City Breaks with Kids: Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s prettiest cities. Its historic canals and gabled houses are impossibly picturesque and it’s a real pleasure to wander around on foot or by bicycle. Amsterdam is charming and easygoing and children will love its boats, trams and parks – and the chance to eat lots of pancakes. Here’s our guide on how to make the most out of a trip to Amsterdam with children.

Amsterdam is famous for its canals and the best way to see them is by boat. A canal trip is a fantastic way of seeing the city and getting your bearings on your first day. Several companies offer circular tours with audio commentary so that you know what you’re looking at. The tours last about 60 to 90 minutes and you can hop on and off some of the boats too.

Adults, from €16; four to twelve-year-olds, from €8; under fours, free. A free canal cruise is included as one of the benefits of an I amsterdam city card.

The Van Gogh Museum has the world’s largest collection of the painter’s works including the famous Sunflowers, self-portraits and the beautiful almond blossoms. Children can take part in a treasure hunt or collect ‘Vincent’s Travelling Case’, a suitcase filled with objects to help them find out more about the paintings. You can book a family guided tour or take the fun interactive audio tour around the museum. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).