THE EIGHT BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN AMSTERDAM WITH CHILDREN
The May holiday is the perfect time for a city trip or to explore Amsterdam with your family. There is plenty to do for all ages during this period. Here are eight great places to visit with children in the city.
1. kINGSDAY
On Monday 27 April, Amsterdam turns orange as we celebrate King’s Day. A walk through the city is often an outing in itself. You will find music, street entertainment, and food everywhere, such as poffertjes and stroopwafels.
The free market is one of the most well-known highlights. Throughout the city, people sell their belongings on the streets without a permit. Children often sell toys, books, or handmade items.
The best spots for families are:
- Vondelpark, especially for children, with games, homemade treats, and performances
- Museumplein and RAI, more spacious and therefore ideal for families
2. EXPEDITION RIJKSMUSEUM
At Expedition Rijksmuseum, children explore the museum in a playful and engaging way. This interactive experience brings stories from Dutch history to life.
They can step into Rembrandt’s world or discover how Hugo de Groot escaped in a book chest.
The expedition is designed for children aged 6 to 12 with an adult. From age 8, children can take part independently.
3. ADMIRE THE NEWBORN ELEPHANT CALVES AT ARTIS
A visit to ARTIS during the May holiday is even more special, as two elephant calves were born in February. The zoo also offers a range of activities for children, including talks by animal keepers, a scavenger hunt, and the chance to build your own microscope.
4. RIJKSMUSEUM MUIDERSLOT
Around 25 minutes from Hotel Okura Amsterdam, you will find Muiderslot. This medieval castle, built around 1285, feels like stepping into a real knight’s tale for children.
With the dedicated children’s audio tour, they learn more about knights, defence, and life in a castle. There are also regular workshops and activities for families.
5. WONDR EXPERIENCE
The perfect place for children, and for adults to feel like a kid again. Dive into the rainbow ball pit, enjoy a playful confetti shower, or sing in one of the colourful karaoke rooms. During the May holiday, special themes take over, including a SpongeBob experience and a Barbie world. Everything is designed for families and a full day of fun.
6. NEMO MUSEUM
NEMO Science Museum is one of the most popular spots for children in Amsterdam. Here, they can discover how science and technology work in a playful way.

Children can conduct experiments, build things, and try out hands-on activities. During school holidays, there are extra workshops and demonstrations.
7. FABRIQUE DES LUMIÈRES
Fabrique des Lumières is located at the Westergas site. In this digital art centre, artworks come to life through light projections and music.
The projections fill the entire space, allowing children to literally walk through them. There are various shows, including ones about dinosaurs or famous painters. It’s suitable for children and adults who want to experience art in a different way.
8. PANCAKE BOAT AMSTERDAM
A boat tour on the IJ becomes extra fun for children on the Pancake Boat. During the ride, they can eat unlimited pancakes while seeing Amsterdam from the water. The record is 22 pancakes.
