Eating out or having drinks with the kids in Amsterdam? We think these are the best cafes and restaurants for kids.
It should be clear that Amsterdam is bursting with great cafes and restaurants. And that the kids are well-behaved enough that you can take them anywhere goes without saying. But still... sometimes it is nice when they don't have to toe the line quite so well. When the staff doesn't look up in annoyance at an accidental—perhaps unnecessary—scream. And when there is something other than a bitterball for the little one on the menu. That is exactly why we have gathered the finest. Child-friendly cafes and restaurants in AmsterdamTo all go down with the kids.
Favorite all year longThe menu focuses a bit more on the parents. But it is still a top spot for the kids, because they can play outside, there is a big staircase inside they can climb, and there is an ice cream cabinet where they can get ice cream themselves.
Not for nothing best of AmsterdamThis one is always good for everyone. And just around the corner from Westerpark, so it's nice to play before or afterwards.
WOPL! (World of Play & Learning) is truly made for the kids. Inside, you'll find various interactive play worlds centered around building, water, and art, where the kids can (and will!) play for hours. Meanwhile, you can relax in the family café or on the sunny terrace, where you'll be perfectly seated from breakfast to drinks.
We're cheating a little and straying to Haarlem, but this one is too good not to mention. It fits the vibe of Café Amsterdam and Barracuda: very nice, spacious, and very acceptable for the kids.
A classic and a TOP spot. Do note the location ON the water (very nice) and outdoor play is perfect here (but watch out for the water and the cyclists, so not with very small kids). But they have a robot waiter, so everything is quickly just fine.
Café Cook has a nice living room vibeIt is somewhat hidden on a quiet square in De Baarsjes (where the kids can play, great). The menu is sometimes a bit complicated for kids, but there are definitely some tasty spots for them to pick out.
To stay in De Baarsjes: Tweede Thuys is also a lovely living room spot here. A nice menu that the kids will enjoy, and plenty of space to play outside between meals.
Croquettes on bread? Check. Toasted sandwich? Also. Meatball sandwich? Yes. At Café Hermans, everything on the menu – lunch, drinks, and dinner – is nice and simple, but good. We love itAnd the children absolutely too.
On Javaplein you will find the Badhuis—yes, from the wise man from the East (!)—here you will find a place for young and old from 8 am until the late hours of the evening. So perfect for coffee and cake, but also for a more formal drink.
A favorite of many, and with the terrace practically in Artis and the absolutely amazing building, that makes perfect sense. However, the quality of the staff and the menu (keep it simple people: we often find the dishes a bit too much and the bitterballen are still left over for the kids, which is a shame) could use some more attention…
The favorites of Maartje, owner of Barts Boekje: Barracuda, Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam, Café Restaurant Meyer, merkelbach, Cantine de Caron, Jansz. The Willem en Sea Palace
At a relatively unknown location on the Haarlemmerweg you will find De Gibraltar: a pleasant one hangout with play area. A bit awkward, yes, but above all tasty no nonsense and a place where everyone is welcome. And with nice weather? The playground is nearby.
Small but mighty! Very mighty, even, but also small! This all-day open spot is delightful for lunch as well as dinner. In the summer, there is more space because the terrace is open too. The kids can join in with the burger (duh), but also enjoy delicious potatoes, snacks, and daily specials. The bread baked by OLAF around the corner is often ordered multiple times (could it be because of the delicious whipped butter?)
East is calling. For years now, Coffee Bru has been a huge hit with young and old alike: there is a super cozy coffee corner for budding baristas and a babyccino is on offer. no time on the table. And the soft yellow and blue colors make for an instant cozy and sunny start to your day. In front of the door, there is plenty of room to play on the wide (safe) sidewalk. Nothing more to add.
This is where you want to go with the kids. While you pick out the nicest items and clothes for them, they entertain themselves endlessly in the play area. And with a reservation in advance, they even get their hair cut.
Parents are truly secondary to the kids; it's a real kids' outing. Which is nice, because you don't have to worry about providing entertainment for the children, and there are plenty of tasty treats to keep you entertained as well.
In North. Lots of color too. Also a great kids' corner. Oh, and a cinema. Not necessarily with kids' movies, but sometimes they do, and then you're in luck. Don't forget to check what's playing at Hyena scream! Every week there is a movie playing here that you can go to with your baby under 1 year old. Ha!
And forget the Baker's shop Not in Westerpark, but the one in South, on Roelofhartplein, is just as good: open every day and always a party!
We are heading to North, where you will find the delightful Eurosoft, from the owners of Europizza, in an old warehouse. Think friendly staff, plenty of space inside and outside, and besides good coffee, delicious breakfasts (breakfast plate, granola with yogurt, currant bun with cheese)—in short: divine.
Foamy pink drinks, oat cappuccino, or a strong espresso. At this sister spot of favorite Yusu, you're all set all day long. The delicious Surinamese menu also makes for a lovely lunch. Perfect for sitting down with the kids. If you feel like going crazy, you can head to Massimo a few doors down to get an ice cream afterwards.
Renske + Michel's favorites: Europizza, VRR, Coffee Bru, City Bakery As, Bakery MAS, Eurosoft, Bathhouse, The Tros, Cafe Susy
A new gem in the spot formerly occupied by Brasserie Nel at Amstelveld. The food is okay-tasty (for the adults), and above all, it is truly 100% the perfect place for drinks with kids in Amsterdam. Especially when the weather is nice. Category: 'kids secondary to the drinks BUT very fun for the little ones due to the always lots of kids on the large playground and, moreover, all ages are represented'
Merkelbach is often forgotten, even though it is a beautiful place with a wonderful garden to boot. Very kids-friendly The menu isn't extensive, but with chicken, fries, cake, and oat cookies, there is always something they like.
The map is a bit complicated for the kids, but playing outside in Westerpark makes up for it completely. And you can absolutely appreciate that 'complicated' map, wink.
Phew – we are at Europizza. Not exactly made for kids, but if you book an early table and they behave, you’ll have a wonderful time. Bring Uno and you’re set for the evening. Here you share your starters (not necessarily kid-friendly) and then hop: onto the sourdough pizza (definitely kid-friendly); a culinary dining experience that combines perfectly with the little ones. Everyone happy.
A household name in the city for many years and one of the first gems of North (before it became hip). This enormous space is always pleasantly busy night after night. The large bar forms the centerpiece, where you settle down at the white tablecloths. Kids can run around outside or play with their toy cars in the back garage. You can enjoy the divine chocolate mousse. Win-win!
Great neighborhood spot for everyone. And big enough to really cause a stir. So nice with (young and) hyper children. A lovely large terrace for the summer, fan!
Nice and spacious, and therefore idiot-proof, but the menu isn't exactly the dream of seasoned Dutch kids who mainly want pizza, pasta, chicken, and fries (the menu is quite Asian). Still tasty, though.
Dear citizens. And North means spacious, so you can run (outside).
Open every day and always good. This Public Library café in the old tram depot De Hallen is a favorite among freelancers and parents with young children. The children entertain themselves for hours in the play corner, while you can quietly read a book and enjoy a cup of coffee, and perhaps even breakfast or lunch.
There is a play corner with plenty of books, cars, and pencils to keep your kids occupied for a while. And did we mention that the food here is sublime too? Just don't expect lunch to be like dinner. So, proper breakfast and lunch.
Large, vandal-proof, remarkably good food, but not exactly a fun or fancy place to eat out. The name says it all: high heels can stay at home. Nice location, but food too complicated? Then you can head to Spelletjescafé Dick & Dick for pizza and drinks. The neighbors with the same owners.
Old love never rusts. And while Roest may have been given a new look, it remains a top spot. Located in the (almost) always spacious Oostenburg and right by the water, so be careful there. The new menu isn't immediately very kid-proof, but a solution can be found.
It used to be Rosa and Rita, and it was entirely intended for kids. Because people got it wrong for a long time, they were actually a tad 'anti-kids' at VRR for quite a while (“we aren't Rosa and Rita anymore!”). That has worn off by now, but they don't necessarily embrace the arrival of kids all that much anymore. It remains – sorry – a good place *with* kids, though. The Sunday brunch is a particular favorite, so we say bring a coloring page and they entertain themselves just fine.
Next to that lovely VRR, you'll find Stadsbakkerij As. A small bread counter where you can pick up divine baked goods, but where they also make decent coffee. In winter, you take a seat on the cozy bench inside, but in summer you can sit comfortably in the garden while your kids toss around.
Two cozy spots in the center of Amsterdam now. And the cakes are real to die for. Nice tip for a day in Amsterdam.
There is nothing better than a really good spot for coffee and bread right in your residential neighborhood. Well, Watergraafsmeer is well served. Right in the middle of this lovely neighborhood sits MAS. Besides a delicious cup of coffee, you can also order a lovely glass of wine here. Don't forget to stop by the second MAS location; there, they bake delicious croissants alongside bread and you can take a seat in the spacious café.
At a coffee spot Slash At Patisserie Harvey in Oost, you can organize a delicious children's party without any worries.
Coffee and crayons. Looking for original children's books or CDs? You will certainly succeed here.
Junior is having fun in the back of the store with toys, coloring and books. The only thing that can cause distraction are the delicious pancakes that keep passing by. In the summer there is ice cream, lots of delicious ice cream.
Good table manners or not, there are plenty of places in Amsterdam where you can join kids. There are high chairs, there are dishes on the menu that the children can tolerate and if something falls over, no one will make a fuss about it. Even if you have met friends who do not have children, the following restaurants are recommended:
It's been mentioned before, but it's also just so much fun. Jansz is located in the Nine Streets, a nice location but an even nicer menu and ambiance. Jansz also organizes Jansz Family Sundays. Sunday afternoon is completely dedicated to the kiddos. With a big play corner and a children's menu, there is a good chance that the children are too busy. This also gives you some time to catch up with your partner. Kids happy, you happy. Delicious.
A pizza for every taste, but also a delicious pasta for every adult (or child) looking for something a little more substantial. The snacks are worth trying too, by the way.
That location, oh the location, it is so lovely. And then the fantastic and spacious terrace (!!) and a menu that is affordable, tasty, and no-nonsense.
How to describe the place? The raw edges of Amsterdam-North interwoven with refined elegance. It is mainly good for the summer. A large and perfect terrace by the water. And bread and bitterballen are simply on the menu.
Pizza, and so mainly for the kids, but a top spot for kids nonetheless. Especially because of the huge skatepark around the corner.
Classic in the West and unsurpassed when it comes to a family dinner. There is no one who would not like it here and it is so spacious that the kids can and are allowed to run here.
Because it is so cheerfully pastel-colored and because they can always find something tasty for the coffee. And because the Vondelpark is next door. Pure profit.
Ice cream is actually always good, rain or shine. But sitting in the sun with an ice cream from La Contessa is truly an extra treat. The beautiful shop sells delicious ice cream. And the Italian food here is excellent too. From pizza to pasta and meat and fish dishes. And then, of course, an ice cream for dessert.
Rumbaba East
Now you might be thinking... Rumbaba? Doesn't that stand for a rum bar? Yes, that too. But it also stands for a good cup of specialty coffee, lovely colorful seating, and friendly staff, and it's perfectly fine to go in with your kids.
Sotto is the code word for Amsterdam pizza galore. Now two locations, one on the cozy Kadijksplein (a no-car zone) and one on the Amstelveenseweg. It's a party, at both places.
And speaking of Italian… Il Pecorino! Always a good choice too.
Sun is out and so are we. If it is even slightly dry, the whole thing needs to come out. Get some air. And we also need some fresh air after an afternoon at Duplo'en. And a nice drink for mom and dad. Here you can sit with your face in the sun and your child can run around:
A short bike ride through the woods and you will find Boothuis. Located next to a canoe rental (also a tip!) on the water. At Boothuis there are wonderful places outside on the terrace aka deck, but also lovely tables inside. As they say themselves; no well-thought-out interior plan, just stylish. Lights on the ceiling, nice play area, wooden tables and chairs, easy does it.
Kids-proof from the start: Pacific in Westerpark. Because eating out should be tasty and fun. A favorite, we dare say.
There is a café in the middle of the site where you can - of course - order fresh apple juice and homemade fruit pie, but also (organic) beers. Check the website in advance to find out what the harvest is that day.
Outdoor living just outside Amsterdam doesn't really count, but it's too good not to mention. Be warned, you won't be able to get the kids to come home after a few hours here. That's due to the lovely beach, of course (the name gave it away), where there is always something going on.
Unfortunately, not a great menu, but a fantastic terrace and IN Oosterpark, so lovely in good weather!
Okay, this one is mainly a tip during the summer months: while you order a latte, your water rat happily floats in one of the inflatable pools. And that on top of the roof of a café where you can get a spot in the sun at any time of the day. Het Paviljoen is located in the middle of a playground, in the Staatsliedenbuurt in Amsterdam West.
On the other side of the city, in Amsterdam North, on the IJ (but not really on the IJ: the little ones can't just fall straight into the water), the VerbroederIJ is a big party for the little ones, in good weather and in not-so-good weather. There are ice creams, toasted sandwiches, animals, a playground in a giant sandbox, and much more.
An all-day brasserie in the green Oosterpark. With surprisingly good food. Nice to just drop in for a bit. sweets or for a full meal. There is a nice kids' menu, so bonus points.
A monumental picnic paradise on the Ringdijk where you can enjoy a lunch in the sunny green garden among the whistling birds. An ideal place to escape the chaos of the city (especially with the kids!).
The tastiest pit stop in combination with Artis and/or Nemo!
It's playing outside 2.0 while mom and dad have a beer inside. And if the weather is bad, there is also a children's corner inside.
Slightly older kids certainly love rooftop terraces. It’s great to gaze at everything happening below. At GAPP, you can enjoy delicious drinks and snacks with lemonade, cake, a brown fruit platter, and more.
With Haarlemmerplein, it is a lovely place for the kids to hop around and play. The menu, on the other hand, is much less impressive. kid-proof unfortunately.
A bit of cheating, since it's officially Diemen, but hey! At the Diemerbos, you can relax at the House of Bird after a walk in the woods. On the large terrace or nice and cozy inside. The menu is simple, but there is all kinds of entertainment for children.
More tips
-
New restaurants in Amsterdam: This is the Barts Boekje list
-
Vermut Amsterdam, the new drinks hangout in Amsterdam West
-
Het Broeker Huis (Broek in Waterland, North Holland) is that cool, no-nonsense place you were looking for.
-
The best addresses for a day in the Hanseatic city of Deventer
-
Weekend tips: July 3 to 5 (and more)
-
De Roos Amsterdam: yoga, pilates and wellness by the Vondelpark
-
Hello heatwave, hello Amsterdam Heat Plan – these are the best swimming spots in (and near) Amsterdam
-
Hot off the press: Restaurant Toscanini is getting a little sister!
-
Flight Golf: the clubhouse for a new generation of golfers in Amsterdam
-
Petit Péché in Zandvoort: fine dining by the sea at Outpost