amsterdam with kids

Things to do in Amsterdam With Kids

By Dom Bewley

The children are our future; that much is clear. But what about the present? Until our robot overlords inevitably subdue the human race, the little ones might as well have some fun! And, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, you might be wondering about the things to do with the kids. Well, wonder no more. Read on, and discover our picks for the best things to do in Amsterdam with your kids!

Including:

  • 5D Experiences
  • Canal pedaling
  • Chocolate wonderland
  • Interactive science
  • Zoos
  • and more!

 

5D Fun

We know how it is sometimes. You visit a new city in a new country and bring a checklist of all the city's landmarks to see. However, your little one might not be so into that, wanting instead to be dazzled by the sights and sounds on the TV or videogame instead.

Thankfully, you can now combine the sightseeing experience with a breakneck, 5D experience at THIS IS HOLLAND! This hour-long thrill ride will have you soaring over iconic sights such as its tulip fields and windmills. You'll feel mist and wind crash against you as you fly through four shows, all based on the country's past, present, and future. Mist and wind will ensure you see and feel the Netherlands like never before. Perfect for kids who spend too much time watching things and not enough time going out and experiencing them!

 

Ride on water

One thing that your little one will likely love in Amsterdam is the abundance of water and boats. You're never more than a few minutes' walk from a canal, bridge crossing, or even the large river that separates the city's 'North' Neighborhood from the rest. But what's better than walking along a canal? Sailing across it! Well, not sailing, but pedaling in a boat.

Yes, it's no surprise that the world's most cycle-centric city has a pedal-centric form of sea vessel. The good news is that pedal boats are great for both kids and adults alike, as everyone can feel like they're making the journey happen. It's a more fun and engaging method of sightseeing compared to walking, so it'll keep even the fussiest little ones from growing tired of the constant wandering. And hey, you could even give them the wheel too, if you trust their navigation!

 

Choco frenzy

Most kids love chocolate; there's just no two ways about it. While many of us grow out of the dreaded sweet tooth, for kids, it's the only thing they want on the menu morning, noon, and night. So, why not take them to the Dutch equivalent of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, minus all the troubling treats.

At Tony's Chocoloney Superstore, you'll not only learn how they ensure their operation is 100% fairtrade, from field to shop, but you'll also be able to sample many of the famed chocolatier's delicious treats. And hey, you're probably not one to pass up some good moral lessons for your kid, while ensuring their hunger is satisfied in the process!

 

The White Whale

Little people are fascinated by many things. Inquisitive minds are beautiful things but let's be honest, you don't have all the answers. For every other question your child inevitably throws your way about science, life, or any number of subjects, you're likely to draw a blank.

Well, draw blanks no more! Head down to NEMO Science Museum and let your little ones get hands-on with some fantastic interactive exhibits. Kids of all ages will find tons of fun here, with plenty of levers, buttons, and other gizmos that let them learn through touch. You can even head to the roof for some delightful gardens, water features, and free exhibits to explore. Delightful, and easily one of the best things to do in Amsterdam with your kids!

 

Walk with the animals

Another curiosity for many children is the animal kingdom. With so many species adorning the land, air, and sea, it's easy for kids to get carried away thinking about them.

So, why not let them get up close and personal with some delightfully exotic critters at ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo? Explore the facilities' awe-inspiring aquarium, take them to meet a family of elephants, giraffes, and monkeys, and even learn about the tiny critters they cannot even see without a microscope. Then, when they've seen all the animals they want, there's a fantastic play area on-site that they'll enjoy exploring. You just have to hope you can drag them away when it's time to leave!

 

Park ya buns

Another one of Amsterdam's outstanding features is its green spaces. There is a myriad of large parks dotted about across the city. Each has its own unique activities that are perfect for kids, so let's take a look at our picks.

Our first pick is Westerpark, one of the city's largest parks that's a short walk from Central Station. There, you'll find plenty of space to set up a picnic, plenty of restaurants nearby for nibbles or lunches, and even a VR arena at Westerunie, where 6 people can be transported into another world and shoot some zombies! Perfect for bigger little ones who love video games.

Alternatively, Amstelpark in South Amsterdam has lots of kid-related activities. You'll find a petting zoo, rides, mini-golf, and even a summer train they can ride around the park's gardens! With a great mix of greenery, activities, and affordability, visiting Amsterdam parks is one of the best things to do with kids.

 

Pancake plan

And finally, let's end our list with some more delicious sweet treats. Pancakes are one of the Netherlands' biggest exports, and surely one that your little one has gobbled up at some point in their life. And, as the saying goes, 'when in Rome, eat pancakes because they're delicious.' Well, it's something along those lines, at least.

Take your little ones to Pancakes Amsterdam, where they do things a little differently. While they could just make classic Dutch pancakes the traditional Dutch way, they incorporated pancake styles from all over the world to serve a wide variety of treats. Take them for a free tasting, and let them pick whichever they desire. Then, sit back, and feel smug about how great of a parent you really are.

And those are our picks of the best things to do in Amsterdam with kids! Looking for a little alone time with your partner while the babysitter's watching the kids? Check out our guide to Amsterdam's best couples activities!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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shopping amsterdam
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Shopping in Amsterdam Guide

Vacationing in Amsterdam and have some extra cash you want to burn through? You'll need a guide to shopping in Amsterdam. But where will you find one that you can trust? Here, of course. Just scroll down and see what an authentic guide to shopping in Amsterdam really looks like! Including: De Bijenkorf Magna Plaza Nine Little Streets Haarlemmerstraat Albert Cuyp Market and more! Image courtesy of Travel-Fr/Shutterstock Where the labels lie Let's kick off our guide to shopping in Amsterdam with the big guns. If you're the sort to drip yourself in nothing but the biggest names and designer labels, spend your money more wisely! Just kidding, no judgment here. The good news is that Amsterdam more than caters to your opulent lifestyle choices thanks to De Bijenkorf, a chain of high-end department stores. They have stores all over the Netherlands, but you'll find their massive Amsterdam branch looming over Dam Square like a wealthy obelisk. Step inside its inviting revolving doors, and you'll be blown away by the number of floors on offer. Brands carve out their own territory here, defending it fiercely from neighboring competitors. Many, like Gucci, are so 'exclusive' that you'll have to wait by a rope cordon to be let in. Like a club, but no one's dancing or having fun. Still, if it's designer brands you want, it's designer brands you'll get, with countless big names calling this mausoleum to untethered consumerism home. A massive plaza Another structure that towers over Dam Square is the appropriately titled Magna Plaza, which roughly translates to Really Massive Place. Maybe. This grandiose building mirrors London's Parliament buildings, which was by design. Inside, you'll find a more rounded shopping experience, with food stores and restaurants cohabiting with fashion brands, cosmetics shops, and jewelry boutiques. And all of that sweet, sweet shopping is backed by the Magna Plaza's stunning interiors, which give every trip a sense of regality. Your bank account will feel pretty regal, too, because shopping is addictive, and you may have a problem. If you sit in Dam Square and squint hard enough, you can pretend that Magna Plaza and De Bijenkorf are facing off against one another, determined to be the best shopping complex on the block. Don't worry; they can't hurt you. Nine streets for nine treats Away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam Central, you'll comfortably find some of the best shopping in the city. And better yet, given the city's size, you can easily walk there from Centraal Station in about 15 minutes. The Negen Straatjes, or 'Nine Little Streets' are, well, nine streets that emanate from Amsterdam's canal ring - colloquially called 'the ring'. Walk along these revered streets, and you'll find a wealth of unique boutiques, smaller designer shops from all over the world, as well as cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can rest your burdened feet. The perfect answer to the busyness of the aforementioned department stores, these streets are as much residential zones and daytime hangout spots as they are shopping destinations. So, head there, shop to your heart's content, and breathe in all that space and calm. Nice. Image courtesy of Harry Beugelink/Shutterstock Sound the Haarlem! Just a stone's throw from Centraal Station to the west, you'll find a quirky, calm, and clean shopping paradise to rival Nine Little Lanes! It's called Haarlemmerstraat, and along with its brother Haarlemmerdijk, it's one of the city's often overlooked gems. With a whole host of boutique shops, salons, and an underrated bar scene, it's a great place to spend your day, do some shopping, eat some food, and then experience the nightlife. Plus, you're so close to the water you might as well have a wander to Amsterdam's shores - you'll find even more bars, cafes, and restaurants there! Image courtesy of AsiaTravel/Shutterstock On the cuysp of greatness Of course, department stores and packed high streets aren't the only places for you to flex your plastic. You forgot about markets, silly. No self-professed guide to shopping in Amsterdam would be worth a thing without mentioning the city's brilliant market scene. And arguably, the jewel in its market crown is the Albert Cuypmarkt. Located in trendy De Pijp, it's one of Europe's biggest open-air markets, offering visitors and would-be shoppers a whole host of foods, clothes, accessories, and even flowers. If you're staying in an Airbnb, it's the perfect place to buy fresh groceries to cook up your own delights. Or, if the hotel is taking care of all that for you, go try some of the freshly cooked foods on offer! You'll find many uniquely Dutch treats available, including stroopwafels - the country's best. Image courtesy of Tupungato/Shutterstock Hoof it up the street Fashion seekers, beware. Some of Amsterdam's best shopping can be found at PC Hooftstraat, a short walk from the city's museum district. Arguably Amsterdam's most affluent shopping district, you'll find a wealthy world of designer brands from across the globe. Need some Mulberry in your life? Jonesing for some Chanel? PC Hooftstraat's got you covered. Plus, its location is a massive bonus if you want to combine your shopping shenanigans with a little culture. The Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum are right around the corner. And let's be honest, after all that swiping, you might require some calm and inspiring sights. Image courtesy of Harry Beugelink/Shutterstock Kalvern Klien? Kinda Another of Amsterdam's famous shopping streets, Kalverstraat is a more modest shopping experience. You'll find its beginning at the foot of Dam Square, because of course you will. Dam Square - the hub of many shopping opportunities. This one is arguably the busiest on the list, so strap in for some shambling. Unlike some of the others on this list, Kalverstraat is a more typical high street affair, with sneaker shops, affordable clothing stores, and well-known cosmetic spots. Nike, Lush, and Zara are just some of the many global brands you'll find on this list. While you could spend the whole day here, we'd recommend you know where you're going, get in, and get out - it simply draws too big a crowd to be considered a fun day out. Waterloo, baby We'll end this list on a bit of an oddity. Unlike Albert Cuypmarkt, Waterloopleinmarkt is a bit of a free-for-all. This flea market lets anyone come and set up a stall to flog their undesirables, so expect garage sale energy. However, anyone who's dared enter the realm of the garage sale knows this is no sleight. In fact, you'll find things at Waterloopleinmarkt you may not find anywhere else. Bargain hunt for rare toys, antiques, furniture, and other unwanted (and unvalued) items, snap them up in a pinch, and then sell them on to become a multi-billionaire. Chin up - anything is possible. And that's our guide to shopping in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
Couple embracing in the rain in Amsterdam
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Things to do in Amsterdam when it Rains

Amsterdam is beautiful inside and out, meaning there’s still plenty of fun to be had when the heavens open and it’s just too damp to cruise the canals or whiz along slippery cobbled lanes on your bike. So don your wellies and mac and dive into our list of all the best things to do in Amsterdam when it rains…
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
breakfast amsterdam
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Best Breakfasts in Amsterdam - Public Transport

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And when you're vacationing in a new city and plan to do a heap of exploring, they might be onto something. So if you're visiting Amsterdam and want to know the best breakfasts available, how do you get to them using the city's brilliant public transport system? Read on, and find out! Including: Omelegg Ted's Coffee & Coconuts G's Brunch Boat The Breakfast Club Getting around Amsterdam Let's start things off by giving you a quick guide to public transport in Amsterdam. You have a number of options available to you that we've talked about in greater detail here. But for the most part, as you'll find the best breakfasts in the city, you'll only be using buses, trams, the metro, bikes, or your own two feet to reach them. For trams, buses, and the metro, you can buy 1-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour travel tickets at every Metro station, on the tram when you board, or at one of the many ticket machines you'll find at bus stops, tram stops, or at Centraal Station. Alternatively, if you're going to be traveling for longer than 48 hours, you might want to pick up an OV Chipcard. This travel card lets you any amount of money you want, and then you simply swipe when you board and alight, and top it up when you're running low. An omelet oasis If you like your eggs folded over a host of delicious fillings and toppings, then you'll love Omelegg; they specialize in the stuff. They offer quality omelets from 7AM on weekdays and 8AM on weekends, so you can definitely get your belly filled before your day truly begins. You'll discover their menu is filled with choices inspired by cuisines from all over the world. The Nordic-inspired Viking Fisherman sits aside the nationally-minded Dutchie. And if their savory offerings don't tempt you, then go for the Banana Peanutbutter - a sugary delight featuring honey, cinnamon, and egg cake. How to get there on public transport You'll find a handful of Omelegg locations all over the city. Their De Pijp location is just down the street from the De Pijp Metro station, as well as the De Pijp and Amsterdam, 2e v.d.Helststraat tram stops . And their City Center location is a five-minute walk from Centraal Station. Theodore, you spoil us If you want an all-day breakfast and brunch spot with some meatier meals to fuel your exploring, head to Ted's. Their bright and burgeoning menu offers all the breakfast treats you'd expect from a top spot. You've got an entire menu dedicated to eggs, featuring the usual affair of Eggs Benny and Eggs Florentine alongside more creative offerings like a bacon, egg, and fried chicken burrito, as well as the magnificent Triple Omega, which sounds like a Transformer but with more eggs, salmon, and sourdough. But, if your stomach is looking for something more substantial, go for one of the french toast varieties, or dip into their fantastic sandwich menu. How to get there on public transport You'll find two Ted's locations in Amsterdam. The Jordaan spot is a short walk from the Anne Frank House, and a 3-minute walk from the Westermarkt tram and bus stops. The Oud-West spot is equidistant from both the Kinkerstraat tram and bus stops and the Overtoom tram and bus stops. Either will leave you with a 3-minute walk. Beans and bigger beans If you're looking for one of the city's coolest spots to be your breakfast backdrop, start your day at Coffee & Coconuts. With a wealth of coffees, teas, juices, and even stronger drinks on offer, you can have your beverage your way. They roast and squeeze everything on-site, so you can be sure you're getting nothing but the freshest morning brew. As for food, they offer breakfast all day, with burritos, pancakes, french toast, coconut bowls, and scambled eggs just some of the things available. Or, from midday, you can dip into their fantastic Deli menu and chomp on some unique sandwich combinations. How to get there on public transport C&C's only spot is located in De Pijp. It's right across the street from the De Pijp Metro stop and a minute's walk from the De Pijp tram stop. Krunk Boat A seaside breakfast is one thing. A seafaring breakfast is another entirely. That's what you get at G's Brunch Boat, and while it might not exactly be sailing the seven seas, it does make its way along Amsterdam's beautiful canals. Oh, and did we mention that you can opt into a bottomless brunch? That's right, party animals. Who said breakfast needed to be boring, or on dry land? Hop onto the party boat and let the good times roll. Choose from one of their many tasty menu dishes - chicken and waffles, eggs benny, breakfast burrito, or even oysters, and then either pair it with a drink, or go for the bottomless choice and have at it. Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, Prosecco, beer, or wine are all on offer. And, for 75 minutes, you'll have your fill. Considering the spectacle of it all, it's easily one of the best breakfasts in Amsterdam! How to get there on public transport Once you've booked your ticket, head to the pickup point near the Anne Frank House. It's a 5-minute walk from the Westermarkt tram and bus stops. Don't you forget about me And finally, we end on a franchise that's taken the world by storm. Named after the eponymous 80s high school film, you'll find Breakfast Clubs in plenty of cities these days. They have a load of breakfast types, burgers, pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and smaller bites on offer, as well as an envious sweet selection. Couple that with a delightful coffee, tea, or other beverage, and you've got yourself a guaranteed good time. How to get there on public transport With six locations all around the city, rather than bore you with all the details here, we'll simply leave a link to their website that gives you every address and shows you which stops are near it! And that's our list of the best breakfasts in Amsterdam, and how to get there by public transport!
Dom Bewley

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