Enjoying The Family Friendly Side Of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a rich culture, but too often it’s associated with its less savory side: drug culture and the red light district. Don’t let this discourage you from visiting with family, though. There’s plenty in Amsterdam for folks of all ages to enjoy. From the many museums to rides on the canal and bike tours, these 4 great activities are just the start when it comes to visiting Amsterdam.

The Incredible Van Gogh Museum

Many families are intimidated by the notion of taking kids to a museum and with good reason – museums are often quiet, full of delicate things, and kids find them boring. This isn’t the case at the Van Gogh Museum, though. Here, Van Gogh’s engaging and accessible art comes alive. A graphic space that’s as much about art as about dreams and ambition, this museum is not to be missed.

A Floating Floral Fantasy

Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt – Dutch for Flower Market – isn’t just your average outdoor shopping experience. Rather, it’s the world’s only floating flower market. Here you’ll find an array of plantlife and even if you can’t take fresh flowers back home with you, it’s worth a visit. Plus there are plenty of little souvenirs available. Everyone in your travel party will be completely taken by the experience of a floating green market.

Experience Anne Frank’s Legacy

The Anne Frank House is a popular destination for people of all ages who are interested in Holocaust history and the story of a brave young girl. Be sure to plan ahead in terms of tickets though – Anne Frank House visits are often sold out months in advance.

You also need to be careful about what kind of tour you book. The Anne Frank House happens to be located near Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District and the tours are often combined. Keep an eye on the kids when you’re in this area of Amsterdam as well as any family members dealing with drug addiction as temptation can beckon on an otherwise wholesome trip.

Play Hard At Vondelpark

There may not be a playground anywhere else on earth that can stand up to Amsterdam’s Vondelpark. What makes Vondelpark so special? Stretching to 116 acres, Vondelpark features a duck pond, numerous unique play structures, sandpits, and even a cafe for moms and dads. Plus, if you’re visiting in the summer, Vondelpark is known to host kid friendly shows.

If you’ve got a little extra time to spare, Vondelpark is also near the Amsterdamse Bos, a small goat farm and petting zoo. The kids can feed the goats and engage with the animals – it’s a great place to spend the day.

Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a rich history and one not to be missed. So book a flight and pack your bags – there’s so much to see that we guarantee you’ll leave with plans to come back again soon.