Amsterdam for the whole family: places not to be missed

There's so much to do in Amsterdam as a family that it's often hard to know where to start.

Let's discover the places not to be missed!

Visit Amsterdam with your family: article summary

Visit Amsterdam with your family: NEMO, the science museum

There are many museums in Amsterdam, but none is more child-friendly than the Nemo Science Museum.

There are even free attractions perfectly suited to all members of your family. Younger guests will be captivated by the knobs, levers and pulleys, not to mention the bubbles you can enter and the artificially-created clouds.

Just make sure you can persuade them to leave when it's time to leave!

Artis Zoo

The historic zoo in downtown Amsterdam is an extraordinary paradise for children. In addition to the usual enclosures, there are :

• a huge aquarium
• magnificent buildings where monkeys and butterflies roam freely
• a sensational playground

On warm summer evenings, head to the magnificent nights ArtisWhen the park remains open until sunset on Saturdays from June to August.

The zoo fills up with strings of lights, picnicking families and the cries of the animals as night falls.

Visit Amsterdam with your family: a pirate cruise on the Blue Boat

Kids love it the pirate cruise organized by Blue Boat. Bring their headphones and they'll enjoy a hilarious set of commentaries and activities while you sit back and contemplate the view.

There are toilets on board, you can bring your own snacks, and there's no way for little vagabonds to escape.

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a canal cruise. The pirate cruise is the best way to enjoy the canals with your family.

Discover the old tramway

Amsterdam boasts a magnificent historic tramway line run by volunteers that criss-crosses the city on Sundays between April and November.

Climb aboard at the magnificent old Haarlemmermeer station with its original wood panelling and tea room and travel from west to east until you arrive at Artis Zoo, or stay on board for a return trip to your departure point.

Gentle, traditional, not very touristy and a local favorite, it's an attraction not to be missed on a family visit to Amsterdam.

A family visit to Amsterdam: the Scheepvaart Museum

Children visiting Amsterdam an embarrassment of riches when it comes to museumsBut at the top of the list is the fabulous Scheepvaart museum, dedicated to everything to do with the sea.

The eternal favorite is home to a marvelous life-size reproduction of an East India freighter in the harbor, complete with cannons and plenty to explore.

The museum's interior also houses permanent exhibitions such as Life on Board and The Whale's Tale, not to mention the superb entrance atrium and café.

Amstel Park

There are many parks in Amsterdam that I recommend, but the children's favourite is the vast Amstel Park.

There's a lot to do here, in addition to the usual playground, including :

• A small farm
• Pretty rides
• A great labyrinth
• A mini-golf course
• A little summer train winding through the gardens

It's the perfect place to keep busy during your summer visit. You can buy snacks on site, or bring your own picnic.

Visit Amsterdam with your family: take advantage of the paddling pools

In summer, the city's children love to make waves in Amsterdam's many paddling pools. These are particularly welcome in hot weather.

In addition to the fountains in front of the Rijksmuseumthe locals love it:

• The large and small paddling pools of theAmsterdamse Bos
• Water games at the Westerpark
• The magnificent pools at Oosterpark and Beatrixpark.

You'll find other paddling pools dotted around the city, so get out your swimsuits and cool off.

Relax with the family on the Uj Klaren playground

Along the Canal, you'll find small playgrounds and soccer cages in almost every residential enclave.

If many of these places are very accessible, I recommend you visit UJ Klaren. Here you will find :

• Swings
• Trampolines
• Gantries

You can even take advantage of the soccer pitch, perfect for letting off steam and playing sports with the whole family.

Amsterdam is the perfect place for families. On site, you can enjoy attractions suitable for all ages. discover unique and friendly places.

What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?

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