Vondelpark Playground

Let the kids burn off some energy after the school week at one of Vondelpark's fantastic playgrounds.

The playground near Groot Melkhuis is a popular choice, offering ample space for children to run, climb, and play. It’s a perfect spot for an early evening outdoor activity before it gets too dark.

Ideal for children aged 3-12. The playground has various structures suitable for different ages. There are public restrooms available nearby at Groot Melkhuis, which also has a cafe for a quick drink or snack. Stroller accessible paths throughout the park. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.

Winter Terrace Dinner

Kick off the weekend with an early, atmospheric dinner at Het Amsterdamse Winterterras.

This cozy event offers a delightful setting with various tasty dishes and drinks, and an atmospheric program. It's a wonderful way to ease into the weekend as a family.

The Winterterras runs from November 14-30, 2025. While specific kids' activities aren't detailed, the overall atmosphere is generally family-friendly, especially at this early evening time. Food options will likely cater to diverse tastes. Restrooms on site. Duration: 1.5-2 hours. Good indoor option for a potentially chilly evening.

NEMO Science Discovery

Dive into the interactive world of science at the NEMO Science Museum, a truly engaging experience for children of all ages.

With five floors of hands-on exhibits, kids can experiment, discover, and learn about physics, technology, and human biology in a playful way. It's a fantastic indoor activity perfect for a November day.

Highly recommended for ages 3-12. Features include chain reaction demonstrations, a lab for experiments (timeslot reservation required for NEMO Studio), and a rooftop terrace (weather permitting). The museum is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, with lockers available. Allow 3-4 hours. It can get busy on weekends, so arriving at opening is recommended. Children under 3 enter free.

Harbor View Lunch

After a morning of science, enjoy a casual family lunch with views of the Oosterdok harbor.

There are cafes and eateries around NEMO, or you could bring a packed lunch to enjoy by the water if the weather is mild. Alternatively, the NEMO café offers kid-friendly options.

Kid-friendly options often include sandwiches, soups, and simple hot meals. Restrooms are available at NEMO. Budget-friendly options can be found if you explore outside the immediate museum area. Duration: 1 hour.

IJ-Hallen Treasure Hunt

Embark on a unique treasure hunt at the IJ-Hallen Flea Market, Europe's largest flea market.

Held indoors, it's a perfect activity for any weather. Kids will love searching for interesting trinkets, vintage toys, or unique clothes. It’s an adventure in itself, with thousands of stalls to explore.

Open Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16, 2025. It's a vast indoor space, great for active kids who enjoy exploring. Encourage them to find a 'treasure' for a small budget. Restrooms available. Stroller access is generally good, but it can get crowded. Duration: 2-3 hours.

Museumplein Ice Skating

Experience the festive winter atmosphere with ice skating at the iconic Ice Rink on Museumplein.

With the Rijksmuseum as a stunning backdrop, it's a truly magical winter activity for the whole family, suitable for both beginners and experienced skaters.

The ice rink is open daily from November 8, 2025, to January 30, 2026. Skates can be rented on-site. Warm clothing is essential. Perfect for children aged 3-12, with assistance available for younger skaters. Restrooms and food stalls are usually available around the rink. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.

Sinterklaas Welcome Parade

Join the excitement of Amsterdam's official Sinterklaas Arrival & Parade!

Sinterklaas, the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus, arrives by boat in Amsterdam's harbor and then parades through the city on his white horse, accompanied by his Pieten helpers who throw cookies and candies to children. It's a vibrant, free, and quintessential Dutch tradition that kids will absolutely love.

This is a major cultural event, so expect large crowds. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially along the canals. Perfect for all ages, especially 3-8 year olds who are captivated by Sinterklaas. Bring snacks and drinks. Public restrooms can be scarce along the route. Strollers are manageable but challenging in very dense crowds. Duration: 2-3 hours for viewing a portion of the parade.

Cultural Journeys at Tropenmuseum Junior

After the Sinterklaas festivities, embark on a cultural journey at Tropenmuseum Junior (now part of Wereldmuseum Amsterdam).

This interactive museum is specifically designed for children aged 5-12, allowing them to explore world cultures through hands-on activities, stories, and engaging exhibitions like 'Sabi Suriname' or 'Feest! Wereldwijd'. It’s an enriching and inspiring indoor experience.

Ideal for children aged 5-12. The museum encourages touching, experiencing, and participating. Restrooms and a museum cafe are available. Stroller accessible. The 'Raad van de Raaf' (Council of the Raven) is a permanent Junior exhibition. Duration: 2-3 hours. A great alternative to being outdoors if the weather is poor.

Relaxed Family Dinner

Wind down the weekend with an early, relaxed family dinner at a kid-friendly restaurant in the city.

Look for places offering children's menus or family platters, allowing for a cozy end to a busy weekend before preparing for the school week ahead.

Many restaurants in Amsterdam offer early dining options and are accommodating to families. Seek out places known for their relaxed atmosphere and good value. Confirm child-friendly facilities like high chairs and changing tables when booking or arriving. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.