How many days do you need in Amsterdam with kids?
- By: David Wellington
Planning a family trip to Amsterdam? One of the most common questions parents ask is how long they should stay to make the most of this charming city while keeping their children entertained. The ideal duration for a family visit to Amsterdam is 3 to 4 days, though you could easily spend a week exploring all the kid-friendly attractions this Dutch capital has to offer.
Day 1: Getting Oriented with a Canal Cruise
The best way to start your Amsterdam adventure with children is aboard a canal cruise. This relaxing introduction to the city allows kids to rest their legs while parents get their bearings. Most canal tours last about an hour, making them perfect for young attention spans. Children are typically fascinated by passing under bridges, spotting houseboats, and waving to other boats. Many canal cruise operators offer special family tickets and some even provide activity booklets for kids to keep them engaged throughout the journey.
After your cruise, spend the remainder of your first day exploring the immediate surroundings of Amsterdam’s central station and Dam Square. The area offers plenty of family-friendly restaurants and the famous walking streets where street performers often entertain young visitors.
Day 2: Museums and Interactive Experiences
Amsterdam’s museums are surprisingly kid-friendly. The NEMO Science Museum, with its ship-shaped building visible from many canal cruises, is a must-visit for families. Children can spend hours exploring five floors of interactive exhibits, making this an ideal morning activity. In the afternoon, consider visiting the Amsterdam Museum, which tells the city’s history in an engaging way, including the story of how Amsterdam’s famous canals were built.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventures
Vondelpark should be on every family’s itinerary. This vast green space features multiple playgrounds, an outdoor theater with free performances in summer, and plenty of space for picnicking. Many canal cruise routes pass near or along the park, and some operators offer hop-on-hop-off services that make it easy to combine canal sightseeing with park visits.
Later in the day, take your children to the Amsterdam Forest (Amsterdamse Bos), where they can visit the goat farm, climb trees, or enjoy the massive natural playground. During summer months, you can even take a small boat rental from the city center through the canals to reach this area, turning transportation into an adventure itself.
Day 4: Cultural Immersion and Local Life
By day four, consider exploring some of Amsterdam’s unique neighborhoods. The Jordaan district, accessible by both foot and canal boat, offers a glimpse into local life with its narrow streets, small shops, and hidden playgrounds. Many canal tours highlight this historic neighborhood, pointing out interesting facts about its development from a working-class area to one of Amsterdam’s most cherished districts.
In the afternoon, visit the Amsterdam Dungeon or take a pizza cruise along the canals – a family-friendly dinner option that combines sightseeing with casual dining, usually a hit with children of all ages.
Additional Days: Beyond the City Center
If you have more time, consider day trips to nearby attractions. Zaanse Schans, with its historic windmills and chocolate factory, is just 20 minutes from Amsterdam. Many tour operators combine canal cruises with trips to this open-air museum, making it easy to experience both water-based and land-based attractions in one day.
Tips for Maximizing Your Time
To make the most of your Amsterdam family vacation, consider purchasing an I Amsterdam City Card, which includes unlimited public transport and free canal cruises. Many families find it beneficial to schedule their canal tour early in their stay, using it to identify areas they’d like to explore further on foot.
Best Time to Visit with Kids
While Amsterdam is a year-round destination, spring (April to June) and early fall (September-October) are ideal for families. The weather is generally mild, making canal cruises particularly pleasant, and tourist attractions are less crowded than during peak summer months. However, if you visit during summer, you’ll find longer daylight hours perfect for evening canal cruises and outdoor activities.
Three to four days provides a good introduction to Amsterdam for families with children, though a week allows for a more relaxed pace and additional activities. The key to a successful family trip is balancing activities – mixing educational experiences with pure fun, and active sightseeing with relaxing canal cruises.
Remember that Amsterdam’s canals aren’t just a means of transportation or a tourist attraction; they’re the heart of the city’s history and current identity. Incorporating canal experiences throughout your stay, whether through guided tours, dinner cruises, or hop-on-hop-off boat services, helps children understand and appreciate Amsterdam’s unique character while providing convenient and enjoyable ways to move between attractions.
No matter how long you choose to stay, Amsterdam’s combination of history, culture, and family-friendly activities, all connected by its iconic canal system, ensures a memorable experience for 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.