Itinerary
3 days in Amsterdam with kids
Three days, one booked sight each morning and something outdoors or seated after lunch. Swap days freely, but keep the pattern.
Day 1
Science, boats and a rooftop
- Morning
- Book an early start time at NEMO and let the children run the floors for two to three hours. Finish on the roof terrace.
- Afternoon
- Walk back towards Centraal Station and take the one-hour canal cruise from the dock there. If the sky is clear and energy holds, ride the free F3 ferry across to the A'DAM Lookout.
- Break
- The canal boat is the rest stop. Babies in a carrier often sleep through it.
Day 2
One museum, then the park
- Morning
- Take the first slot at the Rijksmuseum, go straight to the Night Watch and leave after about 90 minutes. Families with older children can swap in the Van Gogh Museum, a short walk across the square.
- Afternoon
- Walk to Vondelpark for lunch at one of the park cafes and a long play at the Groot Melkhuis playground. On a warm day the paddling pool is there too.
- Break
- Stroller nap on the park paths after lunch while siblings play.
Day 3
Animals and a sailing ship
- Morning
- Be at ARTIS for the 9:00 opening with tickets bought online. Take the tram to the ARTIS stop and bring a packed lunch.
- Afternoon
- Move on to the National Maritime Museum for the ship and Doris the Diver. With children over 10, use this afternoon for the Anne Frank House instead, if you got tickets.
- Break
- Nap in the stroller under the trees at ARTIS before you leave the zoo.