How to spend a day in Amsterdam on a budget with kids

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Wondering how to spend a day in Amsterdam on a budget with kids? Well you’re in the right place – we love exploring European cities but we always travel on a shoe-string! The Netherlands is a brilliant destination for a family holiday – with loads of child-friendly resorts and attractions, as well as gorgeous cities like Amsterdam for a bit of history and culture. There are actually lots of things you can see and do in Amsterdam inexpensively – perfect for families travelling cheaply. So, if you’re visiting the Netherlands with the kids, make sure you take a trip to Amsterdam – here are five fantastic, budget-friendly things to see and do that the whole family will love. Here’s how to spend a day in Amsterdam on a budget with kids.

1. Explore the city by foot or bike

Amsterdam’s canals are the heart and soul of the city, and the best part? They’re completely free to explore! Strolling along the canals, you’ll find yourself immersed in the city’s unique atmosphere, with charming bridges, historic buildings and cozy houseboats at every turn. Keep an eye out for the famous Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire the classic Dutch architecture and snap some Instagram-worthy photos. If you want to cover more ground, renting a bike is a quintessentially Dutch way to see the city. There are plenty of bike rental shops dotted around the city – though in hindsight we actually found the bikes a bit of a hinderance if I’m honest.

Following the cycling lanes, we found ourselves going around in circles (on routes that we could have walked quicker had we been able to go directly there 😂) and the bike locks were hard going. The kids had been desperate to hire bikes (it cost us €60 for the four of us) but I think we probably would have been better off on foot, though they loved having the bikes. Several companies also offer free walking tours of the city, where knowledgeable guides will lead you through the most iconic neighbourhoods and landmarks. These tours are typically tip-based, so you can pay what you can afford at the end. It can be a great way to see the highlights of Amsterdam, learn about its history, and get some insider tips from a local.

2. Cruise the canals on a family-friendly boat tour

Many canal cruise companies offer family-friendly tours that cater specifically to children, with entertaining commentary and fun activities to keep them engaged. It’s a great way to see the city’s iconic sights, like the Anne Frank House and the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), while keeping the kids entertained and resting little legs if you’re travelling with young children. Plus most boats are covered, making this a perfect activity no matter the weather. Look for early bird or late afternoon cruise deals, which are often cheaper and less crowded. Some companies also offer family packages or kids-go-free promotions, so be sure to shop around before booking.

3. Check out a museum

If you’ve got slightly older kids – visiting the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam can be both educational and impactful. Mine find her story so interesting, so they were keen to see where she had lived. You can see the door, which is labelled, from the pathway alongside the canal, and the museum is nearby. The museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions, making it essential to book tickets in advance – we didn’t realise how busy it would be off peak so unfortunately didn’t get to go inside. (Hopefully next time we visit!) For families, the museum offers discounted tickets for children under 18, and if you visit during off-peak hours, you may find it less crowded and easier to navigate with kids.

For younger children, or to entertain the kids on a rainy day, the NEMO Science Museum is a fantastic interactive, hands-on museum packed with fun experiments, exciting exhibits and engaging activities designed to spark curiosity. Kids can build bridges, play with waterworks, generate electricity and even create giant soap bubbles while learning in a super fun way. Then head to the rooftop terrace where you can enjoy amazing views over Amsterdam.

4. Discover the magic of Vondelpark

We take a picnic everywhere, it’s definitely the best way to keep costs down when travelling with kids – especially in pricier places like cities. So, pack a picnic and find a quiet spot by the water to enjoy your meal with a view. Or, a head to Vondelpark (Amsterdam’s largest park) to get a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy your picnic in peace. This expansive green oasis in the heart of the city is perfect for letting children run free, with its wide open spaces, several playgrounds, and even a dedicated paddling pool during the summer months. If you’ve got little ones, a lunchtime pitstop at Vondelpark is a great way for them to let off some steam – and it won’t cost you a penny! The park also has free public toilets, which is always a bonus when you’re out with kids, and you might even catch a free concert in the summer months.

5. People watch in Dam Square

The heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). It’s a lively area where you can people-watch, catch street performances, or simply soak in the city’s bustling atmosphere. Though we visited slightly out of season (in September) we did have our day in Amsterdam over a weekend and it was very busy. I think, if you can visit on a Tuesday-Thursday (avoiding the weekends and days either side) it may be possible to wander the city more peacefully.

Is Amsterdam worth a visit?

Amsterdam has its own unique vibe, so if you’re visiting the Netherlands with the kids for a family break, then exploring the city is definitely a great way to spend a day. You can happily wander without spending much at all, if you’re travelling in a small budget, but we did find the parking quite pricey so allow for that. Getting to Amsterdam is actually pretty easy and affordable from the UK – lots of budget airlines fly into the city – or catch a cheap ferry from Dover to Calais. Driving from Calais to Amsterdam is just under a four hour drive, so it’s an easy road trip distance (with no tolls along the way) and likely to be a cheaper and quicker option than flying if you live near the South coast of England. If you live further up the country, you can also take a ferry from Harwich directly to the Hook of Holland port in the Netherlands.

How can I visit Amsterdam on a budget with kids?

Staying outside of the city centre is also a great way to save money (we’ve typically paid £50-£60 per night for Eurocamp holiday homes) and there are some incredible family holiday resorts in the Netherlands too. We travelled in from Lake Resort Beekse Bergen for our day in Amsterdam (which also comes with free entry to attractions like Beekse Bergen Safari Park and Speelland), and the Duinrell Resort is fantastic too – with free theme park entry. There are lots of excellent budget-friendly accommodation choices, and these come with other facilities like pools and children’s activities which make for a well rounded family holiday. Find my reviews here: Eurocamp Holiday Review: Beekse Bergen Lake Resort, North Brabant, The Netherlands.

Eurocamp Holiday Review: Duinrell Theme Park Resort, South Holland, The Netherlands. When we visited, we drove in and parked in the Park and Ride carpark at Bijlmer Arena – it was really expensive (we hadn’t realised) and cost us €18 for parking. Thankfully the metro into the city centre cost us less than €10 for the four of us for a return so that balanced things out slightly! We found the public transport in Amsterdam really easy and affordable. For the best places to stay near the city with the kids, without a long drive, check out my article: The 5 best family-friendly holiday parks near Amsterdam.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

Hot weather is definitely less important for a city break – in fact you don’t really want to be exploring a city in the sweltering heat – so it can be a great type of holiday for avoiding peak summer dates. (Plus The Netherlands is hardly known for it’s glorious sunshine! 😂 Though we did visit during a heatwave so it felt rather tropical!) If you’re able to travel during the off-peak season then you’ll most certainly save money on both flights and accommodation.

If you need to travel within school holiday dates then you’ll likely find May half-term, Easter and the October break cheaper than the summer holidays. But if you’re able to have a midweek family getaway, (avoiding the weekends if possible) then that can be a great way to save money on your city break even if you’re holidaying when the kids are off from school. The winter months also come with their own charm, as the Christmas markets offer a completely different kind of experience. The Netherlands is a lovely place for a holiday with the kids – the Dutch are so friendly and family-orientated. Find out more in the my article: 10 reasons why you should visit the Netherlands with kids. And, with a bit of planning, it’s totally doable to spend a day in Amsterdam on a budget with kids.