Behind the red lights and coffeeshops, Amsterdam is home to many attractions that will captivate children. Active families will have fun strolling along the canal walkways, admiring the flower-decked houseboats, or cycling in the beautiful Vondelpark. They will also enjoy hiring bicycles and pedalling around the compact city's canals and quaint neighbourhoods.For a more relaxing day out, parents can pack a picnic and head to one of Amsterdam's fabulous parks, such as the huge Vondelpark. Plenty of other free attractions abound, but the more popular ones involve a bit of money, such as trips to the zoo, farms, museums and theme parks. Younger children will be absolutely enchanted by Efteling and the miniature model city of Madurodam.Cooking schools and Indoor playgrounds are an option on rainy days, while some of the city's museums will also intrigue children, like Anne Frank House.
This museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank, whose famous diary describes the experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II. The Franks and others hid in part of the house (today's museum) to escape Nazi persecution. Visitors can explore the concealed attic where eight people lived, and get some sense of the cramped and fearful existence described by Anne Frank. The original diary is on display as part of the permanent exhibition and there is plenty of information on the lives of the people involved. With the exception of Anne Frank's father, Otto, the occupants were discovered and sent to their deaths in concentration camps. Visitors need not have read the diary to appreciate the museum. Admission queues get excruciatingly long, especially in peak tourist season. Booking online will enable visitors to use a separate entrance.
Address : Prinsengracht 267 (Westerkerk)
Website : www.annefrank.nl
Telephone : +31 20 556 7105
Opening times : Open daily from 9am to 7pm, and Saturdays 9am to 10pm (November through March); from 9am to 10pm daily, and Saturdays 9am to 10pm (April through October). Note that the queues can be very long, but that tickets can be bought online in advance.
Admission : €10.50 (adults), €5.50 (children aged 10 to 17)
Locally known as the Plantage, the Artis Zoo is something of an oasis in the centre of Amsterdam, and a must for children and animal lovers. Boasting more than 700 species of animals and 200 species of local and exotic trees (many of which are on the verge of extinction), the institution will captivate visitors of all ages. The grounds are huge and can easily keep visitors busy for hours, with the aquarium, butterfly house, planetarium and a handful of museums all featuring as part of the experience. Visitors will also find several restaurants and a shop selling souvenirs such as books, toys and postcards. Tickets can be bought online to avoid queues at the entrance.
Address : Plantage Kerklaan 38-40
Website : www.artis.nl
Telephone : +31 20 5233 670
Opening times : March through October: Open daily from 9am to 6pm; November through February: Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Admission : €24 (adults); €20.50 (children aged 3 to 9). Concessions are available. Ticket also provides admission to Planetarium, Geological Museum, Aquarium and Zoological Museum.
Built in the 1950s and still one of Europe's leading theme parks, Efteling is a must for children of all ages. Kids are sure to relish its special attractions, which include a maze, water show, bobsleigh course, creepy ghost castle and swinging-ship ride. They will also find theme-park classics, such as several roller coasters, carousels and playgrounds. Games, activities, restaurants and refreshment stands are also on offer. Queues get very long, particularly in peak tourist season (summer), so it's best to arrive early.
Address : Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel
Website : www.efteling.com
Telephone : +31 416 537 777
Opening times : Open daily from at least 10am to 6pm, with extended hours in summer (July through August).
Admission : Tickets range from about €38 to €42, with concessions and plenty of specials available.
Located around 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam and first opened in 1952, Madurodam is quite literally the smallest city in the Netherlands. The park features hundreds of miniature houses and factories that reflect real Amsterdam architecture, exact replicas of famous Dutch landmarks, and transport systems such as ships, airports and railways. Children and adults alike will enjoy the attraction, and will find many tremendous photo opportunities as they stroll around. Visitors can also activate parts of the park for a small cost, setting trucks moving down highways, or getting planes to land. Otherwise, visitors can buy souvenirs in the park's shop, and purchase refreshments at one of its restaurants.
Address : George Maduroplein 1, The Hague
Website : www.madurodam.nl
Telephone : +31 70 416 2400
Opening times : Open daily from about 9am to 8pm; there are seasonal fluctuations to opening times.
Admission : €17.50 (Adults). Concessions are available and bookings can be made online.
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