This beautiful city has a stellar reputation for being an amazing family vacation destination and is perfect for those traveling with kids! The art and culture, the iconic architecture, the gorgeous parks; they all make for an epic itinerary for you and your family.
Amsterdam is a city I have always wanted to visit and we have good friends living there right now. They moved in late 2020, and we have been anxiously waiting to visit them.
Amsterdam is a place you will love to visit. There are many wonderful sights to see, and food to enjoy. Here is a 4-day itinerary for you to get the most out of your trip to Amsterdam when traveling with kids.
Want help booking your trip to Amsterdam with kids? Email me and I’ll take care of everything!
One of the things you may want to do before going to Amsterdam is to research some of the history of the area. Knowing a bit more about some of the people who lived there, such as Anne Frank, will make this more educational and enjoyable for you.
Day 1: Arriving and Getting Your Bearings
Haarlem’s Farmers Markets
One of the best ways to kick off your trip is with a few hours at Haarlem’s farmers markets. You will find the most delicious stroopwafel here, and the markets are full of fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and local treats to sample. It is a wonderfully low-key way to ease into the trip after a long travel day.
Zandvoort Beach
After the markets, head to Zandvoort Beach and enjoy the beautiful North Sea. Unless you are visiting in spring or summer, it can be a little chilly, but it is worth the stop no matter what time of year you visit. The kids will love it!
An Evening Walk Through Centrum
After the beach, take some time to explore the city center at night. Amsterdam is such a beautiful city, and walking around Centrum in the evening with all the lights reflecting off the canals is something you will not forget. Do not leave without grabbing cones of french fries on the street (called Patat here!).
Downtown Amsterdam also has canal tours, shopping along Nine Streets, and a gorgeous floating flower market worth poking around.
Day 2: Windmills, Views, and a Little History
Zaanse Schans
This spot is about 25 minutes outside the city center and is such a great stop for families. Zaanse Schans recreates 18th and 19th century Dutch villages, complete with windmills and old Dutch homes. Kids can pop into the different village spots and try things like candle making, see how cloth sails were made, and more. The major highlight? Climbing up a windmill. They will be talking about it for days.
A’Dam Lookout Tower
Go from 18th century village life to one of the most modern spots in the city! At the A’Dam Lookout Tower, you can do a virtual roller coaster and the famous swing over the city. The views from up top are absolutely incredible and make for some great family photos.
Stay at the Tower for an early dinner at Butcher to round out the day in the best way.
After dinner, stop by the Anne Frank Mural at the Straat Museum. If you have extra time, the Straat Museum is worth exploring as well.
Anne Frank Mural and Vondelpark
After dinner, stop by the Anne Frank Mural at the Straat Museum. If you have extra time, the Straat Museum itself is well worth exploring.
Another spot to add nearby is Anne Frank’s original house in Oud Zuid. There is a small statue in a little park in the neighborhood, and it is such a meaningful stop before visiting the Anne Frank House on Day 3. Seeing where Anne lived as a normal child before going into hiding adds a layer of understanding that really stays with kids.
End Day 2 with a stroll through Vondelpark, the largest park in the city. It is huge, beautiful, and the kind of place you will want to linger in (especially if you visit in warmer weather).
Day 3: Anne Frank, Chocolate, and Museums
Anne Frank House with Kids (Book This One Early!)
Set aside most of the day for this visit. The house is remarkably well-preserved and there is so much to take in. Simply grab a headset as you walk through and let the audio guide lead the way. There are letters, notes, and magazine clippings throughout that make history feel very real and personal for kids. This is one of the most powerful experiences you can have in Amsterdam, and it is worth every bit of the planning it takes to get tickets
The Mouse Mansion
The Sam and Julia Mouse books are beloved in Amsterdam, and visiting their mini mouse world at the Mouse Mansion Museum is such a treat, especially for younger kids. It is a small shop filled with scenes from the books. Think the most beautifully decorated dollhouse you have ever walked through.
Tony Chocolonely, the Lego Store, and More
Tony Chocolonely
is not only incredibly delicious chocolate, there is a wonderful story behind the brand too. Stop into the store to learn about their mission and (if the kids have been extra good) create your own personalized chocolate bars.
Lego Store
Right around the corner, the Amsterdam Lego Store is a step above most others worldwide. Friendly staff, more interactive fun, and a giant windmill made entirely of Legos that is worth seeing even if you are not a huge Lego family.
Plantage for Lunch
This magical cafe is a must on your visit!
Verzetsmuseum Dutch Resistance
The Dutch Resistance Museum is Amsterdam’s first children’s museum about World War II, and it is exceptional. Kids follow the true stories of children who lived through the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, told through authentic items and interactive, walk-through mini homes. It is moving, educational, and surprisingly engaging. Do not be surprised if your kids want to stay all day.
Day 4: Art, Tea, and a Little Winter Magic
Ice Skating (Winter Only)
If you are visiting Amsterdam in winter, carve out some time to ice skate Ice Amsterdam on the Museumplein. You will have a blast skating with the stunning Rijksmuseum as your backdrop.
The Smallest Tea House
If you are a tea lover (my daughters and I absolutely are!), this is a must. The tiny house includes a small tea shop on the ground floor and two little tea rooms stacked one on top of the other. The house has been in the same family for over 60 years, the owner is wonderful to chat with, and the tea and food are both excellent.
Van Gogh Museum
A truly great museum for kids. Pick up the children’s scavenger hunt at the entrance and let them explore at their own pace. Find everything on the list and they earn a prize at the gift shop at the end. It makes the whole visit feel like an adventure.
Festival of Lights (December)
If you happen to be in Amsterdam around Christmas, do not miss the Festival of Lights. It is best experienced by canal (most of the installations can only be seen by boat), and it is truly spectacular.
Of course, staying longer in Amsterdam is wonderful, but 4 days of touring around Amsterdam with kids was perfect. You will still see so many sights and enjoy the rich history.
Where to stay in Amsterdam with Kids
We stayed with good friends who were living in Amsterdam for our first trip, but I recently returned and stayed at a hotel. I loved Hotel De L’Europe
and would highly recommend it for families. The breakfast in their restaurant, Marie, is fantastic and kids absolutely love it. There are complimentary bikes to use, a traditional Dutch afternoon tea, and canal boat rides you can pick up right at the hotel.
The staff is wonderful and welcoming, and they even have a sweet book and program for kids called “Little Bernie” and “Little Marie.” For room layouts, there are connecting room and suite options for families, including one room that can comfortably fit a family of six.
Want help booking your trip to Amsterdam with kids? Email me and I’ll take care of everything!
Tips for Visiting Amsterdam with Kids
- Book the Anne Frank House the moment your dates are set. Seriously, do not wait on this one.
- Nonstop flights make a big difference with kids. If it is in the budget, go for it.
- The city is very walkable, but the tram system is easy and a fun experience for kids too.
- Read up on Anne Frank and Dutch history before you go. Kids who arrive with some context get so much more out of Days 2 and 3.
- Zaanse Schans is worth every minute. Give yourself at least a half day there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam with Kids
Is Amsterdam a good destination for families with kids? It really is! Amsterdam is one of the best family destinations in Europe. The city is compact and easy to get around, with incredible museums, beautiful parks, interactive experiences, and delicious food at every turn. Many of the top attractions have specific programs designed for kids, so there is truly something for every age.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam with kids? Four days is a great amount of time for families. You will have plenty of time to visit highlights like the Anne Frank House, Zaanse Schans, the A’Dam Lookout Tower, and the Van Gogh Museum without feeling like you are rushing through everything.
Do I need to book the Anne Frank House in advance? Yes! Please do not skip this step. The Anne Frank House sells out weeks (sometimes months) in advance, so book your tickets online as soon as your travel dates are set. It is one of the most powerful experiences you can have in Amsterdam and absolutely worth planning ahead for.
What is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam with kids? Spring (April and May) is gorgeous, with tulips blooming everywhere, and summer is wonderful for the beach and outdoor parks. If you visit in winter, you are in for a treat too. The Festival of Lights and ice skating at Museumplein make it feel truly magical.
What are the best museums in Amsterdam for kids? So many good ones! The Verzetsmuseum Junior is a wonderful, interactive way for kids to learn about World War II. The Van Gogh Museum offers a kids’ scavenger hunt that makes the whole visit feel like an adventure. The Mouse Mansion is perfect for younger children, and the NEMO Science Museum is worth adding if you have a few extra hours.
Is Amsterdam safe to visit with children? Yes, Amsterdam is a very safe and family-friendly city. The tram system is easy to navigate with kids, most of the top family attractions are centrally located, and the city is very walkable. You will feel comfortable getting around with little ones.
Where should families stay in Amsterdam with kids? Hotel De L’Europe is a wonderful option for families. They offer connecting rooms, complimentary bikes, a sweet children’s book program, and canal boat access right from the hotel. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and the breakfast alone is worth the stay!
Of course, staying longer in Amsterdam is always wonderful, but four days of exploring Amsterdam with kids is the perfect amount of time to see so many incredible sights and soak up the rich history.
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