Kids

Amsterdam has so much to offer kids. With its reputation as an adult playground of prostitutes and marijuana, you might think that the kids will get bored with the hotel babysitter, but this needn't be the case with a wealth of things that both kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Parks

Amsterdam has many parks, nearly all of which feature facilities for kids including playgrounds and often farms. Some even feature miniature train rides. Recommended parks for kids are Amstelpark and Amsterdam Bos.

Pedal boats (canal bikes)

Kids love pedal boats, even though Dad usually has to do most of the work! The main rental locations are near Leidseplein and the Rijksmuseum.

Anne Frank House

Some kids study the diary of Anne Frank at school and will have an obvious interest in this museum. Even those that don't will find the museum intriguing - the house has been preserved in its original state dating from the Second World War. Additionally, there are extracts from Anne's diary giving the viewpoint of a youngster in wartime.

Tropenmuseum

The Tropenmuseum has recreations of settings from many different countries. This museum is always full of both adults and kids, the latter in particular finding the sets much more interesting than those of more "traditional" museums. There is even a special museum for kids, the Kindermuseum.

Artis Zoo

The Artis Zoo contains over one thousand species of animals and includes an aquarium. Always popular with kids.

Nemo

The Nemo science and technology center is Amsterdam's local science museum dedicated to educating and providing fun for kids. Looking like a huge ship, Nemo features a number of interactive exhibits and its top deck offers amazing views over Amsterdam.

VOC Ship Amsterdam

The VOC Ship Amsterdam is an exact replica of the 18th century Dutch East India Company built vessel (the original ran aground in Hastings, UK).

Built by over 400 volunteers, it is currently moored at the Dutch Maritime Museum.

Kids love the VOC Ship Amsterdam because there is a full time crew who can be observed undertaking ship duties whilst kids explore.