Amsterdam with Kids and Teens – Family Travel Guide
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Oct 16, 2019
- 7 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
Amsterdam has become one of Europe’s most family-friendly destinations. Compact, walkable, and full of attractions for all ages—from historic museums and interactive exhibits to scenic canal cruises and lush parks—it’s a city where family bonding comes naturally.
For families seeking exclusive, well-curated experiences, private tours, and itineraries tailored to both adults and children, Amsterdam is a winning choice.
👉🏼 Related read: Holland with Kids – Ultimate Family Guide
Travel Tips for Families
Balance activities: Mix cultural visits with active (outdoor) time so kids can recharge.
Plan ahead for winter: If visiting in colder months, prepare for chilly, damp weather with layers and waterproofs.
Book in advance: Many attractions sell out weeks ahead—especially Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum.
👉🏼 Related read: How to cope with the European winter weather
Top Family Attractions in Amsterdam
The Upside Down Amsterdam
A must-visit for Instagram-loving teens and playful parents alike. This colorful, interactive museum flips reality on its head with surreal rooms, optical illusions, and bold Dutch design. Come for the photos, stay for the laughs—and don’t miss it before everyone else does.
👉 Book tickets in advance—time slots sell out fast.
AMAZE Amsterdam
More than an attraction, AMAZE is a full sensory journey of light, sound, and movement created by Dutch dance-music pioneers. Perfect for older kids and teens who love immersive experiences, this high-energy adventure feels like stepping inside a futuristic music video.
👉 Limited capacity—reserve your spot early.
WONDR Experience
Bright colors, ball pits, confetti storms, and endless interactive rooms—WONDR is pure joy for kids, teens, and fun-loving parents. It’s one of Amsterdam’s most talked-about family attractions, and it’s easy to see why.
👉 Don’t miss the chance to create unforgettable family photos—book ahead.
Nxt Museum
Where art meets technology. Nxt Museum showcases cutting-edge digital art, AI, and immersive installations that fascinate teens and spark curiosity in adults. It’s smart, cool, and totally different from traditional museums.
👉 A favorite for tech-savvy families—get tickets before arrival.
Barbie™: The Dream Experience
Step into the iconic pink world of Barbie in this immersive, feel-good experience. A hit with younger kids, tweens, and nostalgic parents, it’s playful, empowering, and packed with photo moments.
👉 A limited-time attraction—secure tickets while it’s in Amsterdam.
Playhood – Indoor Playground
Designed like a mini city, Playhood lets kids climb, build, explore, and role-play in a safe, creative environment. Perfect for younger children who need to burn off energy after sightseeing.
👉 Great for rainy days—reserve your visit in advance.
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo & Micropia
One of Europe’s oldest zoos, right in the city center. ARTIS combines a classic zoo, beautiful gardens, and Micropia—the world’s only museum dedicated to microbes. Educational, fun, and surprisingly fascinating for all ages.
👉 Plan a full morning here—tickets are worth booking early.
NEMO Science Museum
A top attraction for families visiting Amsterdam with kids. Hands-on exhibits, experiments, and interactive science displays make learning exciting. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace with city views.
👉 A family favorite—buy tickets ahead to skip the line.
National Maritime Museum
Step aboard a full-scale historic ship and dive into the Netherlands’ seafaring past. This museum is ideal for kids who love ships, pirates, and naval adventures—and adults who appreciate history done right.
👉 Combine fun and learning—book your family tickets online.
THIS IS HOLLAND
An unforgettable 5D flight experience that takes you soaring over windmills, tulip fields, and canals. Kids and parents alike love this thrilling introduction to the Netherlands.
👉 Perfect on arrival day—reserve your flight time in advance.
Amsterdam in Motion: Audiovisual Show
A dynamic, visually stunning show that brings Amsterdam’s past and present to life through sound, film, and motion. Great for families who want culture without “museum fatigue.”
👉 Seats are limited—don’t wait to book.
Houseboat Museum
Ever wondered what it’s like to live on Amsterdam’s canals? This charming museum lets families step inside a real houseboat for a unique glimpse into local life—short, sweet, and memorable.
👉 Add it as an easy stop between sightseeing—tickets available online.
Fabrique des Lumières – Dutch Masters
Walk inside the paintings of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh in this breathtaking immersive art experience. Even kids who “don’t like museums” are captivated by the moving visuals and music.
👉 A highlight for all ages—book before your travel dates fill up.
Rembrandt’s Experience
An engaging, immersive introduction to the life of Rembrandt, designed to be accessible and exciting for families. A great way to prepare kids for seeing the real artworks around the city.
👉 Ideal for first-time visitors—reserve your entry in advance.
Moco Museum
Bold, modern, and edgy, Moco features works by Banksy and contemporary artists that truly speak to teens. It’s compact, impactful, and one of Amsterdam’s most buzzed-about museums.
👉 Extremely popular—secure tickets early to avoid long lines.
Top Family-Friendly Art Museum Tours in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum – Discover Dutch History in an Engaging and interesting way
The Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam’s most famous museum—and for good reason. From Rembrandt’s Night Watch to dazzling royal treasures, this iconic landmark brings 800 years of Dutch history to life. For families, the sheer size can feel overwhelming—but with a private, family-friendly tour, it becomes an engaging story your kids and teens will actually remember.
👉 Avoid museum fatigue, and explore the highlights with a private guide who knows how to captivate all ages. Book your Rijksmuseum family tour in advance—availability is limited.
▶️ Prefer to explore the Rijksmuseum on your own? Click here for entry tickets.
Van Gogh Museum – A Story That Truly Moves Kids & Teens
This is not just an art museum—it’s a powerful, emotional story that resonates deeply with teenagers and parents alike. Seeing Van Gogh’s original paintings up close is unforgettable, but understanding his life is what makes the experience meaningful. On a private tour designed for families, Van Gogh’s struggles, passion, and genius come alive in a way that feels personal and inspiring.
👉 Van Gogh Museum tickets sell out weeks ahead—secure your entry and elevate the visit with a private family tour you won’t find online.
▶️Prefer to explore the Van Gogh Museum on your own? Click here for entry tickets.
Street Art Museum Amsterdam – Art Teens Instantly Connect With
Bold, colorful, and contemporary, the Street Art Museum is a favorite with teens who may not love traditional museums. Featuring massive works by international artists, this museum speaks the visual language kids understand today—identity, creativity, and freedom. A private guided visit turns it into an interactive conversation rather than a passive walk-through.
👉 Perfect for families with teens—book a private Street Art tour and experience Amsterdam through its modern creative voice. Spots are limited.
▶️Prefer to explore the Street Art Museum on your own? Click here for entry tickets.
Canal Cruises for the Win!
A canal cruise is a must in Amsterdam, and while public boats are an option, they can feel crowded and restrictive. They often mean fixed routes and no food or drinks.
You can book your tickets for a Canal Cruise from Central Station here and a Canal Cruise from Rijksmuseum here.
But for the real local experience, consider a private boat tour. It's just you and your family, with the freedom to bring your own snacks and drinks. The smaller boat can explore narrow canals the larger boats can't, and you can even make spontaneous stops—like for an ice cream break! In summer, the boat is open; in winter, it's cozy with blankets and heated seats. You'll feel like a local, not a tourist.
👉 Ready to book your private boat tour? Contact me directly for more info and to reserve your spot!
▶️ Visiting Amsterdam around the winter holidays? Book a public Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour with Drinks and Snacks.
Anne Frank House
The house where the Frank family hid from the Nazis during World War II.
Tickets for the Anne Frank House are sold online only through the official website. New tickets are released every Tuesday at 10:00 AM Amsterdam time (CET) for visits six weeks ahead. They sell out fast, so it’s best to log in early.
There are two ticket options:
Without introduction: Enter at your time slot and visit independently with an audio guide.
With introduction: Includes a 30-minute introduction by a staff member before the visit, offering helpful historical context.
Good to know: All tickets include an audio guide, with versions for children and teens. Tickets are non-refundable and can’t be changed. Always check the official website for the latest details.
Vondelpark in Amsterdam | Photos: © Inbal Tur-Shalom
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam's most famous park and an amazing spot for families. The Melkhuis café, located inside the park, has outdoor seating for the summer and a large playground right next to it. At the Kinderkookcafé, kids can cook up small treats while the parents relax. The park also has a wading pool and a wooden playground with a tower and a rope bridge.
On a beautiful day, it's the perfect place to stroll or ride a bike. It can even be a fantastic solution for a quick dinner. Just stop by a supermarket first to grab a baguette, some salads, cheese, water, and wine, and lay out a blanket. If you also bring a ball, some badminton rackets, or a frisbee, you've got yourself a perfect day.
Family Photoshoot Amsterdam | Photo: © Inbal Tur-Shalom
Exclusive Family Experiences
Private Family Photo Session
Professional photographer to capture candid and posed moments around Amsterdam. Check out my portfolio here.
Private Family Photography workshop
Professional photographer to teach you how to capture stunning images of the city with your mobile phone. Check out my workshop testimonials here.
👉 Perfect for families —book a private Photo Session or a Photography Workshop and experience Amsterdam through the lens. Spots are limited.
🧭 Ready to explore Amsterdam? Discover my unique tours now!
🧳 Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Let’s plan your perfect vacation!
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