Whether you go out with toddlers or have teenagers along, the city has something for everyone this vacation season. A few items close just before or after the vacation week, so check the dates carefully before you go.
Spring in ARTIS
Two elephant calves were born this spring in ARTIS, and the nesting season is visible all over the park. The “Egg on Wheels” cargo bike rides around with special eggs that children get to touch and see up close. In Micropia you can build your own microscope and see a world that is normally invisible. For kids who want to see animals AND do something, this is one of the best outings of the vacations. Open daily. - Plantation Church Avenue 38-40, Plantation
“From maternity visits with the two elephant calves to discovering the breeding season and the Egg on Wheels cargo bike: there is more to experience than ever at ARTIS this May vacation.” - Kidsproof Amsterdam (April 2026)
Prehistoric Planet: Dinosaurs
At Fabrique des Lumières, the entire building is dedicated to prehistory. Through 360-degree projections and the music of Hans Zimmer, imagine yourself 66 million years ago among dinosaurs, jungles and volcanoes, with exclusive footage from the Apple TV series Prehistoric Planet. The exhibition lasts fifty minutes and is suitable for children as young as 6. Spectacular enough to convince even parents who didn't really feel like it. Open daily. - Polonceaukade 5, Westerpark
Rembrandt's Masterclass
In the Rembrandt House discover in five steps how Rembrandt looked, worked and experimented, in the house where he himself lived and painted. Children draw themselves, depict emotions and learn how to distinguish a real Rembrandt from a fake. More do-museum visit than viewing museum, good for children who are easily distracted. The exhibition closes in the fall, so the May vacation is a good time. Open through May 25, closed April 27. - Jodenbreestraat 4, Center
Miniature Museum Amsterdam
In fifty minutes, take a time travel through the history of Amsterdam through carefully constructed miniatures, short films and compact texts. The scale makes it fascinating: familiar places and buildings in miniature, complemented by a scavenger hunt that keeps children active. Well laid out and doable for young children who are quickly saturated in a museum. Open daily. - Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Center
Open Studio - Van Gogh Museum
During the May vacation, children can draw in the Open Studio under supervision inspired by the work in the collection. There are also free scavenger hunts for children and a family tour for ages 6-12. With more than 200 paintings by Van Gogh, the collection is worth seeing on its own, but the Open Studio Makes the visit go from watching to making it yourself. Advance booking of tickets is required. - Museum Square 6, Museum Quarter
The Amsterdam Bostheater
On Sunday, April 26, the Forest Theatre the new season with a free celebration for all ages: live music, a bouncy castle, children's program on stage and a preview of the youth show Robin Hood. Gates open at 2 p.m. Then, from April 28 through May 2, Forest Youth Theater Week runs, with children creating their own performance on the theme of Spinoza. Free admission on April 26; register separately for theater week. - Bosbaanweg 5, Amsterdamse Bos. April 26 free, theater week April 28 to May 2
“Children want to know two things: can I be here, and can I be who I am? At KiMu, the answer to both is a resounding yes.” - Suzanne Huis, director KiMu Children's Art Museum (2026)
KiMu Children's Art Museum
Not opened until March 2026 by Mayor Halsema in North: the first children's art museum of Amsterdam. Children work entirely from their own ideas in three studios for 2D, 3D and light, guided by artists who take them seriously as makers. The opening exhibition Parallel Processes shows the work of more than a hundred children alongside that of three professional artists, including Brian Elstak. New, so little talked about yet: a good reason to be the first to attend. Open Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Termini 487, North
NEMO Science Museum
Two floors full of doing it yourself: in the Phenomena and Technium exhibitions, children experiment with air, water, light and technology. No workshop required, no reservation: you just walk in and start. The threshold is low, the content strong enough to keep even older children busy. A terrace on the roof if the weather is good. Open daily. - Oosterdok 2, Center
Restaurant Henry
Pancake restaurant by four brothers who grew up on the Vecht, now located in the former Le Garage on Ruysdaelstraat. The flour comes from corn mill De Ruiter in Vreeland, a 1967 recipe that has lasted for generations. The menu offers classic pancakes, satay and stew dishes in a cozy old Dutch interior on the border of Oud-Zuid and De Pijp. Good for an extended lunch or early dinner in the middle of the vacation week. - Ruysdaelstraat 50, Old South
Barbie: The Dream Experience
At WONDR in North is a 2,000-square-foot Barbie installation with twelve interactive zones: a life-size DreamHouse with kitchen, lounge and slide, the pink Corvette, the Totally Hair Salon and a chronological journey through sixty years of Barbie. The experience lasts 90 to 120 minutes and is completely self-guided, making it suitable for slightly older children as well. Combination ticket available with The Upside Down and Fabrique des Lumières. Tickets booked in advance. - Gull Avenue 88, North
Petting goats in the Amsterdam Forest
On the petting zoo goats and lambs walk in the Forest this spring. Touching and feeding are allowed; admission is free. The forest itself offers enough for half a day: cycling, playing at the play pond or just wandering around. Great to combine with eating pancakes at the farm nearby or visiting the Forest Theatre. - Farmhouse Meerzicht, Koenenkade 56, Amsterdam Forest. Free
The Upside Down Amsterdam
Twenty-five themed rooms full of optical illusions, a three-kilometer LED pool, a Mondrian room and a pink private jet. Conceived as an Instagram museum but just as fun to walk through with kids who love to touch and try everything. Children ages 3 to 12 pay €18, adults €26. A combination ticket with Barbie Experience and Fabrique des Lumières is available. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. - Europaboulevard 5, Rivierenbuurt
Move - interactive experience
In the Move Lab the May vacation is all about technology and speed. Kids ride in high-tech driving simulators, pilot drones through a course and build their own LEGO robot. The Junior Sim Racing Workshop is designed for ages 10-14, the LEGO Robotics Workshop for ages 6-10. Good for kids who would rather do than watch and don't want to go home soon enough. Open April 25-May 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Closed April 27. - Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, De Pijp. April 25 through May 3
The Mouse House Mini Museum
In the Mini Museum at Muntplein you enter the world of Sam and Julia, the little mice from the book series of the same name. You get a closer look at the secret hut in the stairwell, the circus Roberti, the mouse fair and Grandpa Sailor at the harbor, with all their details. On the second floor, you'll learn how to build your own Mouse House at home. Children can pick up a bingo card at the ticket booth and look for mice; whoever finishes the card gets a surprise. Over the weekend, there will be a walk-in workshop where children can paint their own mouse door. Admission is free; reservations are not required. Closed on King's Day. - Mint Square 8, Center. Daily 10am-6pm. Free admission.
ArtZoo
In this museum on the Herengracht, art, design and nature come together in colorful installations that you walk through and participate in. It is visually strong and interactive enough for children who quickly tire of just looking. The atmospheric canal house completes the outing: good to combine with a walk through the center or a visit to the Miniature Museum nearby. Open daily. - Herengracht 368, Center
Kings Day free market NDSM
The NDSM Freeport is the city's largest children's free market every year. Children display their own stuff, come up with an activity for a stall or just go looking for a bargain. There's music, food trucks and plenty for parents to look around the wharf. Falls in the middle of the vacation week and requires no preparation. Free admission. - NDSM Wharf, North. April 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free
Those looking to start the vacation with something new, head to the free Forest Theater Opening Party on April 26 or have lunch at Restaurant Hendrik in the old Le Garage. Those who prefer a full day indoors can choose between Prehistoric Planet, NEMO, KiMu and more. And those who haven't seen ARTIS yet this spring: the calves are waiting.