A few days ago I shared a post about our Home Exchange break in Amsterdam. In this post I wanted to share the places we visited while we were over there. I hope it helps if any of you who are planning a trip to Amsterdam. We really valued the recommendations we were given, they can be the only way you find some places.
We arrived late afternoon on Saturday and so after a quick visit to the shop for supplies, we were pretty much done for the day. Here’s what we got up to for the rest of our stay.
Scheveningen beach/De Pier
We headed the 30 minute drive to Scheveningen to explore this beach town. Also we knew they had an aquarium so we would have plenty to do. After a stroll up the sea front and a look at the amazing sculptures, we wandered back down the beach so Ava could add to her shell collection. We grabbed some lunch in one of the beachside restaurants. The choice for Vegetarians wasn’t great in any of the restaurants and I ended up with a kid’s meal, but to be honest it was pretty large!
After a walk down De Pier, which is full of shops and great places to eat, Ava and her dad went on the giant big wheel. While I sat waiting (and unknowingly getting sunburn) I watched people zip lining from a tower down to the beach.
We then headed to the Sealife Centre, which is right there on the seafront. Ava loved it as she was given a little checklist of things to do or see and at different points there was a stamp to use on the card. The card is then redeemed at the end for a sticker.
Amsterdam centre
I was so keen to explore the centre of Amsterdam, so the following day we headed there. Hubby had visited before, but it was Ava and my first time.
We stopped for breakfast while trying to decide what to do…… All I can say is I wish this was breakfast every day!
We decided on Ripley’s Believe It or Not and we had such a good time. It really was great fun. I am not a museum fan, so that rules out quite a lot in Amsterdam, but this is a great place for all the family. Ava loved looking at the weird and wonderful things and we could read more about the exhibits.
Our tummies were rumbling so we googled great places to eat and only a few hundred meters away was Dragon City, a wonderful Chinese restaurant. It was so yummy!
So was the ice cream we had after!
Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans is a residential area which brings the 18th and 19th centuries to life. With the bakery museum, the clog workshop, cheese factory and so many pretty windmills, it’s a truly unique place to spend a few hours. So beautiful to just wander around, but there are also workshops and demonstrations you can watch. Gift shops, restaurants and loads of places to snap great pictures make it a must visit if you’re planning to visit Amsterdam.
We climbed up this windmill and it turns out I’m not great with heights or mega steep ladders!
My tip if you want to visit would be to go early. We were leaving around lunchtime and there was quite a queue to get in the carpark.
We then headed to our next visit of the day.
Bennebroek, Linnaeushof
When googling places to go in Amsterdam with kids hubby heard about Linnaeushof. Europe’s largest playground. We knew we had to visit and we weren’t disappointed. It was such an incredible place, I thought Ava’s head was going to explode there was so much to do. We had one stressful moment were Ava bashed her face and her tooth started bleeding, but after a trip to the lovely First Aid lady and an ice cream, she was smiling again.
She is so brave!
Amsterdam Nord
The next day we headed back to Amsterdam and took the free ferry across to the north part of Amsterdam. The ferry was an experience in itself. Cars, bikes, dogs, people all milling together on the short journey.
Amsterdam’s smallest office space.
ADAM Tower features a swing right on the top. If you’re a daredevil this is the place for you!
We had a great lunch (with awesome Veggie burger!) at The Butcher. The staff were wonderful and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. If you go get a milkshake!
After returning to the city centre we found the flower market, which I must admit wasn’t quite what I expected. It was filled with lots of bulbs and souvenirs, but not many beautiful blooms.
After checking out the Amsterdam Instagram story feed, I knew I wanted to see ‘Self-portrait of a dreamer’ which is outside the Rijks Museum. Also there is the IAMSTERDAM sign.
How much sass?!
Ava wanted me to take a picture of her in EVERY. SINGLE. letter, so obviously I did (I spared you some of them!).
Artis Zoo
Our next day trip was to the Zoo in central Amsterdam. Ava was getting super tired by then and so we had a fair bit of whinging. While not the biggest zoo; it was well laid out, with plenty to see and do for kids.
A super healthy breakfast…..
This is so pixelated but these fish actually kissed!
Amstel park
Another google search gave us the idea to spend our last day at Amstel park. We’re so glad we did, it’s such a beautiful place. Free to get in, with a restaurant and a cafe on-site and so many activities, it’s perfect for families. We took a train ride round the park (which was about 3 euros each) before we headed for pancakes! Well you have to don’t you!
Then we tried our hand at crazy golf, which was such a laugh. The 21 hole course was 7 euros per adult and 5 euros for kids. Ava loved it.
The girl’s got form!
This park is awesome. A huge playground, boating lake, petting farm, fun rides and wide open spaces to explore. I only wish there was something similar near us in France.
That face!
I would totally recommend going to Amsterdam. It’s really family focused and there’s so much to do. We had such a great time. I hope this post helps you plan your visit.
Comments 3
I don’t know where to start. It all looks fantastic for kids! Stunning photos too.
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Thanks so much hun x
Such a pretty place! Glad you had a good time!