what are some fun things to do in amsterdam if you have 2 toddlers? my husband and i are planning to go in october, as a family trip. we both realize what amsterdam is known for, but realize that people in amsterdam have families and kids and babies too so we want to know, where can we go to do family oriented things and where do the dutch take their little ones to have fun? please be specific, the more info the better.
2006-08-08 06:27:40 · 10 answers · asked by origchick 5 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Netherlands
I just came back from there, and belive it or not Amsterdam is not only famous for its drug culture. There is the Van Gogh museum, which features his work and artists inspired by him. There is the Rembrandt Museum, The Ann Frank House, delicous foods, huge parks, and beautiful city scenery.
In my honest opinion, I think there isn't much for infants to do there, because they won't be able to appreciate the museums as much as you will, and there are high people and hookers everywhere in the central city.
2006-08-09 01:50:21 · answer #1 · answered by fckdrea1ity 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Amsterdam is outstanding. You actually won't even notice the Coffee Shops as smoke joints. The Red Light District is actually very small, when compared to the size of the City, so you will most likely never run across any prostitution activity, or drug activity, unless you specifically search it out. They actually do serve good coffee. The museums and places to eat will take up probably more time than the average tourist has to spend.
The highlights of my trips there have always been just chatting with people from all over the world. Rarely do you have to have access to any sort of transportation other than your feet and a bus.
I'd also suggest that a train trip to a nearby town would be very educational. Toddlers I have never traveled overseas with, so I would caution that you should be wise enough to keep them close to you, bring medications that you may need, such as something to avoid plugged sinuses and ears.
Maybe I'm an idiot, but this may be a good opportunity to leave the toddlers with grandparents and take a trip with your spouse. Toddlers will not enjoy Amsterdam any more than they would any other city in the civilized world. Why are you interested in taking toddlers to Amsterdam?
No offense intended.
2006-08-15 03:41:01 · answer #2 · answered by RICKY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I went to Amsterdam two years ago, I was younger, and I went on a canal tour, which was alright. You have to be into the historical and architectural aspect of the city for that. It should be fun for a child because you are on the water, looking at the thousands of boats that remain in the canals. The Anne Frank house might be a little too much of a bore for young kids.
2006-08-09 05:54:45 · answer #3 · answered by Julianne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Near the central station is a replica of a 17th century VOC ship, build in the way they build it then. Very informative for children about 7 to 10 about how life was on a ship by then.
Nearby is NEMO, a hands-on science museum where children can do a lot of science experiments. Great is the section about water management: how to keep Holland that is for two third below sea level, how to keep it dry. Children build dams and other water management things to keep the water out and watch what happens with the flood during full moon etc.
Go with a canal boat to see the 17th century building from the side the buildings were build for (warehouses for indian spices). Or rent a canal bike for a few hours and bike yourself
2006-08-09 09:43:30 · answer #4 · answered by leatherbiker040 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Artis Zoo is fun for kids as is the NEMO (children's science museum).
If you're willing to go outside of town you can go to Madourodam in the Hague. It's a sort of an amusement park where they have recreated minature dutch cities and monuments.
Also Zaanse Schans is a great place... it's an old windmill town (10min train ride from A'dam). Cool antique toy shop and a clog and cheese shop.
2006-08-09 20:59:54 · answer #5 · answered by silv2078 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, the best thing I could recommend you is to look in the official site of tourism of Amsterdam (www.amsterdam.nl or its english equivalent www.iamsterdam.com). Just another thing: Amsterdam is a lovely city and its people are fantastic.
2006-08-08 10:22:18 · answer #6 · answered by Jorge 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a canal boat tour with stops in several parts of town. Try to dump the kids for a visit to the SEX MUSEUM. It is well worth the price of admission. The ANN FRANK house and Van Gogh Museum are good too.
2006-08-08 06:33:12 · answer #7 · answered by Greg 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take one of the many canal cruises, or for a bit more fun, you can hire "canal bikes" - these are actually pedal-boats. There are also plenty of places to eat, from pizza parlours to high-class restaurants. If you go to one of the latter, be sure to have a bowl of the famous ham and pea soup (more of a meal than a bowl of soup).
2006-08-08 06:36:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the canal boat, and don't forget about the Artis Zoo. The Zoo's aquarium is also very good.
2006-08-08 09:57:29 · answer #9 · answered by Gungnir 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Artis zoo is really great and close to that there's Tun fun. A playground in a tunnel.
2006-08-13 03:36:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋