Amsterdam is not exactly known as a family friendly travel destination. If anything, it has always been more famous for its hundreds of “coffeeshops” (places selling marijuana) and the Red Light District. Nonetheless as we find out in our family trip, Amsterdam has much to offer for family travellers. Where else can you take a canal cruise, visit kid-friendly museums and enter into a working windmill – all in one day?

HERE IS OUR LIST OF 5 THINGS YOU WILL LOVE ABOUT FAMILY TRAVEL IN AMSTERDAM

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1. Kid-friendly museums

The museums are definitely the highlight of our Amsterdam trip. During our stay we visited Rijksmuseum, National Maritime Museum and the Van Gogh Museum.

Fans of pirate movies will love jumping on board the National Maritime Museum’s life size replica of VOC ship De Amsterdam and seeing many other ship models on display. This museum also has a dedicated interactive quiz style exhibit for young kids.

While you will likely want to visit the Rijkmuseum to see Rembrandt’s famous painting of “The Night Watch” there will be other sections that will entertain your kids, including the 3d animated ship models. Then there is that I AMSTERDAM sign at the front.

All of these museums are stroller friendly. Tickets can be pre-purchased online to avoid long lines, and admission for children up to 4 years old is free.

2. Canal tour

There is no other city in the world which has 165 canals and 1281 bridges. The boat tour is a must do and the best way for you and your kids to experience the canals of Amsterdam without breaking a sweat.

There are tons of boat tour companies to choose from, and they run frequently in the summer time. Most companies depart from Damrak area just outside of Amsterdam Centraal station.

3. Pleasant day trips

Within 30 minutes train ride from Amsterdam you can reach two amazing towns; Haarlem and Zaanse Schans.

The medieval city of Haarlem is very photogenic. With pretty cobbled streets around the Grote Markt and winding waterways, this town provide a nice respite from the bustling Amsterdam. Also don’t miss the Molen de Adriaan windmill.

If you want to see picture perfect windmills, then Zaanse Schans is where you want to be. Historic windmills and distinctive green wooden houses were relocated here to recreate an accurate impression of life in the 17th centrury Netherlands.  It is however a very touristy place, we recommend getting here very early by 9am, before all the tour groups arrives! When you are here, kids will enjoy the clog making workshop, choosing a klompen and devouring the yummy ice cream.

4. Easy to get around

Amsterdam is a relatively compact city, with most of the major “must visit” sights within walking distance. Hopping on public transport will save you lots of money. The metro and tram system are clean, reliable and simple to navigate. Even when arriving from the Schiphol International Airport, you can easily take an express train to Amsterdam Centraal Station.

5. Yummy street food

Super yummy pancakes, stroopwafel, poffertjes, bitterballen, croquettes, raw dutch herring and endless selection of cheese, are just to die for! There will be no problem feeding your little ones here.

As one sign reads: “Don’t count the calories remember the memories”.

ON THE OTHER HAND HERE IS OUR 5 THINGS TO HATE ABOUT FAMILY TRAVEL IN AMSTERDAM

1. The random smell of weed

Being a compact town, you will likely walk pass a few “coffeeshops”. The random smell of marijuana is not pleasant especially for younger kids.  There are also a lot of cigarette smokers in general.

2. Too many bikes and narrow footpaths

Though there are not too many cars, tourists on bikes don’t always follow the local road rules. Many will randomly turn or stop to take a photo. Even worse we saw a few riding with a smart phone on one hand trying to navigate the streets. The generally narrow footpaths will also be a challenge for parents with strollers.

3. Pricey accommodation

When we did the research for our June family travel, we found most hotels to be on the expensive side. We were even more surprised to find the average cost of Airbnb was $330 per night! In the end we settled for Ibis Centre Stopera for an average of $180 per night. The location was quite central, the double room was JUST enough to fit the three of us. And the bathroom was comfortable but tiny. However as a bonus we did get a nice view of the canal.

4. Many local cafes are close in the morning!

Let’s face it, travelling parents need an early morning coffee! One shock for us is that many local cafes are not open early in the morning. In just about any other major cities you would expect to see cafes opening up nice and early at 6.30am.

International Chain such as Starbucks around the train station area will open relatively early. But most local cafes will not open until closer to 9am.

5. Water, expensive water

Amsterdam tap water is drinkable but it is rarely served in cafes and restaurants. A bottle of 750ml water will typically cost around 7 Euros – which is A LOT! Beers and wines will be cheaper than this. As we would always recommend, bring along a good water bottle from home.

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