Discover the parcs and playgrounds of Amsterdam
The Best Parks and Playgrounds in Amsterdam for Families
Welcome to Kids in Amsterdam! We know how crucial it is to find child-friendly activities and places when visiting Amsterdam with your family. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to the best parks and playgrounds in Amsterdam, perfect for a fun-filled family day out.
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the most famous and busiest park in Amsterdam, located right in the center of the city. Vondelpark has large lawns, ponds, several playgrounds, and an open-air theater with performances during the summer. There are also many cafés and picnic areas.
The places to go in the Vondelpark with kids are:
- Playground and restaurant the Vondeltuin
- Playground and restaurant het groot melkhuis
- Kinderkookcafe: The Kinderkookcafé in Amsterdam is a fantastic place where kids can unleash their inner chef by choosing their own dishes to create, like pizzas or cookies. They have a nice playground as well so the kids can play while waiting for their pizza or cookies being baked.
Oosterpark
Oosterpark is a spacious park in Amsterdam East, perfect for walking, cycling, and picnicking. It has a pond, a large grassy area, and a two fun playgrounds for children. There are also artworks, such as the National Slavery Monument.
Sarphatipark
The Sarphatipark is a true city park. It is a green oasis in the middle of the busy De Pijp neighborhood. The Sarphatipark has a playground and a play forest. There is also a place for volleyball, basketball, and table tennis. There are lawns to sit on and a large pond. Marsh plants keep the water in the pond clean. In various places in the park, there are berry bushes and herbs.
In the park, there is a monument to Samuel Sarphati, after whom the park is named. He did a lot of good work for Amsterdam in the 19th century. The Sarphatipark is lower than the surrounding neighborhood. Therefore, there is a pumping station from 1884 that keeps the park dry, which is fun for children to see.
Amstelpark
The Amstelpark is located in Amsterdam Zuid, between the Amstel and the Europaboulevard. There is a lot to do for children in the Amstelpark. There is a maze, a mini-golf course, a rose garden, an orangery, greenhouses, the Rhododendron Valley, a windmill, a city farm, and a large playground with some fun attractions like Thomas the Tank Engine and bumper boats. There is also a little train that rides around the entire park. The Glass House often hosts interesting exhibitions. There are also various places where you can buy something to eat or drink. The Amstelpark is definitely one of our favorites park to go to for a fun afternoon or morning.
Beatrixpark
The Beatrixpark is located in Amsterdam Zuid, near the RAI. The park is a beautiful green area next to the tall buildings of the Zuidas. There are lovely walking and cycling routes through the Beatrixpark. There is a lot of art in the park, and a herb garden with hundreds of medicinal herbs. You can sit comfortably on the hills and by the pond. For small children, there is a paddling pool which is open in warm weather. There is also a large play meadow and a playground with a sandbox. The park has a basketball court as well.
Amsterdamse Bos
Enjoy a beautiful walk in the woods, go sailing or cuddle the goats; there is so much to see at the Amsterdamse Bos.
A few suggestions:
Ridammerhoeve is a biodynamic goat farm at the center of the Amsterdamse Bos. Visitors are welcome to look around the farm and have a chat with the staff while they work. All products made on the farm are for sale in the shop or served on the terrace.
Swing from tree to tree, climb a rope ladder and balance on a suspension bridge. The Fun Forest climbing park has nine different climbing courses at various heights, varying in difficulty. Good fun for young and old alike!
Mini Captain’s electric boats enable children aged four and older to experience steering their own boat. On shore, children learn about shipping and harbour life.
Bicycle Rental Service 'De Boshalte' is situated opposite Visitors' Centre 'De Boswinkel'. They rent out all kinds of bikes, like city bikes, tandems and even so-called 'ElliptiGO’s' An ElliptiGO is a kind of mix between a bicycle and a cross trainer. A special cycle tour of 14 km has been marked through the Bos to show you all the beauty of this forest in one trip.
The Groot Kinderbad and Klein Kinderbad are two outside paddling pools for young children. The pools are open from May to August/September, provided temperatures reach 20° Celsius or higher.
Take a magnificent walk through the Amsterdamse Bos and then enjoy the best pancakes in Amsterdam at Boerderij Meerzicht (Meerzicht Farm). Or just relax over a cup of coffee and watch the peacocks and other animals strutting around the yard, while the children explore the playground.
Travel in style to the Amsterdamse Bos with the Museum Tram. The tram add line number departs from Haarlemmermeer station and takes you all the way to the Amsterdamse Bos. You can get off at the forest entrance, but also continue a few stops. It’s a fun way to travel to the Bos. Limited service (only on Sunday).
Westerpark
This park offers a mix of nature, art, and culture and is located in the west of Amsterdam. It’s connected to the Westergasfabriek, where you can find cafés, restaurants, and cultural events. The park has plenty of walking paths, ponds, and a fun playground like "het woeste westen" and a small farm "boerderij westerpark".
Rembrandtpark
The Rembrandtpark is a beautiful park with lakes and playgrounds. It’s one of Amsterdam’s lesser-known parks, but it offers plenty of activities for children to enjoy. One highlight is "Het Landje," a play area where kids aged 6 to 14 can build huts, care for animals, raft, and more. The park also features a city farm, school gardens, and a playground.
Erasmuspark
The Erasmuspark is a small park in Amsterdam West, popular among locals. It’s a charming park with two great playgrounds. There’s also a lovely café, "Terrasmus," located in the park, where you can enjoy a bite or a drink while the kids have fun in the playground.