Amsterdam is bursting with more museums than any other European city. Family favourites are the The Rijksmuseum, NEMO Science Center, and the Van Gogh Museum. Older children who have read about Anne Frank, would find it fascinating to actually visit the house where she wrote her diary, and the younger ones will love TunFun, a huge indoor soft area and Artis – the oldest zoo in the Netherlands.

Things to do in Amsterdam with Children

There’s no better way to see the delights of Amsterdam with kids than on a hop-on hop-off canal cruise that takes you close to all the main attraction. Get to see the crooked buildings, old bridges and harbour from this perspective is sure to entertain little ones. For the older kids, this trip includes “jump the queue” entrance to the thrilling Amsterdam Dungeon. Please note: The Dungeons are not for the faint-hearted, this scary venue serves up stories of historical horror, spine-chilling rides and gruesome displays!

Children who have read Anne Franks Diary may appreciate a visit the hiding place of the Jewish diarist Anne Frank, and her family during the World War II Nazi occupation.
( Recommended for age 10+)

Tour the tour of the city of Amsterdam by the canals on a luxury canal boat, and meet famous people at Madame Tussauds. More details...

Children will love a visit to the Artis -the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. With its beautiful gardens, winding paths, majestic trees, sculptures and some interesting historical buildings, Artis is a haven of peace and quiet in the center of Amsterdam. Covering
14 hectares are about 700 species of Artis's renowned Aquarium also brings you face to face with the secret life of Amsterdam's canals. More details...

If you kids are big enough to pedal, hire a 4 seater canal bike (pedal boat). It’s a great way to see the slim Dutch houses around the canals, and is a hit with the kids too!

The Rijksmuseum, which houses the famous Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt's "Nightwatch," also has an amazing doll house exhibit which is great for kids.

Located near the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum is the much loved Vondelpark. Stop for a pancake, the older ones may like to hire some skates to get around the park, whilst younger ones will enjoy one of the six play areas or the large playground near Groot Melkhuis. After, you can visit the unique Kinderkookkafe where your kids can dress up in aprons and chef hats and whip up all sorts of creations, from pizzas and sandwiches to chocolate croissants and cookies!
(Ages 6-16)

TunFun located in the centre of Amsterdam is the perfect place for kids aged 1-12. It has balls, trampolines, racing carts, slides, climbing and clambering attractions, a jump street, aerial runway, play houses, building walls, painting, carpentry and crafts corner and so on. More details...

For a fun and active family day out, Paintball Jungle, located just 15 minutes from the centre offers a wide range of possibilities for a complete day of adrenaline filled paintball activities. Every zone contains several field and each field has its own unique character. That way you will find yourself one moment in a complete headhunter village and at the next in a military boot camp! More details...

Have a spectacular experience at Duinrell Amusement park. Get sprayed on the Splash, or try the toboggan-run and have a breathtaking adventure in the Mad Mill. The very smallest guests will like Fairy Tale Wonderland, the Locomotion train, and the children’s shows. There is an indoor playground, Rick’s Fun Factory. Don’t forget your swimming trucks as you wouldn’t want to miss out on the spectacular Tiki Pool located in the park!

Recommended family friendly hotels in Amsterdam

Crowne Plaza City Centre is centrally located, close to Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The ideal family friendly hotel offers suites that are just perfect for a family stay, with their own living area. More details...

Recommended family holidays in Holland

If you like a family holiday with freedom and flexibility, Eurocamps have superb holiday parcs and campsites, great swimming pools, free kids' clubs and up to 4 children up to the age of 18 stay completely free! There are 3 fabulous camps in the North of Holland. More details...

A great way to get around is on a boat, Holland offers endless choice for laid-back cruising through pretty villages and picturesque countryside. Visit Hoseasons website for more details...