Discovering Amsterdam: 5 Must Do Activities For Your First Family Adventure

Our first family trip to Amsterdam was one for the books, filled with culture, adventure, and a lot of great treats! Amsterdam is a city where history meets fun, and we were lucky enough to experience a bit of everything. It was a short but fun trip to the Netherlands and Im excited to share some of our recommendations for first time visitors. From indulging in delicious Dutch treats to cruising along the scenic canals, every day brought something new and exciting. Here's a look into our Amsterdam adventures. Hope you enjoy this blog, Discovering Amsterdam: 5 Must Do Activities For Your First Family Adventure

A Sweet Start: Stroopwafels at Hanse Egstorf

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without trying its famous stroopwafels, and we made sure to start our day right with a visit to Hanse Egstorf. The smell alone pulled us into the bakery, where we watched in awe as they pressed the thin waffles and sandwiched them with warm caramel syrup. The first bite was pure bliss—crunchy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. I grabbed a few to take on the go, knowing they’d make for the perfect snack as we explored the city. You will likely see a line but not to worry, it moves fairly quickly and its definitely worth the wait.

Colorful Vibes at Pink Beach by Luxury Canal Boat Cruise

If you’re looking for a fun, Instagram-worthy stop in Amsterdam, Pink Beach by WONDR is the place to be! Walking into this pastel paradise felt like stepping into a dream, with everything from the furniture to the drinks dipped in shades of pink. Plus the food was excellent! The girls absolutely loved lounging in the pink sand and snapping pictures in the quirky photo booths. It was a playful break from sightseeing, and it allowed us to relax while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. I have to admit, even I got into the spirit, enjoying a cool pink cocktail while sinking my toes into the sand and ball pit. FYI last day to visit is September 29 2024 however WONDR has other fun and colorful experiences year round perfect to add to your Amsterdam travel itinerary. Take a look at other WONDR experiences here

Luxury Canal Boat Cruise: The Best Way to See Amsterdam

One of my favorite parts of the trip was taking a luxury canal boat cruise. Gliding along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, we saw the city from a new perspective. The views of the historic bridges and charming houseboats were stunning. The boat itself was elegant, with plush seating and refreshing drinks to enjoy as we passed iconic spots. My sister and I couldn’t help but marvel at how peaceful it was. Even the kids were captivated, pointing out the leaning canal houses and enjoying the breeze as we drifted through the heart of Amsterdam. The tour did include a guide who was knowledgeable and had captivating stories which enhanced the experience. You can book this exact same tour we took here?

A Somber Walk Through History: The Anne Frank House Tour

Visiting the Anne Frank House was a deeply moving experience for all of us. Walking through the rooms where Anne and her family hid during the war gave us a profound sense of history and the struggles they faced. The museum is carefully preserved, and seeing her diary on display brought me to tears. It opened up some important conversations with the girls about history, resilience, and the importance of tolerance. It’s a visit that left a lasting impression on each of us. Tickets to visit home are only available through the website below! Sold every Tuesday at 10am CET all tickets become available for a visit six weeks later. The Anne Frank House can only be visited with a ticket bought online for a specific time slot.

FYI no pictures are allowed once inside.

Purchase tickets or read additional informations here

A Day Trip to the Windmills of Zaanse Schans

For a taste of traditional Dutch culture, we took a day trip to Zaanse Schans, where the iconic windmills dot the landscape. The girls loved exploring the area, with its charming wooden houses and working windmills. We got to tour one of the windmills, learning how they’ve been used to grind spices, oil, and even make paint. It was such a peaceful escape from the city, and we couldn’t resist grabbing some local souvenirs from the small shops scattered around. We even enjoyed a late breakfast at one of the restaurants here. The scenery was picture-perfect, and it felt like we had stepped back in time to a simpler, slower-paced world. Keep in mind, Zaanse Schans is a functioning residential area adding that much more charm to the village. Some of the historic houses are privately owned and inhabited, giving the area an authentic village atmosphere. Please always be respectful and mindful of people's homes and property.

Conclusion

Our trip to Amsterdam was filled with unforgettable moments. Whether we were savoring a stroopwafel at Hanse Egstorf or learning about history at the Anne Frank House, each experience was a unique blend of fun and education. The vibrant energy of Pink Beach and the serenity of the canal cruise gave us the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation, while Zaanse Schans offered a peaceful, cultural escape. This family adventure gave us memories we’ll cherish forever, and I can’t wait to see where our next journey will take us!

Hope you find this helpful! Let me know what activity you would want to do first in the comments. Also make sure to pin this blog or share with your travel companion.