What’s your perfect holiday plan for your kids? Think if they ever got bored and cranky while visiting a nice place. Do you often struggle with what to do and where to go during a family-friendly vacation?
Just think, you are in Amsterdam, the city of canals, and you are having trouble enjoying it. Because you are always busy with your kids. You are thinking about how you can entertain them. Your time is slipping like sand, yet you haven’t enjoyed a bit of this trip.
Well, don’t get upset! Say goodbye to all the bad memories. Things are going to turn. We have planned everything for you, from interesting museum tours to mesmerizing tulip fields. Along with the sightseeing from a canal cruise, everything is ready for you.
Make every moment count with our guidance on things to do in Amsterdam with kids. This guidance will turn your horrific experience into an exciting trip. You are guaranteed to make another trip with your kids. Get ready, as this amazing and mind-blowing tour is waiting for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Amsterdam is worth visiting with kids. This is a family-friendly city to explore.
- Amsterdam weather details.
- Check out the best time to enjoy Amsterdam with kids.
- The top 4 reasons for choosing Amsterdam.
- 2-day itinerary in Amsterdam with kids.
- Find out the kids-friendly or family-friendly hotels for your trip to Amsterdam.
Is Amsterdam worth visiting with kids?
Amsterdam has a contradictory nature that surprises its visitors. The city has many wild places for adults. But it also gives you a variety of options to enjoy with your kids.
The child-friendly art museums, the canal cruise, and the greenery around you will slowly captivate your mind. You are guaranteed to come here again. Make sure to plan the trip with 4 to 5 days in hand.
Amsterdam is worth your time and money. Visiting Amsterdam with children for a family vacation is a decision you will never regret. Check out our in-depth discussion with guidance on things to do in Amsterdam with kids.
Weather in Amsterdam: All in one
When travelling, the weather plays a vital role. All the sites and attractions change their appearance with each season. To make things easier for you, here is a thorough weather forecast for each season.
Amsterdam weather in Spring
From March to May, the spring season in Amsterdam blooms in full volume. With considerable warmth, spring is one of the most beautiful seasons to explore the city. The temperature rises to 16 °C or 60 °F. At night, the temperature drops to 3 °C or 36 °F. It is the driest season in Amsterdam. However, the weather remains humid due to the large number of canals.
Amsterdam weather in Summer
The summer season in Amsterdam is bright and sunny. It has a high perception of rain. June, July, and August are the summer seasons. The temperature remains between 22 °C or 71 °F at its highest and 10 °C or 50 °F at night.
Amsterdam weather in Autumn
September, October, and November are considered the autumn season in Amsterdam. The temperature keeps moving from 18 °C (64 °F) to 4 °C (39 °F). The weather is rainy and windy.
Amsterdam weather in Winter
The winter consists of three months, including December, January, and February. Normally, the temperature drops below the freezing point. However, the temperature is high at 8 °C or 46 °F and drops to 0 °C or 32 °F.
The best time to enjoy Amsterdam with kids
When a holiday comes after a long, tiring, and busy life, we all search for a place to explore. But travelling with kids reminds you to be extra careful. You would need to plan the tour perfectly.
Amsterdam is the best choice for families and kids. Yet, the question arises, when is the best time to visit Amsterdam? Well, today is your lucky day. We have got you covered. You will have all the things to keep in mind.
From our perspective, spring and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy Amsterdam with kids. Do you know when are the tulips in season?
Well, March, April, and May are the best times for that. The tulips are at their best from mid-April to mid-May. Also, autumn is another season for an Amsterdam getaway. During this season, everything is affordable.
From hotels to many attractions, there are a variety of sales and offers. You can check out things to do in Amsterdam in September and Amsterdam in November for more autumn ideas.
So, if you are planning a tulip field visit, then, without hesitation, select the spring season. And if you are planning a budget-friendly trip, then go for the autumn season.
There are also things to do in Amsterdam in winter, but we don’t recommend Amsterdam in the winter. This will be your family trip, so keep in mind that this season is not kid-friendly.
Amsterdam with kids: Top 4 reasons for choosing Amsterdam
This vibrant city is ready to welcome you and your kids with numerous activities. Find our top picks here,
1. Canal cruise with kids
The city is entwined with water. Feel the Venice in Amsterdam. The canals surrounding the city are magical and breathtaking.
When you are planning your trip, with kids, this is a must to do thing. You will want your kids to experience this astonishing view!
Even if you decide to put down this cruise idea, for now, you can just admire its beauty. Amsterdam is a family-friendly city, so don’t think too much about what you should do.
Pro Tips: Remember to reserve your booking before the trip. Check out the Amsterdam City Canal Cruise for your last-minute booking.
2. Exploring art and museums
Are you an art enthusiast? Then Amsterdam is the perfect city for you. While you’re visiting Amsterdam with children, there are some activities you must do. Visiting museums is one of them.
You must visit the museum square. Here you’ll find the National Museum of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Upside Down Museum.
Compare the works of Van Gogh with those of other Dutch artists. The national museum offers a vast collection of artwork. And there are many things to learn.
For contemporary artworks and modern artworks, visit the Stedelijk Museum and the Upside Down Museum. The Upside Down Museum is a place for kids.
Suggestions: If you decide to visit the Van Gogh Museum, make sure to book the tickets earlier. Or you might find the tickets sold out. So check out the last-minute tickets here.
3. Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens is the largest tulip garden in the world. You can enjoy your spring break with kids exploring the Keukenhof Gardens.
During the spring season in the Netherlands, this garden blooms with many flowers. You will find flowers from tulips, orchids, roses, lilies, daffodils, hyacinths, and many more. The vast collection of flowers is ready to welcome you.
Around 40 kilometres away from the city, the Keukenhof Gardens will make your trip a perfect family vacation for the kids. You can enjoy the site view while cycling. During this season, you will also get to enjoy the famous tulip festivals.
4. Other things to do in Amsterdam with kids
Curious about what to do with kids in Amsterdam? This city will never run out of options to amaze you. You will find plenty of things to do in Amsterdam with kids. Some more exciting things to do in Amsterdam,
- Try a cycling trip. Trust us on this, a cycling trip will never waste your time. Rent a bike and stroll the city on a cycle. Amsterdam is bike-friendly, and if you want, you can add an extra padded seat to the bike for your kids.
- You can visit the Bloemenmarkt. It’s one of the iconic flower markets in Amsterdam. And it’s the last market of its kind, known as the floating market.
- Visit Anne Frank’s house. However, this one is optional, as it tells the heart-wrenching story of Anne Frank. But if you’re willing to go there, then book the Anne Frank House tickets online. And if you need to learn how to get Anne Frank house tickets if sold out, then check out this last-minute ticket option.
2-Day Family-Friendly Amsterdam Itinerary
It’s a good idea if you can have 4 to 5 days in hand. But if not, don’t worry! Just plan your itinerary accordingly. Here’s a little effort from us to help you,
Amsterdam Itinerary Day 1 with kids
When it comes to kids, you need to be very careful with everything. From packing bags to what you are going to do, everything needs to be planned out. Follow this plan for your day one itinerary in Amsterdam.
9.00 AM The canal cruise and Anne Frank House tour
Start with a canal cruise to witness the vast network of waterways. This cruise will last around an hour. Then, after reaching the bank of Anne Frank House, try the pancake bakery for your breakfast.
A good breakfast or brunch can make the day better. It is located at Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS, Amsterdam, Netherlands. The sweet or savoury pancakes will light up your mood and boost your energy.
Anne Frank’s house is just beside this bakery. Take half an hour to explore the house, filled with heartbreaking history. Learn the history with your kids and discover information that they might like and learn from.
10:05 Explore the NEMO Science Museum
This museum was created for people of all ages. From adults to children, everyone can enjoy scientific creation.
With five different floors, the museum is filled with many games, puzzles, and wonders of science and technology.
Find unique and amazing scientific things and information here. You will also find a cafe serving delicious snacks and coffee in the middle. Many talk shows and educational speeches are being organized here.
12.55 National Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum)
A museum dedicated to the sailors and the shipping in the Netherlands. The 17th and 18th-century naval items are displayed here in the museum. While exploring the museum, you will get in touch with the sea.
You will know how the sailors spent most of their lives here. The fascinating sea attracts children more than anything.
So, pay a visit if you visit Amsterdam with kids. The museum is open every day of the week. You can also book a guide for the museum.
14.50 Amsterdam’s Artis Royal Zoo
The Artis Royal Zoo has a rich and long history dating back to 1838. The zoo has a huge collection of 750 different species of animals.
People from across the globe come here to celebrate nature and culture. The impressive astronomical observatory gives you a chance to learn about the universe.
The zoo also has an aquarium with many tropical fish. The historical park of this zoo is suitable for walking and having a picnic with family.
Amsterdam Itinerary day 2 with kids
Here comes day 2 of your Amsterdam itinerary with kids. Make this an exciting day with fun things to do in Amsterdam.
9.00 AM Van Gogh Museum
Start your second day with museums. After breakfast, visit the Van Gogh Museum. The museum echoes the thoughts and artwork of Vincent Van Gogh. It is one of the museums in Museum Square.
The museum consists of two buildings. The main building has all the artwork by Van Gogh. The other one is used for exhibitions and displays the chronological life of Van Gogh.
You will also find a gift shop around the corner. However, you will find a library and several study rooms there.
Tips: Try to book the tickets before your journey. Most of the time, the tickets are unavailable. So check out Van Gogh museum tickets sold out for last-minute options.
11.10 The Stedelijk Museum
Here you will find artwork from modern and contemporary artists. It showcases all the 20th to 21st-century works of many artists.
Keep a minimum of 2 hours in hand to explore the place. There are also trendy restaurants for food arrangements. You can get a free guide too if you want.
14.20 Vondelpark
End the perfect second day of your Amsterdam itinerary with kids in Vondelpark. The park is named after the infamous Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel. It is the most famous and one of the largest public parks in Amsterdam.
You will find festivals celebrating nature. Over 10 million visitors come here every year. This is also the home of open-air theatres.
You will find the Film Museum here, displaying all unique and outstanding works, from short films to big-budget movies.
Where to stay in Amsterdam with kids?
There are many fancy, budget-friendly hotels in Amsterdam. But which ones are suitable for kids? Check out these suggestions,
- Radisson Blu: This beautiful hotel is located in the city centre. It is close to the Rijksmuseum. This hotel offers a lot of facilities, like many types of rooms. You can get the family suit too. It is spacious for kids. The food of this hotel restaurant is very delicious. You will get 24/7 room service.
- Pulitzer Amsterdam: Another good choice for the kids. This too has a wide range of rooms with many family activities. Surely, it would make the kids stay memorable.
- Volkshotel: This hotel is close to Oosterpark and the Deppermarkt. This place is great for kids. The spacious rooms are family-friendly. You can also request a movie night. They host many family activities and events, so the kids won’t get bored with the accommodations.
- Conservatorium Hotel: This high-budget hotel has everything you need. Situated right in the heart of the Museum Square area, this hotel offers a swimming pool for guests to enjoy their stay. The delicious cuisine from the indoor restaurants is noteworthy.
Final Thought
Amsterdam is a family-friendly city. You will find many exciting things to do in Amsterdam with kids. The dashing city shows off all its natural beauty with each season.
Travelling with kids might seem like a hassle, but in reality, it is not. Once you have planned everything from the weather to where to visit and 2 to 3 days of your itinerary, everything else will fall into place.
If this article inspired you to plan your trip with the kids, then don’t hesitate to let us know. Drop a comment to let us know about your experience.
FAQs: Amsterdam with kids
What are some fun outdoor activities to do with kids in Amsterdam?
Cycling, exploring museums, visiting the tulip fields, and hitting the canal cruise. These are some outdoor activities you can do with kids. Lastly, make sure to attend and enjoy all the festivals and fairs in Amsterdam.
Are there any family-friendly museums in Amsterdam?
You can visit the NEMO Science Museum. A place where your kids will have fun.
Can we go on a boat tour with kids in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is more exciting and enjoyable with canal cruises, especially the ones that are designed for kids.
Are there any amusement parks near Amsterdam that are suitable for kids?
Drievliet, the Efteling, Slagharen, and there are more you want to keep digging. Make the most of these amusement parks in Amsterdam with kids.
Can we rent bikes and explore Amsterdam with our kids?
You can rent a bike and explore with the kids. You can also ask for a padded seat for your kids.
