Family Attractions in Amsterdam: 5 places you can't miss

Family Attractions in Amsterdam: 5 places you can't miss

June 11, 2025

Amsterdam, the city of canals, bicycles and tulips, hides countless attractions for families with children of all ages. This vibrant metropolis combines historic charm with modern entertainment, offering families unique educational and recreational experiences. From fascinating interactive museums to scenic parks and amazing flight simulations over the Netherlands, the Dutch capital has everything you need for an unforgettable family vacation. Discover five must-visit destinations on a family trip to Amsterdam.

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Education through play - interactive museums for the whole family

Amsterdam is famous for its world-class museums, and two in particular are worthy of attention for families seeking educational adventures.

The NEMO Science Museum is a true paradise for little explorers and curious minds. Located in the city center, in a distinctive ship-like building, it catches the eye from afar with its copper green facade. The museum was designed by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano and opened in 1997. Five floors filled with interactive exhibits allow children to experiment with science in the most engaging way.

At NEMO, children can make their own electricity, create giant soap bubbles, learn the secrets of human DNA or experiment with the laws of physics. Especially fascinating is the 'Phenomena' exhibition, where young scientists can observe natural phenomena in action. On the museum's rooftop is an observation deck offering a spectacular panorama of Amsterdam and outdoor exhibits related to renewable energy and sustainability. It's a place where science becomes an adventure and experiments become fun for the whole family.

The price of tickets to NEMO falls into the medium category, but it's worth knowing that children under 3 are admitted free. The museum is particularly crowded on weekends and during school vacations, so it's worth planning a visit during the week if possible.

BODY WORLDS Amsterdam, on the other hand, is an extraordinary exhibition that takes a fascinating look at the mysteries of the human body. Located in the heart of the city on the busy Damrak, the exhibit showcases real human bodies preserved by the plastination method developed by German anatomist Gunther von Hagens. The exhibition, while it may sound controversial, is presented with great respect and is primarily educational.

The exhibition 'The Happiness Project' at BODY WORLDS focuses on the impact of happiness on our physical health. Visitors can see how stress, stimulants or unhealthy lifestyles affect individual organs. It's an excellent lesson in anatomy and physiology for older children and teens, helping them understand how the human body functions and how to take care of it. The exhibits show, among other things, healthy and diseased lungs, the effects of physical activity on the cardiovascular system or how the brain works during various activities.

It is worth noting that BODY WORLDS is recommended for children over the age of 10, due to the nature of the exhibits. Ticket prices are at an average level, and a visit takes about 1.5-2 hours. The exhibition is especially valuable for families with teenagers interested in medicine, biology or healthy lifestyles.

The two museums offer completely different experiences, but they share an interactive nature and great educational value. NEMO Science Museum is more suitable for younger children, offering colorful, noisy and dynamic experiments, while BODY WORLDS Amsterdam appeals to older children and teens, making them think about the human body and health. Both venues are centrally located, making it easy to combine their visits with other Amsterdam attractions.

Art and nature - a Cultural experiences for families

Amsterdam isn't just about science and experiments - it's also a city of art and greenery, where families can experience culture and relax among nature.

The Vincent van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam's most recognizable cultural institutions, attracting more than 2 million visitors annually. It is housed in a modern building on Museumplein (Museum Square) and has the world's largest collection of works by the famous Dutch painter - more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 750 letters. The museum's history dates back to 1973, when it opened thanks to the efforts of the artist's nephew, Theo van Gogh.

For families with children, the museum has prepared a special 'Vincent for Families' tour, which introduces the youngest to the world of art in an accessible way. Children are given special guides with tasks and puzzles to help them discover van Gogh's work through play. Particularly fascinating for young explorers are the famous 'Sunflowers,' 'Eating Potatoes' or the artist's self-portraits. The museum also organizes workshops for children to create their own works inspired by van Gogh's techniques.

It is interesting to note that van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime - 'Red Vineyard in Arles', which can be admired at the museum. The artist created for only 10 years, and most of his most famous works were created in the last two years of his life. This tragic story of the artist, told in an accessible way, can be a fascinating art history lesson for older children.

Ticket prices for the van Gogh Museum are among the higher ones, but children under 18 are admitted free. Due to the museum's popularity, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during the tourist season.

Vondelpark, named after the 17th-century Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel, whose statue has stood in the park since 1867, is the green lung of Amsterdam and a favorite destination for locals and tourists. The sprawling 47-acre park was established in 1865 as a private park for wealthy residents, and only in 1953 was it handed over to the city. Today it is visited by some 10 million people a year, making it the most popular park in the Netherlands.

For families, Vondelpark offers a variety of activities, from expansive lawns perfect for a picnic, to bicycle paths, to six playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds. Particularly popular is the playground at Groot Melkhuis, a historic dairy converted into a café, where parents can relax with a coffee while the children play on the nearby playground.

The park also has an open-air theater (Openluchttheater), where free concerts, theatrical performances and dance shows are held from June to August. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the world of culture in an informal atmosphere. It is interesting to note that artists such as Pink Floyd (1969) and the Rolling Stones (1995) have performed in the park.

Vondelpark also hides many charming corners, such as a rosarium with more than 70 species of roses and a pond with a Japanese-style bridge. Children love to feed the ducks and swans that populate the park's ponds in large numbers. The park is home to more than 100 species of birds, making it a paradise for little ornithologists.

Admission to Vondelpark is free, making it an ideal option for families traveling on a tight budget. The park is open 24 hours a day, although it is best visited during the day for safety reasons.

Both the van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark offer very different experiences - the former introduces you to the world of art and culture, while the latter allows for active outdoor recreation. The museum requires quiet and concentration, the park encourages free play and exploration. However, both places are close to each other, in the southern part of Amsterdam's center, making it easy to combine a visit to both in one day.

A sky adventure - Amsterdam from a bird's eye view

To complete your family adventure in Amsterdam, visit the remarkable This is Holland attraction, which allows you to see the Netherlands from a whole new perspective.

This is Holland is a relatively new attraction, opened in 2017, located in the northern part of Amsterdam, just across the IJ River. This unique place offers an unforgettable experience of flying over the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands thanks to advanced flight simulation technology. The building housing the attraction was designed in a modern style and already from the outside it attracts attention with its futuristic form.

The adventure at This is Holland begins with the interactive 'Pre-flight Experience' exhibition, which introduces visitors to the history of the Netherlands and its age-old struggle with water. Children can learn how the Dutch drained land for centuries and built a system of polders, creating a country that is largely below sea level. This part of the exhibition is a fascinating lesson in geography and engineering for young explorers.

The main attraction, however, is the 'Flight Experience' - a spectacular 9-minute flight over the Netherlands. Visitors take seats in special seats in front of a huge 400 sq. m. spherical screen. During the flight, visitors can admire iconic Dutch landscapes from above - from Amsterdam's canals, the colorful tulip fields of Keukenhof, the windmills of Kinderdijk (UNESCO-listed), to the North Sea coast and the Rhine River delta. Special effects such as wind, fog and smells enhance the feeling of real flight.

Interestingly, the footage was recorded especially for the attraction by a helicopter equipped with high-definition cameras, which flew over the Netherlands for more than 100 hours, documenting the country's most beautiful places in different seasons.

This is Holland is an attraction suitable for children from the age of 4 (minimum height is 102 cm). However, it is worth remembering that the simulator may not be suitable for people with a fear of heights or motion sickness. Ticket prices are at an average level, and the entire visit lasts about an hour.

When comparing This is Holland to other family attractions in Amsterdam, it stands out for its unique character. While museums offer education through interaction with exhibits, and the park offers contact with nature, This is Holland gives you the opportunity to see the entire country in one visit. This is especially valuable for families who have limited time to explore Holland and want to see more than just Amsterdam.

This is Holland is a bit further from the city center than the other attractions described, but getting there is not a problem. The location on the north bank of the IJ additionally offers beautiful views of downtown Amsterdam, and the ferry ride across the river itself can be an added attraction for children.

All in all, Amsterdam offers a wealth of attractions for families with children of all ages. From interactive science museums to fascinating anatomy and art exhibitions to relaxing in the park and sky-high adventures, there is something for every family. All of the places described have in common a high educational value given in an accessible, engaging format.

It is worth noting that most of the attractions are located in the city center or within walking distance, making it easy to plan a visit. Amsterdam is also a family-friendly city in terms of infrastructure - numerous bike paths, parks and playgrounds make getting around with children convenient and safe.

Whether your children are interested in science, art, nature or technology, Amsterdam has attractions that will spark their curiosity about the world and leave them with unforgettable memories of a family vacation in the Dutch capital.

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