Curator’s statement
Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside are especially meaningful to me because of my Dutch heritage and my hometown of Holland, Michigan, a town founded by Dutch immigrants. I’m drawn to the rich history here—from the city’s fascinating canal layout to its powerful stories from the Dutch Golden Age and World War II. Just outside the city, the beautiful countryside offers peaceful landscapes, biking paths, charming villages, and easy access to the sea.
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Things to do in Amsterdam and beyond
Bike the Dutch countryside: Rent bikes and ride out into the countryside north of Amsterdam, where you’ll find peaceful canals, farms, and charming villages. The Netherlands is one of the safest and most bike-friendly countries in the world, making this a fun and active way for families to experience the landscape.
Small canal boat tour: Take a small or private canal boat tour to explore Amsterdam from the water and see the city’s famous canal houses, bridges, and historic streets from a unique perspective. Smaller boats feel more relaxed and intimate, which works especially well for families.
Anne Frank House: One of the most powerful and important historical sites in Amsterdam, telling the story of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. While incredibly meaningful, families should know the content can be heavy, so it may be best suited for older children.
Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s most famous park and a perfect place for families to relax, bike, or let kids play on the playgrounds. It’s a great spot to slow down after sightseeing and enjoy a picnic or ice cream.
Dutch windmill villages (Zaanse Schans): A short trip from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is a historic windmill village where families can see traditional windmills, wooden shoe workshops, and Dutch crafts. It feels like stepping into a storybook version of the Netherlands and is a fun way for kids to experience Dutch culture.
Take the ferry to Amsterdam Noord: A free public ferry runs across the IJ River behind Central Station and is a quick mini adventure for kids. On the other side, families can explore a quieter side of Amsterdam with parks, cafes, and the famous A’DAM Lookout swing for older kids.
Dutch pancake house (Pannenkoeken): Trying traditional Dutch pancakes is a must while visiting Amsterdam. They’re large, thin pancakes that can be topped with sweet or savory ingredients, and most pancake restaurants are very family-friendly and fun for kids.
The Cat Boat (De Poezenboot): The Cat Boat is a floating cat sanctuary on one of Amsterdam’s canals where visitors can stop in and meet rescued cats living aboard a houseboat. It’s a quirky and uniquely Amsterdam experience that animal-loving kids will enjoy, and it’s a quick, easy stop while exploring the canals nearby.
Places to eat & drink in Amsterdam and beyond
De Kraai: Located in the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, De Kraai serves traditional Dutch pancakes and simple local dishes. It’s a perfect stop while visiting the windmills, and kids love the cozy atmosphere and views of the historic mills.
Pllek: A relaxed waterfront restaurant made from shipping containers with plenty of outdoor space where kids can move around. Families can enjoy casual food while looking out over the water, and the nearby ferry ride from Central Station makes the visit feel like a small adventure.
De Carrousel Pannenkoeken: Located in a historic carousel building, De Carrousel is a whimsical pancake restaurant where kids can watch a small carousel spin while they eat. The playful atmosphere makes it especially fun for younger children.
Foodhallen: A lively indoor food hall where families can choose from many different types of food in one place, from burgers and tacos to Dutch snacks and desserts. It’s a great option for families because everyone can pick something they like, and the casual setting works well with kids.
Pancakes Amsterdam: This is one of the best places to try traditional Dutch pancakes, which are larger and thinner than American pancakes and can be topped with sweet or savory ingredients. Kids love the fun toppings and relaxed atmosphere, and there are several locations throughout the city.
Need to know
Watch for bikes (everywhere): Bikes are the main form of transportation in the Netherlands, and cyclists often move quickly and expect pedestrians to stay out of bike lanes. When crossing streets, always look for bikes as well as cars, and teach kids to stay close and cross only at designated crossings.
Stairs can be very steep: Many historic canal houses have extremely steep and narrow staircases, which can be challenging with young children, strollers, or luggage. If possible, look for hotels with elevators or ground-floor accommodations.
Bring or rent a bike seat for young kids: Many local families bike everywhere with their children, and you’ll see lots of bikes with front seats, back seats, or cargo boxes for kids. Renting bikes with child seats or cargo bikes can be a fun and practical way for families to explore.
Public transportation is easy and kid-friendly: Amsterdam’s trams, buses, ferries, and trains are clean, efficient, and easy to navigate with children. Trams especially make it simple to get around the city without needing a car.
Many museums require advance tickets: Popular attractions such as the Anne Frank House often sell out days or weeks in advance. Booking tickets ahead of time can help families avoid long lines and disappointment.
Dutch playgrounds are everywhere: You’ll find playgrounds tucked into parks, neighborhoods, and even near cafes throughout Amsterdam. They’re perfect for letting kids burn off energy between sightseeing stops.
The countryside is very close: One of the best things about Amsterdam is how quickly you can reach nature and small villages. Within 20–30 minutes, families can be biking past windmills, farms, and canals in the peaceful Dutch countryside.
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Leah Baillargeon
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Amsterdam page.