My wife and I were very excited to go on our first international trip with both our kiddos. This flight was our first overseas trip in a couple years and we were thrilled to be able to get away and take in the sights of a new city. Since we weren’t exactly sure how everything was going to go with having a 4 year old and almost 1 year old in tow, we chose to go Amsterdam as it was direct flight for us and neither my wife or I had been there before. For me, there is nothing more thrilling than to go to a new country or city for the first time. To share that experience with my wife and kids makes it even more special. 

Orientation and Getting Around

Amsterdam is a beautiful and historic city located in the Netherlands. It is the country’s largest city as well as its capital. The largest airport in the area is Amsterdam Airport Schipol which is located southwest of the city. Getting to central Amsterdam is very easy and convenient as you can take the train right from the airport and only takes about 15 minutes to get there. You can purchase tickets at a kiosk before boarding.

View from the Damrak

Amsterdam itself is very easy to get around and most tourist sights are within walking distance. Since the city is very flat, it is very easy to walk around and you will see bicycles everywhere as most people are getting around by cycling. The Centraal Station which most tourists arrive at is right in the heart of the city. Leading from the train station is the Damrak, which is a very popular street that leads to the central square called the Dam. Going away from the central area there are semicircle rings of canals that divide up the city, the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and Singelgracht. Along these canals are beautiful homes and buildings to view and there are also smaller canals that branch out from these larger canals.

When visiting a big city like Amsterdam, it’s important to have reliable information to fully enjoy the experience. Personally, I’ve been using Rick Steves’ travel guides since my first backpacking trip to Europe and have found his guides to be invaluable resources, offering insights and practical tips to get the most out of any European adventure. When planning this trip I had purchased the Rick Steves Amsterdam and the Netherlands Travel Guide which helped us discover the must-see landmarks as well as the hidden gems of this wonderful city. I highly recommend checking out his latest Amsterdam travel guide.

Our Apartment

Once arriving at the train station in central Amsterdam we left the station and started to make our way to our apartment rental. It was located on Prinsengracht, right on the canal, so it was only about a 15 minute walk. We were very much looking forward to having our own place for a week and to have the convenience of being able to cook our own meals and have some extra space to spread out. The apartment was great and had very large windows facing the canal which let a lot of natural light in and had a very picturesque view of the canal.

Day 1 – Exploring the city, Dam Square, Westerkerk

After getting settled into our apartment rental, we made our way out to explore the city. It was mid-afternoon and as we strolled, we passed along the picturesque canals. We paused to watch the graceful canal boats gliding along the water, as the occasional clang of a bicycle bell added to the charm of the city.

Upon reaching Dam Square, the heart of Amsterdam, we allowed our kiddos to stretch their legs and we soaked up the bustling atmosphere. The ornate Royal Palace stood proudly in the square. Just across the Damrak, we admired the solemn beauty of the National Monument.

Our exploration continued as we meandered towards the Jordaan area, a charming residential neighborhood nestled to the west of central Amsterdam. Our eyes were drawn to the spire of the Westerkerk church, standing tall against the sky. Amsterdam’s blend of history, art, and vibrant energy left an indelible impression on our family, and we were very excited for the adventures that awaited us in the days ahead.

Day 2 – Pancakes for breakfast, visiting the Damrak area, pizza canal boat tour

We started our day eating breakfast at the restaurant, Pancakes Amsterdam. They had delicious food, including of course pancakes which we all enjoyed. From there, we returned to the vibrant Damrak area to continue our exploration of the city. Our main stop was the Sint-Jozefkerk church, affectionately known as De Papegaai (the parrot). Stepping inside this historical church, we felt a sense of reverence and awe. We took our time to appreciate the intricate details of the church, each element offering a glimpse into its rich heritage.

Later on that afternoon we embarked on a pizza canal boat tour, immersing ourselves in the picturesque beauty of the city from the water. This particular boat tour was exceptionally child-friendly as it served pizza and was very laid back. They even provided coloring sheets for the kids which added an extra layer of joy to their experience. The 75-minute long boat ride was just the right length for our kiddos and us to eat an early dinner and enjoy the views of this beautiful city.

Day 3 – Vondelpark, renting bicycles to explore

We first made our way down to the area around the Rijksmuseum and walked around the park there, taking in the serene surroundings. After that, we went to Vondelpark, where we discovered numerous kid-friendly activities, such as swings, slides, sand areas, and playgrounds. The children were thrilled and had a fantastic time exploring and playing in the park.

Outside the Rijksmuseu

Feeling the delightful vibe of the city, we decided to rent bikes and enjoy a leisurely ride around, taking in the beauty of the city. We rented through MacBike and they have 3 locations in the city. The best part was finding a bike big enough for both kids to ride with me, creating a memorable and joyous experience for all of us.

As the day drew to a close, we headed to Leidseplein and decided to have dinner at the vibrant and iconic Hard Rock Cafe. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day, filled with good food and conversation over the great memories we had of our day’s adventures.

Day 4 – Zaanse Schans

Today was a delightful day full of exploration and adventure as we journeyed by train to Zaanse Schans, a picturesque neighborhood, located just an hour outside of Amsterdam’s city center. As we arrived, we were greeted by the charming landscape of windmills and traditional Dutch houses, setting the stage for an unforgettable day.

Wandering around the area, we found that Zaanse Schans provided an ideal setting for our kids to play and wander freely. The sight of the old, historical mills was truly captivating, and we were thrilled to be able to explore and learn about their rich history. To our delight, the village also offered well-maintained playgrounds where the kids could play, adding an extra layer of fun to our visit. The culinary offerings at Zaanse Schans were equally delightful. From scrumptious ice cream to delectable waffles, there was no shortage of treats for us to eat.

After a day filled with exploration and learning more about the history of Zaanse Schans, we boarded the train back to Amsterdam. As we made our way back to Dam Square, we couldn’t resist indulging in the quintessential Dutch snack of fries, accompanied by a combination of mayo and ketchup. The perfect ending to a perfect day.

Day 5 – Keukenhof

We had a relaxing day among the flowering tulips on this day. Read my blog post for more on our time spent at Keukenhof.

Day 6 – Anne Frank House, Our Lord in the Attic museum, Begijnhof

We went to the Anne Frank House today, and it truly was a remarkable and impactful experience. The somber atmosphere served as a poignant reminder of the past, and the educational value of the visit is immeasurable. An especially noteworthy aspect was the availability of a child-friendly audio tour, which allowed our daughter to engage with the stories of the past in a meaningful way.

I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the Anne Frank House if you find yourself in Amsterdam. However, it’s important to plan far in advance, as tickets are released on Tuesdays for dates six weeks in advance. It is crucial to book at that time to secure your desired time slot and the tickets can be purchased online.

In addition to the Anne Frank House, we also had the chance to visit the Our Lord in the Attic museum. This historical gem provided us with further insight into Amsterdam’s rich history. To round off our day, we strolled through the captivating area of Begijnhof which is a hofje. It consists of a serene courtyard surrounded by charming historic buildings. The tranquility of this place served as a relaxing conclusion to our day of exploration in the city.

Our Lord in the Attic Museum

Begijnhof

Day 7 – Westerpark

On our last full day in Amsterdam, we had the wonderful opportunity to spend cherished time with some of our relatives at Westerpark. This beautiful area of green space nestled to the west of Amsterdam provided the perfect setting for our family gathering. Surrounded by delightful restaurants and cafes, as well as markets and shops, the Westerpark area offered a vibrant atmosphere filled with both relaxation and fun. One of the highlights of our visit to this area was the abundance of playgrounds where the children could play, which created great memories.

Final Thoughts

Our trip to Amsterdam was truly an unforgettable experience for us. We were delighted to have the opportunity to explore the city and take in all its remarkable sights. The kids were absolute troopers throughout the trip, and having them with us on this vacation made our experience even more enjoyable. We managed to visit all the landmarks and attractions on our list, and each one left a lasting impression. Amsterdam’s unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere captivated us, and we’re already looking forward to returning to this incredible city in the future.

Have you been with Amsterdam with your kiddos before? If so, what was your experience like? Were there kid-friendly activities that you did that you really enjoyed? Please let me know in the comments below!