We don’t need to tell you that Amsterdam isn’t the cheapest city. Especially when you’re out and about with the whole family, the costs of a day out can quickly add up. Fortunately, our capital city has a surprising amount to offer that won’t cost you a thing.
From sprawling nature playgrounds and impressive rooftop terraces to inspiring cultural spots: we’ve rounded up the best free activities for kids. This way, you can enjoy a fantastic day full of adventure together, without having to reach for your wallet.
Cuddling at the local petting zoo
Scattered throughout Amsterdam’s neighborhoods, you’ll find countless petting zoos that are free to visit . It’s the ideal place for kids to pet goats, cuddle rabbits, and watch pigs and chickens roam around. Places like Kinderboerderij De Pijp offer a lovely, green retreat in the city. An educational and relaxing afternoon outdoors that costs absolutely nothing.
Free play in Amsterdam’s city parks
Amsterdam is full of iconic parks with fantastic, free-to-use playgrounds. Whether you choose the climbing structures in Vondelpark, the wooden play structures in Oosterpark, or the spacious play areas in Westerpark: each park has its own atmosphere and a surprising playground. While the kids have a blast for hours on swings, slides, and climbing nets, you can stroll through the tree-lined avenues or take a seat on a bench. A classic Amsterdam family outing that’s guaranteed to be a hit.
In the northwest corner of Westerpark, you’ll find Het Woeste Westen, a nature playground where kids up to age 13 can let loose. Here, they build huts, sail on rafts, and wander through ditches and woods. While the little ones play with sand and water or hunt for insects, you can relax on the terrace with a drink. The playground is always free to access as public land. On days when staff are on site, you can also grab a tasty snack there.
Enjoy free fun at Artisplein
Right next to the famous zoo lies Artisplein, one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the Plantage neighborhood. This stylish square is completely free and open to everyone. On warm days, kids can have a great time at the “trickster fountains”—the subtle water fountains that spray up from the cobblestones. You’ll also come face to face with a large colony of pink flamingos strolling around in their open-air enclosure.
At the top of the NEMO Science Museum, you’ll find Amsterdam’s largest rooftop terrace, accessible for free via the stairs on the east side. This sustainable urban plaza combines a spectacular panoramic view of the city with a green oasis teeming with biodiversity. There, children can learn about sustainable energy in a playful way through interactive hourglasses and sundials, or study the birds and plants on the roof.
De Ruige Hof Nature Playground: adventure in the great outdoors
In Amsterdam-Zuidoost lies De Ruige Hof, a 14-hectare nature reserve where children can discover the outdoors in a playful way. Don’t expect standard seesaws or swings here—instead, you’ll find a rugged adventure playground.
Along the Koolmeespad, kids complete challenging tasks as they stroll across wooden bridges, explore sandy paths, and search for creatures in the ditches. Be sure to visit the Kingfisher Hut at Hoge Dijk Pond to spot unique birds together. A wonderful, educational outing in the heart of nature that costs absolutely nothing.
Free culture and fun at the OBA
The Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) is much more than just a place to borrow books. At OBA Oosterdok, families step into an inspiring world full of tranquility, culture, and creativity. On the special children’s floor, little ones will be amazed by Karina Schaapman’s world-famous Mouse House, a gigantic work of art full of miniature details.
In addition, the OBA regularly organizes free storytime sessions, theater performances, and creative workshops throughout the city. It’s an ideal indoor spot for a rainy afternoon where kids can explore and read for hours at no cost.
Strolling through the most beautiful open-air markets
A stroll through a bustling open-air market is one of the best ways to experience the city with kids. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the liveliness, look around, and soak up the cozy neighborhood atmosphere.
- Albert Cuyp Market: The city’s most famous market in De Pijp, perfect for soaking up that authentic Amsterdam atmosphere.
- Noordermarkt: A charming market in the Jordaan with an organic farmers’ market on Saturdays and a unique collection of antiques and curiosities.
- Pure Markt: A traveling artisan market (regularly held in Park Frankendael and Amstelpark) filled with artisan stalls, spacious walking paths, and live music.
- Dappermarkt: A colorful, multicultural neighborhood market in Oost where there’s always something to see and do.
Jeugdland: Amsterdam’s largest nature playground
On the edge of Flevopark in Amsterdam East lies Jeugdland, the city’s largest free nature and adventure playground. This is the place where kids can build huts with real tools in the hut village, romp around on the play structures, or explore the barefoot trail.
