Seek and find
Looking for the best outings with kids near Amsterdam? In this article, we've compiled the 7 best tips for activities just outside the city. Whether it's raining or sunny, you won't have to travel far to enjoy a fun adventure together!
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
Wow, what a list! @gaultmillaunederland announced the awards and points for 2026 today. So many great new names and climbers, proud of the Dutch culinary scene, and enough inspiration to dine out all year long ✌🏼
👀Which restaurant are you very curious about?
GAULT & MILLAU AWARDS
Bistronome of the year
Madeleine | Utrecht @madeleine_utrecht
Mediterranean restaurant of the year
Elea | The Hague @restaurantelea
Asian restaurant of the year
Kaa Lun Palace | The Hague @kaalun_palace
Terrace of the year
The Coach House | Bennekom @hetkoetshuisbennekom
Vegetable restaurant of the year
Tryptique | Wateringen @restauranttriptyque
Craftsman of the Year
Dick Middelweerd
Restaurant De Treeswijkhoeve | Waalre @restaurant.de.treeswijkhoeve
New Chef on the Block
Koen van Weer
De Cuijt | Mierlo @restaurantdecuijt
Prize-Fun of the Year
Aragosta | Leeuwarden @bistro.aragosta
Discovery of the year
Shun | Medemblik @restaurant_shun
Cocktail bar of the year
Fitz's Bar | Amsterdam @fitzsbaramsterdam
Wine list of the year
Azurite | Delft @restaurant.azurite
Sommelier of the Year
Antonello Nicastri @antonellonic_somm
Flore | Amsterdam @restaurant.flore
Notable Newcomer of the Year
Wild Studio | Hoog Soeren @wildatelier.nl
Best Dutch Chef Abroad
Marcel Koolen
7132 Silver | Counterfeit | Switzerland @mmmarcel.koolen
Lifetime Achievement Award
Cees Helder
Host of the year
Bjorn van Aalst | SAAM | Amstelveen @saamrestaurant
Young Chef of the Year
Sofiane Bons @bonssofiane
Yulia | Rotterdam @restaurantjoelia
Chef of the year
Hans van Wolde @hvw043
Brut172 | Reijmerstok @brut_172
CONGRATULATIONS!! 🍴
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 🫕 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲
Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue!
I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️).
𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East)
Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included!
📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Center)
Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match.
📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre)
Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be.
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻:
📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East)
Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged.
📍 @fromagerielamuse (South)
Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first?
📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre)
Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in.
On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam.
Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends.
#cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟱, 𝟲, 𝟳 & 𝟴
From €3 tacos, a pizza battle and new hotspots to creative ceramics, vintage markets and feel-good exhibitions 🖤Amsterdam is giving us plenty of reasons to go out this weekend.
Perfect for a solo date or plans with friends.
💬 Comment WEEKEND and we'll send you the full guide with all 48 tips for this weekend in Amsterdam.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #amsterdamweekendguide #weekendinamsterdam #amsterdamhotspots #whattodoamsterdam
@dehallen.amsterdam @grachtenmuseum @camino.amsterdam @glazemade @nikotin.restobar @amsterdamstreetart @klaproosamsterdam
And in my opinion this is a perfect combination - 🥰
Valentine's Day is (almost) here... and yes, I've gone through my usual long list of restaurants and compiled my favorite (new) tips for every mood. Whether you're looking for a truly romantic restaurant in Amsterdam, fancy a splurge, or are searching for great spots for daytime drinks and a snacky dinner... you'll want to save these tips!
Let me tell you something funny. I officially registered my Thai marriage in the Netherlands on February 14th 😂. And guess where I'll be on February 14th 🛺🇹🇭👀!
What are you going to do on Valentine's Day?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for tons of tips to make the most of your free time, from date night tips to food hotspots and travel guides. And have you spotted @yourlbb.amsterdam yet, the dedicated account for my love of Amsterdam 🫶🏼?
#valentinesday #amsterdamrestaurants #datenight #yourlbb
Amsterdam Weekend Guide: Jan 29 – Feb 1
From the city's first ever Tea Festival to Sunday Roasts, winter markets, and hot new openings — Amsterdam is serving up another packed weekend.
👉 Inspiration to enjoy together or SOLO
💬 Comment WEEKEND for the full guide with all 43 tips
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamHotspots #WeekendPlans
And in addition to that, do you also have a nice garden?
This TRAVEL TIP is for anyone who wants to travel a lot in 2026 despite having a permanent job.
Save these tips, put them next to your calendar and send them to your travel bestie!
And then ask for time off as quickly as possible, before your colleagues see these tips too ;-).
Happy travels 😘
IRON 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦
**Illegible text**
⟶ Taking vacation days: March 30 to April 2 & April 7 to 10
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8
ツ Total free period: March 28 to April 12 (16 days)
**Stylish & Indigo**
⟶ Taking vacation days: April 28 to May 1, May 4 & May 6 to 8
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 days
ツ Total free: April 25 to May 10 (16 days)
and
⟶ Taking vacation days: December 21 to 24 & December 28 to 31
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8
ツ Total free: December 21 to January 3, 2027 (16 days)
𝗞𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗣𝗦
**Illegible text**
⟶ Taking vacation days: Monday March 30th to Thursday April 2nd
⟶ Vacation days required: 4
ツ Total free: March 28 to April 6 (10 days)
𝗛𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗱𝗮𝗴
⟶ Take vacation days: May 15
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 1
ツ Total free: May 14th to 17th (4 days)
Innocent
⟶ Take vacation days: May 22 or 26
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 1
ツ Totally free: May 22 to 25 or May 23 to 26 (4 days)
Follow @yourlbb for more Travel Tips.
And the extensive article about vacation days can now be found on 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#vacationdays2026 #traveltips
**Due to poor weather, this product has been carefully selected and is in excellent condition.** 👀
The market calendar may be a bit quieter now, but luckily there's still plenty planned for January and February, including a new gem (I predict)!
Don't miss these weekend markets:
• 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: @cabinetamsterdam, a curated vintage design market under one roof, including snacks & coffee.
• @sundaymarket
• Museum Market
• @rotterdamseoogst
• @themakermarket
In the complete guide on Your Little Black Book, you'll find 12 weekend markets in the Netherlands, including dates and locations for January and February.
Send these tips to your market-browsing bestie!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips on restaurants, travel, hotspots & the best things to do.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#weekendmarkets #dutchtips #autumnouting #vintagemarket
IF YOU ARE READY: 𝗺𝗶𝗷𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀
As a child, I went there with my parents to shop, and as a teenager and in my twenties, I went clubbing. Now, I love coming here for a weekend escape, filled with good food, great wine bars, and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude.
Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT-factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots you'll definitely want to know.
📌Book your next trip to Rotterdam.
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe
⦁ @dunerotterdam
⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant
⦁ @nice.neighbourhood
**Illegible**
⦁ @morganandmees
⦁ @hotelame
⦁ @roommate_bruno
⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ North
⦁ Katendrecht
⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park)
⦁ Shipping Quarter
I
⦁ Take the Water Taxi
⦁ @boijmans
⦁ Walk & unwind at the Kralingse Plas
⦁ @nlfotomuseum
⦁ Visit @stationbergweg
**
⦁ @tresrotterdam
⦁ @barbertarotterdam
⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam
⦁ @barbistroloevetdie
⦁ @oxrotterdam
⦁ @restaurant_rotonde
⦁ on my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @walsjerot_nl
⦁ @cafeverward
⦁ @spikizibar
⦁ @lenselinq
💌What's your favorite spot in Rotterdam?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Perhaps the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️
Are you a cocooner or do you prefer to get outdoors? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city.
Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰
Do you have any great winter tips for Amsterdam? I'd love to read along!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
First of all: thank you for being here to close out 2025 <3.
2025, you were everything I hoped you would be and more. So many new memories.
I don't yet know what 2026 will bring, but last year was one for the books. Highlights included trips to China, Mexico City, Egypt, and exploring the English countryside.
Entrepreneurs probably recognize that 2025 was not an easy year.
When I started Your Little Black Book, I had one dream: not to work to stay somewhere for free in exchange for content and the pressure of a "picture perfect" experience. But to use my revenue models to book and experience those special places myself, as a guest instead of an influencer, and to give you honest tips.
After almost 15 years of entrepreneurship, I'm so happy with the balance between editorial and commercial work and that I can also say no to things that don't feel right.
At the same time, it's still special that destinations, airlines, and hotels hire me to create a customized Little Black Book for them. I have complete freedom with these campaigns, and I believe in the value of these content-based tips that truly suit your taste. And they come from me personally, not from a machine.
So thank you for your support when you see #yourlbbcollab, #pressstrip or #prinvited ;-).
This will always be my dream job, the one I created almost 15 years ago. I still do as much as possible myself. That's energizing—from both successes and failures.
Luckily, I have a small team that helps with certain sections, and this year we're going through all the tips critically. What's still truly fun, and what's not?
As a leisure expert and queen of curation, I'm so excited to take yourlittleblackbook.me to the next level. Even though being an online entrepreneur requires constant attention and doesn't always come naturally, I wouldn't want anything else.
My mission remains: making your life easier.
So you don't have to search, but can simply choose well.
So glad you were here this year. Without you, there would be no Your Little Black Book 🖤
See you in 2026!
With love,
@anne_de_buck
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. I have a nice garden in my garden 🗝️👀
Mark your calendars! Because on January 17th and 18th, Hotel Night returns to Amsterdam with a year-round event packed with health and wellness events, and of course, legendary parties you'll be talking about all year long.
I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower.
And in my opinion:
• overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026
• access to the spa & wellness (subject to availability via the wellness desk)
• pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor
• fully catered dinner from the chef
• passe-partouts for the Hotel Night parties
• extensive breakfast in the Winter Garden
• participation in unique Ice Experience in Krasnapolsky Summergarden
And in Flanders:
• let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotel Night
• download the Mastercard Hotel Night app where you can see the complete program
• and take a look at @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started!
The winner will be notified on January 5th in a comment from @hotelnacht that I will share in my stories.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Love,
Anne
#hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway
NEW YEAR 🥰 ~ I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
I'll be sharing more of these kinds of diaries with you in 2026. What a month December was! 🖤 So grateful for all the special moments!
From overcoming stage fright to New York, lots of QT with my boys, and delicious food. We're closing out the year in Egypt, and it's so incredibly beautiful here ☺️.
1 'Coming home' to NY, this city continues to surprise 🗽
No fancy dinners this time, but a week full of street food, handrolls, slices, and wine bars. 🍕
3 A bizarre end to the trip and another experience richer 🫣
4 Just in time to present the Entree Award for 'best new luxury hotel'. ✨ Overcoming stage fright: CHECK!
One of the best hospitality parties of the year: the Entree Awards. Luckily, we still have the photos. 📸
6, 7, 8 Date night at the always delicious Café Caron, the newly opened Char-d (also recommended) and the snacky dinner that I had been craving for months 😅
9-night hotel preview at Anantara Krasnapolsky and the best night out in your own city. TIP: There's a fantastic giveaway coming up that you won't want to miss. 👀
Note to self: visit a hotel spa more often for the ultimate luxury experience, such as at Anantara Krasnapolsky Amsterdam.
11 Emily in Paris & Cheese Fondue 🫕. What do you think of the new season?
12 AMS rounds with lunch at De Willem & wine and pate en croute at Twee Prinsen 🍷
13 Our Christmas tradition: the World Christmas Circus in Carré 🎪
Manuel's 14th Best Idea: Everyone Had to Hand in Their Phones at Christmas 📵
15 Early Christmas with the fam, and yes I made the viral shrimp tower 🦐
16 EGYPT, here we come! 🛩️
17 Felucca & magical sunset in Luxor ☀️
Christmas gift for the whole family: checked into my dream hotel in Luxor. 🗝️
Bucket list 19: Hot Air Balloon in Luxor. 🔥
20 This is what I call alfresco dining 😍
PS: I love this age of traveling together, a big boy full of fun ideas, but still sweet and small at the same time 🥰
It's crazy to think that the year is almost over, but I'm really looking forward to 2026 and everything that's to come.
I hope you had some nice days too 🖤.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
7 Things to do with kids just outside Amsterdam
Colorful Experience in Assendelft
There's plenty of fun to do with kids in the Amsterdam area. A visit to Bonte Beleving is definitely one of them. At this pony and petting zoo, kids can cuddle farm animals, help out on the farm, walk with ponies, and of course, play to their heart's content. Bonte Beleving has a play meadow where kids can climb and clamber to their heart's content. Dads and
Meanwhile, moms can enjoy a drink in the teahouse. The teahouse is also the perfect place to end the day with a cozy high tea!
Vaartdijk 25, Assendelft – bontebelevenis.nl
Colorful Experience in Assendelft © Facebook
Ouderkerkerplas
Ouderkerkerplas in Amstelveen is a lovely place to visit in nice weather. There's a small beach and some great swimming spots for kids. There's also a playground where kids can let off steam. On cooler days, you can enjoy a pleasant walk or bike ride through the nature reserve. You can spot several birds and other animal species at Ouderkerkerplas. Older kids can enjoy horseback riding, sailing, or diving in the nature reserve. Bring your own picnic basket to Ouderkerkerplas to complete your outing!
Middle Road, Ouderkerk aan de Amstelveen
TIP: Visiting a farm shop is also fun with kids. There's often plenty to do on the farm. Check out our tips for the best farm shops near the Randstad here >>
Ouderkerkerplas © Facebook
The Boswinkel & Amsterdam Forest
For fun outings with children near Amsterdam, you don't have to travel far. De Boswinkel and the Amsterdamse Bos are great to visit year-round. Kids can learn more about the forest and its inhabitants at De Boswinkel. Then, you can head out for a bike ride or a walk. Fun activities are also regularly organized at De Boswinkel, such as scavenger hunts and exciting excursions with the forest ranger! The Amsterdamse Bos also offers various attractions such as play islands, children's pools, a goat farm, and a maze. You can also play sports, have a picnic, or take a nap in the Amsterdamse Bos. And of course, you can end the day at the pancake restaurant.
Bosbaanweg 5, Amstelveen – amsterdamsebos.nl
The Boswinkel, Amsterdam Forest © Facebook
Goat farm Ridammerhoeve
At the Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm, you'll learn all about organic farming and farm life. While you're visiting the goats (and other animals), the work continues. Kids can also enjoy the playground, while Mom and Dad relax with a cup of coffee. Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm regularly organizes fun activities and workshops. For example, learn to make your own cheese! The farm is also perfect for a children's party. Kids can be picked up in a pony cart, take care of the animals, search for eggs, and the party ends with poffertjes (Dutch pancakes).
New Meerlaan 4, Amstelveen – goatfarm.nl
Goat farm Ridammerhoeve © Facebook
Elsenhove Play Farm
Speelboerderij Elsenhove is a farm in Amstelveen where kids can play and learn all about nature, sustainability, and farm life. They get to help the farmer and care for the animals. Fun activities are also regularly organized. Combine your trip to Speelboerderij Elsenhove with a bike ride or hike through the beautiful nature reserves nearby. You're guaranteed a full day of fun!
Bankrasweg 1, Amstelveen – elsenhove.nl
Elsenhove Play Farm © Facebook
Olmenhorst
At the Olmenhorst in Lisserbroek, children learn where their fruit comes from. In these beautiful orchards, you can pick (and enjoy) your own apples and pears. You can combine picking fruit with a walk or bike ride through the surrounding area. On weekends, there's also a gypsy wagon in the orchard where you can enjoy delicious fresh fries. For other snacks and drinks, head to the Fruitloods. Also, keep an eye on the calendar. Fun activities regularly organize at the Olmenhorst, such as an Apple Parade, guided tours, and scavenger hunts. Finally, you can adopt your own fruit tree at the Olmenhorst!
Lisserweg 481, Lisserbroek – olmenhorst.nl
| TIP: read more about this here picking apples in the Amsterdam area. And did you know that you can also pumpkin farms can visit?
Olmenhorst © Facebook
Amstelveen Picking Garden
The Pluktuin (Pluck Garden) in Amstelveen is the perfect place to pick and arrange your own bouquet of flowers. It's not only fun for the kids, but also for the parents. The kids can play and run around in the garden while you enjoy the beautiful flowers and butterflies. Activities are organized in the Pluktuin throughout the season. For example, come carve a pumpkin in the fall and make a Christmas centerpiece in the winter! End the day with a visit to the Tea Garden. Enjoy tea and homemade cakes and pastries while the kids explore the playground.
Amsteldijk South 183, Amstelveen – pluktuinamstelveen.nl
| TIP: also check out nice lists here child-friendly hotels in Amsterdam en child-friendly hotels throughout the Netherlands.
Amstelveen Picking Garden © Facebook
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