Pedal boats, a ship to climb aboard, VR on the canals and indoor fun for the whole family
Things to do in Amsterdam with kids: a family guide
With kids in Amsterdam, go for short, hands-on activities: pedal your own boat at your own pace, climb aboard a full-size ship replica at the Scheepvaart Museum, wear VR glasses on a canal cruise or explore indoor rooms full of lights and lasers. This guide is for families who want a day that works for everyone.
- Instant confirmation
- Mobile ticket
How to choose
Kids do the pedalling
Rent a pedal boat for 1 to 4 people. Children can pedal on their own with a swimming diploma and when they can reach the pedals.
A ship to climb aboard
At the Scheepvaart Museum, kids can board and walk through a full-size replica of the 18th-century VOC ship Amsterdam.
Indoor fun with lights and lasers
Browse indoor attractions such as Amaze Amsterdam, with lights, lasers and smoke. A minimum age of 10 years is recommended.
One booking, a whole day planned
Browse our combo tickets if you would rather plan your day with one booking.
Our top picks
Live prices, instant confirmation.
Pedal Boat Amsterdam
Pedal your own boat through Amsterdam's canals at your own pace, suitable for 1–4 people. Choose a marked route or create your own adventure on the water.
Why here: Pedal your own boat at your own pace, 1 to 4 people per boat, with life jackets available.
Premium ChoiceOpen Boat Tour - Departure from Damrak
The best way to explore the canals of Amsterdam is without a doubt on an open boat! From here you and your company will enjoy the best view of the capital and all the sights. The captain will also be your tour guide. They have endless stories to share about Amsterdam.
Why here: Electric open boat from Damrak with blankets on board. The captain guides the tour in English and Dutch.
Premium ChoiceAmsterdam Pizza Cruise
Cruise Amsterdam's canals while enjoying a classic New York pizza and drinks. A relaxed 1.5-hour combo of sightseeing and eating, perfect for friends, family or a date.
Why here: Pizza and two cold drinks on a cruise of 90 minutes from Damrak, with child tickets available.
Scheepvaart Museum Entrance Ticket
Explore the Netherlands' maritime past through ship models, nautical instruments, and interactive displays at this 17th-century museum. The main attraction: board a full-size replica of the 18th-century VOC ship Amsterdam and walk through its historic decks.
Why here: Board and walk through a full-size replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam, plus special exhibitions for kids.
Premium ChoiceAmaze Amsterdam Entrance Ticket
Walk through interactive rooms filled with lasers, lights, and visual effects at this immersive experience in a former nightclub. Each door opens onto a new space designed to engage your senses and spark imagination.
Why here: Indoor rooms of lights, lasers and smoke. Minimum age of 10 recommended, with an adult at all times.
Premium Choice17th Century Amsterdam History VR Canal Cruise
Sail through Amsterdam's canals and slip into the 17th century with VR glasses at key spots—watch the same waterways transform from bustling historic quaysides back to today's city. A 75-minute cruise blending real scenery with seven animated time-travel moments.
Why here: 7 VR animations on a boat with a roof, heating and a toilet. Headsets fit children from age 6 onwards.
Premium ChoiceAmsterdam Canal Cruise
The classic canal cruise through Amsterdam's historic waterways. Pick your departure time and location: Central Station, Damrak Pier 5 or Rijksmuseum.
Why here: Cruise of 60 minutes with audio guide, child and infant tickets, from Central Station, Damrak or Rijksmuseum.
Plan your visit
Departure points
Damrak · Stromma Rijksmuseum · Centraal Station, Damrak, Rijksmuseum
Good to know
- Mix one active and one calm activity: let the kids pedal first, then sit back on a cruise with an audio guide.
- Check the age notes before you book. The VR headsets fit children from age 6, and Amaze Amsterdam recommends a minimum age of 10.
- For the Scheepvaart Museum, plan about 3 hours so nobody has to rush past the VOC ship replica.
- Taking little ones on the Open Boat Tour? There is no toilet on board, so plan a stop before you board.
Amsterdam with kids is about small wins: a boat they pedal themselves, a ship they can walk through, a cruise with pizza on board. Pick one or two activities, check each product's age notes and cancellation terms, and leave room for a break. All tickets we sell are official, with instant mobile ticket confirmation, and the conditions are those of the provider. We are a Dutch partner with local knowledge. For more ideas, look through our canal cruises, museums, attractions and combo tickets. Then let the kids choose.
Frequently asked questions
Which canal cruise suits families with children?
The Amsterdam Canal Cruise has child and infant tickets, and the Amsterdam Pizza Cruise has child tickets. On the 17th Century Amsterdam History VR Canal Cruise, the VR headsets fit children from age 6 onwards.
Can my child pedal the pedal boat alone?
Children under 12 need adult supervision. Children may operate the boat independently with a swimming diploma and when they can reach the pedals. Life jackets are available.
Are there indoor activities for kids in Amsterdam?
Yes. Amaze Amsterdam is an indoor experience with interactive rooms of lights, lasers, smoke and visual effects. The boats of the VR canal cruise have heating and a roof.
Is there a toilet on board the boats?
The VR canal cruise has a toilet on board. The Open Boat Tour from Damrak has no toilet on board, and boarding involves three steps.
Can I cancel my booking?
It depends on the product. The pedal boat, the Amsterdam Canal Cruise, the Pizza Cruise and the VR canal cruise have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Scheepvaart Museum and Amaze Amsterdam tickets are non-refundable.
Is Amaze Amsterdam suitable for young children?
A minimum age of 10 years is recommended, and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Access is only possible with a pre-booked time slot.