What to Do on a Rainy Day in Amsterdam with kids

Rainy days in Amsterdam might seem like a bummer, but they actually open the doors to a world of unique indoor family activities. From cozy puppet theaters to interactive museums and energetic play spaces, Amsterdam offers a wide array of experiences to keep kids entertained and parents relaxed—rain or shine.

🎨 Creative Indoor Activities for Families

1. Theatre Koos Kneus Poppentheater

Perfect for children aged 2–8, this charming puppet theater features engaging performances, free face painting, and dress-up opportunities. Shows take place on Sundays and Wednesdays.

☕ Kids-Friendly Cafés in Amsterdam

Relax with a coffee while your kids enjoy safe play zones:

• WOW Family Center – De Pijp (Coffee stop or book a play session)
• Monti’s World – De Pijp (Play session booking available)
• Club Abbey – Amsterdam Oost (Walk-in)
• Coffee & Kids – Ijburg (Walk-in)
• The Mallow Garden – Central Amsterdam (Booking required)

🏃 Indoor Playgrounds

Great for active kids to burn off energy:

• Playhood – Houthavens (Booking required)
• Monkey Town Amsterdam – Locations in Amsterdam North & Diemen
• Ballorig Speelparadijs – Locations in Amsterdam Arena & Gaasperplas
• Jimmy’s Speelparadijs – Amsterdam West (Westpoort)
• Candy Castle Amsterdam – Amsterdam West

🤸 Trampoline Parks

Let kids bounce and flip while parents enjoy the café:

• VROG Amsterdam – Amsterdam Center
• You Jump – Over-Amstel

🏊 Swimming Pools

Stay warm and splash around indoors:

• Marnixbad – Amsterdam West
• Noorderparkbad – Amsterdam North
• Sportplaza Mercator – Amsterdam West
• De Mirandabad – Amsterdam South

🎮 Indoor Game Halls

• Sir Winston Fun & Games – Amsterdam North
  Enjoy a mix of arcade, video, and skill-based games in this lively indoor game hall.

🎳 Bowling Alleys

Enjoy a round of bowling for family fun:

• Aloha Amsterdam – Amsterdam Center (Booking required)
• Knijn Bowling – Amsterdam South

🖼️ Museums for Kids

(Use a Museumkaart or book tickets directly)

Top indoor museums that are interactive and fun:

• NEMO Science Museum – Amsterdam Center (Booking required)
• Tropenmuseum – Amsterdam Oost
• Rijksmuseum – Museumplein, Amsterdam South
• Van Gogh Museum – Museumplein, Amsterdam South
• Moco Museum – Museumplein, Amsterdam South

🎬 Family-Friendly Cinemas

Perfect for a cozy afternoon indoors:

• Pathé – Multiple locations across Amsterdam
• EYE Film Museum – Amsterdam North
• Studio/K – Amsterdam Oost
• De Uitkijk – Amsterdam Center
• FC Hyena – Amsterdam North

📚 Amsterdam Public Library (OBA)

• OBA offers a welcoming children’s section with reading nooks, books, and regular workshops.
• Multiple branches are spread across the city.