May holiday Amsterdam tips for children, May holiday outings Amsterdam with children, things to do with children Amsterdam
© Your Little Black Book
Day out with children Spring Day Out Family Friendly Activities & Sights The Netherlands Amsterdam

Danique

 

May 2, 2026
May 2, 2026

31 Things to do with kids during the May holidays in Amsterdam

Whether it rains or the sun shines: with these tips, the May holidays in Amsterdam with kids are guaranteed to be a success.

Looking for fun outings in Amsterdam during the May holidays? Then read on for great things to do with the kids! Whether you are looking for a creative outing, a day of romping around outdoors, or a nice museum To discover, Amsterdam is bursting at the seams with child-friendly activities during the May holidays. For rainy days, there are plenty of great places to go on an adventure indoors. And if the sun is shining? Then head out to a city farm, playground Or the park. In this list, you'll find the best tips for things to do with kids and more outings for the May holidays in Amsterdam. Have fun!

 | TIP: A last-minute night away with the whole family? Check here nice family hotels in Amsterdam or for best hotels with children throughout the Netherlands.

Follow @yourlbb on Instagram

Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢

Straight from the airport to this little place to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉 <3

In Taipei, you go to a Soy Milk Shop for breakfast. Warm soy milk to eat in a bowl, and steam baskets with the tastiest dumplings and baozi. You can really wake me up for this kind of breakfast. These local breakfast spots come in all shapes and sizes, from Michelin-recommended spots to hole-in-the-wall stalls.

Most soy milk shops open early (and sometimes even 24 hours a day), and these are the dishes you want to try:
🥄 Warm soy milk
🥢 Soup dumplings (you can often choose between pork and veggies)
🥢 Pork baozi
🥢 Youtiao (油條 - a kind of fried donut stick)
🥢 Youtiao (油條) w/ pork floss & rice
🥢 Turnip cake
🥢 Chives pancake
🥢 Scallion pancake

TIP: Sharing is a good idea to taste as much as possible, because the portions are (often) large.

You'll want to remember these soy milk shops for your future trip to Taipei:
📍Fuhang Soy Milk
📍Soy Milk Shop
📍Yong He Soya Milk King (Da'an)
📍Sihai Soy Milk

I am currently touring Taiwan, and you can also find all the tips in my Stories Highlight.

Have you ever been to Taiwan? I'm curious if you thought it was *that* amazing!

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

#taipeifood #taipeitravel #TaiwanWavesOfWonder #ExperienceTaiwan @taiwantoerisme #presstrip

{ In this Taiwan Travel Guide video, I share my favorite breakfast spots in Taipei for an authentic Taiwanese breakfast }

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18114837760796928
Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉

Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away.

During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies, where there is plenty to do.

• A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea.

· Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round.

· Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting.

Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold right now, but there is plenty to do.

• The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!).

Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure.

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

{ In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18097073803922476
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }

PUUR YONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer.

Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese.
I spent the whole evening reading and flipping through the pages.

WHAT A BOOK.
What stories.
WHAT AN ODE.

Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being.

Everything passes by, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert.

With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043.

Thanks for the lovely afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚

PURE JONNIE,
From 14 April
at your local bookstore
(and online)

🖊️ @anne_de_buck

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18015575372841444
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck

This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢

@tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality.
It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3.

In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds.

Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

{ one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

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Open post by yourlbb with ID 18085552346348965
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

31 Things to Do with Kids & Fun Outings in Amsterdam during the May Holidays

Everything about the May holidays at ARTIS (and what you don't want to miss!)

As far as we are concerned, ARTIS is the place in Amsterdam where you can easily keep the kids entertained for a whole day during the May holidays. This year, the May holidays are entirely dedicated to the breeding season, with the egg expedition as the highlight. The 'Eitje op wielen' (Egg on Wheels) cargo bike, filled with special eggs—from tiny to surprisingly large—rides through the park. Children can view them up close, sometimes even touch them, and discover which animal belongs to them. Additionally, you will learn more about birds while spotting in the Dutch Polder and hear stories about how animals build and protect their nests.

Even more fun things to do at ARTIS during the May holidays

  • Have you seen the elephant calves yet? Now that the weather is getting nice, Mook Uhm and Yuki are going outside more and more often! I continue to find this extra special, because for the first time, two elephant calves can be seen at ARTIS at the same time. During the May holidays, you can go on an adventure with a WWF ranger during Expedition Elephant. Will you manage to crack the elephant code? More info >>
  • Spring at ARTIS might just be my favorite season. The borders full of blooming flowers and the blossom trees near the flamingos never get old. Can your kids name the flowers yet?
  • Where the lions were kept for years, you will now find the renovated Kerbert Terrace, reminiscent of Madagascar. Spot the cheerful ring-tailed lemurs and red ruffed lemurs, and don't forget to look up at the tunnel spanning over the enclosures. More info >>
  • Also fun with the kids: the storytelling morning at the ARTIS Planetarium. During the May holidays, stories from children's books about stars and planets are read aloud daily at 10:30 AM. It is a quiet moment to sit together and let yourself be transported into stories about the universe. Following this, the children's film Planeet Sok is screened at 11:00 AM, taking you one step further into space. This break is also perfect for when the weather isn't so nice. More info >>

Have you ever been to the ARTIS-Groote Museum?

If you are visiting ARTIS with slightly older children, the ARTIS-Groote Museum is also highly recommended. Especially if you are looking for something that is both educational and fun (and also perfect for a rainy moment in between). Anyone who hasn't seen the *Dichtbij Tanja* exhibition yet can still catch it during the May holidays. This really is the last chance!

  • ARTIS-Groote Museum: exhibition Close to Tanja (until May 25): about Amsterdam's most famous hippopotamus, about whom you as a parent might also have memories yourself, and the special relationship between humans and animals. More info >>
  • Tanja Tour, a scavenger hunt for the whole family (until May 25): discover the similarities between humans and hippos while searching. More info >>
  • Draw Tanja or other taxidermied animals (through May 25): take a seat at the drawing table and look at the animals with a fresh perspective by examining them through drawing. More info >>

TIP: with an ARTIS PASS you can also visit ARTIS Micropia

Here is another great tip for families: if your children love exploring (and you are looking for an extra indoor activity), ARTIS Micropia is a super fun addition. Here is what you can do during the May holidays:

  • The Lab Technician Tells: learn how microbes influence entire ecosystems and how the tiniest life is connected to one of the largest land animals in the world. Daily at 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30. More info >>
  • Micro Mission: during this interactive activity, children discover, while solving puzzles, how microbes play a major role in oxygen production on Earth. In a playful way, they learn more about something you cannot see, but is all around you. Available from April 25 to May 3, 2026. More info >>
Things to do in Amsterdam with kids during the May holidays

© ARTIS, Edwin Butter

May holidays at the OBA

The OBA is a place we love to visit to borrow books for home. But during the May holidays, the OBA is much more than just a library. From April 18 to May 3, there is plenty to do, from children's book parties and family performances to creative workshops. For instance, kids can make their own 'fun bird' from old materials and discover how to create something new from items that would otherwise be thrown away. For slightly older children, the NewTechKids Bootcamp is highly recommended, where they learn how to build and program their own robot. Whether you come to create, learn, or just read: there is plenty of fun to be had.

When: OBA Amsterdam
Where: April 18 to May 3, 2026
For more information, please visit the website: oba.nl

Taking the kids to the theater

During the May holidays, there are plenty of fun family shows on the agenda again. Perfect for an afternoon out together, especially if the weather isn't cooperating or if you're in the mood for something cultural.

Wiz

In The Wiz, you journey along with Dorothy, who lands in the magical land of Oz after a tornado. Together with her new friends, she follows the Yellow Brick Path in search of the wizard. This show is full of music, colorful costumes, and well-known songs. An energetic musical that is fun for the whole family.

Where: DeLaMar Theater, Amsterdam
When: April 25 & 26, 2026
More info & tickets: delamar.nl

Alice in Wonderland 

Theater Terra brings the famous story of Alice to life in a performance full of fantasy. When she chases a white rabbit, she finds herself in a world with extraordinary characters such as the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.

Where: DeLaMar Theater, Amsterdam
When: May 3, 2026
More info & tickets: delamar.nl

| TIP: Looking for more fun outings in the Netherlands during the May holidays? Check out the YLBB shortlist here with 19 Fun Things to Do with Kids Throughout the Netherlands During the May Holidays >>

More things to do with the kids during the May holidays in Amsterdam 

TonTon Club North

At the new TonTon Club location in Noord, you can combine an afternoon of playing games with delicious food. From arcade games and pinball machines to playing a competitive game together, this is a place that is fun for both children and parents. Meanwhile, order Asian comfort food to share, such as dumplings, buns, and noodles. Exactly the kind of holiday outing that goes down well with kids aged six and up.
Aambeeldstraat 28, Amsterdam – tontonclub.nl 

SoundLAB

In the SoundLAB, children discover the magic of music in a completely new way. During interactive workshops, they get to work themselves with crazy, funny, and unique instruments. Everything can be tried out! Highly recommended for curious children who want to discover how sound works and make music themselves.
When: April 26 & check the website for more dates.
Where: Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, Amsterdam
For more information, please visit the website: muziekgebouw.nl

ART ZOO MUSEUM 

You will find it in the middle of the city. Art Zoo Museum, a place where art and nature come together in the beautiful 17th-century canal house De Cromhouthuizen. Here, you look around among animals that are so realistic it almost feels as if they could move at any moment. The works are created by Darwin, Sinke & Van Tongeren, artists who use traditional taxidermy (the preparation of animals) to showcase the beauty and fragility of nature in unique wunderkammers. All animals died naturally and were brought to life with great care in their work. Tip: after your visit, you can enjoy a drink in the monumental courtyard.
Herengracht 368, Amsterdam

Book tickets

May holiday Amsterdam tips for children, May holiday outings Amsterdam with children, things to do with children Amsterdam

ART ZOO MUSEUM © Your Little Black Book

More outings with children during the May holidays in Amsterdam

Royal Palace Amsterdam 

If you are in Amsterdam during the May holidays, the Royal Palace on Dam Square is a tip to add to your list. Because did you know that kids up to and including 18 years old can visit all year round? free admission to the Palace Can you, including a fun audio tour? For younger children, there's the Prince Louis treasure hunt. For older children, there's an exciting search for the stolen peace branch. As a reward, there's a fun surprise waiting at the end of the tour to take home! 

Prince Louis (ages 5-8): Children are guided on this tour by Prince Louis, son of King Louis Napoleon. He tells them about the building and how his father transformed Amsterdam City Hall into a palace in 1808. Each child also participates in a sticker scavenger hunt with this audio tour.

Jacob's Adventure (ages 9 – 12): With this interactive audio tour, you travel 350 years back in time. Something terrible has happened… the branch of peace has been stolen! Who did this and why? Join Jacob on an adventure. Along the way, you will discover all sorts of things about the art and history of the building.
Where: Royal Palace on Dam Square
When: through April 19 & from April 26 (except May 4)

Book tickets

 | PS: Not necessarily for kids, but certainly very special are the tours on May 5th about the Palace during World War II, where you discover a side of the building you probably don't know yet. Do make a reservation, as spots are limited. Want to know more or plan your visit immediately? Check out our comprehensive article here >>

Fun things to do during the May holidays in Amsterdam, outings during the May holidays in Amsterdam

The Palace on Dam Square © Your Little Black Book

More outings with children during the May holidays in Amsterdam

Picking tulips at the picking garden

In the mood for a colorful outing just outside the city? At the Pluktuin in Nes aan de Amstel, you can pick your own tulips and put together your own bouquet during the May holidays. Make it extra fun by painting your own little vase to put your freshly picked tulips in right away.

Where: The Picking Garden, Nes a/d Amstel
When: April 25 to May 3 (the Pick-Your-Own Garden is closed on April 27 and 28)
For more information, please visit the website: pluktuinamstelveen.nl

Want to visit more fun pick-your-own gardens? View 4 pick-your-own gardens in the Amsterdam area here >>

May holiday AMS

© De Pluktuin, Amstelveen

The best things to do in the Amsterdam Forest during the May holidays with the kids 

Take a trip with the Whispering Finch 

Yes, you can step aboard the Fluistervink in the Amsterdamse Bos again. It is one of the most relaxed ways to discover the nature surrounding the city without having to do a thing yourself. During this silent cruise, you sail through the greenery and see the forest from a completely different perspective. Perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while and are in the mood for a quiet outdoor outing with the kids.

When: every Wednesday and Saturday (various times)
Tickets & more info: €10 pp More info >> 

Fun Forest Climbing Forest

At Fun Forest Amsterdam, you can climb and clamber among the treetops in the Amsterdamse Bos. With various high-altitude courses, there's a challenge for every child, from bridges to thrilling ziplines.

Where: Climbing Forest, Amsterdamse Bos
For more information, please visit the website: funforest.nl

Bostheater Opening Party

The Amsterdamse Bostheater kicks off the new season with a festive opening on Sunday, April 26. This is a great tip if you are visiting the Amsterdamse Bos with children, as the program is for all ages. Expect an afternoon of live music, kids' activities such as sidewalk chalk drawing and XL games, and short previews of shows like Robin Hood. You can also take a look behind the scenes and score discounted tickets.

Where: Amsterdam Forest Theatre 
When: April 26, 2026
For more information, please visit the website: bostheater.nl

Rent a canoe in the Amsterdam Forest

Discovering the Amsterdamse Bos from the water is a fun and active tip for a sunny day. Rent a canoe, pedal boat, or electric boat and head out onto the water together. This is an especially great way to stay active with children. You start at the large playground, where there is also a waterside terrace for a drink afterwards. 
Where: Canoe Rental Amsterdamse Bos, Grote Speelweide 5, Amstelveen
For more information, please visit the website: kanoverhuur-adam.nl

 | TIP: View our overview with the here best places to kayak and canoe in Amsterdam >>

Forest Youth Theater Week

For teenagers (aged 12 to 18) who enjoy being creative, the Bosjongeren Theaterweek at the Amsterdamse Bostheater is a great tip for the May holidays. From April 28 to May 2, you will work together with other young people on your own performance, under the guidance of professional theater teachers. This year, everything revolves around Spinoza and the idea of ​​free thinking and making your own voice heard. You will learn acting and improvisation, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the open-air theater. In between, there is also time for fun activities in the forest, such as canoeing and a pizza night.

Where: Amsterdam Forest Theatre 
When: April 28 to May 2
For more information, please visit the website: bostheater.nl

© Bosjongeren Theaterweek

Fun things to do during the May holidays in Amsterdam

Holiday activities at De Natuurkamer

During the May holidays, De Natuurkamer is organizing a special program for children on April 28, 29, and 30. Think creative workshops, craft activities, and musical sessions that children can participate in themselves. Outside, there will be a fire burning for roasting something tasty and, even better: the ponies will be there too, so there is plenty to keep you entertained for an afternoon.

When: April 28 to 30, 2026
Where: President Allendelaan 4, Amsterdam
For more information, please visit the website: de-natuurkamer.nl

SpongeBob – WONDR Experience

Nickelodeon and WONDR Experience Amsterdam celebrate SpongeBob's anniversary with a SpongeBob SpecialDive into the colorful world of Bikini Bottom, where you'll embark on an underwater journey with SpongeBob and his friends. An interactive experience, full of imagination and fun. My son loved it!
Meeuwenlaan 88, Amsterdam

Book tickets

Spongebob – WONDR Experience © Your Little Black Book 

More to do with the kids during the May holidays in Amsterdam

Aloha

Bad weather during the May holidays? No problem! At Aloha in Amsterdam, you'll find everything for an active indoor outing. Throw a strike on the bowling alley, hit a hole-in-one during glow-in-the-dark minigolf, or test your skills in the laser tag arena. Everything under one roof, decorated in a tropical style, and perfect for an afternoon full of fun with the whole family. Afterwards, it's fun to go for dim sum at Sea Palace, where your order might even be delivered by robots!
De Ruijterkade 151, Amsterdam – Aloha

May holidays at the EYE MUSEUM

During the May holidays, the Eye Filmmuseum is entirely dedicated to film and creativity. On April 29, May 1, and May 2, for example, kids can participate in mosaic animation and make their own short film with colored stones. In addition, there is plenty to do every day, from a discovery trail and Cinemini to activities such as Film Magic. There are also plenty of fun children's films showing, such as the classic Minoes on the big screen. 
EYE Museum, Amsterdam

Book tickets

KiMu Children's Art Museum

At the new KiMu Children's Art Museum, everything revolves around discovery and hands-on activities. Here, children are challenged to experiment, explore, and give shape to their own ideas. There is no fixed route, but rather the space to play and create in your own way. Please note: the museum is only open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
Termini 487, Amsterdam – kimu.nl

© KiMu Children's Art Museum

More fun things to do with the kids during the May holidays

Rembrandt House – 3D painting workshops

The Rembrandt House It is always fun with children, but during the May holidays there is an extra reason to visit. On April 28, there is a special family day with free admission for residents of Amsterdam. Expect a day full of creative activities where kids playfully get acquainted with the life and work of Rembrandt. Even outside of this day, the museum is fun to visit with the multimedia tour, where you go on a discovery tour through the house together with the dog Kwast.

When: Free family day on April 28, 2026
Where: Rembrandt House, Amsterdam

Book tickets

STREET Street Art Museum

Looking for a museum where your children won't be bored? STREET at the NDSM wharf In Amsterdam, street art is the shining centerpiece. This impressive hall – one of the largest street art museums in the world – is filled with colorful murals, graffiti, and installations that are sure to appeal to young visitors as well. The scavenger hunt makes it extra fun and interactive for kids, and in the creative workshop space, they can get hands-on if you book one of the workshops. Perfect for a day out that is just a little different from a standard museum visit. Kids up to 12 years old get in for free.
STRAAT Museum – NDSM-Plein 1, Amsterdam

Book tickets

May holidays at NEMO Science Museum

There is plenty to discover during the May holidays NEMOExperiment yourself during a workshop, attend a demonstration, or watch everything come to life during the spectacular Chain Reaction, which can be seen extra often this holiday. Extra fun: until April 30, the rooftop plaza is dedicated to the Tulip Festival, featuring special NEMO tulips. The roof is freely accessible during opening hours, so it is a great stop when the sun is shining, even without a museum ticket. 

When: April 18 to May 5, 2026, except April 27 
Where: NEMO, Amsterdam

Book tickets

 | TIP: Also view the YLBB list of the best museums throughout the Netherlands, listed by province, here >>

© May holidays at NEMO Science Museum

More fun things to do in Amsterdam with the kids during the May holidays

May holidays at the Rijksmuseum

In the Rijksmuseum There is plenty to do this May holiday for children who love exploring and getting creative. Go on an adventure during the Rijksmuseum Expedition or step into the shoes of a real museum researcher during the Mission Masterpiece workshop. Prefer making something? Then join the Collar Making workshop and design your own 17th-century accessory. A fun mix of learning, making, and discovering.

When: April 25 to May 3, 2026
Where: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Book tickets

May holiday Amsterdam

the Rijksmuseum © Your Little Black Book

May holidays at the Maritime Museum

There is plenty to do this May holiday in The Maritime MuseumEmbark on a journey of discovery with the new viewing tour through all directions of the museum, make your own bag charm, or listen to an exciting story. Also fun: hop on a sloop and help Plastic Whale kingfish, or get to work on the Sea Monsters coloring activity sheet. There is plenty to see, do, and experience. Children up to and including 12 years old can enter for free, and with a Museum Card or Stadspas, it is also free for parents. Please note: the museum is closed on King's Day (April 27). 

When: April 18 to May 3, 2026
Where: The Maritime Museum, Amsterdam

Book tickets

Maritime Museum © Your Little Black Book

More to do with kids during the May holidays in Amsterdam

The story of Pampus – Fortress Island Pampus

Step aboard the boat to Fort Island Pampus and turn it into a real day of discovery with the family. The crossing alone makes it special. Walk back in time on Fort Island Pampus and discover the story behind this extraordinary UNESCO monument. During the interactive audio tour, you will go on an adventure through underground tunnels, old dormitories, and watchtowers, while learning about the life of soldiers on the island. From April 25 to May 3, there are extra activities for children, such as the PampusLab, where they playfully discover what it is like to live on a self-sufficient island.

Where: Fortress Island Pampus
When: April 25 to May 3, 2026
For more information, please visit the website: pampus.nl

Maakland – JEUGDLAND PLAYGROUND

At Jeugdland, children can get hands-on during the May holidays in Maakland, where everything revolves around building, discovering, and experimenting. On Sunday, April 26, there is even more to do: come hammer and build in the hut village or get to work in the go-kart shed (that remains a surprise for now). In the hut village, you will help build the castle and make it bigger and more beautiful, while in the go-kart shed you will tinker with go-karts that you can then test outside. Wear old clothes and sturdy shoes. Participation is free and registration is not required.

When: April 26, 2026 (and regularly open on other days)
Where: Valentijnkade 131, Amsterdam – jeugdlandamsterdam.nl

A day out at the Amstelpark

You can easily entertain the kids for a few hours in the Amstelpark during the May holidays. Start with a game of minigolf, where you can choose from two different courses. Afterwards, the kids can let off steam in the large playground or just stop by the petting zooBring a picnic basket and find a nice spot on the grass to make the afternoon complete. 

 | The best playgrounds in Amsterdam: Overview of all playgrounds in Amsterdam | Playgrounds in Amsterdam City Centre & De Jordaan | Indoor playgrounds Amsterdam | Hospitality venue in Amsterdam with a play area for the kids |

More to do with kids during the May holidays in Amsterdam

CHILD-FRIENDLY BOAT TOUR WITH BLUE BOAT COMPANY

Taking a boat trip with the kids? Hop aboard the Blue Boat Company Kids Cruise. Children receive their own audio tour with Sjonnie the Amsterdam Mouse, a booklet with activities, crayons, and pirate binoculars. During the trip, they'll sail along in search of freshwater pirates, while you listen to the regular guide. At the end, each child receives a captain's diploma. 
Stadhouderskade 501, Amsterdam – blueboat.nl

With the kids to the cinema

An afternoon at the cinema remains a wonderful classic during the May holidays. During this period, fun new children's films are showing again, from new releases to enjoyable family films to watch together. 

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

For kids who are fans of Mario, this is another one to watch together. In this new adventure, he trades the Mushroom Kingdom for space, where he discovers all sorts of new worlds and encounters familiar faces. Expect a movie full of action, humor, and recognizable elements from the game.

Tafiti – Straight through the desert

This film revolves around an unexpected friendship between a meerkat and an aardvark. When Tafiti's grandfather is in danger, they venture into the desert together in search of a rare flower. An exciting and funny adventure that shows that differences can actually connect. 

Pannenkoekenboot

Hop aboard the Pancake Boat in Amsterdam for a party on the water and enjoy a fun 75-minute cruise along the IJ River. As you sail past the city skyline, the kids (and you!) can enjoy unlimited pancakes with all sorts of toppings.

Where: Boarding at Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 33, Amsterdam-Noord
For more information, please visit the website: amsterdam.pannenkoekenboot.nl

more tips for a day out with children

Things for children during the May holidays in Amsterdam

© Pancake Boat

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Amsterdam Tips

To do

MOCO Museum

Do you love street art and modern art? Then MOCO is the museum you want to visit in Amsterdam.

Book tickets »

WONDR Experience

The first Instagram experience in Amsterdam where you can immerse yourself in another world.

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STREET street art Museum

STRAAT is Amsterdam's newest museum dedicated entirely to street art.

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Accommodation

Pillows Maurits Park

Pillows Maurits at the Park is one of the best hotels in Amsterdam with spa and wellness.

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Hotel Jakarta

Hotel Jakarta is sustainable, has a delicious Indonesian brasserie and a nice swimming pool.

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The July - Boat & Co

Affordable and family-friendly hotel with studios and a cozy restaurant near the Westerpark.

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Deals

Train City Trips

Taking the train on an international city trip in Europe? It's possible starting from just €20!

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Holiday Last Minutes

Looking to escape the Netherlands for a bit? We've got you! Check out all the last-minute deals you need here.

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Relax in nature

Find a nature house in the Netherlands to escape your busy life.

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Travel Essentials

view all 36 tips here

Read more?

Update: the best 'new' restaurants and shops at Schiphol listed

Museum Agenda Netherlands: 27 Exhibitions to Visit in May 2026

Museum agenda & exhibitions in Amsterdam: May 2026 update with 18 exhibition tips

26 of the Best French Restaurants in Amsterdam That Connoisseurs Want to Know

9 fun things to do on Ascension Day and weekend throughout the Netherlands

36 X best child-friendly terraces in Amsterdam

 

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