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We at Little Clogs understand that you may have begun your travels to the Netherlands and Belgium when your children were little but they have a tendency to grow up fast and that leaves you wondering if these countries have much to offer for them as they go from toddlers, to tweens, then teens. We believe there is plenty to offer across these countries and here’s just a few examples of some fun things you can do in Amsterdam to give you a taste.
Can you peel your teen away from his/her phone? We all know it’s a challenge, but at WONDR there’s no need as they can use it to their hearts content to make an abundance of instagrammable pictures in a variety of fun settings. There are a number of experiences to choose from, each has a sense of play, colour, interactivity and theme, allowing you to explore however you wish. If your teen enjoys a bit of retro 80’s music and roller-skating then they will love the roller disco at WONDR, you can also join in or enjoy watching the fun from the sidelines as they whizz by.
This is the largest concrete skate park in the Netherlands and is located just outside of Amsterdam city centre. Officially open between 9am and 10 pm, if you’ve got a skateboard, rollerblading or scooter enthusiast then this is the perfect location to practise their skills (equipment not included). This large area features a quarter pipe, bowl, hand rail and much, much, more. At the same location you’ll find a café with terrace and plenty of other playground equipment if you’re travelling with younger children too.
This is an awesome spot for teens (and their parents!) who want to do something totally different while exploring Amsterdam. It’s not your typical museum, it’s more like a mini adventure. The main attraction is a 5D flight experience that makes you feel like you’re flying over the whole country. You’ll soar over windmills, glide past tulip fields, and swoop through clouds whilst you remain firmly in your seat!
There are super cool effects such as wind, scents, and movement that gives you the feeling of really taking flight. It’s exciting, fun, and a cool way to learn about the Netherlands without sitting through a history lesson. Before the flight, there are short, interactive shows that explain Dutch history and landscapes in a way that’s quick and easy to follow (no yawns here!).
Being right near Amsterdam Central Station, it’s super easy to get to. Whether it’s your first stop or a fun break in the middle of the day, This is Holland is worth adding to your list of places to visit.
Now don’t get us wrong, the city is full of amazing museums such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum which have world famous artwork that you can visit. However, if your teen is looking for something with a more modern vibe and that is displayed in a more relaxed way, Straat is the place to go. This relatively new museum which located in Amsterdam Noord is rapidly growing in popularity and is housed in an old shipyard where you can walk amongst giant installations which celebrate colourful street art and graffiti and showcasing big names from across the world.
It might surprise you to think that there are areas of nature within the bustling and vibrant city of Amsterdam, but aside from the fabulous Vondel park located right in the heart of the city, there are other beautiful parks to enjoy and also some fabulous outdoor pools where you can take a picnic and cool down on a hot summer’s day. Two examples are the Noorderparkbad and Flevoparkbad, and each has a few different areas including both a shallow and a deep pool.
NEMO Science Museum stands out with its green ship like appearance that juts out of the water near Amsterdam Central Station. Set over a number of floors this fabulous museum is full of hands-on interactive experiences that span across all age groups. There is a chain reaction show that you can watch throughout the day, regular workshops, laboratory experiments and more advanced science lectures. NEMO also has a fabulous tiered roof terrace which is an amazing place to sit for drink and admire the view across the city. The whole roof is undergoing a massive renovation which will be a beautiful new green space, perfect for relaxation and stargazing. There will be scheduled events that take place on the roof including film viewings and what is even more exciting is that the roof of NEMO will be open to the public free of charge!
For the daredevil in your families head to A’DAM Lookout where you will find the highest swing in Amsterdam: ‘Over The Edge.’ Perched 100m high at the top of the building, take your seat, get strapped in and swing back and forth over the edge giving you an adrenaline rush like no other. The view is incredible as you can take in the whole of the city across the water, the boats and the surrounding architecture. If you prefer your feet firmly on the ground, but still enjoy a thrilling experience then perhaps the VR rollercoaster experience is more your cup of tea! For those of you who are happy for your teens to do all the scary stuff, you can accompany them to the observations deck and enjoy a meal or snack with the same amazing 360 degree views at the Sky Bar. There is a free audio tour which you can make use of to learn more about the city and the view. There are some pretty cool photo opportunities with the use of a green screen to keep as a memory of your visit too.
How about something completely different, like going wakeboarding, efoiling, or letting your teen try their hand at flyboarding? It is possible to book a lesson in these thrilling watersports with Amsterdam Watersports. located in a pretty harbour, perfect for a meal or drink afterwards. Amsterdam Watersport is located just outside of the city centre but easily reached by number 26 tram from Amsterdam Central Station.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Amsterdam is a fun and weird place that’s perfect for teenagers looking for something different. Right in the middle of Dam Square, the museum has hundreds of cool things to see, like a wooden car, the tallest man ever, and a tunnel that feels like it’s spinning. There are loads of hands-on exhibits and fun photo spots that make the journey around the museum plenty of fun. Teens will love how interactive it is, and the strange facts keep things interesting without feeling like a typical museum. If you’re into the unusual or just want to explore something totally different, Ripley’s is a great spot to hang out.
It would be a shame to go to Amsterdam and not meander around the canals that the city centre is built around. Escape the busy streets and give your feet a rest and take one of the many boat tours complete with tour guide, who will fill you in on facts and amusing stories along the way. No matter what your ages, we believe this is always a fun activity and is a wonderful way to enjoy Amsterdam and Amsterdammers going about their daily lives, not forgetting the stunning architecture. If you arrive into the city via Central Station then you will see lots of boat companies offering these tours. However, there are plenty of locations spread out throughout the centre too.
We hope you enjoy exploring some of these fun suggestions. You might just find that you’ve discovered areas of the city that tourists are only just starting to find out about!
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