Curator’s statement
At first glance you might not think of Amsterdam as a family destination, but trust me, it absolutely is. Parks, boats, trams, walking, biking, museums, history, architecture...it has it all. You will also find playgrounds scattered throughout the city because everyone needs an occasional slide break. It is also home to what my girls confidently declared the best science museum in the world. Amsterdam is the kind of trip that kids remember for years and adults enjoy just as much, and we would absolutely go back.
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Day 1: Parks, art & the canals at dusk
Sunset canal boat tour
Start your Amsterdam trip at De Vondeltuin, a charming cafe right inside Vondelpark with a playground right next door. After the cafe, head into the park and let the kids go wild at the Vondelpark playground and splash pool. Pro tip: bring a change of clothes or swimsuit and sunscreen if the weather is warm because the kids will absolutely want to get in the water. From there, head to either the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, both a short walk away. Both are fantastic for families with visual storytelling with activities targeted to kids, or choose a family-focused guided tour. Pick the one that fits your family best and do not rush it. Save the evening for a dusk canal boat tour. In summer, the sun sets late and it feels completely different from a daytime tour.
Insider tip: Book the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum well in advance, both sell out.
Day 2: NEMO, the Jordaan and the Mouse Mansion
Van Gogh Museum scavenger hunt
Start at NEMO Science Museum and give it as much of the morning as you want. Honestly, you could spend the whole day there. My girls declared it the best science museum in the world, and I am not going to argue with them. Five floors of completely hands-on exhibits, a rooftop restaurant with incredible views, and the kind of place where you look up and realize two hours have vanished. After NEMO, make your way to the Sam and Julia shop, the store behind the beloved Mouse Mansion books, a totally charming stop that kids adore and no booking needed, just pop in. From there, grab a fresh stroopwafel and stroll the Jordaan neighborhood, walk along the canals past the Anne Frank House, a meaningful moment even just from the outside. Once you have worked up an appetite, head to Foodhallen for dinner. It is an indoor food market with something for everyone, perfect for families where everyone wants something different after a big day.
Insider tip: Book NEMO tickets online in advance. The Jordaan is best explored on foot with no agenda. Just wander and let the kids lead.
Day 3: The Junior Resistance Museum and ARTIS Zoo
Start day three at the Junior Resistance Museum inside the Dutch Resistance Museum, Verzetsmuseum. It is genuinely one of the best museum experiences for kids we have had. It puts children in the shoes of kids living in Amsterdam during World War II and asks them to make the same decisions those children faced. It is age-appropriate, incredibly well done, and is far less known than Anne Frank House but in many ways a richer experience for kids. After the museum, head next door to ARTIS Royal Zoo to end the day. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in Europe. Canals run through the grounds, the butterfly greenhouse and aquarium are highlights on their own, and it has a completely different feel from a typical zoo. A perfect way to let the kids unwind after a meaningful morning.
Insider tip: Both the museum and ARTIS are in the Plantage neighborhood, so the logistics between them are effortless, just a short walk.
Need to know
Amsterdam is one of the most bikeable cities in the world, and renting bikes as a family is a genuinely great experience, if you can follow the rules. That said, the dedicated bike lanes are serious infrastructure and you should keep kids well clear of them when walking. Trams are easy and family-friendly if you prefer not to bike.
For food, Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken) are a perfect family meal and you will find dedicated pancake restaurants all over the city. Stroopwafels and french fries from a street stall are non-negotiable.
Amsterdam has a great restaurant scene and the popular spots fill up fast, so make dinner reservations in advance wherever possible. Foodhallen is a great no-reservation option for a casual night, but if you have a specific restaurant on your list, book it before you leave home.
If you have an extra day or want to explore outside Amsterdam, head to Giethoorn or Zaanse Schans. Giethoorn is often called the Venice of the Netherlands, it has no roads, only canals, wooden footbridges, and thatched-roof farmhouses. Zaanse Schans is the iconic windmill experience.
If you are departing Amsterdam toward another European destination, consider routing through Efteling on your way out. It is about 90 minutes south of Amsterdam and is one of the oldest theme parks in the world built around European fairytales and folklore, incredibly well-designed, and nothing like the big American parks. It is popular in the Netherlands but still under the radar for most international visitors, which makes it feel like a real find. If your family loves theme parks at all, do not skip this one.
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Ashley Freer
Ashley Freer
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For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Amsterdam page.