Do you know that feeling halfway through the week when you think to yourself; how am I going to entertain my kids this weekend? Our kids (2 and 9 years old) are two very energetic children that you really need to entertain. Staying at home is really not an option 🙃. In this blog I'll tell you what we like to do with the kids in Amsterdam.
Parks 🌳
The more room to run, jump and climb, the better. We like to visit these four parks;
Vondelpark
The Vondelpark is located in the middle of Amsterdam and borders the Center, West and South. Because it is so centrally located, it is also very busy. Cyclists, runners, strollers; you see everything here. When the weather is nice, we go to De Vondeltuin or Groot Melkhuis - ideal, because they are located next to two very nice (large) playgrounds! Also nice in the summer is the paddling pool! Put on water shoes and play all day 🤽!
Amstel Park
The Amstelpark is very popular among the locals. This park has a very large fun playground and you can spot Alpacas here! Also not unimportant; you can park well here. Of course at an Amsterdam price 😏.
Amsterdamse Bos
The Amsterdamse Bos is known for the Sakura blossom that you can admire in the months of March-April. There is also a goat farm, which is really fun for the kids. For the older children, it is nice to rent a pedal boat or a canoe. End your visit at the pancakehouse and you'll have a successful afternoon 🥞.
Westerpark
The Westerpark has a very large lawn, making it perfect for a picnic. There is also a petting zoo! Fancy lunch? Take a walk to the Bakkerswinkel for a sandwich 🥐.
The Vondelpark
Artis
Playgrounds 🪁
Amsterdam South has a really nice playground (Tuyll's playground) for toddlers. In addition to the playground equipment, local residents supplement the playground with all kinds of toys. Guaranteed hours of fun for the little ones 👧🏽.
When we still lived in the center we often came to this playground, near the Vijzelgracht. This large playground in the middle of the city is more for older children. There are picnic tables for parents and it is opposite of Soest ice cream 🍦!
Anyway, unfortunately we have bad weather more often than good weather, and that's why we also go to indoor playgrounds. In Amsterdam you have a few big ones like Monkey Town and Ballorig. I hate indoor playgrounds haha 🙈, but the kids love it 🤹.
Artis 🐒
I sometimes hear from people that they think Artis is too small. You do indeed have larger zoos in the Netherlands, but they are not in the center of a metropolis 😉. I think it's a nice outing! 🐘
Nemo 🧑🔬
Nemo is a museum about science and technology, where the kids can experiment and learn something. There are also several workshops they can participate in 🧪.
Children's cooking cafe 🍳
The name says it all, but it's a place where the kids can cook and the adults can enjoy a cup of coffee ☕️.
Pancake boat 🥞
On the Pannenkoekenboot you can eat unlimited pancakes while you sail through Amsterdam. There is also an indoor playground on the boat, so the kids can entertain themselves, while the parents can eat quietly and enjoy the view 🚢.
Beach Blijburg 🏖️
Yes yes, we even have a beach in Amsterdam, called Blijburg. You don't have many facilities there, but you can park well, there is a bar to order snacks and drinks, and there are toilets. There are no umbrella's and chairs, so you will have to lay down in the sand ☀️.
Aloha
Aloha is an indoor arcade close to Amsterdam Central. You can go bowling, lasergaming, but also glow miniature golf. Perfect for when it rains 🎳
Playground van Tuyll
Monkeytown
I don't think there are a lot of children's activities in Amsterdam. And even if you find something nice, you will spend a lot of money and it is usually really busy. That is why we spend a lot of time outside with the kids, or we also drive to other cities to do something fun. Recently, for example, we drove to the Mall of the Netherlands and went to Peppa Pig World. Our girls aren't even crazy about Peppa Pig, but they had a great time there. Thought it was expensive though (€ 22 per child and € 9 per adult) 💸.
Another nice outing near Amsterdam is Playground Linnaeushof. With more than 350 playground equipment, you might better describe this place as an amusement park!
Curious about Amsterdam food hotspots? Then read my blog 'This is my Amsterdam; tips for food hotspots in all neighbourhoods!' for my favorite (and also child-friendly) spots!