Amsterdam may not be the first city that comes to your mind for a family trip with a baby or toddler. You probably think Amsterdam is all about their special coffee shops and the red light district. All aiming towards a different type of trip. However, Amsterdam has a lot to offer to families.
We decided to visit Amsterdam with our toddler Baby O when flying back from Budapest to London. We had to do a stopover in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport so it was the perfect occasion. And what a great idea that was! We had an amazing family time in Amsterdam with our little Baby O.
Amsterdam is actually full of kids walking or cycling around with their parents, enjoying all the fun things for kids Amsterdam has to offer.
In this blog post, we will go through how to prepare for your Amsterdam stopover visit with your toddler or kid and the best things to visit.
Why Visiting Amsterdam With A Toddler During A Stopover Flight
When we have to do a stopover, we always wonder what to do with all those dead hours at the airport. The airports are usually too far away from the cities to think about going just for a few hours. But there’s nothing to do at the airport.
This gets worse if you have a toddler or baby. You have to keep them entertained, not only during the flights, but also during the waiting time at the airport.
When we went to the World Athletic Championships in Budapest with Baby O, the only available flights from London were via Amsterdam. We did some research and found out that Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is actually very close to Amsterdam City centre. So we booked the last flight from Amsterdam to London to maximise the hours we had to spend in the city centre.
We spent around 6-8hours in Amsterdam with our toddler Baby O, which gave us plenty of time to explore the city.
Preparing for Your Visit to Amsterdam with a Toddler during a Stopover flight
Depending on how long your stopover is, and depending on your toddler or baby’s age you’ll need to consider what to take with you.
The Stroller Dilemma
A lot of people check in their stroller when boarding to pick it up after landing at their destination. Although this could be good on a direct flight, if you want to go out and explore the city during a stopover, you may not have it ready.
This happened to us. At that time, we were not flying with the ultra compact Cybex Libelle so, even though we took our stroller to the airplane gate, it was put on hold and we could only pick it up in London.
Luckily, we had our baby carrier which was at the time our best companion, offering a hands-free and convenient way to explore Amsterdam city centre with our toddler Baby O.
The Advantages of an Ultracompact Stroller
As mentioned, this could have been differently with an ultracompact stroller like the Cybex Libelle. This type of travel stroller that meets all the airplanes hand luggage dimension limits, can be brought into the plane and stored in the overhead compartments. This means your stroller is ready for action as soon as you land anywhere,, making your Amsterdam visit a breeze.
Read our post on the best travel stroller for flying.
Luggage Storage at Amsterdam Airport
Another important thing to consider when planning a visit to a city like Amsterdam during a stopover is what to do with your carry on luggage.
We didn’t want to explore Amsterdam with our toddler with all our suitcases, backpacks and Baby O’s diaper bag.
The Amsterdam Schiphol Airport offers locker facilities where you can securely store your suitcases. These are located on Level -1, between Arrivals 1 and 2, and after security in the transfer area and close to the gates. These lockers start at €6 for 24 hours and they are definitely worth it.
You are now ready to enjoy exploring Amsterdam with your toddler or baby, hands-free and light (well… almost, you probably still have to carry your baby!)
How to Get From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Centre
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located just 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam and there are many available and convenient transportation options to reach the city centre.
Available Transportation Options
- Train: (Our preferred method of transport with a toddler)
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Amsterdam city centre is by train. The airport has its own railway station, Schiphol Plaza, located directly below the airport. Trains to Amsterdam Central Station run every 10 minutes from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM and every hour during other times. The journey takes just approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Bus:
Several bus lines connect the airport with various parts of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus line 397) and Niteliner N97 (night bus) run by Connexxion are the most popular among solo or budget travellers. Buses depart from platform B9 in front of the main entrance of the airport. We do not recommend using the bus if you are visiting Amsterdam during a stopover as your time is precious and limited.
- Taxi:
Taxis provide a comfortable and hassle-free ride to the city centre. The taxi stand is located just outside the arrival’s hall. Licensed taxis have roof lights with the logo of their operator. This could be a fast way of getting to Amsterdam city centre, but definitely more expensive and not as safe as the train.
- Car Rental: Probably not worth it for a few hours in the city centre.
Various car rental companies operate from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Renting a car during a stopover is expensive and only worth it if you plan to explore other parts of the Netherlands. But be careful not to lose your connecting flight!
What to Do in Amsterdam with Toddlers in a Day:
Guided tour of Amsterdam
One of the first things we look for when we plan visiting a city is the availability of the free tours. Although not quite “free”, as you end up paying them what you think the tour is worth, it is still a great deal. You get shown the most important areas and you can learn about the history of the city and the country. Nowadays, there are many different providers of this type of tours in every city.
Another alternative is a guided tour by a reputable company like Get Your Guide.
Exploring Amsterdam’s Canals
Amsterdam is famous for its beautiful canals. Taking a lovely and enjoyable walk along the canals is a great way to see the city. You can admire the historic houses, charming bridges, and colourful flower markets that line the canals.
Tip: Make sure to keep your toddler close to you as the canals can be deep. Consider bringing a stroller or a baby carrier for when your toddler gets tired.
Visiting Amsterdam’s Markets
Amsterdam is home to many vibrant markets. Some of them are open everyday of the week while others only open during the weekend.
You can check which markets are open the day you are planning your visit through this link: Amsterdam Markets https://www.amsterdam.info/markets/
Tips: Markets can be crowded, so it’s a good idea to keep your toddler in a stroller or a baby carrier. Don’t forget to try some local Dutch treats!
Enjoying Amsterdam’s Parks and Playgrounds
Kids and toddlers love to run around, and what’s better than a park where where you can relax and let your toddler play. For example, Vondelpark, the largest park in Amsterdam, is perfect for picnics, cycling, and more. It even has a paddling pool for toddlers.
There are also many outdoor adventure playgrounds that you can explore with your toddler.
Tips: Bring some snacks and toys for a picnic. Many parks also have cafes where you can grab a bite to eat. Make sure to pack sunscreen and hats for sunny days. Also, bring a change of clothes in case your toddler gets wet or dirty.
NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is the largest science museum in the Netherlands and offers five floors of exciting hands-on activities. It’s a place where you can experience the joy of science and technology, by blowing gigantic soap bubbles, watching an enormous chain reaction, and experimenting in a real laboratory.
Tips: The museum is very interactive and perfect for toddlers. Make sure to check out the ‘Smart Technology’ exhibition that teaches about sustainable electricity and smart transportation.
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam is a wax museum located in the centre of the city on Dam Square, near the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. It’s a place where you can see wax figures of famous celebrities in different categories such as the Golden Age of Dutch history, music, sport, and film.
Tips: The museum is a great place for toddlers to see their favourite characters up close. Don’t forget to take lots of photos!
Conclusion:
Amsterdam is a city that’s as fun for toddlers as it is for adults.
With the right preparation and planning, your stopover in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport can be a memorable part of your family journey. So why wait?
Start planning your visit to Amsterdam with your kids today!
