Amsterdam is a city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and fun with tons of family friendly activities. This vibrant destination has a lot to offer, with a wide range of museums, historic landmarks, outdoor adventures, and theme parks that cater to visitors of all ages. No matter what your interests are, there’s family friendly activities for everyone.
For families, Amsterdam is an ideal destination for a vacation. Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers, or grandparents, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In this list, we’ve compiled the top 10 family-friendly activities in Amsterdam that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.
Amsterdam’s Family Friendly Art & Museums
Amsterdam is known for its art and culture, and there are is a whole list of amazing museums you can visit during your stay. Here are a few family friendly museums you could check out:
Van Gogh Museum: The Van Gogh Museum is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam and home to the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works. The museum’s audio guide and interactive exhibits make it a great option for children and teenagers. They even have an audio tour specially designed for families with kids between 6 and 12 years.
Rijksmuseum: This is one of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world, with a vast collection of Dutch art and history. The museum’s interactive family guide and special family tours make it a fun and educational experience for all ages. And the best thing is, kids up to 18 years old get free entrance!
Tropenmuseum Junior: The Tropenmuseum Junior is a museum designed specifically for children, and offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities that focus on different cultures and traditions from around the world. The museum is a great way to introduce kids to different cultures and teach them about diversity and inclusivity.
Moco Museum: The Moco Museum is a modern and contemporary art museum that showcases the works of painters such as Banksy and Salvador Dali. The museum’s audio guide and interactive exhibits make it a great option for families with older children and teenagers.
Amsterdam’s Family Friendly Science & Education.
Amsterdam offers a range of family friendly activities that are both educational and fun. From interactive science exhibits to immersive history lessons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
NEMO Science Museum: The NEMO Museum is a hands-on museum where visitors can explore the world of science through interactive exhibits and experiments. The museum is designed to be fun and engaging for visitors of all ages.
Micropia: Micropia is a unique museum in Amsterdam that offers visitors a fascinating and interactive look at the world of microbes. Located in the Artis Royal Zoo, this museum is the only one of its kind in the world, and is dedicated to showcasing the importance of microbes and the role they play in our lives. Visitors can explore the world of microbes through a series of interactive exhibits that are designed to be both educational and engaging.
The National Maritime Museum: The National Maritime Museum offers an immersive experience where visitors can learn about the history of the Netherlands’ maritime culture. The museum has interactive exhibits and family friendly activities.
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo: This is a unique zoo that combines animal exhibits with scientific research and education. Visitors can learn about animal behaviour and conservation through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: Now this is a special hidden garden right next to the city centre. The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is a beautiful botanical garden that is perfect for a family outing. Visitors can explore the garden’s diverse plant collections and learn about the history and uses of different plant species. A bit further down you can find both Artis and Micropia.,
These museums and educational activities are designed to be engaging and informative for visitors of all ages. Many of them offer interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that allow visitors to explore and learn at their own pace. So whether you’re traveling with young children or older adults, Amsterdam’s museums and educational activities are sure to provide a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.
Enjoy Amsterdam’s Natural Beauty with Family Friendly Activities.
Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone, including families. From outdoor activities to cultural experiences, there are plenty of things to do that the whole family can enjoy. Here are some of the best fun activities in Amsterdam that are perfect for families:
Vondelpark: This is Amsterdam’s largest park and a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. The park has playgrounds, bike paths, and picnic areas that are perfect for families.
Bike Tours: Amsterdam is known as the “bike capital of the world,” so what better way to see the city than on a bike tour? Many companies offer family friendly activities like bike tours that take visitors through the city’s beautiful streets and parks.
Canal Tours: The canal tours are family friendly activities, and many operators offer special packages for children. Some of these packages include special commentary and activities for children, making the tours educational and entertaining for the whole family. Many of the boats are also equipped with amenities such as toilets, cafes, and comfortable seating, making the experience more enjoyable for all.
Amsterdamse Bos: Amsterdamse Bos is a beautiful natural park located just outside the city of Amsterdam. This forested area spans over 3,000 acres and offers a wide range of outdoor family friendly activities, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature. One of the most popular activities at Amsterdamse Bos is hiking. The park has numerous hiking trails that are suitable for families with young children, as well as more challenging trails for experienced hikers.
Het Twiske: One of the main attractions of Het Twiske is its swimming lake, which is a great place for families to cool off during hot summer days. The lake is surrounded by sandy beaches and grassy areas, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or BBQ. In addition to swimming, Het Twiske offers a range of outdoor family friendly activities for families to enjoy, including hiking and biking trails. The reserve has over 45 kilometers of bike paths, so it’s easy to rent bikes and explore the area.
Muiderslot Castle: Muiderslot Castle is not only a great place to learn about Dutch history, but it also provides a beautiful backdrop for family photos. Visitors can walk through the castle’s beautiful gardens, explore the towers and ramparts, and even dress up in medieval costumes for a unique and memorable experience. The castle also hosts special events throughout the year, including falconry shows and medieval festivals, that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Zaanse Schans: The Zaanse Schans is a historic windmill village just outside Amsterdam that offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life and industry with working windmills, museums, and craft demonstrations.
Efteling Theme Park: The Efteling theme park, while not technically in Amsterdam, is a great day trip destination for families. The park has several rides and attractions that are perfect for children of all ages.
These activities are just a few of the many fun things to do in Amsterdam that the whole family can enjoy. With so many options to choose from, there’s no shortage of family friendly activities in this vibrant city.
Family Friendly Activities for Indoor Filled Fun
Walibi Holland: Located about an hour east of Amsterdam, Walibi Holland is a popular amusement park that offers a variety of roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions. The park is known for its high-speed rides and adrenaline-pumping thrills.
Laser Tag Amsterdam: If you’re looking for an action-packed activity that the whole family can enjoy, Laser Tag Amsterdam is a great choice. The facility features a multi-level arena that is perfect for team-based laser tag battles, as well as a variety of other games and activities.
Jump XL: Jump XL is a trampoline park that offers a variety of jumping areas, including a foam pit, a dodgeball court, and a freestyle area. The park is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and is a great way to burn off some energy while having fun.
Body Worlds Amsterdam: If you’re interested in science and the human body, Body Worlds Amsterdam is on of the must-see family friendly activities. The museum features a collection of real human specimens that have been preserved using a process called plastination, and offers a fascinating look at the inner workings of the human body.
Bubble Football: Bubble football, also known as zorb football or bubble soccer, is a fun and unique activity that has become increasingly popular in Amsterdam. In this game, players wear giant inflatable bubbles that cover their upper body, leaving only their legs free to move. The aim of the game is to score goals like in regular soccer, but with the added challenge of bumping into other players and bouncing around inside the bubbles. This is one of the best family friendly activities for kids any age!
A Family Friendly Activities Destination with Something for Everyone
Amsterdam is a city that truly has something for everyone, including families with children of all ages. The city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and breathtaking scenery make it a fantastic destination for those looking to immerse themselves in a vibrant and fascinating culture. The city’s museums and art galleries offer a chance to explore world-renowned works of art and learn about the city’s unique history and culture.
Overall, Amsterdam truly has something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for families looking for a fun and educational vacation. With its unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure, Amsterdam is a city that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.
