10 Free Things to Do in Amsterdam With Kids
Discover how to have family fun on a budget with these ten free things to do in Amsterdam with kids!
Amsterdam is a city full of charm and adventure, though it’s not often known for being an affordable travel destination. While its world-class museums are plentiful, they come at a significant cost—one that can quickly add up when traveling as a family!
Fortunately, we’ve discovered a few exceptions to Amsterdam’s pricey attractions, many of which are also perfect for kids. From picturesque parks and historic landmarks to museums offering free admission for children, there’s a side of Amsterdam waiting to be uncovered.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best free things to do in Amsterdam with children, so you can make the most of your family trip without breaking the budget.
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Quick List: Free Things to Do in Amsterdam With Kids
- Spend the Afternoon in Vondelpark
- See the Anne Frank House
- Take Photos in Amsterdam’s Cutest District
- Visit the Royal Palace Amsterdam
- Take the Ferry Across the IJ River
- Discover Chinatown
- Visit a Real Windmill
- Join a Free Walking Tour
- Take Advantage of Free Museums
- Admire the Rijksmuseum Gardens
The Essentials for Visiting Amsterdam With Kids
🎟 Amsterdam is generally an expensive city, especially if you plan on spending money. However, it’s one of the few places in Europe where buying a city pass that covers admission to multiple museums and public transportation is actually worth it.
🖼 Unlike many other European cities, it’s not common for museums in Amsterdam to offer free admission for children under 18. The requirements tend to be stricter.
🚊 Taking the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam is the most affordable option, costing around €5 per person if you book your e-ticket in advance.
🧒🏻 Sidewalks in Amsterdam are usually located on the opposite side of the canal from the water, so you don’t always have to worry about children accidentally falling in.
🚲 Although Amsterdam is stroller-friendly, with flat terrain and smooth pavements, it’s important to stay vigilant about bicycle traffic.
🥞 Pancakes (also known as poffertjes) are very popular in Amsterdam and are an easy crowd-pleaser for kids!
10 Free Things to Do in Amsterdam for Families
1. Spend the Afternoon in Vondelpark
If there’s one green space you must visit in Amsterdam, it’s Vondelpark! Although it’s just a few steps outside the city center, Vondelpark is easily accessible by tram or bus.
The park boasts delightful walking trails, rose gardens, various ponds, playgrounds, and a popular beer garden serving drinks and snacks for the whole family.
It also features an open-air theater and often serves as a vibrant hub for cultural gatherings, so you may run into a fun event during your visit!
2. See the Anne Frank House
The actual cost of admission to the Anne Frank House isn’t outrageous, but the lack of availability often prevents many people from experiencing this major attraction.
It is so popular that batches of online tickets are released each Tuesday at 10:00 AM CEST, and these tickets are sold for the upcoming six weeks. Do not come to Amsterdam and plan on visiting the Anne Frank House on a whim; you must plan in advance.
Fortunately, if you aren’t planning to purchase admission to the Anne Frank House, you can still view it from the exterior. It’s a powerful sight and something to experience, even from the outside.
Alternatively, you can book the Free Anne Frank Tour, which operates on a tip-based system.
3. Take Photos in Amsterdam’s Cutest District
Of course, you can experience Amsterdam’s canals on nearly every street in the city. However, if you want the best of the best for your family photos, head to the De 9 Straatjes (also known as Negen Straatjes or The Nine Streets) neighborhood.
This charming area is located in the Grachtengordel canal ring, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its innovative urban planning and historical significance.
Today, De 9 Straatjes is recognized as one of the most characteristic areas of Amsterdam, filled with boutique shops, vintage treasure stores, foodie destinations, and numerous houseboats. You can even visit a houseboat museum, which is among the more affordable attractions in the city.
4. Visit the Royal Palace Amsterdam
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, located on the expansive Dam Square, serves as a prominent historical landmark and is the official residence of the Dutch royal family for state occasions.
Originally built as a city hall in the 17th century, the palace showcases grand architecture and luxury interiors, just as you’d expect from a royal palace!
Surprisingly, throughout the year, the Royal Palace hosts various events, exhibitions, and guided tours, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Dutch monarchy.
While you may not be able to enter the Royal Palace for free, you can still head to Dam Square and take photos from the outside.
5. Take the Ferry Across the IJ river
Central Amsterdam is easily connected to Amsterdam-Noord, located just across the IJ River, by free ferries! It’s the simplest way to explore the quieter, residential areas of Amsterdam if you feel like venturing off the beaten path. Plus, it doesn’t get better than a free ferry ride.
The ferries depart and arrive from various points in Amsterdam, so make sure to check the map before planning your trip. There’s no need to book a ticket or make reservations in advance; you simply show up and ride.
Interestingly enough, by 2025, all ferries are scheduled to operate 100% electrically.
6. Discover Chinatown
Personally, we always make it a point to visit the Chinatown of every city we travel to (assuming there is one). The Chinatown in Amsterdam did not disappoint and turned out to be one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the city.
It’s particularly compelling because, despite its very central location, it’s not filled with tourist traps. Most people visiting Amsterdam aren’t there for Chinatown, so the district doesn’t feel the need to sell tourists an overpriced cup of French fries or a €15 pancake.
Instead, you’ll find an enormous assortment of (really good) eateries serving a mix of Asian cuisines, including Thai, Malaysian, and, of course, Chinese.
7. Visit a Real Windmill
If you’ve never been to Amsterdam before, it’s important to know that the city isn’t flooded with windmills. Despite the stereotype, you won’t find an abundance of windmills everywhere in the Netherlands.
Without going on a day trip away from Amsterdam to see windmills, the most centrally located one in the city is named De Gooyer. This solitary windmill is free to visit and also houses a brewery at its base.
It is easily accessible by tram and satisfies the requirement to see at least one real windmill while visiting Amsterdam with kids.
8. Join a Free Walking Tour
Amsterdam is the kind of place where its hidden gems are tucked away in nooks and crannies, meaning not everything worth seeing is immediately visible. This is especially true when it comes to the best free things to do in Amsterdam (with or without kids)—a little expertise is required to uncover it all.
Not to mention, the physical layout of Amsterdam itself can be quite confusing. There are twists and turns, canals to navigate, and over 1,500 bridges to account for. It certainly helps to explore Amsterdam with a guide—someone who knows where they’re going and what they’re doing.
Are free walking tours really free? Not entirely, but they’re as close as it gets! Typically, “free” walking tours operate on a tip-based system, meaning you contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate at the end of the tour.
9. Take Advantage of Free Museums
In general, museums in Amsterdam aren’t cheap. However, with careful planning, you can take advantage of days when certain museums offer free admission.
Unlike Rome, where many museums are free on a specific day each month, Amsterdam’s free museum days are more irregular. Be sure to double-check the museum websites and plan your visit around days when admission is free for the whole family.
Fortunately, a few museums in Amsterdam offer free entry year-round. These include The Amsterdam City Archives, the GASSAN Diamond Factory, and the very niche Mouse Mansion.
Families visiting with kids should also take advantage of opportunities to visit some of Amsterdam’s most prestigious museums, like the Van Gogh Museum, where admission is free for children under 18!
10. Admire the Rijksmuseum Gardens
The Rijksmuseum Gardens in Amsterdam offer a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s active culture. Free to visit, the gardens feature beautifully manicured lawns, seasonal flower displays, and impressive sculptures.
Visitors can also explore charming fountains, a historic greenhouse, and rotating outdoor art exhibits. The gardens provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere after touring the museum or as a stand-alone visit without spending a cent.
FAQs Visiting Amsterdam With Kids
Is Amsterdam Appropriate for Kids?
Amsterdam has developed a reputation as a hub for partying and other activities that don’t exactly scream “family-friendly.” It’s unfortunate because the city has so much more to offer beyond this image.
For example, the Red Light District is just one small part of Amsterdam that shouldn’t define its entire identity.
The number of museums and attractions unrelated to the Red Light District or marijuana far outweighs its party-centric reputation—you just have to know where to look! When you approach it this way, yes, Amsterdam is effortlessly a vastly overlooked family friendly destination.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam for Families?
Summer in Amsterdam is lovely, as it rarely gets unbearably warm, making it a pleasant time to explore with kids.
However, this is also when most tourists visit, and large crowds aren’t ideal when trying to keep track of children.
Thanks to the many indoor museums and attractions, visiting Amsterdam in the fall or even winter can also be a great time to visit with kids. Plus, poor weather doesn’t affect the Dutch the way it might in Italy (for example), so the city remains lively with plenty to do.
During the holidays, the canals are also lit up with festive lights that give Amsterdam a magical charm.
What Are the Best Indoor Things to Do in Amsterdam for Families?
A trip to Amsterdam in the fall or winter will bring colder temperatures and a fair share of rainy days. While a good waterproof coat will still keep your trip enjoyable, it’s a good idea to plan for various indoor activities as well.
Museums are among the best indoor activities in Amsterdam with kids. However, we’re not just talking about traditional art galleries, as we understand that many children may not be particularly interested in those.
Fortunately, Amsterdam is home to many unique museums and exhibits, including plenty that are kid-friendly. Here are the top-rated museums in Amsterdam that your children will love:
- Open Space Contemporary Art Museum (OSCAM) – Admission is only €1!
- WONDR Experience
- NEMO Science Museum
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Houseboat Museum
- Wereldmuseum Amsterdam
Is Amsterdam Stroller Friendly?
There’s a reason cycling is considered Amsterdam’s second language—the city is incredibly flat. In fact, the entire country is! Riding a bicycle isn’t as daunting when you know there are no hills to climb.
This makes Amsterdam an ideal environment for strollers and those pushing them. You won’t break a sweat, and you don’t have to worry about wheels popping off since the sidewalks are smooth—and they actually exist.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Amsterdam With Kids?
Families looking to fill their itinerary with museums and other paid activities should plan to spend at least four or five days in Amsterdam. This is because museums take time, and you’ll likely want to avoid rushing through them.
If you’re only planning to explore free activities in Amsterdam with kids, you won’t need as much time. Without the constraints of paid attractions, you have the freedom to create your own schedule without worrying about reserved entrance times.
How to Get Around Amsterdam With Kids
Amsterdam’s public transportation system consists of trams, buses, the metro, and ferries. For families with kids exploring the city center, you’ll likely only need to familiarize yourself with the tram.
Trams are the backbone of public transport in central Amsterdam. They crisscross the city, providing easy access to most major attractions, including museums, markets, and shopping areas.
Trams are punctual, frequent, and cover the majority of places tourists want to visit. They’re particularly useful for navigating the narrow streets and canals of the city center.
Tickets: You can purchase tickets on board or at vending machines located at stations. Day passes are also available for unlimited travel.
When you’re not trying to cover as much ground, walking is the best way to experience Amsterdam.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam for Families
While choosing where to stay in Amsterdam with kids, you’ll likely want to avoid any hotels in the “party districts” of the city. Avoid staying in De Wallen (Red Light District), Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein.
Two of the best neighbourhoods that are still centrally located enough for sightseeing yet much calmer are Jordaan and Oud-West.
Top Rated Family Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam
Radisson Blu Hotel Amsterdam City Center (Kids Under 12 Are Free) – CHECK PRICES
Amsterdam Marriott Hotel (Kids Under 12 Are Free) – CHECK PRICES
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam Hotel (Kids Under 5 Are Free) – CHECK PRICES
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