A Day in Amsterdam with Kids: The Best Activities

Millions of tourists visit Amsterdam every year. Whether you are coming for a few hours or a full weekend, there is plenty to see. A day in Amsterdam with kids can be a bit tricky, especially with the crowds in the city centre. Here are the best activities for families.

Artis, the oldest zoo in the Netherlands

Amsterdam is home to the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. Located at Plantage Kerklaan, Artis houses an incredible variety of animals including lions, raccoons, birds, bats, marsupials, amphibians, reptiles and fish. Children up to two years old have free entry.

NEMO Science Museum

Older children will love the NEMO Science Museum, a museum about science and technology spread across five floors. Interactive exhibitions, workshops and experiments make this an engaging visit for curious minds.

Amstelpark Playground

Need a break from the bustle? Amstelpark offers a playground, petting zoo and rowing pond. Entry is free, though some attractions are paid. A perfect spot for children up to about 12 years old.

A canal cruise through Amsterdam

What could be more fun than a boat trip with a friendly captain? Step aboard and see Amsterdam's famous canals from the water. During the cruise, your captain shares stories about the history and sights. Even young children will enjoy the boat ride, even if they don't catch every word.

Our boarding point is at Stationsplein 11, right next to Amsterdam Central Station.

The Rijksmuseum and other museums

A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without the Rijksmuseum. See masterpieces like Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid. Other popular museums include the Van Gogh Museum, the Tropenmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Many museums offer free entry for children under 12.

Toy shops in Amsterdam

Planning a day with kids? Make note of the best toy shops. Tinkerbell on the Spiegelgracht and Gone with the Wind on the Vijzelstraat are local favourites. Intertoys on the Kalverstraat is a familiar name for most children.

Ice cream parlours

Every child loves an ice cream. Amsterdam has excellent ice cream parlours spread across the city, from classic Italian gelato near the Rijksmuseum to vegan options at the Haarlemmerplein.

Cinemas

Amsterdam has more than 10 cinemas showing children's films during the day. Pathé De Munt and Pathé City are the best known. For something unique, Filmhuis Cavia is the smallest cinema in the Netherlands with just 40 seats.