For families

1 East Indiaman Amsterdam

A splendid replica of a Dutch East India Company ship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1749. Watch the sailors hoisting cargo and swabbing decks. It will be moored nearby during Scheepvaart Museum’s renovation from 2007 to 2009.

Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 5232 222
www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl

2 Canal Bikes

Explore the canals at your own pace. Adults may well find these pedal boats energy-sapping, but children will love them. They seat either two or four people, and can be boarded at four different central locations.
www.canal.nl/bike/en/

3. NEMO

It’s worth going to Amsterdam’s science and technology centre just for the building alone – dubbed “Titanic” by locals – and for the superb views you can get from the roof. Inside, enquiring minds will be kept alert with scores of fun, thought-provoking demonstrations of the world around us.

Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
Phone: + 31 (0) 20-531 32 33
www.e-nemo.nl

4 Artis Zoo

Children really love this action-packed zoo, where they can pat the animals in the children’s farm, brave the steamy reptile house, see the stars in the planetarium, and marvel at the fish in the vast aquarium.

Phone: +31 (0) 20 523 3400
Opening info: Open Apr–Oct: 9am–6pm daily; Nov–Mar: 9am–5pm daily
Additional info: Guided tour 11am Sun
Admission charge: Admission charge
www.artis.nl

5 Tropenmusuem

Stroll through a highly realistic North African street, Indian village or Arab market – all at the Tropenmuseum. There is also a “hands-on” Kindermuseum (Children’s Museum), which is open to 6- to 12-year-olds by appointment (guided tours in Dutch only).

Address: Linnaeusstraat 2
Transport: Tram 9, 10, 14; bus 22
Tropenmuseum Phone: 020 568 8215
Tropenmuseum Junior Phone: 020 568 8233
Tropenmuseum Opening info: Open 10am–5pm daily
Tropenmuseum Junior Opening info: Opening times contact for details
Admission charge applies.
www.tropenmuseum.nl
www.tropenmuseumjunior.nl

DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are one of the most popular guides in the world. Whether you want to plan a trip, find inspiration, book a hotel, or indulge in a spot of retail therapy you'll find all the information and advice you need here.