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13 Fun Day Trips with Kids in Amsterdam | Summer Vacation 2025
Last updated: August 19, 2025
De summer vacation in the Netherlands It's the perfect time to get out and about with the kids, and in Amsterdam, you won't be bored for a single day. In this comprehensive guide, we've compiled the best things to do with kids in Amsterdam during the summer holidays! From city beaches to interactive museums and green play areas: there's plenty to do for all ages in and around the city. In 2025, Amsterdam's summer holidays run from July 12th to August 24th, so there's plenty of time to discover new places. Whether you're on a staycation or heading out for a day trip, these tips will help you have a fun summer with the whole family. Have fun!
fun outings with children in Amsterdam during the summer holidays (2025)
Junior Canal Festival
During the Junior Canal Festival, from August 15 to 24, 2025, children up to 12 years old will be introduced to classical music and jazz in a playful way. Throughout the city, there will be performances by young talent, often outdoors and free of charge. An added bonus: workshops and pop-up activities will be held beforehand. View the program >>
Wondr Experience Disney Viana SPecial
During the summer holidays, WONDR Experience brings the magic of Vaiana to life with a special event for young adventurers. Step into a tropical world full of interactive installations, playful decor, and musical surprises inspired by the popular Disney film. Children can dance, explore, and have their photos taken in a setting that feels like an island full of fantasy.
© WONDR Experience, Viana
ARTIS Summer Evenings
Every Saturday during the summer holidays there is the ARTIS Summer EveningPicnic on the grass, listen to live music, and let the kids loose with workshops and theater performances. Includes admission to the Planetarium!
Dates: July 5 to August 30, 2025 – artis.nl
© ARTIS, ZOOmeravonden
CircusBende Festival | outings with children in Amsterdam
Circusbende is a creative summer festival in Amsterdam featuring circus, theater, and music for children. Admission is free, and performances are partially donation-based. A magical afternoon guaranteed! Check the program >>
Go on a treasure hunt in the Palace on Dam Square
A visit to the Palace should be on every child's bucket list! Did you know that kids up to 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): This interactive audio tour takes you back 350 years. Something terrible has happened… the peace branch has been stolen! Who did it and why? Join Jacob on this adventure. Along the way, you'll discover all sorts of things about the building's art and history.
© Your Little Black Book
Child-friendly festivals in Amsterdam
From the Parade in Martin Luther King Park (July 25 to August 10) to the Kwaku Summer Festival in Zuidoost (July 12 to August 3), both festivals offer plenty of entertainment for children. Think theater performances, cooking workshops, and lots of fun.
© Theater festival de Parade
Museums with children in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is bursting with museums offering kid-friendly programs. Perfect for a rainy day or as a creative diversion:
- NEMO Science Museum: experiments, TECHNIUM, roof terrace and summer music
- Amsterdam Museum: family games, workshops and interactive exhibitions
- Van Gogh Museum: LEGO, drawing workshops, treasure hunts
- View all tips for the best museums in Amsterdam with children here >>
Playgrounds in the city
From Westerpark to the Pijp: Amsterdam has dozens of playgrounds, ranging from large natural playgrounds to hidden neighborhood squares. View the playground overview per district here >>
| Is it raining? Check out the best indoor playgrounds in Amsterdam here >>
Paddling pools & cool-down areas | outings with children in Amsterdam
On hot days, a paddling pool is the perfect solution for young children. Check out the overview of the best paddling pools per city district: View the list >>
Oosterpark paddling pool
Holiday camps
Let your children learn to dance, cook, act or sail this summer at holiday camps in the city. View summer camps in Amsterdam >>
Ferry service to Pampus or Muiderslot
Take a boat trip to Pampus or Muiderslot Castle. The ferry service is free for Stadspas holders. Once there, you can explore an island fort or medieval castle. More information and sailing times >>
© Muiderslot Castle
| TIP: See all the tips for your summer holiday in the Netherlands here >>
Amsterdam Forest Theatre | outings with children in Amsterdam
At the Bostheater, you can enjoy youth performances surrounded by greenery. Bring a blanket, have a picnic beforehand, and be amazed by the program. View program >>
© Bostheater Amsterdamse Bos
Sloterplas Splash Week & Watersports
For action on the water, Sloterplas is a top choice. During Splash Week, children can participate in water sports like canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or boot camp.
© SPLASHWEEK – WATER SPORTS CENTER SLOTERPLAS © FACEBOOK
Day at the beach in Amsterdam
Visit city beaches like Strand Zuid, Blijburg aan Zee (reopened), or the verdant Nieuwe Meer for sand, swimming, and fun. Ideal for staycations. View all city beaches in Amsterdam here >>
Have fun this summer holiday in Amsterdam!
| PS: Are you looking for tips for kids aged 6 and up in Amsterdam? Then also view this extensive list >>
PLLEK © Your Little Black Book
Frequently asked questions about outings with children in Amsterdam this summer
Which festivals are fun for kids this summer in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is bursting with kid-friendly festivals during the summer holidays! Think of De Parade in Martin Luther King Park, where your kids can bake poffertjes (Dutch pancakes) or attend the children's theater. Or the Kwaku Summer Festival in Zuidoost, with plenty of tasty treats, music, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a summer day with the whole family.
Which museums in Amsterdam are really fun for children?
Museums boring? Absolutely not! During the summer holidays, NEMO and the Van Gogh Museum, among others, are offering extra activities for kids. Think experiments, scavenger hunts, LEGO fun, and creative workshops. The STRAAT Museum in Noord is also super cool if you have mini urban artists at home.
What can you do in Amsterdam with kids when it's hot?
As soon as the temperature rises, cooling down is key! Head to one of the city's paddling pools, relax at Strand Zuid, or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool from the Flevoparkbad. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy!
What can you do for free with children during the summer holidays?
More fun, less budget? There are plenty of free outings for kids! From free workshops at the Junior Canal Festival to playgrounds, paddling pools, and the free ferry to Pampus (for Stadspas holders). Tip: the Bostheater also offers accessible youth performances in a magical green setting.
What is an original activity with children in Amsterdam?
Looking for something special? Sail to Fortress Island Pampus or step into the world of knights with the kids at Muiderslot Castle. Or choose a fairytale performance at the Bostheater in the heart of the Amsterdamse Bos. Also fun: an evening at ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo during the Summer Evenings.
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