25 Amazing Things to Do in Amsterdam with Teenagers

Amsterdam is a paradise for families, offering a plethora of exciting activities that are sure to keep your teens entertained and enthralled. From its iconic canals and sprawling parks to its quality shopping and family-friendly attractions, you’ll never struggle to find things to do in Amsterdam with teenagers! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Dutch capital.

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25 Great Things to Do in Amsterdam for Teenagers

Welcome to Amsterdam, the captivating capital of the Netherlands! With its picturesque streets and vibrant culture, Amsterdam is sure to be a treasure trove of experiences for your family holiday. This dynamic city offers a wide range of activities that will delight visitors of all ages.

The city’s iconic canal network is a must-see attraction when you’re in Amsterdam with teens. Take a boat tour or rent bicycles to explore Amsterdam’s winding streets, bridges, and waterways. Or wander the city’s dedicated museum district, home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, including the Van Gogh Museum.

With its diverse array of attractions, Amsterdam ensures that every family member will find something to enjoy. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this captivating city!

1. Van Gogh Museum

Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum is a tribute to the legendary Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh. The museum houses the largest collection of work by Van Gogh in the world, including paintings, drawings, and letters written by the artist.

When you visit, you’ll learn about his artistic development and profound impact on the art world, as well as Van Gogh’s life and personal struggles. Admission to the Van Gogh Museum is free for those under 18 years of age. We recommend trying one of the guided tours from Context Travel or you can purchase audio tours and explore on your own.

2. Anne Frank House

Visiting the Anne Frank House with teens is an incredibly impactful and educational experience. Possibly one of the most famous museums in Amsterdam, the historic site at the city center is the actual hiding place where Anne and her family lived in secret during World War II.

When visiting Amsterdam with teens or younger children, a visit to the Anne Frank House allows them to connect with history on a personal level.

When you arrive, you’ll be given an audio tour (offered in 8 different languages) before you walk through the front house and the secret annex. There are also exhibits around Anne’s Journal, artifacts from those who actually lived in the house, and more. Visiting the Anne Frank House is an extremely popular historical site, and you should book your tickets well in advance.

3. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is considered one of the best museums in Amsterdam and an absolute must-visit. This world-renowned museum showcases a vast collection of Dutch art and artifacts spanning over 800 years. It offers a fascinating journey through the country’s rich history and artistic heritage, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists.

You could easily spend half a day here, getting up close with iconic paintings like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” The guided tours are 2-hours long, or you can access the Rijksmuseum app for audio tours that allow you to experience the museum at your own pace. Admission is free for those under 18 years.

4. A’DAM Lookout

The A’DAM Lookout is a thrilling attraction that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Amsterdam. Located on the banks of the River IJ, this is an observation deck where you’ll take in the stunning skyline, historic canals, and iconic landmarks across the city! But the A’DAM Lookout isn’t just about the views: there are a variety of exciting experiences to enjoy.

To get to the rooftop, you’ll take an elevator with a light show inside. Then there’s Europe’s highest swing, Over the Edge, which propels guests over the edge of the building at a height of 100 meters. You can try different immersive exhibitions on the history and culture of Amsterdam, including VR rides!

The whole family will enjoy the scenery while dining at the onsite restaurant and bar. Try to purchase tickets in advance so you guarantee that the A’DAM Lookout is open when you want to visit.

5. Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Markt in Amsterdam is a bustling open-air market that stretches along Albert Cuypstraat, the market’s main street. This market has been a local institution for over a century, attracting tourists and locals alike. You can visit the market Monday through Saturday between 9:30 AM and 5 PM.

It boasts a diverse array of stalls and storefronts, selling everything from fresh produce, flowers, and cheese to handmade clothing, accessories, and household items. You can sample delicious Dutch treats like stroopwafels and herring or indulge in international street food. The Albert Cyup Market is a great place for bargain hunting, picking up souvenirs, and experiencing authentic Amsterdam life.

6. WONDR Experience

If your family loves immersive exhibitions, add the WONDR Experience to your list of things to do in Amsterdam with teenagers.

This whimsical space is designed to engage all the senses and encourages you to use your imagination! You’ll navigate through artist-designed rooms filled with bubblegum-pink ball pits, magical tunnels, and optical illusions. There are interactive exhibits, Instagram-worthy photos at every turn, and even a roller disco with a full bar.

Keep in mind that WONDR Experience has specific rules concerning kids being accompanied by adults, like no one under 11 during “kids’ times.” And for every child under 14 there must be an adult present.

7. MOCO Museum

Amsterdam’s MOCO Museum is a vibrant contemporary art museum located inside a gorgeous Dutch townhouse. You and your teen will be captivated by 3 levels of boundary-pushing installations, imaginative sculptures, and visually stunning pieces. 

The museum features pieces from both modern and contemporary art movements, including street art, pop art, and other cutting-edge styles. There are works by both unknown and world-renown artists, including Banksy, Jeff Koonz, Roy Lichtenstein, and Salvador Dalí! Timed tickets are available every day of the week and children ages 6 and under are free.

8. Walking Tour

Taking a guided walking tour of Amsterdam is a fantastic way to explore this beautiful city while learning about its history, culture, and architecture from knowledgeable local guides.

Walking tours offer an intimate and immersive experience so you can soak up the atmosphere and discover the city’s unique character. It’s also an excellent way to orient yourself, maximize your time, and gain a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s fascinating past and present.

Check all of this off your list with this Amsterdam highlights walking tour. It’s an excellent tour that’s just over 2.5 hours. You’ll see landmarks throughout the heart of the city, including the Royal Palace, In de Waag, and more.

Or take an Anne Frank walking tour of Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter. While you visit several important sites, you’ll learn about Anne and Amsterdam under Nazi occupation.

9. Resistance Museum

Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam, or the Museum of WWII Resistance, is a compelling testament to the bravery of the Dutch people during World War II. This moving museum chronicles the stories of those who lived in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation.

Through political art, personal artifacts, documents, photographs, and more, the museum brings to life the challenges faced by the Dutch resistance fighters and the impact of the war on daily life.

One major exhibit is the Verzetsmuseum Junior, a children’s museum for kids 9 and up. Here, kids can learn about occupied Amsterdam in an immersive way through the stories of three children who lived during that time. You can also take a free audio tour through all the exhibits. There’s an admission fee for everyone 7 years and up.

10. Go To Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore

A fun stop in Amsterdam is Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore! The brand is known for its ethical and high-quality treats, and the company was founded with a mission to combat slavery and unfair practices in the chocolate industry. When you visit, it might remind you of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory!

Peruse all your favorite Chocolonely flavors in the market, and you can try free samples and all kinds of baked goods made with chocolate.

You can even design your own chocolate bar. You’ll pick the flavors, design the wrapper, and even watch it being made! It’s a great place to spend an hour, satisfy your sweet tooth, support a worthy cause, and learn the story behind Tony’s Chocolonely.

11. STRAAT Museum

A new and exciting addition to Amsterdam’s elite list of art museums is the STRAAT Museum. This is a street art and graffiti museum in a massive warehouse on the NDSM Wharf featuring over 150 larger-than-life pieces by talented artists.

The museum is an excellent choice for those interested in the art form, with everything divided into 5 different sections that define the most common styles of street art. You can take guided tours or peruse the art on your own.

There are daily workshops available for your budding artist to create their own masterpiece. And if you are visiting Amsterdam with young kids, the STRAAT Museum engages them with a free treasure hunt at the front desk. The museum is open every day and kids under 13 are free of charge.

12. Canal Boat Tours

Amsterdam is known for the intricate network of canals that wind through the entire city. Nicknamed “Venice of the North,” a very popular way to see this amazing city is by taking a canal boat tour.

If you prefer a more intimate experience, you can rent a variety of small boats to take out on your own from one of the many rental companies located along the canals of Amsterdam. This is a great way to take a leisurely self-guided tour of the city! Just make sure that you’re aware of the rules and regulations before launching.

Or you might prefer a guided tour where you can sit back, relax, and take in the sights! This highlights canal tour on a glass-enclosed boat is a relaxing way to explore Amsterdam’s historic center. It offers a unique perspective of the city, and you’ll learn about Amsterdam’s historic canal houses, picturesque bridges, and iconic landmarks from the water.

13. Foodhallen Amsterdam

Foodhallen Amsterdam is a bustling culinary hotspot housed in a beautifully renovated industrial building. It’s a must-visit destination when you’re in Amsterdam with teens.

The light-filled hall showcases the city’s diverse food scene and is popular with both locals and tourists, featuring food stalls and vendors offering a variety of culinary specialties. It’s a great place to try traditional Dutch treats, international dishes, and trendy cuisine.

 It’s also an ideal place to bring the family for a festive meal, with food options that will cater to every taste and preference. Beyond the delicious food, Foodhallen has a magnetic atmosphere. There are communal seating areas, and the venue regularly has food festivals, live music performances, and cooking workshops! You can visit any day of the week from noon to midnight.

14. NEMO Museum

The NEMO Science Museum is a wonderful, engaging visit where all the exhibits are interactive and hands-on! It’s housed in a striking green ship-like building on the water.

The museum covers various scientific disciplines, like physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, in a fun and accessible way. Hands-on exploration is encouraged through interactive experiments, demonstrations, and workshops.

You can also visit the museum’s rooftop terrace for more outdoor exhibits that explore renewable energy and sustainable living, as well as panoramic views of Amsterdam. This museum is definitely geared towards kids 6 to 12 years old, but visitors will have a great time no matter their age!

15. Go on an Immersive Food Tour

Amsterdam food tours are a fantastic way for your family to explore the city’s culture through its fascinating food scene. You’ll visit local markets, food halls, and off-the-beaten-path cafes, combining sightseeing with culinary delights. This is your chance to indulge in mouthwatering treats like stroopwafels, herring, cheese, and bitterballen while learning more about Amsterdam.

You can take this guided food tour to really experience all that the famous Albert Cyup market has to offer. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, learn how to barter with vendors, and more.

Or explore the beautiful Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam on this small group walking tour where you’ll try 8 different local eateries. Guided by a local expert, you’ll sample a variety of traditional Dutch delicacies and learn about the city’s culinary history and culture.

16. Rent Bikes in Vondelpark

Biking is a quintessential part of Dutch culture and an authentic Amsterdam experience. Riding bikes in Vondelpark, you can also enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories in one of the city’s most iconic and vibrant green spaces.

Vondelpark itself is a beautiful urban park, offering a safe and scenic environment for biking in Amsterdam with teenagers. There are wide pathways for riding, lush greenery, flowers in the spring, and serene lakes with ducks. Stop to eat at cafes throughout the park or have a picnic on the grass.

Renting bikes in Amsterdam is easy. Just go to a bike rental shop near the park or use a bike share app where you can simply unlock a bike from nearby bike racks.

17. TonTon Club

TonTon Club is a blast for families, whether you have younger kids or older teens. It’s an arcade bar where you can play your favorite arcade game and board games while enjoying Japanese-inspired food and drinks. There’s a lively environment, with neon lights, music, and retro-themed decor.

This place is tons of fun for all ages with both classic and modern games, from Pac-Man, Mario Kart, and air hockey to VR experiences and board games. Be sure to check their calendar. The TonTon Club regularly hosts special events, competitions, and themed nights, adding an extra layer of fun!

18. Rembrandt Museum

The Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam is a fantastic museum dedicated to one of the Netherlands’ most famous artists, Rembrandt van Rijn.

Housed in the building where Rembrandt lived and worked during the peak of his career, the museum provides insight into the way he lived, his artistic process, and the 17th-century Dutch art world.

You can explore the carefully restored rooms, including Rembrandt’s studio, which include preserved artifacts from his life! There’s a collection of his etchings and paintings, as well as work by his students.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions in a gallery adjacent to the home, as well as workshops and demonstrations. Your admission comes with free audio guides in several different languages, but you’ll need to provide your own headphones.

19. Keukenhof Gardens

If you are visiting the Netherlands between March and May, Keukenhof Gardens is a must-do. Located in Lisse, this is a spectacular flower garden featuring almost 80 acres of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other vibrant (and fragrant) spring flowers. 

Every year, people come from all over the world just to see the famed Dutch tulips in full bloom, and it’s more of an exciting event than just a peaceful park.

You can walk winding paths, enjoy ponds and fountains, explore pavilions, and even rent bikes to ride around. There’s a playground for the kids, food trucks, and cafes around the grounds, as well as flower-themed displays and exhibits to enjoy.

20. AFC AJAX Football

If you can attend an Ajax football match in Amsterdam, you’re in for an unforgettable experience! Ajax is one of Europe’s most successful and infamous football clubs.

Their home stadium, Johan Cruijff Arena, offers a thrilling atmosphere. At games, you’ll see a group of passionate fans that are a big part of the whole experience, known as The F-Side. They sing and cheer throughout the match. Sitting on the southern wing of the stadium, they’re known for their massive banners and smoke bombs!

An Ajax game is very entertaining, from the pre-match buzz to the impressive plays. It’s a great way to experience the vibrant football culture of Amsterdam.

If you can’t make it to a game, a tour of the Johan Cruijff Arena is also super fun. There are a variety of tours to choose from that offer different experiences, from VR exhibits and locker tours to combination tours with the House of Heineken.

21. Shopping in the 9 Streets District

For the family that loves to get a shopping day in, you’ll want to visit 9 Streets (or 9 Straatjes) in the Jordaan district. The picturesque district covers a 3-block radius with 9 intersecting streets and is known for its historic houses and cobblestone paths.

In recent years it’s become one of the major tourist areas, especially for those interested in European brands and artisan shops. It’s a nice place to stroll along the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized canal system or visit the massive Flower Market.

Nine Streets is where you can enjoy fabulous shopping for every taste. There are boutiques with one-of-a-kind pieces, artisan jewelry stores, home goods stores, and more. You can pick up souvenirs at gift shops or search for the perfect find at vintage shops. There is also plenty of entertainment to check out, with tons of art galleries, museums, restaurants, and more.

Best Day Trips From Amsterdam With Teenagers

While you’re in Amsterdam with teenagers, consider one an easy day trip to more amazing places in the Netherlands!

22. Zaanse Schans

This living museum offers a glimpse into the Netherlands’ past. You can explore historic windmills, traditional houses, and charming shops and see demonstrations, all in the iconic Dutch countryside. Just 17 minutes by train. Click here to see the tour we recommend.

23. The Hague

This is the seat of the Dutch government and home to many international organizations and top-notch museums like Mauritshuis. The Hague is a must for anyone interested in the political history of Europe. Just under an hour by train.

24. Efteling

This is an enchanting theme park known for its fairy tale-themed attractions, thrilling roller coasters, and beautiful gardens. Efteling offers an entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. One hour and 15 minutes by train.

25. Haarlem

This charming and historic city is filled with picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. Spend your day exploring museums, visiting St. Bavo Church, and shopping in Grote Markt Square. A quick 10-minute train ride from the Amsterdam city center.