Whether you are a parent, a grandparent or a babysitter, and whether the children are toddlers or teenagers, Amsterdam is very much a family destination.
Compact and manageable: the city centre is small enough to explore on foot or by public transport, so even with short legs you are never far from the next sight.
Welcome almost everywhere: nearly the whole city is suitable for children, with the exception of the Red Light District, which is best avoided with young ones in tow.
Museums that are actually fun: forget hushed halls and dusty display cases, because many museums run special children's activities and hands-on exhibitions, and some even have a dedicated area for their youngest visitors.
Children travel for less: young children travel free or at a reduced rate with GVB, and at many museums children and young people up to and including 18 get in free.
Where else but Amsterdam?
Some things you simply cannot show your children anywhere else.
A palace on nearly 14,000 piles: the Royal Palace on Dam Square rests on 13,659 wooden piles driven into the marshy ground, a figure children love to dwell on. Afterwards you can feed the pigeons on Dam Square.
Face to face with the famous: at Madame Tussauds you stand shoulder to shoulder with film stars, footballers and world leaders, posing for photos that are guaranteed to do the rounds back home.
Thousands of animals in the heart of the city: at Artis Zoo you meet animals from the most exotic corners of the world, with an aquarium, a planetarium and a butterfly pavilion on the same grounds.
A genuine VOC ship: clamber around the faithful replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam from 1749 and discover just how cramped life on board was for the crew.
The city from the water: a canal cruise lasts about an hour and is often the highlight of the day for children. If they want to steer themselves, hire a pedal boat.
Discovering and learning
A handful of Amsterdam's museums are built specifically for children, and boredom is simply not on the cards.
Experiment for yourself: inside the green building of NEMO Science Museum everything is there to be touched, from water experiments to chemistry demonstrations. The roof terrace is also one of the finest viewpoints in the city, and free to enter.
The smallest zoo in the world: at Micropia you peer through a microscope at the microbes living all around us, including on your own skin.
A story you never forget: the Anne Frank House leaves a deep impression on older children. The museum advises a minimum age of around ten, and booking a timed slot is compulsory.
The human body:Body Worlds shows in fascinating detail how we are put together on the inside, striking for children from about ten upwards.
Thrills and spectacle
For those after something more adventurous, the city has plenty on offer.
Scares in the dungeon: at the Amsterdam Dungeon live actors act out the city's darker history and give you a proper fright. Aimed at children from about ten years old.
Upside down for the camera: the Upside Down Museum is all about illusions and photo opportunities, ideal for teenagers with a phone in hand.
Behind the scenes at Ajax: a stadium tour of the Johan Cruijff ArenA takes football fans into the dressing rooms, the players' tunnel and out to the edge of the pitch.
Climbing and looking out: the towers of the old churches in the centre can be climbed, and the A'DAM Tower in Amsterdam Noord has Europe's highest swing on its roof.
Top 10 for children
From the wide range on offer we have picked the places where children are guaranteed a good time, from animals and experiments to a healthy dose of excitement.
1Stromma Cruise
Amsterdam is all the more spectacular seen from the water. The #1 Canal Cruise in Amsterdam takes you to many of the city’s highlights within one hour. The Westerkerk, the Anne Frank House, the narrowest house in Amsterdam: you’ll be able to see all of them during this canal cruise. It’s the most relaxing way to get to know Amsterdam, as you’ll have your own ...
The VOC Ship offers a unique opportunity to experience an important piece of Dutch history up close. This meticulously recreated replica of the 'Amsterdam', an 18th-century East Indiaman, is a vivid reminder of the time when the Netherlands was a major naval power. What Can You Expect? -
Micropia - The world's first museum dedicated entirely to microorganisms. This unique attraction offers fascinating insights into the invisible life that surrounds us. What to Expect at Micropia in Amsterdam? - A Unique Experience:Micropia provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the invisible world of microorganisms, from bacteria and fungi to algae and ...
Step into the glittering world of celebrities at Madame Tussauds, located on Dam in the center of Amsterdam. This world-famous wax figure museum offers a unique opportunity to stand side by side with lifelike wax figures of your favorite stars, sports legends, historical figures, and royal personalities. What Can You Expect? - Meet Celebrities: Pose next to ...
Dive into a fascinating exhibition that takes you on a journey through the human body. This unique exhibition, created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, uses revolutionary preservation techniques to ...
Experience the excitement of the famous AFC Ajax football team with a tour of the ArenA Stadium. Explore the most exclusive spots and step into the shoes of the players as you discover the ...
Anne Frank is one of the most well-known former residents of Amsterdam. The Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 is where she and her family hid for over two years during World War II. It has ...
Immerse yourself in a unique experience at The Upside Down, the largest interactive Instagram museum in Europe, located on Europaboulevard in Amsterdam. Designed in collaboration with ...
Looking for a fun and educational outing for the whole family in Amsterdam? The NEMO Science Museum, the largest science museum in the Netherlands, offers five engaging floors filled with ...
Visit the royal Artis Zoo, where nature, culture, and heritage come together. Located in the heart of the city, Artis offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages with its impressive ...
By bike: Amsterdam is the cycling capital of the world and most hire companies offer child seats and cargo bikes. Cycling through the Amsterdamse Bos is especially quiet and safe with children.
A few things make a family day in Amsterdam run a great deal more smoothly.
Book in advance: at popular spots such as the Anne Frank House, Artis and Madame Tussauds, an online timed slot spares you a long queue with impatient children.
Mind the age guidance: attractions such as the Dungeon and Body Worlds recommend a minimum age, so check before you buy tickets.
Take care around bikes: cycle traffic in the centre is fast and dense. Keep small children close and always look both ways when crossing, on the cycle lane too.
Build in breaks: alternate a museum with a park, a pancake house or a ferry ride, because no child lasts a full day of museums.
Rain or shine: Amsterdam weather is unpredictable, so always keep an indoor activity up your sleeve. Have a quick look at our weather forecast page before you set out.
Buy tickets in advance now 
