Curator’s statement
The Netherlands is special to me because it’s where my husband is from, so we’ve been visiting regularly for the past decade (minus the Covid gap). Every trip has been memorable, especially with our son, who always has the best time here. He loves the quirky museums you find all over the country, pancake houses with giant playgrounds, and the Efteling theme park—which never gets old and somehow grows with him each year. There’s never a shortage of things to do. The people are genuinely friendly, and it’s no surprise that Dutch kids are consistently ranked among the happiest in the world.
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Things to do in Amsterdam
NEMO Science Museum: An interactive museum where kids can blow giant bubbles, launch chain reactions, and climb all over hands-on exhibits. The rooftop terrace also has the best view of the city.
Canal cruise: Opt for a small salon boat instead of the large tourist barges. It’s comfortable, relaxed, and the perfect introduction to Amsterdam for kids and adults alike.
Artis Zoo and De Plantage: The zoo is compact enough for younger kids, with animals, an aquarium, and even a planetarium. Next door, De Plantage is a chic but family-friendly spot for lunch.
Keukenhof Gardens (Spring only): If you visit during tulip season, this is a must. Kids love the hedge maze and playgrounds, while parents inevitably take hundreds of tulip photos.
Efteling Theme Park: A fairytale-themed park that feels like the Dutch answer to Disney (without the high prices or long lines), with whimsical rides and enchanted forests. A magical day trip for the whole family.
Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s most famous park, perfect for a picnic or bike ride. You can rent a cargo bike (bakfiets) for the true Dutch parenting experience—kids in the front, coffee in hand.
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes): This charming neighborhood is full of quirky toy shops, vintage boutiques, and cozy cafés. A fun place to wander while mixing kid-friendly stops with grown-up shopping.
Breda day trip: An easy train ride from Amsterdam, Breda offers a more local Dutch experience. There’s a beautiful old town, a castle, and a park with a playground and teahouse where parents can sit and relax.
Utrecht Train Museum: More than just trains on display—this museum feels like part theme park, part history lesson, with rides, locomotives, and interactive exhibits.
The Hague (Den Haag): Worth a day trip for the Mauritshuis Museum, home to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Bonus: wide sandy beaches nearby if you want to mix culture with sea air.
Places to eat & drink in Amsterdam
Jansz: Inside the Pulitzer, this chic spot serves breakfast with both a buffet and an à-la-carte menu—pancakes and eggs, not pancakes or eggs. Dinner is equally stylish yet family-friendly.
Restaurant Sebastian: A casual but chic pizza spot, popular with stylish locals and tourists alike. The terrace is excellent for people-watching, and the vibe is relaxed enough for kids while still feeling grown-up for parents.
Casa di David: A long-standing Italian restaurant on the canal, known for handmade pasta and classic tiramisu. Feels both cozy and celebratory.
Pancakes Amsterdam: Poffertjes (tiny pancakes) covered in powdered sugar and apple pancakes the size of your head. Kids adore it. Parents secretly do, too.
Moeders: A nostalgic Dutch spot where the walls are covered with photos of mothers. Comfort food portions are big, hearty, and perfect for sharing.
The Pancake Bakery: Touristy, yes—but also fun, bustling, and reliably good. The enormous menu of savory and sweet pancakes keeps everyone happy.
Dignita Vondelpark: A bright café near the park with healthy bowls and halloumi for adults, pancakes and scrambled eggs for kids. Afterwards, the playgrounds of Vondelpark are just steps away.
Need to know
Book Anne Frank House tickets well in advance. They’re released online only and sell out quickly. Best for kids ages 12+.
Dutch parents don’t hover. Playgrounds and parks are designed for independence. Take advantage of this liberating approach.
Public transport is easy, safe, and efficient. Trains make day trips stress-free, and bikes are the city’s best form of transport if you’re feeling brave.
Travel Advisor
Kate Van Dell
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For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Amsterdam page.