Amsterdam with Kids: The Best Things to Do

Amsterdam is a brilliant city for children: compact, green, full of water, and packed with hands-on museums. Here are the family favourites that keep both kids and parents happy.

NEMO Science Museum

Five floors of buttons to press and experiments to try, plus a free rooftop terrace with city views — the city's best rainy-day option for kids.

Artis Royal Zoo

One of Europe's oldest zoos, with animals, an aquarium, a planetarium and leafy gardens to run around in.

Micropia

The world's only museum of microbes, right next to Artis — gross, fascinating, and unlike anything else.

Vondelpark

The city's big green playground, with paddling spots, play areas, open lawns and space for little legs to roam.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

The maritime museum has a full-size replica East India ship to clamber aboard — a hit with younger visitors.

A canal cruise

Seeing Amsterdam from the water is a treat at any age; many boats are family-friendly and some let kids steer.

Pancakes

A Dutch pancake (or a plate of mini poffertjes) is the perfect kid-friendly meal — and there are pancake boats that combine lunch with a canal trip.

Snacks at the Albert Cuyp Market

Warm stroopwafels pressed in front of you, fresh frites and more — a tasty, free-to-wander outing in De Pijp.

Add a tram ride or two (kids love them) and you've got a full, happy family day out.