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Amsterdam
World-renowned for its architecture, canals, museums such as the Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank’s house, Amsterdam is full of interesting places to see. Due to its relatively small size it is possible to discover and ‘know’ the capital city of Van Gogh’s homeland on a short stay. The city can also entertain the whole family for longer holidays: riding pedalos along the canals or cycling in the streets of the city, picnicking in one of the superb parks or visiting a windmill. Amsterdam offers many different types of activities which will delight parents and children alike.
Novotel Amsterdam City
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Amsterdam.
Novotel Amsterdam City
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Amsterdam.
1,400
There are over 1,400 bridges in Amsterdam, the best known being the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) which featured in the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever.
2.02
The narrowest house in Europe is in Amsterdam. Its façade is only 2.02m wide. The house is 6m long.
7,000
A city with unique architectural beauty, Amsterdam has around 7,000 listed buildings.
Kids’voyage’s special treats
The National Centre for Science (NEMO)
Interactive equipment and educational demonstrations make this a special treat for families in Amsterdam, whether they’re locals or visitors. As soon as they’re through the doors, children love the place: they rush from one activity to another in less time than it takes their parents to read the signs! They can sail remote-controlled boats, play at being chemists, or learn about the water cycle. Then relax together with a drink on the terrace and admire breathtaking views of the city.
Oosterdok 2, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 531 3233
Open Tuesday to Sunday (10am to 5pm) and every day in June, July and August
The Molen Van Stoten Windmill
The Molen Van Stoten Windmill is one of the closest to Amsterdam that you can visit. It’s still active and friendly guides explain to parents and children how windmills work. You may even have the chance to ask the miller himself how to position the mill, how the canvas is set on the sails or how to stop the machinery.
Akerluis 10, Amsterdam-Stoten – Tel: (+31) 20 669 0412
Open every day from 10am. The last visit begins at 4.30pm
TunFun
For rainy days and for when you’re ‘museumed out’, TunFun is the ideal place for the kids to unwind and have fun. Trampolines, climbing walls, laser shooting galleries, ‘swimming’ pools filled with plastic balls, indoor football and toboggans are all popular attractions. Children rule here – and entrance is free for adults!
Under Mr. Visserplein, Amsterdam – Tel: +31 20 689 4300
Open every day from 10am to 6pm
Interactive equipment and educational demonstrations make this a special treat for families in Amsterdam, whether they’re locals or visitors. As soon as they’re through the doors, children love the place: they rush from one activity to another in less time than it takes their parents to read the signs! They can sail remote-controlled boats, play at being chemists, or learn about the water cycle. Then relax together with a drink on the terrace and admire breathtaking views of the city.
Oosterdok 2, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 531 3233
Open Tuesday to Sunday (10am to 5pm) and every day in June, July and August
The Molen Van Stoten Windmill
The Molen Van Stoten Windmill is one of the closest to Amsterdam that you can visit. It’s still active and friendly guides explain to parents and children how windmills work. You may even have the chance to ask the miller himself how to position the mill, how the canvas is set on the sails or how to stop the machinery.
Akerluis 10, Amsterdam-Stoten – Tel: (+31) 20 669 0412
Open every day from 10am. The last visit begins at 4.30pm
TunFun
For rainy days and for when you’re ‘museumed out’, TunFun is the ideal place for the kids to unwind and have fun. Trampolines, climbing walls, laser shooting galleries, ‘swimming’ pools filled with plastic balls, indoor football and toboggans are all popular attractions. Children rule here – and entrance is free for adults!
Under Mr. Visserplein, Amsterdam – Tel: +31 20 689 4300
Open every day from 10am to 6pm
Museums and exhibitions
The Tropical Museum
This museum gives you the chance to travel through time and global lifestyles thanks to artefacts gathered from the Netherlands’ former colonies, all in extremely realistic settings. During weekends younger children can colour, fold and build paper models in an area specially reserved for them, while 6-to-12-year-olds old can go on a special trail. Indonesian streets, African villages, Syrian souks or Buddhist temples – all await our modern-day adventurers!
Linnaeustraat 2, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 568 8200
Open every day from 10am to 5pm
Madame Tussauds
Possibly the most entertaining way to learn the history of the Netherlands…plus you can take a photo of your parents next to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie or pose with Spiderman, Kylie Minogue or Ronaldinho. One of the top attractions is being able to set foot on the Black Pearl and pay Captain Jack Sparrow a visit!
Dam 20, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 523 0623
Open every day from 10am to 5.30pm
The Van Gogh Museum
It’s impossible to ignore Vincent Van Gogh when you visit Amsterdam, and this museum owns more of the artist’s works than anywhere else in the world. Because of his style, his colours, and the subjects he painted, Van Gogh’s works appeal to children, and the museum organises workshops where they can create their own ‘masterpieces’, as well as try the Vincent Van Gogh Treasure Hunt. They’ll also learn about the artist’s life and work thanks to a special audio presentation designed specifically for the young.
Paulus Potterstraat 7, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 570 5200
Open every day from 10am to 6pm except Fridays (10am to 10pm)
This museum gives you the chance to travel through time and global lifestyles thanks to artefacts gathered from the Netherlands’ former colonies, all in extremely realistic settings. During weekends younger children can colour, fold and build paper models in an area specially reserved for them, while 6-to-12-year-olds old can go on a special trail. Indonesian streets, African villages, Syrian souks or Buddhist temples – all await our modern-day adventurers!
Linnaeustraat 2, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 568 8200
Open every day from 10am to 5pm
Madame Tussauds
Possibly the most entertaining way to learn the history of the Netherlands…plus you can take a photo of your parents next to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie or pose with Spiderman, Kylie Minogue or Ronaldinho. One of the top attractions is being able to set foot on the Black Pearl and pay Captain Jack Sparrow a visit!
Dam 20, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 523 0623
Open every day from 10am to 5.30pm
The Van Gogh Museum
It’s impossible to ignore Vincent Van Gogh when you visit Amsterdam, and this museum owns more of the artist’s works than anywhere else in the world. Because of his style, his colours, and the subjects he painted, Van Gogh’s works appeal to children, and the museum organises workshops where they can create their own ‘masterpieces’, as well as try the Vincent Van Gogh Treasure Hunt. They’ll also learn about the artist’s life and work thanks to a special audio presentation designed specifically for the young.
Paulus Potterstraat 7, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 570 5200
Open every day from 10am to 6pm except Fridays (10am to 10pm)
Some good places for a family meal
Moeder’s Mooiste
Children are welcome in this restaurant where they have their own playroom. Parents can eat while keeping an eye on them through a large glass partition.
Marie Heinekenplein 5-8, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 379 0888
Open every day
Het Kinderkookkafé
Absolutely unique! The only place where children not only eat but cook and serve as well. With the help of two adults in cooking workshops, children can prepare the meal on Saturdays and bake cookies and tarts for tea on Sundays.
Vondelpark 6b, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 625 3257
Open Saturdays from 3.30pm to 8pm and Sundays from 2.30pm to 6pm
The Pancake Bakery
Pancakes are usually a hit when feeding kids. This restaurant offers a wide choice of toppings – even the fussiest will find something they like!
Prinsengracht 191, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 625 1333
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels in Amsterdam wish you an excellent stay.
Children are welcome in this restaurant where they have their own playroom. Parents can eat while keeping an eye on them through a large glass partition.
Marie Heinekenplein 5-8, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 379 0888
Open every day
Het Kinderkookkafé
Absolutely unique! The only place where children not only eat but cook and serve as well. With the help of two adults in cooking workshops, children can prepare the meal on Saturdays and bake cookies and tarts for tea on Sundays.
Vondelpark 6b, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 625 3257
Open Saturdays from 3.30pm to 8pm and Sundays from 2.30pm to 6pm
The Pancake Bakery
Pancakes are usually a hit when feeding kids. This restaurant offers a wide choice of toppings – even the fussiest will find something they like!
Prinsengracht 191, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 625 1333
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels in Amsterdam wish you an excellent stay.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Artis Zoo
An entertaining day for the whole family – guaranteed! The zoo houses more than 8,000 animals including lions, giraffes, monkeys and other jungle-dwellers, but Artis is particularly noted for its ability to bring visitors as close as possible to the animals. In the children’s garden you can even pet the animals as they wander around. The Artis Zoo also contains a planetarium, an aquarium, a zoological museum and a children’s playground. All in one place!
Plantage Kerklan 40, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 523 3400
Every day from 9am to 5pm (6pm on summer weekdays, and sunset during summer weekends)
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is considered to be Amsterdam’s very own Central Park. The most visited park in the city, it’s the perfect place to enjoy jogging, picnicking, open-air theatre and concerts. It’s a must for the whole family as it’s particularly suitable for children: there are six play areas including the largest towards Groot Melkhuis. Children can also learn to use rollerblades, or eat pancakes while waiting for the free Wednesday afternoon show specially designed for them.
Stadhouderskade, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 678 1678
Open every day
Cycling and pedalo trips
It’s a real pleasure to discover Amsterdam on two wheels – so why not take a family outing on bicycles? Rented bikes are particularly suited to families (available with a seat for a young child) and are sure to give you all a good time in the fresh air. Sticking with pedals, but this time on water: pedalo trips on Amsterdam’s canals are a popular tourist activity, and an original way to see the city (and burn off the children’s energy!).
All over the city
An entertaining day for the whole family – guaranteed! The zoo houses more than 8,000 animals including lions, giraffes, monkeys and other jungle-dwellers, but Artis is particularly noted for its ability to bring visitors as close as possible to the animals. In the children’s garden you can even pet the animals as they wander around. The Artis Zoo also contains a planetarium, an aquarium, a zoological museum and a children’s playground. All in one place!
Plantage Kerklan 40, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 523 3400
Every day from 9am to 5pm (6pm on summer weekdays, and sunset during summer weekends)
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is considered to be Amsterdam’s very own Central Park. The most visited park in the city, it’s the perfect place to enjoy jogging, picnicking, open-air theatre and concerts. It’s a must for the whole family as it’s particularly suitable for children: there are six play areas including the largest towards Groot Melkhuis. Children can also learn to use rollerblades, or eat pancakes while waiting for the free Wednesday afternoon show specially designed for them.
Stadhouderskade, Amsterdam – Tel: (+31) 20 678 1678
Open every day
Cycling and pedalo trips
It’s a real pleasure to discover Amsterdam on two wheels – so why not take a family outing on bicycles? Rented bikes are particularly suited to families (available with a seat for a young child) and are sure to give you all a good time in the fresh air. Sticking with pedals, but this time on water: pedalo trips on Amsterdam’s canals are a popular tourist activity, and an original way to see the city (and burn off the children’s energy!).
All over the city