20 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids
Museums are free for under-18s, parks are flat and endless, and the city's compact size means you're never trapped on a tram with a grumpy toddler.
Amsterdam is built for this. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum want no money from kids under 18. The Vondelpark sits five minutes from the museums and has playgrounds that make a day collapse into nothing but running and climbing. Most of what matters—the free ferries, the canal ring, the markets, the rooftop terraces—costs zero. Scale here is the point: nothing is more than a 30-minute walk from anything else, which means you can build a morning of art, an afternoon of science, and an evening of pancakes, and nobody sleeps on the tram home because nobody needs one.
This list ranks by what actually determines a day's success with kids—which attractions deliver the most boredom immunity per euro spent, which ones last long enough to justify the trip, and which neighborhoods or moments will stick in memory longer than the gift shop. Indoor options sit next to outdoor ones because September in Amsterdam is still warm but not certain, and a parent's mental health depends on knowing where to run when the sky breaks. Age bands and duration notes tell you which child fits where, and actual prices (current to 2026) tell you what you'll actually spend.
Rijksmuseum
Museumplein, Kernmuseum · Free for under-18s · 09:00–18:00 daily, open some evenings until 22:30
Admission is free for under-18s. Family-guided tours include interactive and sensory assignments such as solving riddles, drawing and clay modelling. Kids can run the "treasure hunt" format and argue about which paintings matter most—a masterpiece for keeping 8-16 year-olds focused without forcing it. Opens at 09:00 and runs to 18:00, with extended evening hours available. Arrive early.
Van Gogh Museum
Museumplein, Kernmuseum · Free for under-18s · 09:00–18:00 daily, Fri–Sat until 22:00
Kids 18 and under are free; tickets are €22 per adult. The famous Van Gogh masterpiece The Potato Eaters has been turned into a fun interactive exhibit for kids where they can step into the painting, workshops take place on Wednesday and Saturday for kids to color and draw, and there are treasure hunts in the museum for kids of different ages (4+, 6+ and a checklist for age 12+). Van Gogh's art, with its bright colors and clear strokes, tends to fascinate children. The bright yellows and swirling skies hold attention longer than the Dutch masters.
Vondelpark
Museumkwartier, Parks and green space · Free · Open dawn–dusk
Entry is free of cost and there are no ticket prices. The park includes a famous open-air theatre, numerous children's playgrounds, several cafés and restaurants. On sunny days it's easily the most populated spot in the city, and the northern entrance is close to the Museum District, so it's a convenient place to take a break after viewing great art. Three hours here disappears into playgrounds and picnics. Age 2–12.
NEMO Science Museum
Oosterdok, Eastern docklands · €21.50 ages 4+, free under 4 · 10:00–17:30 daily (Mondays off-season)
The NEMO Science Museum is the biggest science museum in the Netherlands with five floors of hands-on exhibits spanning physics, chemistry, biology, and technology; toddler and preschooler-friendly exhibitions coexist with more complex displays for older children and teens. The rooftop terrace is FREE to visit without a museum ticket and offers stunning panoramic views of Amsterdam with interactive outdoor science displays. Book timed tickets online. Due to the popularity of the NEMO Science Museum, they sell admission tickets with a timed entry time—don't miss out and buy your tickets ahead of time. Ages 3–16 get the most from hands-on demos. Expect 2–4 hours.
ARTIS Royal Zoo
Plantage Kerklaan, Plantage neighborhood · €17.50 ages 4+, free under 4 · 09:00–17:00 (winter) to 18:00 (summer)
Admission costs €17.50 per person aged 4 and up in 2026, with children under 4 free; a family of four with children over 4 pays €70 total. You can come face to face with zebras, rhinos, and red-faced spider monkeys. ARTIS runs to 17:00 in winter and 18:00 in summer, and the animals are visibly more active in the first two hours after opening. Arrive at 09:00. Ages 2–14 love it for at least three hours.
Pancake Boat Amsterdam
NDSM wharf, Amsterdam Noord · Price on booking · 60–75 min cruises, times vary
Cruise on the IJ River and discover Amsterdam from the water while feasting on traditional Dutch pancakes, with views of the A'DAM Tower, the EYE Museum and modern Amsterdam; enjoy unlimited fresh-baked bacon, apple and plain pancakes in a casual atmosphere. Downstairs is dedicated to families, and upstairs is adult seating. Decorate your pancakes with numerous toppings, from sweet to savory—no need to hesitate, because the next round you just choose another pancake. Ages 3–12 will compete on toppings alone. Book ahead.
Maritime Museum
Kattenburgerplein, Eastern docklands · €9 ages 6–17, €14.50 adults, free under 6 · 09:00–17:00 daily
Inside the museum building there are two dedicated themed rooms for kids: The Doris the Diver room (ages 2+) is a small indoor playground, and in The Tale of the Whale room (ages 6+) kids can marvel at a giant whale and learn about these ocean giants. The museum is right next to the NEMO Science Museum; you can head straight from breakfast at Bakers and Roasters to the NEMO Science Museum, take a lunch break on the rooftop terrace, and then walk over to the Maritime Museum. Indoor sanctuary on rainy days. Ages 2–14. Two hours max.
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Dam Square, City centre · Free for under-18s · Hours vary; check before visit for royal closures
Admission is free for those up to and including 18 years old. For younger children, there's the Prince Louis treasure hunt; for older children, there's an exciting search for the stolen peace branch; as a reward, there's a fun surprise waiting at the end of the tour to take home. Do check opening hours before you go, as it does sometimes close for royal receptions. It's right in the heart of Amsterdam on Dam Square, so it's easy to fit in as you're exploring. Ages 5–14 with the treasure hunts. One hour.
Wereldmuseum
Linnaeusstraat, Oost Amsterdam · Free under 6, €9 ages 6–18 · 10:00–17:00 Tue–Sun
Wereldmuseum offers an interactive and immersive experience where children can explore world cultures through play, storytelling, and hands-on activities, with engaging exhibitions designed specifically for young visitors. Kids under 6 years old can enjoy the museum free of charge; the party shop lets children familiarise themselves with celebrations from all around the world with music, special dances, creative activities and party outfits. Typically open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, opening on specific Mondays during school holidays and public holidays. Ages 4–12. Two hours.
Tropenmuseum Junior
Linnaeusstraat, Oost Amsterdam · Prices TBA 2026 · 10:00–17:00 Tue–Sun
Founded in 1975, it is the oldest children museum in the Netherlands; kids find many interactive exhibits from all over the world and can hear stories of faraway lands and learn about world cultures; the museum has a strong family focus and offers activities for toddlers as well as older kids. The hands-on format keeps kids moving through exhibits rather than standing and staring. Ages 6–12. Two hours.
A'DAM Lookout
Amsterdam Noord (free ferry from Centraal) · €15–20 estimate · Opening hours TBA
You can get a great view of Amsterdam from the A'dam Lookout, located in the north of the city; you can take a free ferry to the big swing. The observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city and a famous swing that hangs over the edge. The free ferry ride alone entertains kids 5+. A'DAM Lookout is one free ferry ride north from Centraal Station. Ages 5–14. One hour. Avoid crowds: go late afternoon.
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Dam Square, City centre · €19 ages 3–15, €24 adults · 09:00–17:30 daily
Pre-teens and teenagers love Madame Tussauds Amsterdam on Dam Square, which features 200+ figures of world leaders, royals, celebrities, and sports stars and is a fantastic opportunity for kids and teenagers to snap selfies with their favorite stars. Children 3–15 pay EUR19. Kids will spend the entire time taking selfies and laughing at bad wax hair. Ages 8–16. One hour.
Moco Museum
Museumplein, Kernmuseum · Free ages 0–6, youth tickets available · 10:00–18:00 daily
Children aged 0 to 6 receive free admission with a reserved timeslot; visitors aged 7 to 17 can purchase discounted youth tickets. Moco Museum is particularly suitable for rainy days because the experience is visual, immersive, and easy to explore at your own pace; a visit typically lasts around an hour, making it simple to combine with other family activities around Museumplein. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, strollers and buggies cannot be accommodated. Contemporary art with immersive installations feels less stuffy than oil paintings. Ages 7–16. One hour.
The Upside Down Museum
City centre · Price TBA 2026 · Hours TBA
An Instagram-friendly maze of optical illusions and disorienting rooms. Kids walk through weird perspectives and climb on things they shouldn't—all parents pretend not to see. Ages 6–16. 45 minutes to one hour, depending on how many selfies.
Canal Cruise with Audio Guide
Multiple departure points · €22 estimate per person · 60–75 min cruises, multiple daily
Canal cruises have a 4.7/5 rating with 1,302 reviews; pricing is €22 per person with a 1-hour duration. Covered boats are best suited for winter when the weather is chilly, while in summer it's the perfect way to explore if your little one is grumpy because of the cold; you also get to see the city from a different perspective. Every tourist does this for a reason. Ages 2–14. One hour.
Stedelijk Museum
Museumplein, Kernmuseum · Free for under-18s · 10:00–18:00 daily
The Stedelijk is free for under-18s. The Stedelijk runs 10:00 to 18:00. Modern art museum with a more relaxed vibe than the Rijks. The collection leans toward contemporary work that looks less like a museum visit and more like stepping into weird cool rooms. Ages 8–16. 90 minutes.
OBA Amsterdam Library Rooftop
Centraal, City centre · Free · 10:00–22:00 daily
A glassed rooftop cafe with free entry offering 360-degree views of Amsterdam and a children's section downstairs with books and toys. Free. No ticket line. Kids sit in a glass bubble overlooking the canals. Ages 3–12. 45 minutes.
Bike Rental and Ride
Throughout city · €12–18 per adult bike, €5–8 per child seat · Dawn–dusk
Bike rental transforms Amsterdam family experiences when children can cycle independently or ride in child seats; standard adult bike rentals cost €12–18 daily, while bikes with child seats add €5–8 per seat; cargo bikes (bakfiets) accommodate multiple young children for €25–40 daily. This is how locals move. Ages 3–12 in seats, 6+ on own bikes. 2–3 hours exploring is enough before someone melts.
KattenKabinet (Cat Museum)
Herengracht, Canal belt · Prices TBA 2026 · Hours TBA
The KattenKabinet is dedicated to all things cat, with art featuring a string of cats, including works by Picasso, Rembrandt and Toulouse-Lautrec, and various other cat-themed objects from posters and drawings to photos and sculptures, including ancient Egyptian cat statues; several real-life cats live there. Only for families with cat-obsessed kids. Ages 5–14. 45 minutes.
Free Ferry Across the IJ
Behind Centraal Station · Free · Ferries every 5–10 minutes, dawn–midnight
Ride the free ferries between Amsterdam Centraal station across IJ river. The ferries across the IJ are one of the free things to do. The IJ ferries behind Centraal are free and easy to roll a buggy onto. Kids think they're on a boat but it's actually transport. On the other side: neighborhoods worth exploring, or just ride back. Ages 1–12. 20 minutes each direction.
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