Amsterdam with children - What to do?

Amsterdam surprised me

Before this trip, I had never imagined that traveling to Amsterdam with a child would be more than fun. I think it's the ideal city for traveling as a family. Amsterdam is totally "kids friendly". Even with its liberal reputation with coffee shops, red light and all the craziness that fits in the city, including a completely family-friendly itinerary is more than possible.

I speak with conviction, yes! Amsterdam with children is very worthwhile and a SUPER family destination.

We were very well received in all the restaurants, public transport and of course in the attractions, which even when they are not aimed at children, always have options to entertain the "kids".

Schiphol

Well, let's start at the beginning and where most people arrive, the airport!

As well as having various themed spaces, it's here that the little ones can have an incredible experience. Seriously, KLM has left an entire Fokker 100 on the terrace for everyone to enter and learn every little bit about the operation of an airplane.

Igor became a child with Emmanuel and put all his passion for aviation into showing Emmanuel every detail. I especially loved this airport, because as well as being huge and super comfortable, it has a mini market with great prices. There's even a microwave! This makes our lives much easier, especially in times when the Euro is so expensive for us Brazilians.

I was surprised, because the tip is always to take precautions to spend as little as possible in airports. This rule works for much of the world, but not for Amsterdam, which I thought was super fair =)

LOCATION: Schiphol Airport - Terrace
OPERATION: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in winter and 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer
FREE

Nemo - Science Museum

This is one of the most famous attractions in Amsterdam for those traveling with children, and if you ask anyone, Nemo will be on the itinerary. I completely agree.

Yesmm, Nemo has to be on your itinerary!

We had A LOT of fun, nowhere near a "boring" museum, it's more like a playhouse. It's completely interactive and you learn through play at all times.

The museum caters for all ages, but the older the better. Emmanuel, who is 3, enjoyed it so much that he cried his eyes out when it was time to leave. And we were the last ones to leave!

Some attractions are recommended for children over 6, such as the laboratory.

Igor and I became children together with our little one and we even built two boats to compete against each other lol.

As soon as we arrived, we watched a chain reaction presentation worthy of a cartoon and then went to play with the soap bubbles. Who would have thought you could get inside a soap bubble?! The museum is truly AMAZING!

Be sure to visit the terrace, the view is beautiful and access is free even for those who haven't bought tickets. On the terrace you can also discover the energy in a super interactive space overlooking the city of Amsterdam.

There you'll also find sun loungers, a good place to rest before the next stop.

LOCATION: Oosterdok2, 1011 VX
OPENING: EVERY DAY FROM 10:00 TO 17:30

OBA - Amstedam Public Library

It's true that when we travel, we don't often include libraries in our itinerary. But if you're going to Amsterdam, I suggest you include OBA!

It goes beyond a simple library. Go straight underground, where the magic happens. Emmanuel enjoyed himself as if he were in an amusement park.

The space has lots of nice places for them to play. He doesn't read yet, but he had a lot of fun looking at the pictures and wondering what was written in the Dutch words.

We sat for hours, playing, laughing, interacting and relaxing on the poufs.

Hey, the surprises aren't over, now go up to the top floor and step out onto the balcony... WOW!

A beautiful panoramic view of the city that simply made our jaws drop.

LOCATION: Oosterdokskade 143, 1011 DL
OPENING: EVERY DAY FROM 10:00 to 22:00
FREE

Little farms

Amsterdam's public parks are also AMAZING! All of them always have a wonderful green area and plenty of space for the little ones to run around, but what really surprised me were the little farms present in almost all of them.

This experience is wonderful and FREE! The aim is for children to have contact with animals and country life even in big cities.

This is another attraction that shouldn't be missing from our Amsterdam with kids itinerary, as Emmanuel LOVES farms.

Geitenboerderij at Amstedamse Boos

The first farm we looked for in Amsterdam was in Amsterdamse Bos, a goat farm. But the park is so big that we got lost and when we arrived at the farm it was already closed =(

A bucket of cold water! However, we saw the huge structure of the little farm from afar and we really wanted to come back another time.
But of course, since we were in the park, we weren't going to miss out and went to explore the Amsterdamse Boos, which is also wonderful.

Amsterdamse Boos is so big that we gave up on going back for a second attempt. If you do, set aside at least half a day just to visit the park.

LOCATION: Nieuwe Meerlann, 4
OPEN : 10:00 to 17:00 - Closed on Tuesdays.
FREE

Stadsboerderij in the Amstelpark

We couldn't leave Amsterdam without including at least one farm on the itinerary, Emmanuel loves farms and their little friends. So, even though we failed at the first attempt, we kept on insisting and at the first opportunity, we went for it. This time we chose Amstelpark.

In this case, the farm is much more accessible, as the Amstelpark is not as big as the Amsterdamse Boos. That's precisely why we chose it as the right alternative.

Another nice thing about this little farm is that it has a greater variety of animals, even the owner cow was there.

We had a lot of fun and I loved every minute of it, it was so worth the experience and seeing the sparkle in Emmanuel's eyes.

LOCATION: Amstelpark
OPEN: 8am until half an hour before sunset.
FREE

Parks and playgrounds

Amsterdam is full of green areas and cool toys for the little ones to use up their energy, and I was amazed at the quality. Seriously, these are the most creative playgrounds I've ever seen! Each playground has its own particularities, but they all have one thing in common. Children need to use all their creativity to play.

Amsterdam Bos

As the farm was closed and the sun was far from leaving, we took advantage of the park. And I'll tell you, it won us over, it's huge and has lots of attractions. We got lost among so many cool things =)

As far as I could tell, it's the biggest park and the least known among tourists, I saw a lot of Dutch people playing sports, but no tourists.

Be careful, it's easy to get lost in the park, lol, it's really big.

Aviation lovers will also enjoy this park. We spent a few hours sitting here, enjoying the view and the planes landing nearby.

It was very cool and a unique moment between father and son. Igor shared some of his knowledge with the little one.

This is also where you'll find the Japanese garden, with its beautifully colored cherry trees. There's also a lake with a kayak ride, trails, a jogging track and everything else you can imagine. We even saw a couple camping in the middle of the park!

Amstelpark

I think it was the park I liked the most, because apart from the little farm, there were a thousand options to play with.
Ducklings, trains, ice cream, lol.

The playground in this park is sensational and has plenty of options for every age, with zip lines and everything.

From what I've seen, the little trains at Amstelpark only delight children in the European summer.

LOCATION: 1083 HZ Amsterdam,
OPEN: 8am until half an hour before sunset.
FREE

Museunplein

Right on Museum Square, where the letters "I AMSTERDAM" usually appear, is the first playground we came across, and the one I found most "crazy" of all.

To get to the slide you have to climb, balance, climb and reinvent yourself... lol

Near the playground there is also a nice area to spread out a towel and have a picnic.

The sunset is beautiful!

Vondelpark

Right in the center of Amsterdam, it's a crowd favorite! Easily accessible, it's a great place to spend the afternoon and have a picnic.

King's Day is when the most family-oriented activities of the festival take place. The Vondelpark is really busy and there are lots of activities.

We loved it and spent hours there. If you don't want to leave the city center too much and still want to enjoy a park, Vondelpark is a must if you're going to Amsterdam with children.

Stroll along the canals

The best way to get to know the whole city is to stroll along the canals of Amstedam. Not only is it beautiful, but you can also learn more about the local history.
But this isn't a tour for children, is it? They'll get bored! Not at all, the Blue Boat solved our problem. They created a pirate kit, so that while the boat sails, they can immerse themselves in the story and the fantasy world.

Attention! This is not widely publicized and many employees don't even know about this kit, so insist on getting yours! Only at Blue Boat.

While I listened to every detail of the history of those channels, Emmanuel played at coloring with his eye patch.

The kit comes with an eye patch, a coloring book with some activities, crayons and fun binoculars.

Emmanuel loved it and so did I. I thought it was a great solution for having a more peaceful walk.

The kit is supplied on any Blue Boat boat, it doesn't have to be a special kids boat.

The whole family can get into the mood and have a great time as pirates on the city's canals.

I thought it was a great option if you're going to Amsterdam with children and want to enjoy an educational tour in a fun way.

LOCATION: Stadhouderskade 501, 1071 ZD
OPENING: EVERY DAY FROM 10:00 to 22:00

Zaanse Schans

It's a place that breathes Dutch tradition, it's like stepping back in time. It's a little further from Amsterdam, but nothing that takes too long. It's easy to get there and back in the same day.

Zaanse Schans is very pretty and ideal for going with the little ones, perfect for a day trip if you're traveling to Amsterdam with children!

There they can have fun, see animals and find out how the famous Dutch clogs are made, including a demonstration of the manufacturing process.

Tasting various Dutch cheeses and even going into a real mill is certainly not to be missed.

LOCATION: ZAANSE SCHANS
FREE

Keukenhof

This is the most limited attraction, as it is only open for three months a year. Usually from March to May, but if you can, visit Amsterdam then.

The park is the most beautiful thing in the world, with its tulips and charms.

But don't think it's just for adults, there are things for the little ones too.

To get started, go to reception and ask for the children's kit, a sort of treasure hunt. That's right, on the paper there are things that the children have to find around the park and mark on the paper, who will be the winner?! You can play with your child and see who wins.

What's more, there's a little farm inside the Keukenhof, who knew? I spent days looking for one and when I arrived at the park, tcharam:

In addition to the little farm, there is also a very nice playground where all the children can spend their energy! I was impressed by how the whole country is geared towards bringing joy to the little ones, Amsterdam and children really go well together.

And don't go thinking that once you've been to the park, you're done for! Every year the decorations are different. This year's theme was romance, everything was so beautiful! Ahhh love.

LOCATION: Stationsweg 166A 2161 AM Lisse
OPERATION: IN 2019 IT WILL BE FROM MARCH 21 TO MAY 19 (SEE THE DATE EACH YEAR)

What's next?

Maritime Museum

In this museum you'll have the chance to get on a real ship and pretend you're sailing with the Dutch.

The Dutch mercantile and naval history is told in detail. It's a very interactive museum too, but unfortunately there wasn't enough time and it left me wanting more =(

LOCATION: Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK
OPENING: EVERY DAY FROM 9:00 TO 17:00

Schiphol behind the scenes

It's an experience at the airport itself, but at specific times. On this tour you can get a feel for what an airport is like. Unfortunately, we arrived too late and left too early, so we decided to leave it for a later date.

LOCATION: Schiphol Airport
OPENING HOURS: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 11:00/ 13:00/ 14:30

Kinderkookkafé

It's right on the edge of the Vondelpark and it's literally delicious. Children of all ages can cook and the activities are divided by age. I couldn't wait to get my little one in on the fun too, but unfortunately there wasn't enough time =(

LOCATION: Vondelpark 6B
OPENING: EVERY DAY FROM 10:00 TO 17:00

Amsterdam with children

I was really delighted with the way they treat children in the city. They are completely concerned with including the little ones in all the activities and making them feel comfortable.

It was one of the best destinations I've ever traveled to with Emmanuel. The infrastructure is complete and there is a lot of respect for the little ones. I felt really comfortable traveling to Amsterdam with a child and I was VERY surprised.

Rota Amsterdam offers tourism for Brazilians in the Netherlands. They are Brazilian Guides in Amsterdam and run various tours in Portuguese. Tours on foot, by bike, boat or car. If you tell them you've come via our blog, you'll get a discount of 5 %! Just put the name 'Crispelomundo' in the "partner discount" tab when asking for a quote and you'll get a discount on any tour!

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