Amsterdam with kids

If the kids dismiss art museums as boring, here’s a chance to change their minds: with his swirling brushstrokes and ear-splicing antics, Van Gogh’s far from dull. A family audio-guide gives the scoop on his greatest works, and sharp-eyed sleuths will relish the interactive Treasure Hunt. Entry’s free for under-18s, but book tickets online to avoid temper-testing queues.

Best explored by bike, this stately park’s dotted with slides, swings and playgrounds – including a secret woodland fort with ladders and aerial walkways. At the south-western end of the park, rustic café-bar De Vondeltuin is great for all ages, with its tot-friendly sandpit and climbing frames to clamber up. Order snacks and toasties at the counter, then head for the sunny terrace.

This tranquil, family-friendly beach is found in leafy Sloterpark, in Amsterdam’s Niew-West district.

With designated zones for swimming, volleyball equipment and picnic tables, it’s easy to while away a day here– especially if you combine the beach with a bike ride around the park’s trails.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam in winter, it’s wise to prepare for a spot of rain. And what better indoor activity to have up your sleeve than a scientific playground? NEMO Science Museum hosts hands-on exhibitions that explore tech, chemistry, anatomy, the universe, and everything in between. Don’t miss the Chain Reaction live demo that brings the Mousetrap board game to life.

Discerning parents love this handsome shop, set on the edge of De Pijp. It sidesteps throwaway plastic in favour of traditional toys, from lambswool knitted bears to pastel-painted stacking sets. There are pocket-money trinkets too (think sticker sets and pirate eye-patches), along with chic essentials like bibs and bamboo bowls. Upscale clothes add to the appeal, from knitted baby bonnets to Bonton dungarees.

If you’ve worked up an appetite in nearby Vondelpark, refuel at this charming café. Follow the regulars’ example and order a Benny Boy: poached eggs, bacon and potato hash, laced with hollandaise. Children are made welcome with a toy-filled play corner, and mini-portions of pancakes or eggs cost a mere €3. ‘Eat well, do good’ is the motto here; all profits go to charity.

Brunch is a pleasingly decadent affair at this cosy neighbourhood café, set on one of Oud-West’s prettiest streets. There’s a toddler-friendly sofa by the window, and a long communal table for larger broods. The menu runs from buttery brioche French toast to triple-decker croque monsieurs. Even the eggs benedict arrive on a croissant, though cereal, fruit and soft-boiled eggs cater to simpler tastes.

Ward off any hangry meltdowns by staying within reach of one of The Butcher’s rightly popular burger joints. If you’re planning ahead, book at the Albert Cuyp speakeasy-style branch. Upon arrival you’ll be asked for your password and escorted to the secret room out back. Or take the ferry to the A’DAM Tower for ping-pong and pinball with your grub. Wherever you end up, there’s a kids' menu on offer.

 

After a morning’s art appreciation at Museumplein, take a detour to this cult ice-cream parlour, set a few blocks south of Vondelpark. Ingredients are exactingly sourced and flavours off the scale, from heady Sicilian pistachio to zingy passionfruit sorbet. Sample one of the signature scoops (the honey and fig is sublime) or keep it simple with a cone of creamy Dutch strawberry.

Blond started out as a cute ceramics brand, before branching out with an equally sweet café. Its bijou HQ in De Pijp ticks every Instagram box with its pink façade, seasonal flowers and dainty glass cake-stands. Treat wide-eyed tweens to a mug of wickedly rich hot chocolate, or a slice of the pink velvet cake. It also serves sensible toasties and soups, but where’s the fun in that?

Get the whole family into the full festive spirit with a visit to Amsterdam Winterparadijs. Winter activities abound with ice skating, tube sliding and curling, plus traditional Dutch games. If you want a more gezellig experience (think cosy comfort), settle into the winter cinema or toast marshmallows on an open fire. Finish your day with a ride on the Ferris wheel to see the city from on high. From 21 to 30 December 2018.

Amsterdam’s annual Light Festival sees its streets and waterways illuminated with enchanting light installations from around the world. Teasers for this year hint at inflatable structures stretched over canals and 3D blueprints. Take a self-guided tour on bike or foot or book a boat ride to get a view from the canals. Either way kids will be captivated by the bright and the beautiful.

Covering almost 1,000 hectares, Amsterdamse Bos is a welcome retreat from the bustling city centre. Spot Highland cows and birds of prey, or take the kids to meet kids of another kind at the goat farm. There’s an outdoor playground to burn off excess energy, too. Snow forecast? Join locals sledging down de heuvel before refuelling with Dutch pancakes at Boerderij Meerzicht.