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10Best Itinerary: Amsterdam is a Great Family-Friendly Get Away
Teaser: Traveling with children can be a challenge. Not every city offers kid-friendly things to do. Amsterdam, however, is the perfect destination for a family-friendly get away. With entertaining activities and delicious restaurants, as well as plenty of green space to run, the city will keep you busy and having fun.
Many see Amsterdam just as a city filled with coffee shops and prostitutes. The city has so much more to offer, though, especially for children.
Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at @7. The cozy café opens at 7:00 during the week, perfect for the early-riser. Wake up with a warm cup of coffee while your kids play in the toy corner. @7 even has a special children’s menu, where you can have a slice of bread with your choice of topping: peanut butter, jam, honey, sprinkles, apple syrup, cheese, chocolate spread or meat. They also offer a fresh fruit salad.
Make your way to the Albert Cuypmarkt. It is one of the largest open-air markets in Europe and is a visual extravaganza. It provides numerous shopping and food-tasting opportunities. The kids will love looking at all the stalls. If you want or need to make a pit stop along the way, drop by Kinderboerderij de Pijp. It’s a children’s petting zoo located in the middle of the city that provides various creative activities.
Make your way to the Amstel River and walk north along the water. Admire the beautiful decadent bridges. You’ll pass by two famous bridges: Magere Brug and Blauwbrug. When you reach the Blauwbrug, the Blue Bridge in English, head east. Spend the rest of the morning and first part of the afternoon at the Artis, the Amsterdam zoo. Escape into a world of animals and beauty. The zoo is home to more than 900 species of animals and nice 19th century architecture. The Hortus Botanicus will also promise some fun. The kids will feel like they are in a jungle as they walk between the bamboo and in the greenhouses.
After, head toward the IJ River for a late lunch. The pannenkoekenboot (pancake boat) is the perfect combination of food and fun. The company offers several different cruises, all of which sail along the IJ River and serve pancakes. Pancakes are a Dutch favorite. On board, children can decorate and eat their pancakes, and there are plenty of opportunities for the kids to color, take in the view or play in the ball pen. If you’re still full from breakfast, or snacked along the way, take the public ferry across the IJ. It’s completely free and provides a beautiful view of the city, both north and south.
Try Moeders for dinner, a restaurant that honors mothers everywhere. It’s a charming little place that serves traditional Dutch cuisine. In addition, they have an extensive and tasty children’s menu featuring tomato soup, stew, spare ribs and chicken nuggets. The dishes can also be served with potatoes or vegetables.
Get any extra energy out in the Vondelpark. This large green space is a great place to stretch your legs and let loose. Share an ice cream in the park, or climb on the play structures. The windy pathways are great for walking or biking.
If it rains, the museums in Amsterdam provide a plethora of activities. For instance, NEMO is a hands-on science museum that can entertain for hours, while the Tropenmuseum offers an interactive exhibit focusing on non-Western cultures. The Van Gogh Museum enables children to explore their creative side through art. The Central Library, which has a ground floor especially for kids, also offers lots of activities. Plus, the top floor has a great view of the city.
Whatever you decide to do, both you and your kids will be absolutely exhausted and ready for bed by the end of the day.
Byline: Jessica enjoys exploring Amsterdam. She loves sharing the best the city has to offer, especially with families.