Amsterdam · Netherlands · Things to do
5 things to do in Amsterdam with kids
The five best things to do in Amsterdam with kids are a canal boat ride, renting bikes, visiting the Keukenhof tulip gardens in spring, seeing the working windmills at Zaanse Schans, and walking along the old canal houses. All are easy to reach from the centre, and most fit into half a day, so they work around naps and meals.
What to do, in order
- 1
Take a canal boat ride
A canal cruise lasts about an hour and shows the 17th-century canal ring, with its bridges and leaning houses, from water level. Boats leave from several piers near Centraal Station and along the main canals, and many have covered roofs, which helps in rain. Children sit still because there is always something to look at. Pick a boat with commentary in your language, and an evening cruise if you want the bridges lit. Book ahead for weekends in summer, as the popular ones fill quickly.
- 2
Rent bikes
Amsterdam is flat and built around cycling, which makes it one of the easiest cities for a family to explore by bike. Rental shops offer child seats, cargo bikes and small bikes for older children. Stay on the red-surfaced cycle paths, watch for tram tracks, which can catch a wheel, and lock your bike every time. Traffic is busy in the centre, so start in a quiet area such as Vondelpark, and use common sense with younger children.
- 3
See the Keukenhof tulips
Keukenhof, near Lisse, is a garden of millions of spring bulbs, and it opens for only about two months each year, from late March to mid May. Peak colour usually falls in April. Tickets are timed and sell out on busy days, so book in advance. It takes around an hour by bus from Amsterdam or Schiphol airport. Children enjoy the mazes, play areas and boat rides. Do not walk into the working bulb fields along the road to take photos.
- 4
Visit the windmills
Zaanse Schans is an open-air village on the river Zaan, north of the city, where working windmills grind spices, press oil and saw wood. You can climb into some of them and see the machinery turn. There are also a cheese farm, a clog workshop and a small bakery museum. It is easy by train and a short walk from the station, and a morning is enough. Go early to avoid the tour buses that arrive around midday.
- 5
Walk the old canal houses
The narrow, tall canal houses lean forward on purpose, with hooks at the top for hauling furniture up from the street. The best walks are along Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht, and through the Jordaan, with its small shops and cafes. Look for the decorated gables and the houseboats. It is a flat, easy walk, and cafes are never far away for hot chocolate. Tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out well in advance, so book early if you plan to go.
Plan it
- Best time
- April and May for tulips and mild weather, June to September for the warmest days. Winter is cold, damp and dark early, though the canals look good at Christmas.
- How long
- Three days covers these five at an easy pace, with one day for Keukenhof in spring or Zaanse Schans.
- Getting around
- Trams, buses and the metro cover the city, and Centraal Station links to Zaanse Schans and the airport. Walking and cycling are the best ways to see the canals.
Good to know
- Rain is likely at any time of year, so pack waterproofs and keep a museum as a backup.
- Pedestrians should keep off the red cycle paths, as bikes move quickly.
- Many shops and cafes do not take cards, so carry some cash.
Frequently asked
Is Amsterdam good for kids? +
Yes. It is flat and compact, with boats, bikes, parks and museums that suit children. The main challenges are busy cycle paths, steep stairs in old houses and rain, all manageable with a little planning.
When are the tulips in bloom in Amsterdam? +
Usually from early April to early May, with peak colour in April. Keukenhof is open from late March to mid May. The exact bloom varies by year with the weather.
How long does a canal cruise take? +
About an hour for a standard sightseeing cruise. Some longer or themed cruises last longer, but an hour is enough for children, and the covered boats are better in rain.
Can young children cycle in Amsterdam? +
Yes, with care. Child seats and cargo bikes are common to rent, and cycle paths are separate from traffic. Start in a quiet park such as Vondelpark, and avoid the busiest streets in the centre.