Designed and built in 1850, this is Amsterdam’s most famous public green space. Expect to see lots of bikers, walkers and dogs enjoying the park (and in the summer, lots of picnics and lounging in the much-appreciated sunlight). Parents: head to De Vondeltuin in the southwest corner for an epic playground with a cafe where you can sip on cappuccinos while the kids climb their hearts out.

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a boat ride on the canals. There are various ways to do this—you can join a larger guided tour boat (found all over the inner ring), rent your own boat and drive through the canals like a local through a company called Boaty, or book a more intimate guided tour boat—we recommend Those Dam Boat Guys (for the older, less-impressionable crowd).

Originally established in 1800, this is Amsterdam’s most popular destination so be prepared for crowds and lines to see the more famous exhibits, i.e. “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt van Rijn, (commissioned and painted in 1642). This gorgeous building houses over one million pieces of art, including the breathtaking Rembrandt but kids will probably be equally impressed with the giant “historical” Playmobil figures, which make the perfect vacation photo op.

This warm and cozy restaurant has been serving the veritable staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 1973 and it will not disappoint. The kid’s menu is hilarious—they can choose between the fire department, princess, a surprise pancake, pirate and is delivered with a prop to boot, like the police version above that includes a police helmet (not to keep), a side of chocolate to spread on the pancake along with some gummy candies and a lollipop.

This wild play area, located in the northwest corner of Amsterdam, is full of funky bridges, zip lines and wood rafts to climb onto and push your way through the canals. Getting wet is most likely guaranteed but it's super fun. After, head to the shop to buy a s'mores kit to roast on the open fire.

As impressive architecturally as the contents it holds, this is a mecca for science, technology, experiments, and interactive play. The Renzo Piano-designed building sits on the waterfront and as you approach, you may notice people walking on the sloping roof, also known as Amsterdam’s highest square. This elevated square has an art installation called Energetica, as well as a cafe and a bar, available to museum patrons and the public alike.

The oldest zoo in continental Europe, here you can visit with 900 specials of animals, run around some glorious playgrounds and get up close and personal with kangaroos.

This museum houses the world’s largest collection of paintings by the troubled artist, Vincent Van Gogh. It’s big, with three main floors plus an exhibition hall and is perpetually crowded. So much so, you’ll need to reserve a time-slot for entry. Repeat: You cannot walk into the museum without a confirmed reservation. Understandably, the museum is taking great pains to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

The largest and most popular outdoor food and flea market (it's been on-going since 1905)—hit up this pedestrian-only street and find treasures to wear and eat. Also one of the best spots for people-watching.

At this cafe, kids do all the cooking, serving and cleaning. Seriously.

This is the place to go for modern and contemporary art. If you head here with kids, pick up a "Family Trail" guide for free at the information desk that will guide you through the museum via four different paths. Kids will be asked to use their eyes, ears, and nose to find art along with challenges and other fun activities.

This biographical museum, located in central Amsterdam, is dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. Given the serious nature of this museum, this may be best suited for kids 10 and up. Keep in mind reservations need to be made online and well in advance (like weeks if not months ahead) of your arrival.

A visit to a country that dominated maritime history must include stopping at one of the world's largest and most notable maritime collections that includes paintings, ship models, navigation instruments and more. Don't miss stepping onto a replica of a 1749 Dutch East Indiaman ship located on the canal—you can climb into hammocks and pretend to sleep like a real Dutch sailor.

Off the beaten path, in the Oud-West neighborhood, is Foodhallen, a food hall located in a renovated tram depot, filled with vendors selling pizza to pita and everything in between. A great place to go when no one can decide what they want to eat for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is buzzy, jovial and communal. You’ll feel like a local and get a great meal, all at the same time.

The first museum dedicated to all thing microbes, both good and bad, you'll either walk away a total germaphobe or appreciative of all of the microscopic wonders that helps keep life on earth in check.

A houseboat that is also a cat sanctuary for felines looking for a permanent home, this animal shelter was started in 1968 by Henriette van Weelde. The boat is open to tourists and free to enter but donations are appreciated.

The grandson of Pulitzer Prize founder Joseph Pulitzer, founded this five-star hotel, made up of 25 interlinked Dutch canal homes built in the 17th and 18th century. Keep an eye out for the bucket full of LEGO bricks or the set of hanging egg swings in the courtyard. Book a family suite—the kid’s rooms are upstairs so when it’s time for them to go to bed, you can continue to hang out in the living room and enjoy the dreamy canal views.

Located within walking distance of Centraal Station, this modern hotel overlooks the water. Ask for a higher-floored room so you can get a view of the city. Check out the rooftop deck and lounge that is totally worth a visit (whether you stay here or not). Head’s up railway fans: One side of the SkyLounge overlooks the train station so if you have trainspotters, you can watch trains, trams and even boats and buses make their busy-way through this part of town.

Free ferry boats, outside Centraal Station, will drop you off by the Eye, the A’dam Toren (the tallest tower in Amsterdam that also has a giant swing on the roof) and a bike path that will take you into the countryside along the Ijsselmeer coast.

This kid's mecca is full of interesting playgrounds, bike paths, ponds a plenty for feeding the ducks and large green spaces for impromptu picnics. In the summer, head over to the splash pad that is guaranteed hours of fun.

This cozy neighborhood cafe has over-the-top breakfast and lunch options but if you want to really impress your kids, order a freak shake (cold or hot depending on the weather) and prepare to bask in the best parent award. Walk over to Vondelpark afterward and let them run all that sugared-up energy out.

A farm in the middle of the Amsterdam Forest, here you can feed goats, play on playgrounds and eat homemade ice cream. Don't forget to pick up some farm-fresh goat cheese before you leave.

Built in 1280, this is the most famous castle in the Netherlands and is located a short ferry or train ride away from Amsterdam. Explore the grounds and gardens, check out the falconer, watch an interactive medieval show and dress up like knights.

Take a day trip to vist iconic and historic windmills and distinctive green wood houses in this (replica) of 18th and 19th-century village life. Mini museums populate the area and include interactive exhibits on chocolate and cheese making. Do not miss the wooden clog carving demonstration. An absolute must-see!