning for shorter wait times.
14. 🛶 Rent a Pedal Boat
For a truly hands-on canal experience, rent a pedal boat and navigate the waterways yourself. It’s fun exercise and gives families control over their route. Kids love “driving” the boat, spotting ducks, and waving at other canal-goers. It’s also cheaper than many cruises and creates great family bonding moments. Pedal boats fit up to four people, making them perfect for small families who want adventure at their own pace.
🕘 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💸 €33 per boat (up to 4 people) for 1 hour
📍 Stationsplein or Leidseplein, Amsterdam
🌟 Plan your route ahead to avoid busy waterways.
🌟 Bring water and sunscreen, especially in summer.
🌟 Kids under 12 should wear life vests, ask at rental.
15. 🍽️ Foodhallen
Foodhallen is a trendy indoor food market with dozens of stalls offering dishes from around the world. For families, it’s a dream, everyone can choose their favorite food, from sushi to burgers to Dutch bitterballen. The atmosphere is lively and casual, with long tables perfect for groups. It’s a fun place to introduce kids to new tastes or simply enjoy familiar favorites in a vibrant setting. Parents appreciate the craft beer stalls while kids love the desserts.
🕘 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💸 Dishes €6–€20
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Arrive early for lunch to avoid crowds.
🌟 Give older kids some independence to pick their own dish.
🌟 Save room for the churros or ice cream stalls.
🗺️ Map of 15 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam with Family
Amsterdam is one of the best destinations in Europe for families. From parks and pedal boats to castles and chocolate shops, the city is filled with adventures that appeal to all ages. Whether you’re spending two days or two weeks, these things to do in Amsterdam with family guarantee unforgettable moments. With a little planning and the right mix of culture, play, and relaxation, your family trip to Amsterdam in 2025 will be one you’ll talk about for years to come.
📖 Amsterdam Travel Guide
See my full Amsterdam Travel Guide for more tips on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, day trips and itineraries!
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