8 Things you must do with kids in Amsterdam
- By: David Wellington
Amsterdam isn’t just a city of picturesque canals and historic buildings – it’s also a fantastic destination for families. While a canal cruise remains the perfect way to introduce your children to the magic of Amsterdam (and give their little legs a welcome break from walking!), the city offers numerous other exciting activities that will make your family vacation unforgettable.
Having explored Amsterdam’s waterways for years, we’ve discovered that the best family experiences often start or end near our canal routes. Here are 8 amazing activities that will delight children of all ages while helping you make the most of your Amsterdam adventure.
1. NEMO Science Museum - A World of Wonder
After enjoying Amsterdam’s stunning canals from the water, make your way to the striking ship-shaped building that houses NEMO Science Museum. Located just a short walk from many canal cruise departure points, this architectural marvel rises like a massive green copper ship from the harbor, making it impossible to miss and instantly capturing children’s imagination.
Inside NEMO, five floors of interactive exhibitions transform science into an exciting playground for curious minds. Unlike traditional museums where touching is forbidden, here hands-on exploration is not just allowed – it’s encouraged! Children can conduct real experiments, build structures, create their own chain reactions, and learn about everything from gravity to human emotions through play.
One of the museum’s most popular attractions is the water area, where kids can build dams, create water channels, and understand how the Netherlands has mastered water management throughout its history. This exhibit perfectly complements what families learn about Amsterdam’s canal system during their boat tour, helping children understand how this city has lived with water for centuries.
The museum’s piece de resistance is its spectacular rooftop terrace, which offers not only incredible views over Amsterdam’s historic center and waterways but also features additional science installations and water features where children can splash and play during warmer months. This outdoor space is free to access and makes for a perfect resting spot after exploring the exhibitions inside.
NEMO excels at making complex scientific concepts accessible to all ages. Younger children will love pressing buttons, pulling levers, and watching cause-and-effect demonstrations, while older kids and teenagers can dive deeper into the scientific principles behind each exhibit. Parents often find themselves just as engaged as their children, making it a truly family-friendly experience.
To make the most of your visit, plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here. Many families choose to combine their NEMO visit with a morning canal cruise, as the museum is just a short walk from several boat terminals. The museum has a pleasant café with child-friendly options, though you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks and enjoy them on the rooftop terrace while taking in the views of boats cruising through Amsterdam’s historic waterways below.
Remember to check the museum’s website for special exhibitions and workshops, as NEMO regularly offers additional activities that can make your visit even more memorable. While the museum can get busy during peak times and school holidays, its spacious layout means there’s always plenty of room for everyone to explore and experiment.
2. Artis Royal Zoo - Where Nature Meets City Life
Just a scenic canal ride away from central Amsterdam lies ARTIS, the Netherlands’ oldest zoo and one of the most beloved family attractions in the city. After seeing Amsterdam’s architecture from the water, stepping into ARTIS feels like entering a different world – one where nature and city life beautifully blend together in a historic 19th-century setting.
What makes ARTIS truly special is its unique layout that incorporates Amsterdam’s architectural heritage. Historic buildings house various exhibits, including a magnificent aquarium that rivals the water views you’ll experience on your canal cruise. The aquarium takes visitors on an underwater journey from Amsterdam’s canals to the depths of the ocean, showcasing both local fish species and exotic marine life from around the world.
But ARTIS offers much more than just animal encounters. The zoo complex includes Micropia, the world’s only museum dedicated to microorganisms. This fascinating space reveals the invisible life that exists all around us, using cutting-edge technology to show children the microscopic world in an engaging way. It’s a perfect complement to the visible wildlife in the main zoo, helping kids understand nature at every scale.
Throughout the grounds, you’ll find incredible 19th-century architecture, beautiful gardens, and plenty of space for children to run and play. The zoo provides free trolleys for tired little legs, making it easy to explore the entire complex without exhaustion. The playground area offers a welcome break between animal visits, and the petting zoo allows children to have close encounters with friendly farm animals.
During summer months, ARTIS becomes even more magical with its special Summer Nights program. On Saturday evenings in June, July, and August, the zoo stays open until sunset, creating an enchanting atmosphere with live music, special activities, and the unique opportunity to observe nocturnal animals as they become active. It’s the perfect way to end a day that might have started with a morning canal cruise.
To make the most of your visit, consider timing your arrival for the animal feeding sessions and keeper talks. While these are typically in Dutch, the keepers are happy to answer questions in English, and the animals’ behaviors need no translation. The zoo’s cafes and restaurants offer plenty of family-friendly dining options, though you’re also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy in the designated areas.
3. Vondelpark - Amsterdam's Green Heart
After experiencing Amsterdam’s waterways from a canal boat, there’s no better place to continue your family adventure than Vondelpark, the city’s most beloved green space. Like the canals that wind through Amsterdam, Vondelpark serves as a vital artery of city life, offering families a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation in the heart of the city.
This sprawling park, easily accessible from many canal cruise drop-off points, spans 47 hectares of lush landscapes and offers something for every family member. Children will immediately be drawn to the park’s multiple playgrounds, each with its own unique character. The main playground features climbing structures, swings, and even a giant rope spider web that challenges young adventurers while providing hours of entertainment.
Throughout the park, you’ll find charming bridges reminiscent of those you’ve seen on your canal tour, except here they cross peaceful ponds where ducks and swans glide by. These water features provide a different perspective on Amsterdam’s relationship with water, showing how the city incorporates it into leisure spaces as well as transportation routes.
During summer months, the park comes alive with free concerts at the Open-Air Theatre, where families can enjoy performances ranging from classical music to children’s shows. The atmosphere becomes magical as locals and tourists alike spread blankets on the grass, enjoying picnics while being entertained. Even if there’s no scheduled performance, street musicians often provide impromptu concerts that add to the park’s festive atmosphere.
Vondelpark excels at combining active fun with relaxation opportunities. While children play, parents can enjoy coffee at one of several family-friendly cafes, including the popular Vondelpark3 restaurant, which offers a children’s menu and high chairs. The park’s flat, wide paths are perfect for cycling, and many families rent bikes to explore its full extent – a quintessentially Dutch experience that complements your canal cruise adventure.
What makes Vondelpark particularly special is how it changes with the seasons. In spring, flower beds burst with color, summer brings sun-seekers and picnickers, autumn paints the trees in gorgeous hues, and winter occasionally offers ice skating opportunities on the ponds. No matter when you visit, the park provides a welcome green respite from urban sightseeing and a chance for children to burn off energy in a safe, beautiful environment.
4. The Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) - A Journey Through Naval History
After experiencing Amsterdam’s modern waterways on your canal cruise, step back in time at the magnificent Maritime Museum. Housed in a stunning 17th-century naval storehouse, this museum offers families a fascinating glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich maritime heritage, perfectly complementing what you’ve learned about Amsterdam’s waterways during your boat tour.
The museum’s crown jewel, and what never fails to captivate young visitors, is the full-size replica of the East India Company ship ‘Amsterdam’ moored outside. Unlike many museums where children must keep their hands to themselves, here they can climb aboard and explore every nook and cranny of this magnificent vessel. Kids can grab the ship’s wheel, pretend to fire the cannons, and discover what life was like for sailors during the Dutch Golden Age. It’s like stepping into a living history book, bringing to life the maritime stories they might have heard about during their canal cruise.
Inside the main building, the museum cleverly combines historical artifacts with modern interactive technology. The ‘See You in the Golden Age’ exhibition is particularly popular with families, using virtual reality and hands-on activities to transport visitors back to Amsterdam’s maritime heyday. Children can try their hand at navigating using ancient instruments, learn about map-making, and discover how ships were built centuries ago.
One of the most impressive features is the museum’s central courtyard, covered by a stunning glass roof that creates patterns of light reminiscent of waves on water. This architectural marvel provides a beautiful space for children to take a break between exhibitions, and the museum often hosts special family activities here during holidays and weekends.
The museum’s dedication to young visitors is evident in its special children’s route, which includes age-appropriate explanations and interactive elements throughout the exhibitions. They offer activity booklets that turn the museum visit into an exciting treasure hunt, keeping children engaged while they learn about Amsterdam’s maritime history.
For families wanting to make a full day of their maritime adventures, the museum’s restaurant offers child-friendly options with spectacular views over the water. You can easily combine your visit with a canal cruise, as many boat tours pass near the museum, allowing you to compare historic sailing vessels with modern canal boats. The museum’s location in the eastern docklands area also provides a perfect opportunity to explore a different aspect of Amsterdam’s waterfront development.
5. Amsterdam Noord - A Modern Adventure Across the Water
After your canal cruise through historic Amsterdam, venture to the city’s most exciting up-and-coming district: Amsterdam Noord. Just a free ferry ride across the IJ River from Central Station, this former industrial area has transformed into a family playground that offers a completely different perspective on the city’s waterfront life.
The journey itself becomes part of the adventure – the ferry ride thrills children as they watch the city’s skyline recede behind them, spotting canal boats and larger vessels crossing their path. The short crossing gives families a taste of Amsterdam’s maritime present, contrasting nicely with the historic canal experiences they’ve enjoyed in the city center.
The absolute highlight for families in Noord is the A’DAM Lookout tower, an architectural marvel that serves as the area’s landmark. The elevator ride alone is an experience, featuring a light and sound show that excites children before they even reach the top. At the observation deck, families can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Amsterdam’s historic center, its canal ring, and the harbor. For brave souls (and children tall enough), the famous “Over the Edge” swing offers an unforgettable thrill as you dangle 100 meters above the ground, making it Europe’s highest swing.
Just steps from the A’DAM tower, the striking EYE Film Museum welcomes families with interactive exhibits about movie-making and special children’s film programs. Its futuristic building, which seems to rise from the water like a spaceship, provides excellent photo opportunities and houses a restaurant with panoramic views of boats passing by on the IJ River.
What makes Noord particularly family-friendly is its abundance of open spaces and creative playgrounds. The NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned cultural hotspot, features industrial artifacts that children love to explore. Here, families can watch boats of all sizes pass by while enjoying lunch at one of the many child-friendly restaurants housed in converted shipping containers or old industrial buildings.
The area’s flat, car-free paths make it perfect for cycling with children, and bike rentals are readily available. Many families choose to combine their canal cruise with a day in Noord, using bikes to explore this fascinating district where old meets new, and industrial heritage transforms into family entertainment. The contrast between the historic canals of central Amsterdam and the modern waterfront development of Noord provides children with a fuller understanding of how cities evolve while maintaining their connection to the water.
6. Van Gogh Museum - Art Adventures for Young Minds
While Amsterdam’s canals showcase the city’s architectural masterpieces, the Van Gogh Museum introduces families to another kind of Dutch masterpiece – the vibrant world of the Netherlands’ most famous painter. Located just a short walk from several canal cruise stops, this museum has mastered the art of making world-class paintings accessible and exciting for visitors of all ages.
What makes the Van Gogh Museum particularly special for families is its thoughtful approach to engaging young visitors. The museum doesn’t just display art; it creates an interactive journey that brings Van Gogh’s colorful world to life. Upon arrival, children receive a family guide and a special treasure hunt that transforms their visit into an exciting adventure through the artist’s life and work. As they search for specific paintings and details, they learn about Van Gogh’s techniques, his love of nature, and his fascinating life story.
The museum’s “Vincent’s Traveling Case” program is a particular highlight for families. This special activity kit contains materials that let children explore Van Gogh’s artistic techniques hands-on. They can study color theory, experiment with different brushstrokes, and even create their own masterpieces inspired by Van Gogh’s most famous works. The connection between seeing and doing helps children appreciate the art in a way that mere observation never could.
Throughout the museum, multimedia guides specifically designed for children provide age-appropriate explanations and interesting stories about the paintings. These digital tools help young visitors understand why Van Gogh chose certain colors, what inspired his subjects, and how his artistic style evolved over time. The guides include games and questions that keep children engaged while developing their observation skills.
Special family workshops are offered during weekends and school holidays, where children can try their hand at painting in Van Gogh’s style or create art inspired by his works. These sessions take place in dedicated spaces where young artists don’t have to worry about being too quiet or too neat – perfect for expressing creativity freely.
The museum’s central location near the Museumplein means families can easily combine their visit with other activities. After exploring Van Gogh’s sunflowers and starry nights, children can run and play in the square outside, where there’s often street performers and, in winter, an ice skating rink. This combination of cultural enrichment and outdoor fun makes for a perfect family day out, easily accessible from the canal circuit that connects Amsterdam’s major attractions.
7. The Rijksmuseum - A Cultural Journey Through Dutch History
After gliding past centuries of Dutch architecture on your canal cruise, step into the Netherlands’ grandest museum for an immersive journey through Dutch art and history. The Rijksmuseum, with its impressive façade and beautiful surrounding gardens, has perfected the art of making high culture accessible to families with children of all ages.
What surprises many parents is how child-friendly this world-famous museum actually is. The Rijksmuseum doesn’t just tolerate young visitors; it embraces them with open arms. Through their innovative Family Guide program, children become detectives on an artistic treasure hunt through the museum’s vast collections. They search for tiny details in famous paintings, discover hidden symbols, and learn about Dutch history in a way that feels more like an adventure than a history lesson.
The museum’s crown jewel, Rembrandt’s “Night Watch,” becomes an exciting discovery for children as they learn about the painting’s mysteries and the recent restoration project that took place in front of visitors. The massive scale of the painting alone impresses young viewers, while the interactive displays help them understand why this artwork is so special. Many children are fascinated to learn that this painting’s characters once walked the same canal streets they just cruised through.
Special family-oriented weekends throughout the year offer hands-on workshops where children can try traditional art techniques, create their own masterpieces, or participate in storytelling sessions. These activities take place in dedicated spaces where young artists can freely express their creativity without worrying about museum etiquette.
The museum’s garden is another highlight for families. After exploring the art inside, children can run free in this beautifully landscaped space, complete with a fountain that’s perfect for cooling off on warm days. The garden regularly hosts outdoor exhibitions and installations that children can touch and interact with, making art accessible in a different way.
One of the most popular features for families is the Rijksmuseum’s digital scavenger hunt app, which turns the entire museum visit into an interactive game. As children progress through different levels, they learn about Dutch history, art, and culture while having fun with their families. The app cleverly connects the artwork inside the museum to the historic city outside, helping children understand how the masterpieces they see relate to the Amsterdam they explored during their canal cruise.
8. The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) - A Family Shopping Adventure
After experiencing Amsterdam from the water, dive into the charming atmosphere of The Nine Streets, where historic canal houses have been transformed into a family-friendly shopping and exploration paradise. This network of nine picturesque streets, crossing three of the main canals you’ve likely cruised through, offers a perfect blend of boutiques, cafes, and uniquely Dutch experiences that appeal to both parents and children.
What makes The Nine Streets particularly special for families is its intimate scale and variety. Unlike large shopping centers, these streets maintain their authentic Amsterdam character with small, independent shops that each tell their own story. Children will be delighted by specialty stores like tiny toy shops housed in 17th-century buildings, colorful candy stores offering traditional Dutch sweets, and quirky bookshops with English children’s books.
The area is home to several child-friendly cafes where families can take a break and enjoy traditional Dutch treats. The famous stroopwafel shops offer live demonstrations of how these syrup waffles are made, often letting children sample warm, fresh ones straight off the iron. Ice cream parlors and pancake houses in the area have perfected their offerings for young taste buds, making snack time an adventure in itself.
Between shopping and treats, families can play “spot the detail” with the historic canal houses, each with its own unique gable and architectural features. Many of these buildings have plaques or decorations that hint at their original purpose, creating natural talking points about Amsterdam’s history that complement what you’ve learned during your canal cruise.
The streets are relatively quiet and car-free, making them safe for families to explore at their own pace. The bridges crossing the canals provide perfect photo opportunities and spots to wave at passing boats below. Street performers often set up on these bridges, adding a touch of entertainment to your walking tour.
The area’s central location means it’s easily accessible from major attractions and canal cruise stops, making it a perfect addition to any family itinerary. Whether you’re searching for unique souvenirs, enjoying local treats, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of historic Amsterdam, The Nine Streets offers an authentic Amsterdam experience that delights visitors of all ages.
More useful information about Amsterdam Canal Cruises
- Read on about all type of Amsterdam Canal Cruises.
- How much are tickets, and where can you buy them? Read our guide for Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets.
- Blue Boat Company or Lovers? Check out the top cruise providers in Amsterdam!
- Canal Cruise Amsterdam at Night – Read this before you book tickets!
- Sightseeing Canal Cruise in Amsterdam or a Dinner Cruise? Which one suits you?
We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Amsterdam. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising over the Canals in Amsterdam. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Amsterdam Canal Cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more.