15+ Free Things to do in Amsterdam With Kids
Amsterdam is a bustling city full of art and culture. I love a good weekend city break, and with so many great museums to visit and parks to explore, Amsterdam is top of my list of best European cities!
And if you’re looking for a family-friendly destination in Europe, an Amsterdam city break with kids is just what you need!
However, family travel can get expensive, especially in cities, and I’m always looking to save money where possible. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the best free things to do in Amsterdam with kids.
I hope this post helps you plan an epic trip to Amsterdam with your family, without breaking the bank!
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Free things to do in Amsterdam with kids
1. Explore Vondelpark
Beautiful Vondelpark is over 150 years old and is Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park.
The park has ample space for children to run around and play, and parents will love the lush setting of this historic park. Vondelpark is also home to some of the best playgrounds in Amsterdam. The play areas are full of swings, ladders, and climbing structures, as well as splash pads and water features during the summer months.
Vondelpark also has an open-air theater where you can see free live performances from early summer until late autumn.
2. Visit the rooftop of the NEMO Science Museum
While you do have to pay to enter the NEMO Science Museum, the rooftop terrace is free to visit.
Head up to the building’s roof for great city views. There are benches to sit on and, in good weather, the rooftop is a great picnic spot. Your kids will enjoy watching the ferries and boats cruising up and down the canals.
3. Ride the free GVB ferries between Centraal Station and Noord
Riding the GVB ferries between Centraal Station and Noord is one of the many fun, free activities to do in Amsterdam with kids. Ride back and forth as many times as you like, taking in the architecture along the riverfront.
4. Check out street art at the NDSM Wharf
This former shipyard is in the midst of a revival. What was once a derelict part of town now houses a vibrant artist community, live concerts, and trendy restaurants.
The NDSM Wharf also boasts impressive murals and street art. Enjoy walking through the neighborhood searching for different pieces. Your kids will love exploring the area and having a street art scavenger hunt.
5. Get dirty at the Noord Oogst Nature Playground
Over in Amsterdam Noord, be sure to check out the NoordOogst Nature Playground.
This free playground has water features, a splash pad, and all sorts of opportunities for kids to run around, climb, and get dirty.
6. Eat unlimited chocolate samples at the Tony Chocolonely Superstore
Tony’s Chocolonely is an Amsterdam staple, and visiting their Superstore in Amsterdam’s city center is a great kid-friendly activity.
Not only can you sample all the free chocolate your stomach can handle, but while there you can learn about Tony Chocolonely’s mission to produce sustainable, slavery-free chocolate.
7. See LEGO reproductions of famous Dutch paintings at the LEGO store
Another free activity for kids in Amsterdam is a visit to the LEGO store.
Check out LEGO reproductions of traditional Dutch houses, tulips, and even classic works of art (LEGO Van Gogh, anyone?).
There are also stations where kids can play and build with LEGO, no purchase necessary!
8. Dress up at the Amsterdam Cheese Museum
The Amsterdam Cheese Museum offers free cheese tastings as well as a history of Dutch cheesemaking.
Sample as much cheese as you want upstairs, then head downstairs to the museum to learn about Dutch caseiculture. You and the kids can even dress up as Dutch dairy farmers and pose for photos.
9. Visit the Noordermarkt
Amsterdam is full of wonderful markets, and Noordermarkt is another great one to visit with kids. Stroll past stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, all types of mushrooms, bread, and cheese. While there, make sure to sample some of the delicious Dutch cheeses.
If you’re hungry, Noordermarkt has plenty of food stalls where you can grab a casual bite. Or, head across the street to Winkel 43 for some of the best apple pie you’ll ever eat.
10. Make feline friends on De Poezenboot (The Cat Boat)
The Cat Boat is a floating animal sanctuary that takes in stray cats and puts them up for adoption.
The sanctuary was founded in 1966 when a local woman took in a few stray cats. As she rescued more and more cats, she decided they needed a larger place to stay. So, naturally, she bought them a houseboat! To this day the Cat Boat helps these cute felines find their forever homes.
Kids will love boarding the boat and cuddling the adorable cats and kittens. Visiting De Poezenboot is free, but consider donating to support this non-profit organization’s work.
11. Walk through Bloemenmarkt
Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market and a unique Amsterdam experience.
Check out the beautiful flowers and variety of bulbs for sale. Bloemenmarkt is a great place to wander with the kids and check out all the different vendors.
12. Tour the Gassan Diamond Factory
For a truly unique activity during your family trip to Amsterdam, take a free factory tour of Gassan Diamonds.
The hour-long tour provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how diamonds are cut. Your guide will explain the origin of diamonds and how they go from raw materials to sparkling jewelry centerpieces.
Kids can see firsthand the tools used to cut diamonds and witness the machinery in action. The tour ends with a walk through the Gassan Boutique, which will delight parents and children alike with sparkling jewelry and an extensive Rolex collection.
13. See the dinosaurs in Artisplein at ARTIS Zoo
The Artisplein terrace, adjacent to ARTIS Zoo, is a nice place to sit, grab a coffee, and let the kids run around. While you must pay to visit the zoo, visiting the Artisplein terrace is free.
Artisplein has some large dinosaur sculptures that kids love. From the square, you can look into the open-air aviary and watch the flamingos.
14. Take a walk through the historic Jordaan neighborhood
The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful neighborhoods. This historic neighborhood dates back to the 1600s and today has UNESCO World Heritage status.
Jordaan is full of charming houses, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops. Meander the side streets to find hidden parks and playgrounds for kids to play and run around in.
15. Visit the Amsterdam Central Library (and see the Mouse Mansion)
The Amsterdam Central Library is a beautiful, 10-story modern building in the city center that is 100% free to visit.
Head to the 7th-floor terrace and cafe for panoramic views of Amsterdam. The library also has a children’s section where kids can sit and browse the extensive collection of kids’ books.
Before leaving, make sure to stop by the Mouse Mansion. This unique art project is a miniature mouse city with plush mice performing a variety of daily tasks. Think mice heading to the grocery store, vacuuming, ironing their shirts, and more. It’s a very cute display and also the inspiration for the “Mouse Mansion” children’s book series.
16. Meet the animals at De Pijp Petting Zoo
If your child is an animal lover then de Pijp Petting Zoo is a must-visit on this list of free things to do in Amsterdam!
This urban petting zoo houses goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and more. Children can pet goats and other large animals and attend special rabbit cuddle sessions. Kids can also feed the animals with corn purchased from the zoo’s staff.
Museums offering free admission for kids
While these museums are not free to visit, they do offer free or reduced admission for children. Many of these museums also accept the I Amsterdam Card, which gives you free admission to many top Amsterdam sights.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum contains the world’s foremost collection of Dutch art. This extensive museum is an Amsterdam highlight and should be on every Amsterdam itinerary. While tickets cost a steep €20 for adults, kids under 18 are always free of charge. Rijksmuseum admission is also covered by the I Amsterdam Card.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated entirely to the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh. Arguably the most famous Dutch painter, Vincent’s short life was a juxtaposition of beautiful art and severe depression.
The museum explores the many stages of Van Gogh’s career, the inspiration he took from other artists, and his frequent mental health battles.
Unfortunately, the museum is no longer affiliated with the I Amsterdam City Card, but admission is free for children under 18 years of age.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most important museums. It tells the story of Anne Frank, a teenage girl who hid with her family for two years in a tiny annex to avoid Nazi persecution. While its serious subject matter makes it hard to visit the Anne Frank House with kids, admission for children under 10 is €1, and €7 for children ages 10-17.
Amsterdam Museum
Learn about the history of the city, including its golden age in the 1600s and the role it plays in today’s global economy. Children 17 and under get free admission.
Other cheap things to do in Amsterdam with kids
Tulip Museum
Learn the history of tulips in Amsterdam while visiting this small yet interesting museum. Kids will love the beautiful tulip photos and eye-catching colors. Admission costs only €5, making this an affordable museum to visit during an Amsterdam family holiday.
Houseboat Museum
Walking around Amsterdam you can’t miss the houseboats lining the canals. If your kids are anything like mine, they’re probably asking you a million questions about what it’s like to live on a houseboat.
Well, the Houseboat Museum is your chance to find out. Hop on board to see firsthand what life on a houseboat is like. It’s more spacious than you might think!
The Cat Cabinet
This quirky museum is dedicated entirely to cat-related art. If you or your children are cat lovers or simply fans of eclectic art collections, then add this museum to your Amsterdam family itinerary. The Cat Cabinet is full of paintings, drawings, and photographs of – you guessed it – cats!
Rent a bike
There is no better way to explore Amsterdam than by bike! Bike rentals can cost as little as €8 an hour and are an affordable way to get out and explore the city. The rental company can provide bikes equipped with seats for the kids so even your baby or toddler can ride along.
Amsterdam bike rentals are a fun, affordable way to explore Amsterdam with kids.
Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans
The town of Zaanse Schans, just 9 miles (15 km) north of Amsterdam makes for an affordable day trip destination. The town is full of traditional Dutch windmills and wooden homes. Head there to get a real taste of traditional Dutch life.
To get to Zaanse Schans, take the train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans. You can purchase return tickets at Amsterdam Centraal for only €8.
Map of free things to do in Amsterdam with kids
Final Thoughts on free things to do in Amsterdam with kids
So there you have it, over 15 free things to do in Amsterdam with kids, plus a few cheap family-friendly Amsterdam activities. Traveling with kids can be expensive, so saving some money where you can is key. These free and inexpensive family-friendly things to do in Amsterdam will help you plan the perfect family holiday in Amsterdam, without breaking the bank!
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Until next time,
Tamar