Weekend in Amsterdam
This budget-friendly itinerary combines Amsterdam's best free parks and community experiences with engaging, worthwhile ticketed attractions designed to delight children and create lasting family memories. We've included opportunities for active play, cultural discovery, animal encounters, and delicious family meals, all while keeping a keen eye on value and convenience for families.
Friday Evening - Kids' Theatre & Parkside Dinner
Friday, October 3Musical Adventure
Immerse yourselves in the magical world of 'Prinses Arabella – de musical', a new musical family show bringing the beloved princess to life with color, fun, and music.
Suitable for children aged 5 and up, this is a perfect early evening cultural treat.
Ideal for children 5+ who enjoy lively storytelling and music. The theater is known for youth productions and is located within the Westergas cultural park. There are restrooms available, and the venue is generally stroller-accessible in common areas. The show duration is typically around 1 hour.
Theater de Krakeling is accessible by public transport (various trams and buses to Westerpark area) or by bike. Parking is available nearby but can be paid and limited.
Parkside Dinner
Enjoy an early family-friendly dinner at De Vondeltuin, a lovely restaurant located within Vondelpark, known for its terrace overlooking a playground.
It offers a special children's menu, including 'Pirate and Princess pasta.'
This spot is perfect for unwinding after the musical, allowing kids to play on the adjacent playground while waiting for food. The early timing is considerate of young children's bedtimes. Restrooms and high chairs are available, and the park location means plenty of space for strollers.
Vondelpark is centrally located and easily reachable by trams 2, 5, 12, 13, or 17 to Leidseplein, followed by a short walk. Parking near Vondelpark can be challenging and expensive; public transport or cycling is recommended.
Saturday - Science & Play Adventure Day
Saturday, October 4NEMO Science Fun
Dive into a day of discovery at the NEMO Science Museum, the Netherlands' largest science center, offering five interactive floors packed with hands-on experiments and live demonstrations.
Kids can build bridges, play with waterworks, generate electricity, and even step inside a giant soap bubble.
This museum is ideal for children aged 5-12, sparking curiosity through engaging activities in physics, engineering, biology, and chemistry. Lockers are available for a small fee (0.50 euros). The rooftop terrace offers city views, though it's closed until Spring 2025. Plan for 2-3 hours of exploration. The museum is wheelchair accessible.
NEMO is a 14-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Public transport (bus or tram) also serves the area. Paid parking is available at nearby Oosterdok Parking Garage.
Market Lunch & Stroll
After a morning of science, head to the Noordermarkt Organic Farmers Market for a delicious and affordable family lunch.
Browse stalls offering organic produce, fresh bread, cheese, and street food like pancakes and warm snacks.
This market is a vibrant experience for all ages, with plenty of free nibbles and affordable treats for lunch. Kids will enjoy the lively atmosphere and variety of foods. There are cafes surrounding the market, including Winkel 43, famous for its apple pie. Restrooms are available in nearby cafes.
Located in the Jordaan district, Noordermarkt is about a 10-minute walk from Westerkerk/Anne Frank House. It's easily accessible by various tram lines. Parking in the Jordaan is difficult; public transport or cycling is recommended.
Amstelpark Adventure
Spend the afternoon exploring Amstelpark, a large green oasis offering a maze, mini-golf, a city farm, and a spacious playground with fun attractions like a mini-train ride and bumper boats.
Perfect for energetic kids, the Amstelpark provides diverse activities to keep children engaged for hours. The mini-train (approximately €3) is a highlight, offering a relaxing 15-minute ride through the park. The petting zoo features goats and pot-bellied pigs. Facilities include restrooms and food kiosks. Good for all ages, especially 3-12.
Amstelpark is easily accessible by public transport, a few minutes' walk from the Rai station. Limited paid parking is available.
Chill Dinner & Treat
Conclude your adventurous Saturday with a relaxed, early dinner at a child-friendly spot or an ice cream treat.
Consider a visit to the Foodhallen for a variety of international dishes in a vibrant indoor setting, great for rainy days.
Foodhallen offers a wide array of choices to satisfy various tastes, perfect for families. It's an excellent indoor option if weather is poor. Plenty of space, restrooms, and a lively atmosphere. Alternatively, a quiet family cafe with a play corner can provide a calm end to the day.
Foodhallen is easily reached by tram lines 7 or 17. Paid parking garages are available in the vicinity.
Sunday - Relaxed Explorations
Sunday, October 5Petting Farm Fun
Start your Sunday with a visit to Kinderboerderij De Pijp, a charming city farm (petting zoo) that offers free entry.
Children can interact with ponies, donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. They sometimes offer pony rides and craft activities.
This free activity is wonderful for young animal lovers, providing a taste of farm life in the city. It's smaller, so a visit usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour. There are restrooms and some indoor shelter with space to draw. Can get busy on weekends, so arriving earlier is ideal for a more peaceful experience.
From Museum Square, it's a 20-minute walk southeast into De Pijp. Accessible by tram (e.g., lines 3 or 12 to Ferdinand Bolstraat). Paid street parking is available but can be scarce.
Rijksmuseum & Play
Engage with art and history at the Rijksmuseum, where children up to 18 years old enjoy free entry.
The museum offers various family activities, including treasure hunts and interactive games designed to make art accessible and fun for kids.
This activity offers cultural enrichment without breaking the bank for families. The museum provides activity packs and guided family tours. For kids needing to burn off energy, the large fountain outside on Museumplein is a popular spot to play, especially on warmer days. Restrooms and facilities for strollers are readily available. Recommended for all ages, with special content for 3-12.
The Rijksmuseum is located on Museumplein, easily reached by numerous tram lines (e.g., 2, 5, 12) to Rijksmuseum stop. Paid parking is available in nearby garages.
Vondelpark Playground
Wind down the weekend with some free play at one of Vondelpark's fantastic playgrounds.
The playground near Groot Melkhuis is a favorite, featuring ample space for running around, climbing structures, and often a bouncy castle on good weather days.
This activity is perfect for letting kids expend their last bits of energy before the school week. Parents can relax at the nearby Groot Melkhuis cafe. The playground is fenced in, offering a safe environment. Public restrooms are available, and the area is stroller-friendly.
Vondelpark is easily accessible via public transport or by bike. Various tram lines stop at the park's edges.
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