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After exploring Europe far and wide, Amsterdam has always stood out as a must-visit gem at the top of my travel bucket list. As a mother of two and an avid cyclist in Detroit, I was itching to get to a city ruled by bikes and framed by storybook historical canals.
Parents often travel in a constant state of caution (right?!), but this charming Dutch capital quickly eased my anxiety and welcomed my kids to explore and enjoy as much as I did.
Where to Stay:
When it comes to traveling with children (or honestly, in general), I’m a big fan of Airbnbs. There’s a level of ease and comfort about having a home-base (cough cough, close the bedroom door after bedtime and not be stuck in the dark or sitting on the hall floor with a monitor and bottle of wine…).
I always look for outdoor space and if that so happens to come with panoramic canal views, so be it. My six-year-old daughter perfectly summed up the city’s design, stating “Amsterdam is shaped like a rainbow!” We chose to stay in the vibrant, family-friendly, walkable Jordaan neighborhood, aka the outer “yellow row of colors” and couldn’t be happier.
Where to Eat, Drink & Snack
We quickly found our morning routine and began our days at Kafenion, a cozy coffee shop where the owners treated us like family (sneaking kit-kats to my kids didn’t hurt). We indulged in the best coffee and spanikopa pies. If you’re questioning sweet vs. savory, the answer is both!
After coffee, we rented bikes and headed toward the ferry to spend the morning on the Pancake Boat. I cannot recommend this tour enough if you have children under the age of 10.
We spent two hours cruising the Amsterdam river, posted at an all-you-can-eat pancake buffet. The real win was the hidden ball-pit where children could slide into pure chaos and work off the loads of powdered sugar and endless toppings consumed. I even enjoyed a rare uninterrupted conversation and a cold IPA at 11am.
After a rainy afternoon at the NEMO children’s museum, we stumbled upon Sushieye2, a lifesaver with its huge menu and kid-friendly options. We ordered miso and chicken noodle soup, yakatori chicken skewers, and dumplings galore for the non-sushi fans, while the rest devoured a massive tray full of rolls.
The beauty of an Airbnb is to have a space to reset after a long day, and what better way to rest up than doordashing dinner in a new country?! If you’re new to Europe or an avid explorer, you’ll quickly catch on to the doner craze (or maybe it’s just my personal obsession). A beloved street food staple, doner kebabs are warm pita wraps stuffed with slow-roasted meat, crisp veggies, and garlicky sauces and the glorious truth is you can find them on nearly every corner, especially late at night. Either way, not all doner sandwiches are created equal and I now believe it’s my civic duty to share the world’s best. I’m happy to report that Sefa has officially been added to the top of my doner list. For spice lovers, don’t skip the heat, it’s worth it.
For a taste of true Dutch authenticity, make reservations early and take in all that Cafe Sonnevveld has to offer. We rolled out of there after their renowned Spareribs Sonneveld and a house favorite Stampot dish. The cafe is open 365 days and the staff makes you feel like you’re at the pub on the set of Ted Lasso.
No trip is complete without a stop at Monte Pelmo Gelato. Yes the line is long, but worth every minute. Pro-tip if you visit the Jordaan location, parents: tag-team it. One adult takes the tots to a nearby playground, Theo Thijssenschool while the other enjoys a moment of silence waiting in line…a real win for all.
What to Do (Kid Edition!)
Of course we visited top attractions like Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark but here are kid-friendly alternatives/additives that truly delighted our family.
My kids will agree cruising the canals and riding on the front handle bars will forever be a core memory. Forewarning, you will either almost hit a pedestrian or come close to getting hit by a bike yourself. Bike City was an extremely accommodating rental company with bikes suitable for any and all parent configurations. Baskets and phone holders can be added and highly recommended for the trinkets you collect along the way. The owner has two kids and rents out her personal bikes…who better to trust than another mom sharing her gear?!
At Albert Cuyp Market we spent hours exploring stalls for all sorts of treasures. Vendors range from souvenirs, local artists, and maybe most importantly, the holy grail of snacks: freshly made stroopwafels. Another favorite was Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s massive floating Flower Market. We stocked up on tulip bulbs and bonsai trees to bring a bit of the Netherlands home.
My favorite stop? The Straat museum, an art gallery celebrating street art in all its color and emotion. I have traveled to 6 continents and countless museums and this unique gallery might be my favorite museum to date. The style of artwork, the children’s involvement, the feelings captivated as you stroll through this open gallery, is beyond words. The kids scavenger hunt was so entertaining and well thought out, none of us wanted to leave.
NEMO Children’s Museum was so magical and we could have spent the entire day exploring the four interactive floors. This place was heaven for curious minds. My daughter even got to participate in their rotating exhibit, a chain reaction demo that left her glowing with pride. The only downside is peeling your kids away because at some point food is necessary again.
Public transportation is very easy to navigate and I highly suggest taking the train to Zaandam, 20 minutes outside of Amsterdam. To be honest, this was a “forced fun/Instagram” moment and ditch effort to get out of the rain but totally worth the 4 Euro ride. Zaandam is known for the picturesque colorful Town Hall just outside the train station. The ride itself offered postcard worthy views of windmills and countryside and most importantly, a hot cup of coffee upon arrival.
My family is already counting down the days until we return, certain that this is a destination we’ll keep coming back to, time and time again. Next to plan around the Tulip Festival.
Travel Tips:
We’re loyal Delta travelers (bonus points for Skymiles and Amex Platinum perks), and lounge access for kids makes long travel days infinitely smoother.
Pro tip: Sign your kids up for their own frequent flyer accounts—it adds up!
Now that my kids are slightly older, they carry their own backpacks stocked with snacks, crayons/markers and our Road Trip Activities & Travel Journal guide for quieter times (LOL) or at restaurants.
For luggage, AWAY is our go-to. I swear by packing organizers and color-coding each family member’s gear, makes unpacking and repacking a breeze.
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