Summary
Amsterdam with Kids
For too long, traveling to Amsterdam came with a significant, negative stigma. It had been thought of as a European “Sin City,” and the influx of young, rowdy tourists, together with those negative connotations meant that people often shied away from visiting this beautiful European capital with their families.
However, the landscape has shifted. With a concerted effort from both the government and tourism board, Amsterdam has changed its vibe and is now attracting a very different type of tourist.
Looking for a Place to Stay in Amsterdam?
Check out our in-depth guide on Where to Stay in Amsterdam by a local.
Amsterdam with Kids Tour from Get Your Guide
- Hop on Hop Off Canal Tour – $29.03 USD – Explore the Canals of Amsterdam at your own pace with 13 different stops and commentary.
- Skip the Line Rijksmuseum – $21.16 USD – Front of the line access to Amsterdam’s most famous museum.
- Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – $25.40 USD: Walking distance from Central Station to see your favourite stars.
- Glow in the Dark Mini Golf – $9.68 USD: Play a game of mini golf in the Power Zone. Centrally located.
- Skip the Line Zoo Admission – $27.28 USD: Front of the line admission to zoo, planetarium and aquarium. Enjoy the butterfly pavilion along with the giraffes, zebras, and ostriches.
Amsterdam’s Top 7 – The Scattered List
We’ve hand-selected two of our favorite restaurants, three top attractions, and a must-visit hotel to create a hybrid Top 7 list for Amsterdam.
1. Charter a Boat
Amsterdam is renowned for its extensive network of canals, integral to the city’s character. Many canal tours can be crowded or uncomfortable; thus, chartering a private boat is a fantastic way to experience the city’s waterways in comfort.
Consider booking a Private Canal Cruise. Seeing Amsterdam from its historic canals is an absolute must for any visitor.
Our tour cost €350 for two hours, accommodating up to 12 people. This package includes unlimited soda, wine, beer, and snacks like fresh fruit, cheeses, and chocolate.
The service provided by Rederij de Jordaan was exceptional, with knowledgeable guides offering insights into the city’s rich history and culture.
Family-Friendly Amsterdam
As someone who travels with my wife and our two-year-old son, I always seek activities that are both family-friendly and enjoyable for adults. Amsterdam is a treasure trove of such opportunities.
2. Recommended Hotel: Pulitzer
The Pulitzer hotel blends modern amenities with classic Dutch charm across 25 interconnected canal houses, dating back to the mid-17th century.
Rates generally range from 250-300 Euro/night, and you’re sure to leave happy – Check their website for prices and availability.
3. Bike Tour Outdoors
We enjoy spending time outdoors and decided to bike around the city. In about six hours, we covered remarkable ground. The self-guided bike tour allowed us to take in the bustling squares, quaint bridges, and captivating architecture.
With numerous bike rental shops available, renting a bike is an accessible way to navigate Amsterdam. We opted for Mac Bike rentals, where we found good rates and great service.
Mac offers bikes fitted with baby benches, ensuring even the youngest family member has a safe and enjoyable ride.
4. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam
Don’t limit your exploration to just walking; Amsterdam’s extensive tram system is efficient and kid-friendly, enabling easy transit across the city.
Incorporating tram rides into your exploration will enrich your experience. With each city card, we enjoyed free access to unlimited tram and bus rides for 72 hours!
5. Visit Museums
Amsterdam is a premier travel destination for families, featuring a host of attractions from zoos to museums.
The Rijksmuseum stands out as a must-visit, celebrated for its stunning collections.
Additionally, *Amsterdam cards* grant access to over a dozen world-class museums, making it easy to immerse yourself in the cultural landscape.
6. Adults with Kids in Amsterdam
Exploring Amsterdam as a family allows adults to enjoy their vacation just as much as the kids. Engaging in cultural activities bonds families, enhances experiences, and creates lasting memories.
7. Amsterdam Zoo is Great for Kids
Visiting the zoo proves to be a delightful experience for families with children. Amsterdam’s zoo, expansive in size, offers ample space for kids to roam and explore.
Spacious Enclosures
The elephant enclosure in particular captivated us, providing an extraordinary viewing experience for all ages.
Recommended Restaurants
NELIS West
Often travelers restrict themselves to dining in tourist-heavy areas. However, venturing to NELIS West revealed the culinary excellence of Amsterdam’s West neighborhood. The menu featured inventive dishes that wowed us.
Ali
Ali, located just outside Rembrandtplein, pleasantly surprised us with high-quality Turkish cuisine and exceptional service, transforming our dining experience into a delightful evening.
In conclusion, discovering Amsterdam with children can be rewarding and fulfilling, offering endless activities for both adults and kids. As a family, we spent nearly a week in the city without running out of enjoyable experiences!
