A Family-Friendly 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
We have lived in the Netherlands for almost two years now and have had numerous a family and friend come to visit so I think it’s high time I share our tried and true family-friendly Amsterdam itinerary. There are some great things to do with kids in Amsterdam and so many of the sights here are planned for you and your kids to get more out of the visit.
There is a vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful architecture, and parks for a break from the walking. The museums in the Netherlands tend to do a fantastic job catering to children by providing opportunities for them to explore and learn and of course there are stroopwafels and poffertjes, mini pancakes to put it simply, just about everywhere so kids stay happy.
Get ready to find out what to do with kids in Amsterdam in this Amsterdam itinerary:
- Quick guide for family-friendly travel in Amsterdam
- 2-Day Family-friendly Amsterdam Itinerary
- What To See Outside of Amsterdam
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Quick guide for family-friendly travel in Amsterdam
Stroller-friendly: If you’re traveling with a stroller, you’ll find that Amsterdam, and generally transportation in the Netherlands is very stroller-friendly. Buses, trams, and trains all have designated places for strollers, as well as wheelchairs and other accessible-related products, to be stationed.
On top of this, the drivers don’t rush to close the doors so you can take your time getting on and off safely. In fact, drivers will wait quite a bit to ensure people are seated. (This was super surprising to us after we moved here from Seoul, Korea where the drivers never wait for anyone to do anything but place more importance on sticking to the schedule.)
Bikes bikes bikes: As everyone knows by now, Netherlands is all about biking but if you’re not used to the bike culture, you can end up making a lot of mistakes that really piss off locals. Walking on bike paths that you might think are sidewalks, for example, will get you a lot of screaming people.
The bikers in downtown Amsterdam can be especially aggressive because there are so many people so just be aware of your surroundings and hold your kids’ hands to ensure proper safety.
Transportation fees: If you’re traveling with children, it’s important to note that all children under 4 years old travel for free in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Children aged 4-11 should have children’s tickets which are a discounted fare compared to adults tickets. You can purchase an all-day ticket at trams and metro stations.
Reservations recommended: The Dutch make reservations for most meals out. It’s just a step in the process of going out for them so you should do it too. When considering where you want to eat for dinner, get on their website and make a reservation. It will make dining out so much easier. No one wants to get into a hangry kids situation at dinner time.
2-Day Family-friendly Amsterdam Itinerary
When creating this itinerary, I specifically wanted to stay in Amsterdam. If you have more time, I absolutely recommend taking some trips to very nearby places like Zaanse Schans and Haarlem for what I would say are more traditionally Dutch experiences.
But, for this, I wanted to have a clearly denoted, only in Amsterdam itinerary. If you have more days to spend exploring, after this section I’ve listed some great places to get out to for the day.
Day 1: Royalty and Sweets
Day one in Amseterdam is a combination of sweet treats, royal palaces, and adventure into nature. A great combination for kids and fun-lovers.
Tony’s Chocolonely
When in Europe, there is chocolate just everywhere and every country and every city seems to have their own way of doing it. In Amsterdam, the chocolate shop to look out for is Tony’s Chocolonely. Not only a whimsical and fun shop, you can stock up and even create your own chocolate bar. Your kids will love it.
I recommend visiting earlier in the day because if you do choose to make your own chocolate bar, you have to go back later to pick it up.
- Address: Oudebrugsteeg 15, Amsterdam
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
De Beurspassage
Step through the beautifully decorated Beurspassage to get from Damrak to Nieuwendijk. Just around the corner to the right, you can also find the Van der Linde ice cream shop which is a must have in the warmer months of the year. Just note that the ice cream shop that serves the softest ice cream you’ll ever have is CASH ONLY.
- Addresss: Beurspassage 8, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Royal Palace Amsterdam
You might be surprised to learn that the Royal Palace Amsterdam has a fantastic children’s audio guide and activity that keeps them actively involved in looking at the gorgeous details and decor. Not the biggest palace you’ll find in Europe, it’s still beautiful and has stories to tell.
- Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
van Wonderen Stroopwafels
Can’t get very far without stopping for some stroopwafels. While you can absolutely get stroopwafels all over and from street vendors too, if you’re only going to have one and want an upgraded option with all of the fixings, then van Wonderen Stroopwafels is the spot for you.
- Address: Kalverstraat 190, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Hours: Every day: 8:30am ~ 10:00pm
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
From the Royal Palace, you can take a 20 minute walk across the canals or a 10 minute tram ride to get to the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam. One of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, it was founded in 1638 as an herbal garden for doctors and apothecaries.
- Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2A, Amsterdam
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
- Admission: Adults: €13,50; Children (5-17): €7
- Free with the I Amsterday City Card or Stadspas
Overhoeks
Head back to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Instead of taking a train or bus, go all the way to through the station to the other side and you can take a ferry across the water to Overhoeks. The ferry is completely FREE and your kids will feel like they’re taking quite the adventure, though it’s really just a couple minute ferry ride across.
After disembarking, there are a couple of nice spots you can take a seat and hang out in to get a bite. If you’re not quite hungry yet, take a walk. On this side of the water is where you can findt he A’DAM Lookout if you want to take in the view of the city. Afterward, head to Polly Goudvisch or Tonhuistuin for your dinner right near the ferry stop.
- Polly Goudvisch
- Address: Buiksloterweg 3-5, Amsterdam, Nethelands
- Hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 10:00am ~ 12:00am; Thursday: 10:00am ~ 1:00am; Friday – Saturday: 10:00am ~ 2:00am
- Tonhuistuin
- Address: IJpromenade 2, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Hours: Every day: 12:00am ~ 1:00am
Day 2: Art and Fun
Day two in Amsterdam is all about seeing the art and enjoying the outsdoors and flowers in Amsterdam. See the canals, take the walks, and enjoy your surroundings.
Van Gogh Museum
With over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters, alongside a collection of Japanese prints and a comprehensive library with more than 23,000 titles, the Van Gogh Museum offers an unparalleled look into Van Gogh’s world. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh works in one place. It’s a popular, and for many must-see, place in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Address: Museumplein 6, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- How to get there: The nearest stops are Van Baerlestraat (tram 2, 5 or 12) or Museumplein (tram: 3, 5 or 12, bus: 347 or 357).
- Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm*
- *There are extended hours until 9:00pm during high season and many times throughout the year. Check their website to know exact hours on the day you want to visit.
- Admission: Adults: €22; Students and children under 18: FREE
- All tickets are available online and include admission to the permanent collection and current exhibitions. All visitors are required to pre-book a timed entry ticket.
- Free with Museumkaart, ICOM Card, Rembrandt Card, Stadspass.
- Buy Tickets: You can get tickets on Klook and on Get Your Guide or on the Van Gogh Museum Website.
- GET YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE! The museum sells out almost every day so you CANNOT just walk up and expect to get in. During high-season, the tickets sell out very early as well so plan ahead as much as you can.
- Audio Guide Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian
- Website: www.vangoghmuseum.nl/
Pro Tip: If you’re too late to get tickets for Van Gogh, or just want a less touristy stop, literally right across the sidewalk from the Van Gogh Museum is the very good Stedelijk Museum.
Museumplein
After some inside time, hang out and let the kids run and play on the Museumplein lawn. There’s a large chess set to play with and playground up in the northeast corner too. There are at least two stands where you can pick up budget-friendly hotdogs, or a sandwich stand up on the northwest, which are good for a mid-day fill to keep everyone moving.
Cross The Canals
From Museumplein, head directly north to pass through the Rijksmuseum corridor. From there, you can cross the street and stay on Spiegelgracht to continue north and cross over four canals.
Bloemenmarkt: Amsterdam’s Floating Flower Market
Nestled along the Singel canal, this floating flower market is an explosion of colors, scents, and Dutch charm. On one side you’ll find flowers, pictures of flowers, and flower bulbs to grow your own flowers and on the other souvenir shop after souvenir shop some featuring gorgeous Christmas ornaments, all of the magnets you could want, and so much more.
The Bloemenmarkt is a great stop for tourists and the souvenirs here are priced really well, cheaper than you’ll find at a lot of other spots. I usually let my daughter pick out her own souvenir from places we go, and this is where I’d do it.
- Address: Singel 630, 600 Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Directions: The Amsterdam Flower Market can be reached by trams 1, 2 and 5 from the Koningsplein stop and by trams 4, 9 and 14 from the Muntplein stop.
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:30am ~ 5:30pm; Sunday: 11:30am ~ 5:30pm
Canal Cruise
If you have small children, you’ll want to take special note that not all river cruises can safely host toddlers or below and so they don’t. If you’re looking for a great family-friendly cruise in Amsterdam, look into booking with Blue Boat.
Blue Boat not only accepts small children, but they also provide a great audio guide just for families. Children also receive a booklet to color and pencils and binoculars to keep them involved.
- Book Your Cruise:
- Blue Boat Cruises: Blue Boat has 90 minute cruises with departures going every half hour from 6:30pm until 10:00pm. You can also get a snackbox or wine and cheese added for kids and adults. You can book your cruise on Klook.
What To See Outside of Amsterdam
Now you’ve spent two full days in Amsterdam, but you still have more time to explore. Great! There are some fabulous places you can go to from Amsterdam easily.
Zaanse Schans
The first place I take any visiting family member is Zaanse Schans. It has all of the quintessential Dutch heritage that people want to see including the beautiful wooden windmills, which you can go up into, a clog workshop, cheese workshop, farm animals, and more.
- Address: Zaanse Schans, Schansend 7, Zaandam
- Distance from Amsterdam: It’s only about 35 minutes from Amsterdam and you can spend a half day or full day in the area.
- Directions:
- By Bus: You can get the Rnet bus 391 from Amsterdam CS Station to Zaanse Schans. The bus departs every 15 minutes. The trip will take about 40 minutes.
- By Train: You can take a train to Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans. From Amsterdam Centraal Station, the trip takes just 17 minutes. However, you will have a 15 minute walk to the village from the train station.
- By Ferry: The Ferry Zaanboot from Amsterdam Centraal Station heads to Zaanse Schans and takes a liesurely 110 minutes. Get more information on the timetable at www.zaanferry.com
- Admission: Technically, you can enter Zaanse Schans for free and walk around this traditional Dutch village without paying anything. However, there are some buildings that require a fee to enter. You can either pick and choose which you want to pay for in the moment, or visit the museum and get a combination ticket that will get you into all of the Zaanse Schans attractions. For information just look down to learn about the Zaanse Schans Card.
- If you’ll be getting the I Amsterdam Card, you can use that to get into Zaanse Schans attractions as well.
Keukenhof Gardens and Lisse Tulip Fields
If you’re visiting Netherlands in the spring, I’m sure tulip spotting is high on your list of what to check out so Keukenhof Gardens is a must visit. One of the largest flower gardens in the world, Keukenhof is only open for a limited time each year, but it’s worth the visit if you can make it happen.
- Address: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands
- By Bus: From Haarlem Station, Amsterdam Station, and Schipol Ariport, you can find public buses that will take you directly to bus stops nearest the gardens. During the peak blooming season, there are also numerous private buses that will take you there as well.
- Hours: March – May: Every day: 8:00am ~ 7:30pm
- Join a tour:
- Keukenhof Ticket + tulip farm, cruise, etc.: There are a variety of great Keukenhof tour options on Klook. If you don’t want to worry about the transportation and see a variety of things, this is your best best.
Two days in Amsterdam isn’t enough, but it’s a good start. You’ll have plenty to see and if you’ve got kids, plenty of sweet treats to eat. Get ready to explore Netherlands.
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