Last updated on December 8th, 2024 at 06:01 pm
By Jane Geffin
Visiting Amsterdam with kids? If you’re planning an Amsterdam family trip, you’re in the right place. Read on for the top things to do in Amsterdam with kids and our 2-day itinerary with a little bit of everything thrown in.
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Amsterdam was a real highlight during our European trip, which also included Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. Coming right at the end of our travels, we definitely felt we finished on a high. The city’s canals and bridges, historical museums and art galleries, as well as the general quirky feel of this city, make it a fantastic city break option for kids and adults alike.
We had two action-packed days in Amsterdam and fully embraced our time in the city, with busy days filled with plenty of Dutch experiences (think cycling, fries with mayonnaise, stroopwafels and Van Gogh)!
Overview: Two Days in Amsterdam – What To Do
Here’s a quick look at what we did in Amsterdam:
Day 1: Guided Bike Tour, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum
Day 2: Trip to Zaanse Schans, Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore
NETHERLANDS QUICK FACTS:
LANGUAGE: Dutch
CURRENCY: Euro
FLIGHT TIME FROM UK: 1 hour 15 minutes
FLIGHT TIME FROM US: 7 to 10 hours (Average 8 hours 45 mins)
NATIONAL ANIMAL: Lion
POPULATION: 17.88 Million (over 1.8 million in Amsterdam)
Take a look at the Amsterdam map below to help you plan your itinerary. I’ve included all our recommended attractions, restaurants, and experiences:
Getting Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s public transport system is pretty good. With buses, trams, and ferries all over the city, you have lots of options and it’s pretty easy to get where you want to go.
But, when in Amsterdam, one of the best ways to explore is by bike! In fact, there are more bikes than permanent residents in this city. You’ll find cycle paths on pretty much every road – but be warned, the traffic (including all the bikes) can make it pretty busy. You have to keep your wits about you (see more on this below).
From Amsterdam Airport to the City Centre:
If you’re flying into Schiphol Airport, getting into central Amsterdam is easy. The train ride from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station takes about 15-20 minutes and trains go 24 hours a day. There are also buses and taxis available if you prefer, but the train is both the quickest and most cost-effective option.
If you’re arriving in Amsterdam by cruise ship, firstly make sure you enjoy the views from the deck as you sail through all the canals before you dock. Cruise ships dock at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) and you can either walk into the centre of Amsterdam or take tram number 26.
See below for the locations of our recommended attractions in Amsterdam, and how to get there.
Is the I Amsterdam City Card worth it?
The I Amsterdam Card will provide you with unlimited travel across the city and entrance to many of the city’s main attractions.
Whereas on our trips to Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo we made good use of their city passes, we chose not to get one in Amsterdam. This was mainly because we were only there for a short time and the things we wanted to see and do happened not to be included in the I Amsterdam city card.
The Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum are not available on the I Amsterdam City card, and we knew we really wanted to prioritise these attractions. We also wanted to do a cycling tour of Amsterdam and head out on a day trip to see a little more beyond the centre.
If you’re staying for longer and interested in seeing more attractions, it might be worth you purchasing one for one or two days either at the beginning or end of your visit.
Included in the I Amsterdam City Card is an Amsterdam canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum, the A’dam Lookout, the Moco Museum, the Nemo Science Museum and more. All very much worth seeing if you’re in Amsterdam for a longer stay.
✅ Purchase the I Amsterdam Card HERE
Day 1 in Amsterdam: Exploring the City on 2 Wheels
Here’s what we did on Day 1 of our Amsterdam family trip and what we’d recommend for you:
Amsterbike Guided Bike Tour
How to Get There: Amsterbike’s meeting point is by the port, not far from the Central Station, so it’s easy to access. The address is: Piet Heinkade 11, 1019 BR Amsterdam. Tour Duration: 3 hours
We felt there was no better way to start our Amsterdam adventure than by taking a guided bike tour. We booked our tour with Amsterbike, and it was a fantastic way to get to know the city and see its highlights while learning about its history too. I don’t think we could count the number of bridges and canals we rode over!
Cycling through the streets of Amsterdam, as well as past lots of canals, we also saw Artis (Amsterdam Zoo), the Nemo Science Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the busy neighbourhood of Jordaan.
The tour is suited to families with older children and teens in particular, and your child needs to be a pretty comfortable and competent rider. However, the pace was relaxed and there were plenty of stops for photo opportunities and the passing on of information.
Cycling in Amsterdam is a hugely popular way to get around but we found that the amount of bikes meant you had to be really aware of others around you. People on bikes move fast in Amsterdam so have your eyes and ears open. If you’re with kids, it’s best to have your child or children in between two adults, or right behind the guide if possible
✅ Book HERE for your Guided Bike Tour
Lunch at Fabel Frite
How to get there: Fabel Frite is in the popular Nine Streets area of Amsterdam. The address is Runstraat 1, Amsterdam 1016GJ
Holland (alongside Belgium) is famous for fries and especially renowned for serving them with different (seriously yummy) toppings. Fabel Frite has become a TikTok sensation and you’re likely to see queues outside this small shop.
The good news is those queues move very quickly. You’ll be asked for your order (with a quick answer expected), and then you’ll need to wait outside until it’s ready (which shouldn’t take too long). The truffle mayonnaise, parmesan and curry sauce are particularly good topping choices.
Anne Frank House
How to Get There: The Anne Frank House is located on Prinsengracht, just a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride from the centre.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 10 pm every day
Next up is one of Amsterdam’s most important historical landmarks—the Anne Frank House. This deeply moving museum offers an educational and emotional experience that we’d say is most appropriate for older children and teens.
Tips for booking tickets to Anne Frank House: you’ll need to pop a reminder in your diary or phone for this. Tickets need to be booked 6 weeks ahead of the time you want to visit. They become available at 10 am every Tuesday (I recommend you set your reminder for 9.45 am on the Tuesday 6 weeks beforehand). This is what I did, and tickets went extremely quickly – with only later afternoon and evening slots left half an hour after I booked.
Book your tickets HERE.
Can you buy Anne Frank tickets at the door? Ticket sales for Anne Frank House are pretty strict. You can’t purchase them at the door – only online. Tickets are valid for a specific time slot only and are non-refundable and non-transferable.
There are two types of tickets available to buy. One is a regular museum ticket; the other includes an ‘introductory program’ which is a 45-minute talk which provides background and context to the visit to the house. I absolutely recommend booking the ticket with the introductory program. Our guide was fantastic and gave such a great overview which we felt was suitable for our two (older) kids.
Visiting the hiding place where Anne Frank and her family lived during World War II is a powerful and memorable experience. There is no furniture in any of the rooms, but this just emphasises how small the spaces in which the families lived were.
It’s amazing to think that Anne has had her diary (written when she was just 13 years old) translated into more than 75 languages, with over 30 million copies sold.
Want to explore the city of Amsterdam through Anne’s eyes? An Anne Frank walking tour is a great idea if you have a bit more time:
✅ Book HERE For Anne Frank Walking Tours
Van Gogh Museum
How to Get There: The Van Gogh Museum is located at Museumplein, easily reachable by tram or bike.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm. On Friday it’s open late (until 9 pm)
After your visit to the Anne Frank House, head over to the Van Gogh Museum, another one of the top indoor activities in Amsterdam for families. Here, you’ll be able to admire some of the legendary Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh’s most famous paintings. We were particularly excited about visiting as we loved the Van Gogh Immersive Experience in London.
The museum’s impressive collection includes famous works like The Starry Night and Sunflowers. Kids can pick up a clipboard, paper and pencil and sketch their favourite Van Gogh artwork.
There are often additional kids’ activities on offer at the museum (take a look at the online calendar), plus there are some good You Tube videos produced by the museum which answer questions about Van Gogh in a child-friendly way.
I’d recommend booking tickets a few weeks in advance for the Van Gogh museum (you don’t need to be quite as on the ball as with Anne Frank House).
✅ Book HERE for tickets to the Van Gogh Museum
Dinner at Cafe Sonneveld
If you’re looking for some authentic Dutch cuisine, book a table at Cafe Sonneveld. Try the Stampot (a traditional Dutch dish consisting of mashed potatoes and veg mixed together and served with sausage or meatballs). Delicious!
Day 2 in Amsterdam: Dutch Heritage and Sweet Treats
It’s Day 2 of your Amsterdam Itinerary and it’s time to explore beyond the city centre.
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans
For your second day in Amsterdam, head out of the city by taking a short trip to Zaanse Schans, a gorgeous traditional village that offers you a glimpse into the Netherlands’ past.
It’s around a 20-minute drive from central Amsterdam, or you can reach it by train from the Central Station – and I think it’s one of the best things to do in Amsterdam for families. Our recommendation, however, would be to go with a tour guide who can tell you more about the area. Tours also include additional stops (ours included stops at clog and cheese factories, which were great fun).
Where your tour is likely to start: Our tour started from outside Aloha (a large restaurant near the port and not far from the train station). This seemed to be the meeting point for a large number of day trips to Zaanse Schans. Keep a close lookout though. We nearly missed our guide (and the trip).
Zaanse Schans is famous for its traditional windmills, historic wooden houses, and working factories. It’s a great place for kids to see Dutch culture up close.
What you’re likely to see in Zaanse Schans
- Cheese Factory: After a talk and demonstration, you’ll get to experience the best bit – tasting lots of different cheese (and I mean lots!)
- Clog Factory: Ever wondered how traditional wooden Dutch clogs are made? We were surprisingly captivated by the clog-making demonstration – and there’s a pretty cool little museum with some very extreme kinds of clogs on show.
- Windmills: Zaanse Schans is home to lots of windmills, some of which are still in use. You can pay to visit some of them to see how they were used to grind spices, saw wood, and pump water.
We really enjoyed our Zaanse Schans day trip – we got some great food and restaurant recommendations and a chance to buy some quirky souvenirs too.
✅ Book HERE for your Zaans Schans Day Trip
Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore
How to Get There: The superstore is located near Westerpark, just a short tram or bike ride away from the city centre. Opening Hours: 10 am to 7 pm
Once you’re back in Amsterdam, make sure you stop by Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore. It’s a must if you’re looking for things to do in Amsterdam for kids. Tony’s is a famous Dutch chocolate brand known for its mission to create ethical chocolate. If you live in the UK, you’re probably very familiar with it. It’s a little pricey but extremely good.
Not only does the superstore offer a wide variety of their standard chocolate bars, but there’s also an opportunity for kids to learn about how Tony’s makes their chocolate (and the company’s sustainable practices).
The highlight of your visit, though, will likely be customising your own chocolate bars. You can personalise chocolate bars with your own flavours, toppings and packaging – it’ll definitely be a hit with the kids!
Where to Stay in Amsterdam with Kids
Amsterdam can be pricey, due to its popularity for short breaks, but it does offer a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxury hotels.
Budget Option: Holiday Inn Amsterdam Arena Towers – We stayed at this clean and modern hotel just outside of the city centre. It’s easy to reach by train, has large family rooms and is good value.
✅ Book HERE for Holiday Inn Amsterdam Arena Towers
Mid-Range Option: Conscious Hotel Westerpark – A sustainable hotel near the trendy Westerpark area. Perfect for families looking for comfort and an eco-conscious stay.
✅ Book HERE for Conscious Hotel Westerpark
Luxury Option: Hotel Estherea – This luxury hotel in the heart of Amsterdam is seriously funky. Triple rooms are available.
✅ Book HERE for Hotel Estherea
Must-Try Eats in Amsterdam
Wondering what and where to eat in Amsterdam? The city has some great food options that kids will love:
- Pancake House Upstairs (‘Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis’): This quirky cafe serves traditional Dutch pancakes (both sweet and savoury). Take a look at their specials menu for some interesting combinations.
- FEBO: A fun and quirky fast-food chain where you can grab croquettes and burgers from a vending machine in the wall.
- Stroopwafels from Van Wonderen Stroopwafels: You can’t go to Amsterdam without trying stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies filled with caramel). You can buy freshly made ones at Van Wonderen, and you can customize them with different toppings (chocolate sauce and nuts work well).
Amsterdam FAQ
Is Amsterdam worth visiting with kids?
Yes! Amsterdam is very family-friendly with plenty of activities and attractions that cater to kids of all ages. From bike tours to museums and day trips, there’s lots to do. The city is also walkable and easy to navigate, making it a great destination for families.
What’s the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Spring and summer are the most popular times to visit Amsterdam, especially if you want to see the famous tulip fields (in the Spring). However, autumn and winter have their charm too, with fewer tourists and lovely seasonal events like Christmas markets. Amsterdam tends to be busy year-round but does tend to be extra crowded in the summer months. Book your accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling in the summer and want to stay centrally.
Is Amsterdam expensive?
Like most European cities, Amsterdam can be pricey, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city on a budget. Opt for casual dining (see above for family-friendly suggestions), explore free attractions like parks and markets, and consider staying in budget-friendly accommodation.
Can kids go into Amsterdam’s Red Light District?
This is a good question. If you haven’t been to Amsterdam’s Red Light District before, it’s helpful to know a little bit about what it’s like. We’ve been to the red light district as adults, but we chose not to take our kids on this trip. As it’s a residential neighbourhood, there’s no age limit to visit (although it is over 18’s only in the coffee houses).
However, a walk around the red light district is quite an eye-opener. We’ve stayed in the red light district when in Paris with teens, but Amsterdam is definitely more confrontational than that.
It’s up to you whether you decide to take your kids but personally, I felt there was other stuff to see in the city which was more appropriate and I chose to prioritise.
2 Days in Amsterdam: The Verdict
Amsterdam is an incredible city to visit with kids. It offers a mix of history, and art, plus great food and fun for families.
Whether you’re cycling past the canals, exploring the museums, or indulging in yummy sweet treats, you’re bound to find something to suit you and your family.
This 2-day itinerary, in my view, covers all the must-do family activities in Amsterdam and will give you a real taste of what Amsterdam has to offer.
Want to encapsulate your love of family travel? Our family trip quotes will help you do just that – and they’re great to add to Instagram posts too.
