Canals, stroopwafels, and a hotel that truly understands what families need
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Amsterdam is not a city that has to try hard to feel family friendly. It simply is, and that is exactly what makes it so enjoyable. Between the ringing bicycles, countless bridges, narrow canal houses, and charming cafés, Amsterdam creates something many big cities lack: everyday life and the feeling of travel blend seamlessly. Instead of tightly scheduled plans, it is all about spontaneous moments like stopping for stroopwafels, counting boats along the canal, and visiting a science museum that even parents will not want to leave.
Amsterdam with kids is not a compromise, but a shared experience that both parents and children truly enjoy. In this post, we show you what to expect in the Venice of the North, from choosing the right accommodation to restaurants and museums, along with those special moments you will not find in a guidebook.
Our Favorite Spots in Amsterdam with Kids
Arrive with ease: the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam West
Before diving into sightseeing, a city trip with kids calls for one essential thing: a place where you can arrive, take a deep breath, and settle in. Put the suitcases down, kick off your shoes, and take a moment to get organized.
This is exactly where the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam West really shines. The hotel is located right next to Sloterdijk station, about 15 minutes from the airport, and offers excellent connections to the city center by train and tram. Anyone who has ever navigated an unfamiliar city with two kids and lots of luggage knows just how valuable that is.
Depending on how you plan your stay, the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel can also be a great option. Located a bit closer to the inner city, it is ideal for those who prefer to stay right in the middle of things rather than slightly outside.
Behind the MEININGER brand is a story you would hardly guess today. In 1999, three business partners opened a simple hostel for school groups, students, and backpackers on Meininger Straße 10 in Berlin Schöneberg. From these humble beginnings, it has grown into one of Europe’s most successful budget hotel chains, now operating 36 hotels across 26 cities in 10 countries with around 20,500 beds. The concept is called a hybrid hotel, a mix of a classic hotel and a hostel that works surprisingly well. For a family trip to Amsterdam, it is the perfect base for exploring the city at a relaxed pace. Fittingly, the motto of MEININGER Hotels is “Step out and explore.”
The hotel focuses on what families actually need. Rooms are available as classic quadruple rooms or five and six bed rooms with a double bed and bunk beds, ideal if you prefer not to split into two separate rooms. A small shared kitchen makes it easy to heat something up or quickly prepare dinner for the kids. In the morning, there is a breakfast buffet with waffles, croissants, fresh baguette, hot egg dishes, cereal, and yogurt. There is also a kids play area when you need it, and for older kids, a gaming zone with a pool table and Mario Kart. This also gives parents a chance to plan the day before heading out after breakfast.
A night for four people including breakfast starts at around 150 euros, and families also benefit from a 15 percent discount when booking directly through the website. For a city like Amsterdam, that is more than fair.
Website: www.meininger-hotels.com | Address: Orlyplein 1–67, 1043 DR Amsterdam | Location: right next to Sloterdijk station | Price: from approx. 150 € per night for four people including breakfast (children up to 6 eat breakfast for free, children aged 7 to 12 receive a 50% discount)
Canals in Amsterdam with Kids: The Heart of Your City Trip
Did you know? Amsterdam is built on wooden piles. The entire Royal Palace on Dam Square stands on nearly 14,000 of them, driven deep into the marshy ground that gives the city both its unique fragility and its distinct beauty. With more than 165 canals, over 1,300 bridges, and around 2,500 houseboats, Amsterdam remains one of the most remarkable cities in Europe. The canals have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, and every day around 600,000 cubic meters of water are pumped in from the IJsselmeer to keep everything as it is.
A canal cruise in small sloops is something you simply have to do in Amsterdam. Kids absolutely love it. Unlike the large tourist boats, these smaller vessels can pass through narrow canals and under low bridges, keeping you close to the water and right in the middle of the city. Tip: choose a departure point at Leidseplein rather than Central Station. It is calmer, easier to navigate, and far less crowded. A cruise costs around 15 to 20 euros and is well worth it.
If you are planning more than just a canal cruise, it is worth considering the Amsterdam Card. Many boat tours are included or significantly discounted, and you also get access to numerous museums along with free use of public transport. For a city trip with kids, it can quickly pay off.
If you are looking for something a bit more unusual, book the Pancake Boat, a cruise through Amsterdam’s harbor where fresh pancakes are served on board. From a child’s perspective, it is unbeatable.
Departure: Leidseplein (for example Leidsebosje 2) | Providers: Stromma Open Boat, Mokumboot, or private sloops | Duration: approx. 60 minutes | Price: from around 22.50 € (private tours from approx. 250 € for 2 hours) | Highlight: open electric boats, some with guides and drinks, flexible boarding locations for private tours
NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam with Kids: The Best Hands On Museum
The building looks like a stranded ship, right by the water, green, angular, and unmistakable. What happens inside is hard to put into words, so it is best to see it for yourself.
Several floors are packed with interactive exhibits: experiments, a laboratory, a walk through garage, and thought provoking displays on the upper levels. The ground floor is designed for younger children who may not be able to read yet but want to touch and explore everything. The upper floors dive into topics like identity, perception, and philosophy, perfect for older kids who think museums are boring and then end up completely absorbed.
On the roof, you will find a terrace with a restaurant and stunning views over the canals and the city skyline. That alone is worth heading all the way up.
Arriving early is a good idea, as it gets busier throughout the morning. If you get there shortly after 10 am, you can enjoy the first few hours with far fewer crowds.
Website: www.nemosciencemuseum.nl | Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam | Opening hours: daily approx. 10:00 am to 5:30 pm | Admission: 17.50 € per child (free for children under 4), 21.50 € per adult | Tip: often included with the Amsterdam Card and best visited early in the morning or after 2 pm
Jordaan with Kids: The Most Beautiful Neighborhood in Amsterdam
The Jordaan district does not need a strict itinerary. You arrive, start walking, and discover things as you go. Narrow side streets, small boutiques, and cafés create that perfect blend of historic charm and effortless cool. That is exactly what makes this neighborhood so special.
To really take it all in, you should give yourself plenty of time here. Do not rush from one highlight to the next. Instead, wander, pause, step into a shop, many are great for kids, turn down a street just because it looks inviting. Especially with children, these are often the moments that stay with you the most.
In the morning, stop by BunBun, a small bakery known for its cinnamon rolls, and pair it with a coffee from Luuk’s Coffee. Conveniently, they are located almost next to each other on the same street, so you can easily stroll from one to the other.
If you are in Amsterdam with kids on a Saturday, head over afterward to the Lindengracht Market, one of the most beautiful markets in the city, very local and pleasantly low on tourists. You will find flowers, cheese, fresh bread, warm stroopwafels, and tulips in every color. If you are specifically looking for cheese, make a stop at the nearby Noordermarkt, an organic market that takes quality up another level. The floating flower market, on the other hand, is something you can skip.
Eating Out with Kids in Amsterdam: Our Favorite Spots
Eating out with kids in Amsterdam is surprisingly relaxed. So you do not have to search for long, here are our favorite places.
Fabus in the Old West district is a lovely spot to wind down the day and combine dinner with a stroll along the canals. Levantine cuisine, designed for sharing. Spreads, roasted cauliflower, fried chicken. The dishes are placed in the center and everyone helps themselves, including the kids, no separate order needed.
For Restaurant Gertrude, it is best to book ahead. It is worth it. The atmosphere is calm, the food is excellent, and the fish balls have proven to be a reliable favorite with kids. On the way there, you will pass the Anne Frank House, a good place to pause for a moment if you feel like it.
If you are looking for something a bit special from Japanese cuisine, &Japonism near Vondelpark is a great choice. An all day café with takeaway, offering great snacks and cookies that are perfect for a picnic in the nearby park.
Then there is Pllek at the NDSM Wharf. An urban beach, fire pits, street art, and a laid back summer vibe. Family friendly, lively, and far away from the busy city center. The free ferry, line 906 from Central Station will take you there.
And in between, snacking in Amsterdam with kids is practically a must. Grab fries to go, ideally from Manneken Pis, often said to be the best in the city. Pair it with a warm stroopwafel from Hans Egstorf, the oldest bakery in Amsterdam. Or try something a bit more indulgent at Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, with toppings like raspberries or chocolate.
Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam with Kids
The Van Gogh Museum is one of the classic attractions in Amsterdam. And yes, you might briefly wonder whether an art museum really belongs on the list for a city trip with kids. Our answer is clear: absolutely.
Important to know: tickets should definitely be booked online in advance, as it is rarely possible to get in spontaneously. That is exactly why it is worth planning your visit ahead of time and giving it the space it deserves.
What makes this place special is not just the art itself, but the way children respond to it. The works of Vincent van Gogh are not quiet or distant. They are intense, full of color and movement.
Throughout the museum, there are interactive elements that make the experience even more engaging. You can examine a painting up close, see the texture of the paint, and even test the “smell of yellow”. It may sound unusual at first, but it is exactly the kind of experience that truly fascinates children and stays with them.
Website: www.vangoghmuseum.nl | Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam | Opening hours: daily, usually around 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, longer depending on the season | Admission: 25 € for adults, free for children and teens under 18 | Tip: book tickets online in advance
Tony’s Chocolonely in Amsterdam with Kids: Chocolate That Does More Than Taste Good
The Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store is tucked away in a basement near Central Station. The fact that people often stay longer than planned is not just because of the chocolate.
Here, kids can create their own chocolate bar, choose ingredients, and watch part of the process of turning cocoa into something that usually disappears pretty quickly, straight into their own mouths. That alone makes it a highlight for a family trip to Amsterdam.
But there is more to it. The brand Tony’s Chocolonely shares its story inside the store. It is about fair production, cocoa farmers in West Africa, and how complex supply chains really are. Nothing heavy, more like a quiet thought between two bites of chocolate.
Good to know: the “make your own chocolate” station usually closes in the late afternoon, around 4:30 to 5:00 pm. If you want to create your own bar, it is best to plan your visit in the morning or early afternoon.
Website: www.tonyschocolonely.com | Address: Oudebrugsteeg 15, 1012 JN Amsterdam | Opening hours: daily 10:00 am to 6:00 pm | Admission: free, workshops and experiences may have an additional cost
Vondelpark with Kids: Amsterdam in Its Greenest Form
On Sundays, it feels like half of Amsterdam gathers in Vondelpark. People running, lounging, reading, or playing sports together. In between, kids racing along the paths, stopping by the water to watch the ducks.
The park is not a classic sightseeing spot. And that is exactly why it is worth coming here. Not to check something off a list, but simply to take a break.
There is also a small restaurant with a terrace and a playground. But what really makes Vondelpark special is this balance of space and calm.
Especially with kids, you quickly notice that there are not that many traditional playgrounds in Amsterdam. Which makes it all the nicer to have a place like this. Plenty of green space, lots of freedom, and finally room to run around without constantly watching out for bikes.
And if there is still some energy left afterward, here is a tip from the community: the Nature Playground not far from the MEININGER Hotel. We did not make it there ourselves this time, but it came highly recommended more than once. Everything we have seen and heard about it sounds like exactly the right place for kids. A bit wilder, full of nature, and plenty of space to play.
Practical Tips for a Family Trip to Amsterdam
Bikes are as much a part of Amsterdam as the canals. And that is exactly why they are not always the best idea with small children. Cyclists move fast, the traffic follows its own unwritten rules, and kids sitting on luggage racks often seem braver than they really are. To be honest, we would not have felt comfortable doing it, even though we probably would have looked pretty cool.
If you still want to cycle, go for a cargo bike with child seats. You can easily rent them from various providers around Central Station.
Otherwise, the clear choice is: take the tram.
The public transport system in Amsterdam is pleasantly easy to use. The city is compact, and many places are close enough to combine on foot.
Whether you are staying for just a weekend or a few extra days, Amsterdam is simply a great place to explore with kids.
It is not about planning everything down to the last detail. In Amsterdam, you can let things unfold naturally, spend plenty of time outdoors, and soak up those unmistakable Dutch vibes along the way.
And when you find yourself back at the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam West in the evening, you quickly realize: everything just works.
We cannot wait to hear how you experience Amsterdam.
