7 X fun things to do with kids just outside the city >> (2024)

Are you looking for the best outings with kids around Amsterdam? In this article, we have compiled the 7 best tips for activities just outside the city. Whether it’s raining or sunny, you don’t have to travel far to have a fun adventure together!

7 X FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS JUST OUTSIDE AMSTERDAM

Bonte Beleving in Assendelft:There are plenty of fun things to do with kids around Amsterdam, and a visit to Bonte Beleving is definitely one of them. At this pony and petting farm, kids can cuddle with farm animals, help out on the farm, walk with ponies, and of course, play to their heart’s content. Bonte Beleving has a play meadow where kids can climb and clamber endlessly. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a drink in the teahouse, which is also the perfect place to end the day with a nice High Tea!
Vaartdijk 25, Assendelft – bontebelevenis.nl

Ouderkerkerplas: The Ouderkerkerplas in Amstelveen is great to visit in nice weather. There is a beach and several spots where you can swim with the kids. There’s also a playground where the kids can burn off some energy. On less warm days, you can take a pleasant walk or bike ride through the nature reserve. You can spot various birds and other animal species at Ouderkerkerplas. Older kids can also go horseback riding, sailing, or diving in the nature reserve. Bring your own picnic basket to complete the outing!
Middenweg, Ouderkerk aan de Amstelveen

De Boswinkel & Amsterdamse Bos:For a fun outside activity with kids around Amsterdam, you don’t necessarily have to travel far. De Boswinkel and Amsterdamse Bos are fun to visit all year round. Kids can learn more about the forest and its inhabitants at De Boswinkel. Then, you can head into the forest for a bike ride or a walk. De Boswinkel also regularly organizes fun activities, such as treasure hunts and exciting excursions with the forest ranger! In Amsterdamse Bos, you’ll find various attractions such as play islands, kiddie pools, a goat farm, and a maze. You can also enjoy sports, picnics, or even take a nap in Amsterdamse Bos. End the day at the pancake restaurant.
Bosbaanweg 5, Amstelveen – amsterdamsebos.nl

Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve:At Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve, you’ll learn all about organic farming and farm life. While you check out the goats (and other animals), the farm work continues. Kids can also play in the playground while parents relax with a cup of coffee. Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve regularly organizes fun activities and workshops. For example, learn to make your own cheese! The farm is also perfect for a kid’s party. Kids are picked up with a pony cart, can take care of the animals, search for eggs, and the party ends with poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes).
Nieuwe Meerlaan 4, Amstelveen – geitenboerderij.nl

Speelboerderij Elsenhove:Speelboerderij Elsenhove is a farm in Amstelveen where kids can play and learn all about nature, sustainability, and farm life. Kids can help the farmer and take care of the animals. Regular fun activities are organized as well. Combine your visit to Speelboerderij Elsenhove with a bike ride or walk through the beautiful nature areas nearby for a complete day out!
Bankrasweg 1, Amstelveen – elsenhove.nl

Olmenhorst: At Olmenhorst in Lisserbroek, children learn where their fruit comes from. In these beautiful orchards, you can pick your own apples and pears (and enjoy them). Combine fruit picking with a walk or bike ride through the area. On weekends, there is a caravan in the orchard where you can eat delicious fresh fries. For other snacks and drinks, head to the Fruitloods. Keep an eye on the calendar for regularly organized activities such as the Apple Parade, tours, and treasure hunts. Finally, you can adopt your own fruit tree at Olmenhorst!
Lisserweg 481, Lisserbroek – olmenhorst.nl

Pluktuin Amstelveen: Pluktuin in Amstelveen is the place where you can pick and arrange your own bouquet of flowers. This is not only fun for the kids but also for the parents. Kids can play and run around in the garden while you enjoy the beautiful flowers and butterflies. Activities are organized in Pluktuin every season. In autumn, for example, you can carve a pumpkin, and in winter, you can make a Christmas centerpiece! End the day with a visit to the Tea Garden, where you can enjoy tea and homemade cake while the kids play in the playground.
Amsteldijk Zuid 183, Amstelveen – pluktuinamstelveen.nl

more Amsterdam tips

Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
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FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-!
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour

| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>

Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.

Let’s get social

I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.