Family-Friendly Adventures in Amsterdam!

Rijksmuseum

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day at the Rijksmuseum

Getting There: Start your adventure by taking the tram to the Rijksmuseum, accessible via lines 2, 5, and 12, exiting at the Rijksmuseum stop. If you’re driving, parking is available at Q-Park Byzantium.

Morning Exploration: Begin your visit right at the opening time at 9 AM to enjoy the museum at its quietest. Start on the ground floor where the grand Hall of Fame will dazzle with works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, including the famous "Night Watch". It"s a great kickstarter to spark curiosity among young minds about the Golden Age of Dutch art.

Engaging Activities: Around mid-morning, participate in the Family Quest, a specially designed tour that makes art fun and accessible for children. This interactive journey through the museum includes a treasure hunt that highlights key pieces and hidden gems.

Lunch Break: Around noon, head to the Rijksmuseum café with options for all ages, or enjoy a picnic in the adjacent Museumplein, an outdoor space perfect for letting kids run around and play.

Afternoon Immersion: Post lunch, delve into the 18th and 19th-century collections on the first floor. Don"t miss the magical dollhouses, a real-life Delftware kitchen, and a collection of ship models which are particularly popular among young ones.

Cool Down with Crafts: Before concluding your visit, stop by the Teekenschool (The Drawing School) where family workshops are often held in the afternoon. Check the schedule and pre-book a session to learn drawing inspired by the museum"s collection.

Departure: Wrap up your visit by 5 PM, ensuring you have enough time to browse through the museum shop for unique souvenirs and educational toys.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the Rijksmuseum library is one of the largest art history research libraries in the world? While it"s more of a scholarly haven, it"s a sight to behold and a testament to the breadth of knowledge housed within the museum walls.

This itinerary ensures a full, engaging, and educational day at the Rijksmuseum, offering memories that your family will cherish for a lifetime.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hermitage Amsterdam

Why Visit?

Embark on an enlightful journey with your family to the Hermitage Amsterdam, a vibrant branch of the majestic Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg, Russia. Located on the banks of the Amstel River in the heart of Amsterdam, this museum offers a unique glimpse into Russian art and history through its fascinating exhibitions.

Morning: Arrival and Exploring the Exhibition

Start your day early by taking a tram or metro to Waterlooplein station, which is a short walk away from the museum. The Hermitage Amsterdam opens at 10:00 AM. Grab a family guide available at the entrance to help children engage with the exhibition themes.

Upon entering, dive into the current major exhibition, which often features masterpieces from its Russian counterpart. The exhibitions change periodically, so every visit can offer a new experience. For instance, if you"re visiting during an exhibition on Tsar Peter the Great, your family will learn about his efforts to modernize Russia, and children can marvel at the intricate costumes and artifacts from the 17th century.

Lunch Break: Café-Restaurant

Around noon, take a break at the museum"s café-restaurant. It offers a variety of kid-friendly options along with dishes for the adults. Enjoy your meal with a view of the beautiful museum gardens.

Afternoon: Workshop and Gardens

Post lunch, participate in a family workshop (check availability beforehand and book in advance), where kids can engage in art-making activities related to the current exhibition. After the workshop, take a stroll in the museum"s garden, which is often themed to match the ongoing exhibition, providing a serene end to your educational visit.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by 3:00 PM to avoid the late afternoon crowds, making your way back to Waterlooplein station or exploring further the historic city center of Amsterdam.

This thoughtful itinerary ensures a blend of learning, interaction, and relaxation, perfectly suited for a family day out at the Hermitage Amsterdam. Enjoy your journey through art and history!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

A’dam Lookout

Why Visit?

Welcome to your family-friendly adventure at the A"DAM Lookout, an iconic observation tower in Amsterdam that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city! Here"s how you can make the most of your visit:

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by heading to Amsterdam Central Station. From there, it"s just a short 5-minute ferry ride across the IJ River. The ferry is free, runs every few minutes, and drops you right at the A"DAM Tower – easy and fun for the kids!

A"DAM Lookout

Once you arrive, head to the A"DAM Lookout. Purchase your tickets online in advance to skip the lines. Begin with the interactive exhibition which provides fascinating insights into Amsterdam’s history and culture through engaging visuals - perfect for curious minds!

Sky Deck

Take the elevator up to the Sky Deck, which features an exhilarating 360-degree view of the city. Spot famous landmarks and learn about the city’s layout - see if the kids can find the Royal Palace or the winding canals! Don"t miss the "Over the Edge" swing, where you can swing 100 meters high above the ground, safely secured and thrilling for both kids and adults!

Lunch Time

Enjoy a meal at the Panorama Restaurant on the 20th floor, which offers a selection of kid-friendly dishes alongside stunning city views. The restaurant often has coloring materials, so the kids can stay entertained.

Souvenir Shop

Before heading back, stop by the souvenir shop on the ground floor. It"s a great place for the children to pick a memento, like a miniature model of the A"DAM Tower or Dutch-themed toys.

Return Trip

Wrap up your visit by taking the ferry back to Central Station, reflecting on the exciting heights and sights of your day at the A"DAM Lookout!

This itinerary promises a blend of thrill, education, and unforgettable views, making it a perfect family day out in Amsterdam!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Brouwersgracht

Why Visit?

Brouwersgracht, located in the heart of Amsterdam, is a picturesque canal lined with historic buildings, making it a delightful spot for a family tour. Here’s a perfect family-friendly itinerary:

### Morning: Canal Exploration

Start your day at the Brouwersgracht, easily accessible via tram or a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Begin with a leisurely canal boat tour departing from near the station. Opt for an open boat to fully enjoy the scenic beauty of Brouwersgracht, known as the “Brewers" Canal” for its historical breweries. As you glide along, marvel at the centuries-old warehouses that have been converted into charming apartments. Each building has a unique gable at the top, which historically signified the owner"s wealth and status.

### Midday: Visit to the Puppet Theatre

After your boat tour, walk towards the Papiermolensluis, a small but charming lock bridge, a great spot for family photos. Just a 5-minute walk from here is the Het Amsterdam Marionetten Theater. Check the schedule and catch a traditional puppet show, which can be a magical experience for children, telling fairy tales through intricate, handcrafted pupets.

### Afternoon: Picnic and Playground Time

For lunch, grab a takeaway from one of the local cafes and head to the nearby Noordermarkt. On Mondays and Saturdays, this market transforms into a bustling hub where you can pick up fresh local produce for a picnic. Just around the corner from the market is the Willemsstraat playground, a perfect spot for kids to play and enjoy their afternoon.

### Late Afternoon: Educational Walk and Dinner

Conclude your day with a walk along the canal, spotting the famous "hoisting hooks" on buildings used for transporting goods back in the trading days. For dinner, consider eating at one of the family-friendly restaurants along the Brouwersgracht, which offer cozy atmospheres and menus that cater to all ages.

This itinerary offers a blend of scenic beauty, historical exploration, and engaging activities that are sure to delight every member of the family while touring the enchanting Brouwersgracht.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ripley"s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam

Why Visit?

Embark on a whimsical adventure at Ripley"s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam, located at Dam 21, right in the heart of the city, easily accessible by tram or a scenic 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. It"s a perfect start to a day full of surprises and discoveries.

Morning Exploration

Start your visit around 10 a.m. when doors open. Dive into the bizarre world of Robert Ripley, exploring over 500 exhibits across 5 floors. Don"t miss the 7-meter tall robot made of car parts or the genuine shrunken heads from the Amazon jungle! Engage with interactive displays like the mind-boggling Vortex Tunnel, which might challenge your perception of space and balance.

Lunch Break

By midday, enjoy a bite at the museum’s on-site café, where you can relax with simple, kid-friendly snacks and drinks. Alternatively, stroll to the nearby Dam Square, where numerous eateries offer a variety of options from Dutch pancakes to international cuisines.

Afternoon Adventure

Post-lunch, tackle the museum"s Odditorium. The kids will be thrilled by the real-life vampire killing kit and a piece of the Berlin Wall. Make sure to check out the Miniature Room, which displays incredibly detailed small-scale models that capture the imagination.

Interactive Fun

Before leaving, plunge into the Ripley’s Space Tunnel – an experience that simulates a trip around the solar system, a sure hit with aspiring astronauts in the family. Take a family photo with the tallest man sculpture to remember your bizarre journey!

Souvenir Shopping

Conclude your visit at the Ripley’s gift shop. Pick a unique souvenir, like a replica of a curious artifact you saw, to take a piece of the adventure home.

With its blend of educational content and oddities, Ripley"s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam guarantees a day full of learning, laughs, and wonder, making it a memorable stop on your family vacation.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.