Going to Amsterdam with kids but looking for an outdoor agenda vs a museum-filled one? If you have been to Amsterdam before and don’t want to spend money on schlepping your kids through museums, then try exploring areas of Amsterdam a little less crowded but still uniquely Dutch. You can still achieve that feeling of having a total Amsterdam experience, but without breaking the bank or visiting The Anne Frank House. Find where to stay and free places to enjoy 2 days in Amsterdam with kids, including the epic bicycle ride!
Where To Stay In Amsterdam With Kids
Of all the places to stay in Amsterdam with kids, I highly recommend this boutique hotel: Hotel Roemer.
After hours of research looking for the best place to serve our family of four while taking in its proximity to the main places to explore, I discovered Hotel Roemer. The family room is equipped with bunk beds and is on a side street perfectly situated for taking in the best of Amsterdam. On top of that, they serve an amazing breakfast that makes getting ready in the mornings with kids a breeze.
If deciding where to stay in Amsterdam with kids is based upon access to transport, Hotel Roemer is situated around the corner from a bicycle shop and easy access to the metro. In fact, you can purchase your metro tickets for 2 days in Amsterdam with kids right at the hotel. This removes the stress and hassle of figuring out where to go to buy tickets!
Free Things To Do In Amsterdam With Kids
These things to do in Amsterdam are an alternative to museums. Although it caters toward an active family, visiting Amsterdam with kids can be incredibly restorative for a family that simply needs a break.
Since we had been to Amsterdam before without kids, there was less interest in taking kids to museums. Instead, we chose the outdoors and free activities that Amsterdam offers. With family living in Amsterdam, we had the inside scoop on the very best things to do as a family and for free. For 2 days in Amsterdam, here is what to do in Amsterdam with kids.
Day 1 In Amsterdam
For the first day in Amsterdam with kids, ease into the city by kicking off with these fun family things to do.
1 – Enjoy a Picnic on the Grassy Roof of Albert-Heijn Supermarket
It sounds totally weird, but a picnic on the roof of Albert-Heijn Supermarket is actually quite brilliant.
Here’s how to do it:
- Pack a blanket or towel from your hotel.
- Buy food at the supermarket. There are plastic utensils and napkins at the customer service counter.
- Head on up to the grassy roof to enjoy fantastic views. Oh, and customer service has a corkscrew to open a bottle of wine, too!
What will you see from the roof of Albert-Heijn Supermarket? The Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Royal Concertgebouw. If you love taking photos and Instagram, then a picnic on the grassy roof is a must and great way to kick-off 2 days in Amsterdam.
2 – Stroll Through Albert Cuypmarkt
Head to the Albert Cuypmarkt with an appetite in mind: pancakes, cheese, fries, licorice and freshly squeezed juices.
The market is great for finding souvenirs and postcards. Just remember to bring cash! Many booths require a minimum purchase to use a credit card or there is a hefty fee. There is a massive squishy booth for children to squish to their heart’s content (or simply by 3 medium-sized for €10).
3 – Take the Free Ferry to Noord
The ferry ride to Noord is a great way to spend an afternoon into the early evening for dinner. If the weather is great, you’ll want to spend time on the water and even putting toes in the sand!
From Central Station, hop on the free ferry for a ride to Noord or just stay on and enjoy the round trip. From the ferry you can:
- Capture an Instagram shot with “i am amsterdam” in the background
- See the A’DAM Lookout above the A’DAM Tower
- Cruise past the submarine
- And finally, see a number of really interesting hotels, like Amstel Botel, and Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam (yes there are actually people staying in this!!).
4 – Enjoy the Views from Plek [Food Hotspot!]
This beach bar is perfect for enjoying a breeze and taking in the views across the river. Plek offers Moroccan style booths inside and swanky cushions with fun music on the outside. Kids can play by the water, but definitely not get in. If you have an 8-year-old boy, skipping rocks might be the thing to do! Or, pack a deck of cards and be sure to hit this super hip part of Amsterdam.
Check Plek’s events page prior to visiting; they host concerts and dinner parties that require tickets.
Day 2 In Amsterdam
For the second day in Amsterdam with kids, enjoy these activities by bicycle or metro. For your convenience, all activities are in order to maximize your time visiting Amsterdam.
1 – See the Amstel on the Way to Amstel Park
A trip to Amsterdam isn’t complete without a little history visit to see the Amstel. After all, the family should know how the city got its name.
Then scoot into Amstel Park for the petting zoo, zip line, and ropes course. The Amstel Park might be where you spend far more time than you plan.
2 – Visit De Riekermolen Wind Mill
Okay, so the kids might find it sorta boring but a family picture with at least one windmill should be on your Amsterdam family weekend bucket list. And you don’t have to travel out of Amsterdam to see it!
The De Riekermolen Wind Mill is postcard-worthy and offers a monument, too.
3 – Explore Amsterdamse Bos
The Amsterdamse Bos 3x bigger than Central Park! Great for enjoying nature, riding bikes and visiting a number of great family-friendly spots: Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve, Amsterdamse Bos Theater, and Kanoverhuur Amsterdamse Bos.
Renting the boats at Amsterdamse Bos does cost a fee, along with entering the theater. But, if you time it right you can listen to a band practicing for the Bos Theater evening show while enjoying some time on the green.
4 – Visit the Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve in Amsterdamse Bos
The Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve is a real working goat farm and restaurant. Watch the goats climb the stairs and have a chance to feed them. Or simply enjoy the animals from a distance if your little ones are too nervous and explore the maze.
The Goatfarm offers a full-service menu. You can even select from a number of dairy and meat products to take home with. Perfect for a late-night snack while unwinding from the day.
5 – Check out the Bar at the Amstel Boathouse
Ok, so, the Amstel Boathouse might not sound kid-friendly, but my son got a real kick out of the boat they converted to hold glassware. If you love nautical decorative, check this place out. And if you have more time, grab a cozy couch outside and wrap up your afternoon with snacks, drinks, and people watching as all the bicycles ride by. You deserve it!
6 – Go Across the Skinny Bridge and Catch a View of the 7 Bridges After Dark
Capture the beauty of Amsterdam lit up after dark by seeking out one of its many bridges, such as the Magere Brug (skinny).
To see all 7 bridges at once, stand on Kerkstraat over Reguliersgracht. It’s an epic sight to see at night. Even if your kiddos can’t make it up that late, it’s still worth a day-time look.
How To Get Around (metro, bus, bike) In Amsterdam With Kids
All 10 free places to enjoy Amsterdam with kids can be easily reached by the Amsterdam Metro. Ask your hotel if they sell metro passes as several do. It’s €3.75 per child and €9.50 per adult for 24 hours. Or you can buy longer passes for adults (kids passes are only available as 24-hour passes) and save more money. Up to you!
And if your kids are old enough to brave bicycling, A-Bike Rental & Tours is simply amazing. But be sure you know your way around, have a local guide or friend with you and know the rules of the road before you do. Otherwise, it’s a bit nutty!
Final Thoughts On 2 Days In Amsterdam With Kids
Most of the above 10 things were accomplished by my family of 4, including a 6 and 8-year-old, on bicycles. We spent a fair amount using the metro, too.
Of all the places on an expat bucket list, this Amsterdam 2-day itinerary is a family favorite. Have you been? Please add what else to do over 2 days in Amsterdam with kids in the comments.
Looking for more destinations in Europe with kids? Try these.
- 2-3 Days In Oslo Norway
- 10 Things to Know Before Going To Italy (Rome, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast)
- England Bucket List
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