Written by Ask The Dutch Guy
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Amsterdam is a city that is perfect for traveling families. There are several kid-friendly places where young tourists can have fun and learn important things at the same time. Here are 7 exciting things to do in Amsterdam with kids.
1. Playing with animals at Artis Zoo
Artis Zoo is the most popular and certainly one of the most beautiful zoos in the city of Amsterdam. What kid doesn’t like seeing more than 6,000 animals roaming around or in enclosures, interacting with people? At the most opportune time, families who visit could possibly see baby animals being born at the zoo grounds.
Located on the east side of Amsterdam, Artis is a playground for kids and a place where they can learn a lot about the animals they see. The zoo is home to around 700 species of different wildlife from around the world. Huge golden statues of eagles welcome children at the zoo entrance. Additionally, Artis offers attractions such as an aquarium, planetarium, botanical gardens, and two museums devoted to zoology and geology at no extra charge.
2. Discovering Geitenboerderij De Ridammerhoeve
Children can never get enough of cute, lovely and funny animals. They would definitely enjoy a visit to De Ridammerhoeve, a goat farm. Kids will adore running around with goats, chickens, pigs, cows, and horses in an authentic rural setting, in the heart of the Amsterdamse Bos, the Amsterdam Forest.
Kids and adults will learn about organic farming, how to care for the animals, milk a goat, and make cheese. There is also a huge playground to keep the children entertained.
When here on a Saturday, the Farmer’s Market is perfect for families, and mom and dad can grab a cup of coffee. De Ridammerhoeve also hosts kids’ birthday parties and educational class excursions.
3. Finding Nemo at Nemo Science Museum
This eye-catching museum building comes in the shape of the bow of a ship. The rooftop of Nemo Science Museum (or simply Nemo for short) serves as a lovely terrace in the summer where children can run around and play with other kids. Make sure if you are visiting Amsterdam with kids to take the time to visit Nemo.
A spacious rooftop terrace is also perfect for adults to have a drink, and museum-goers to enjoy a view of the city from a lofty vantage point.
Kids will find not only Nemo, the adorable clownfish here, but a variety of other things. The Nemo offers excursions for children and students into the realms of science and technology. There are interactive exhibits and displays on fun subjects such as the human body, engineering, and genetics.
4. Learning about the world at Tropenmuseum
The eyes of children always light up when they hear the word “museum”. To them (and to many adults as well), a museum is a place of wonder, discovery, and mystery.
Tropenmuseum, one of the most kid-friendly museums in Amsterdam, focuses on the Netherlands’ colonial era. Here, the children will learn about lands that once upon a time were occupied by the Netherlands. The exhibits include a re-creation of places in Africa, Indonesia, Latin America, the Philippines, India, and the Caribbean.
Children will definitely enjoy visiting the museum’s restaurant and shop, and a special programing for kids called the Tropenmuseum Junior. They host special events for children like craft workshops, theatre plays, guided tours, and much more.
5. Boating on Amsterdam canals
Amsterdam’s canals are clearly the biggest tourism draw of the city. It is loved by everyone, including kids. Children have amazing imaginations, and a simple boat ride on the city canals could turn into huge maritime navigation across a vast ocean in their minds.
The best way to enjoy and experience this Instagram-perfect city is from the waterways. Families should get a hop-on, hop-off ticket, so the children could stop to visit some of the museums or attractions along the way, as well as restaurants to grab a bite and drink.
All guided boat rides in the city are safe and kid-friendly. Canal tours are offered by boat companies, hotels, and venues.
6. Waxing hot inside Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is famous all over the world for its realistic creations, modeled after modern-day celebrities and historical figures. This will definitely be a hit amongst children.
Located on Dam Square, Madame Tussauds accepts millions of guests every year who are eager to take a selfie with Rembrandt, David Bowie, Albert Einstein, Anne Frank, and Barack Obama, amongst others. This is a perfect thing to do in Amsterdam with kids on a rainy day or any day.
7. Meeting a child hero – Anne Frank
The well-preserved Anne Frank House contains once-hidden rooms that still have period memorabilia. Along with the haunting presence of those who spent two years of their lives hiding behind walls and dreaming of eventual freedom from the horrors of war.
Anne Frank was just a child when she wrote her famous diary, while her family hid from the Nazis. Children who will get a chance to see this historic house will have a better appreciation of life, courage, and freedom.
The Anne Frank House is one of the busiest tourist landmarks in Amsterdam. Book in advance or come early, or in the evening, to avoid the lines at this humbling site.
There are an abundance of parks, museums, and fun places in when visiting Amsterdam with kids. Restaurants and food markets are exciting stops for kids, too. Families shouldn’t hesitate to let their kids tag along when visiting the charming capital of the Netherlands.
Author Bio:
Ask The Dutch Guy is your go-to guide when it comes to The Netherlands. The goal of Ask The Dutch Guy is to showcase the beauty of The Netherlands and to inspire others to explore the country. Read more about Ask The Dutch Guy. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
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