Things to Do with Your Family in Amsterdam During the Winter

For families, this season is the way to reconnect with eachother. Whether you’re exploring historic streets, ice skating or going to a winter market, there’s something unforgettable waiting around every canal corner.

Here’s your guide to the most enchanting things to do with your family in Amsterdam during the winter that’ll leave every generation inspired.

Glide Across the Ice at Museumplein or Jaap Eden Ice Rink

No winter in Amsterdam is complete without skating. At Museumplein, beneath the glowing Rijksmuseum, you’ll find one of the city’s most iconic rinks. Rent skates, hold hands, and glide through the crisp air while Christmas lights twinkle above.

For a more local experience, head east to Jaap Edenbaan, a beloved open-air rink where Amsterdammers of all ages race, twirl, and sip hot choco after laps. It’s less touristy, more authentic place and a perfect spot for a cozy family afternoon.

Wander Through the Amsterdam Light Festival

From December to January, the city becomes an outdoor art gallery. The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms canals and streets with dazzling installations by international artists.

Take a family-friendly canal cruise to see the lights shimmering across the water.

Discover an Indoor Wonderland at AMAZE Amsterdam

When the chill bites too hard, step into AMAZE Amsterdam, an immersive, multisensory experience created by the pioneers of Dutch dance and ID&T.

Inside, you’ll journey through different interactive worlds filled with light, sound, and emotion. Think of it as a playground for the senses, where technology meets human imagination. For teens and parents alike, AMAZE offers a shared experience where everyone discovers something different.

Explore Winter Markets and Taste Local Treats

Amsterdam’s Winter markets are pure delight. A mix of different festive stalls to search for your vintage finds, while you smell the hot chocolate in the air.

Start at Ice*Village Amsterdam (near Museumplein), where families can shop for handmade gifts, sip warm glühwein (or hot chocolate for the kids), and nibble on stroopwafels straight from the press. Or visit the Funky Xmas Market at Westerpark, part art fair, part bohemian playground.

Each one is a sensory feast, perfect for warming hearts on cold days.

Visit Family-Friendly Museums That Spark Curiosity

Amsterdam’s museums are made for curious minds, and many are surprisingly kid-friendly.

• The NEMO Science Museum turns learning into play, with hands-on experiments and rooftop views over the IJ.
• The Tropenmuseum Junior brings world cultures to life through interactive exhibits.
• And the Van Gogh Museum offers art workshops for kids, helping them see the world through color and emotion.

If the weather outside is grey, these spaces glow with imagination.

Step out of the cold and into pure sensory wonder. Book your visit to AMAZE Amsterdam, where your imagination leads the way.

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