Visiting Amsterdam with a baby or young children: a guide to a relaxing city break

Planning a trip to Amsterdam soon with a baby, toddler, or preschooler? Go for it. The capital is known for its busy canals and narrow streets, but it’s surprisingly family-friendly for those with young children.

From a peaceful stroll through Vondelpark to seeing the animals at ARTIS or getting some fresh air on the ferry, there’s so much to enjoy without sticking to a tight schedule. With a few well-chosen stops and the right pace, it can be a wonderful day for everyone.

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Plan smart: how to keep things relaxed

A day in the city with a baby looks different from a city break with adults. Try not to cram all the sights into one day.

Plan no more than one or two set activities per day. That leaves plenty of time for feeds, naps, and unexpected breaks. Many lovely spots in the city center, the Jordaan, and the parks are within walking distance of one another. With a good, maneuverable stroller, you can easily get around.

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The best activities for each age

Perfect for babies

• Stroll through the Jordaan and the Nine Streets: Wander along the canals, stop at a café terrace, and admire the historic buildings.
• Canal cruise: You’ll see so much of the city from the water. You’ll stay dry, and the boat’s gentle rocking can be wonderfully soothing for many babies.
• Vondelpark: This park has wide paths and lovely spots to grab a coffee while your baby sleeps in the stroller.
• The free ferry to Amsterdam-Noord: Cross the IJ from Central Station. You’ll get a lovely view of the water along the way.
• Hortus Botanicus: A peaceful, green oasis in the Plantage district where you can take a relaxing walk through the greenhouses.

Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers

• ARTIS: See animals right in the city. The park is easy to navigate, accessible, and has plenty of room to explore.
• Amstelpark & petting zoos: Is Vondelpark too busy for you? Amstelpark has large playgrounds, a petting zoo, and even a miniature train.
• NEMO Science Museum: From around age 4, children can do experiments, touch things, and discover how science works for themselves.
• The National Maritime Museum: Large ships and interactive exhibits capture the imagination of young explorers.

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Famous sights: what should you keep in mind?

Want to take in some culture during your walk? That’s easy enough, as long as you keep a few practical details in mind:

• Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum: Both museums offer special family routes and free admission for children under 18. With a baby, it’s best to go early in the morning, when it’s still quiet.
• Anne Frank House: Keep in mind that the building has narrow corridors and very steep stairs. You can’t use a stroller here; a baby carrier is a better choice.
• Royal Palace on Dam Square: Easy to combine with a walk across Dam Square towards the canals.

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What can you do when it rains?

Don’t let a Dutch rain shower spoil your day. On wet days, indoor attractions such as NEMO, the National Maritime Museum, or the Rijksmuseum are excellent choices.

On a rainy day, try not to travel from one place to another. Instead, choose one large indoor attraction where you can stay dry for a while.

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Example of a relaxed day itinerary

Looking for inspiration for a leisurely day out? Your day could look something like this:

• 9:30 a.m.: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and walk to the city center.
• 10:30 a.m.: Take a walk through the Jordaan with a coffee stop.
• 12:00 p.m.: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a family-friendly café.
• 1:00 p.m.: Let your little one nap in the stroller while you explore the Nine Streets.
• 2:30 p.m.: Hop on a canal cruise.
• 4:00 p.m.: Finish with some fresh air and playtime in Vondelpark.

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Why a good stroller makes all the difference

When exploring Amsterdam, you’ll soon notice that large strollers can get in the way in narrow shopping streets, busy trams, or cozy cafés. A lightweight, maneuverable stroller makes your day much easier. It’s easier to lift and lets you move around the city with ease.

No stroller with you? Renting one is easy

Coming from further away and would rather not lug your own stroller on the train or in the car? You can simply rent a stroller in Amsterdam.

At Woolskins Stroller & Buggy Rental Amsterdam (https://www.woolskins.eu/stroller-rental-amsterdam): ideal for use in the bassinet, crib, or on the go. You can rent a comfortable, compact stroller for your entire stay. We can even deliver it to your hotel or accommodation. That way, you can start exploring the city right away, stress-free.

Explore sustainably with Greentom

At Woolskins, we’re proud to rent out Greentom strollers. Greentom is known as the greenest stroller in the world: made entirely from recycled plastic, super lightweight, and incredibly maneuverable on Amsterdam’s cobblestones. You can explore the city in comfort and style while making an eco-conscious choice for your little one.

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Enjoy your child’s pace

The most important tip for a successful city break with little ones: let go of the idea that you have to see everything. Slow down, make time for an extra break, and enjoy the city at your child’s pace.

Visiting Amsterdam soon with your baby or toddler? Reserve a stroller from Woolskins in advance and start your city break hassle-free.