Amsterdam for a 12 yr old??

elisebutt65

I'm thinking of taking DS1 who's 12 now to Amsterdam for a few nights in July as there are some cheap flights around.

What is there to do for kids??? I usually go once a year primarily to stock up on goodies - Appelstroop and Hagelslag etc.

I thought of getting the canal pass and doing all the loops - found this a fun way to pass the time last year and saves on shoe leather.

I'm not really into museums etc and neither is he and the queue at the Anne Frank house always look horrendous!!!!:eek: I did hear that there was a restaurant just for kids where they cook all the food themselves and then serve it to the 'rents????

Any ideas???

TIA:D

elisebutt65

Anyone?????



TIA

jonesMUFCforever

Not sure if it's a bit old for 12 year old but there is Nemo (boat shape building) fairly close to Central station.
It's a science centre where kids of all ages can try different things out for themselves. Mine (12 and 7 at the time) found it ok and if its a nice day you can sunbathe on the roof with a beer or two!

merlinormartin

Hi elise .. i think the restaurant you are looking for is KinderKookCafe
http://www.iamsterdam.com/visiting_exploring/special_interest/children_families/run_a_restaurant

offical website http://www.kinderkookkafe.nl/

ronnie_2

Theres quite a few things to keep 12 year olds happy

Ajax stadium tour

Holland in miniture its outside Amsterdam but the train doesnt take long
(http://www.madurodam.nl/default.php?language=1&sqlmode=1&fid=479)

Nemo science centre

Artis Zoo can be reached via a canal boat near the central station
(http://www.artis.nl/international/index.html)

have a great trip

mikewebs

When I was 12 I would have loved to have spent a couple of hours at Amsterdam Airport just trying to see how what planes came from what countries! (you get some surprises like China Airlines doesn't come from China itself!) try printing out a map of the world and plotting where each airline comes from free and fun whilst you're waiting for your flight home!

merlinormartin

i'am sure your 12year old would be amused for hours taking in the sights of the redlight district :rotfl:

mikewebs

merlinormartin wrote: »

i'am sure your 12year old would be amused for hours taking in the sights of the redlight district :rotfl:

Of course he could also be severely damaged by it I mean hairy women and such-like!

Cumbrian_Male

NEMO is very good, Anne Frank House is important to see, go early before 10am or late in the day after 4pm.

If you like comedy you can take DD to Boom Chicago for their improv show, food is good too.

What about a tour of a diamond factory our favorite is Gassan.

zappahey

merlinormartin wrote: »

i'am sure your 12year old would be amused for hours taking in the sights of the redlight district :rotfl:

It would certainly be an education!

RibAd

hmmm.... bounced about on google a bit and a few that caught my eye:

AMSTERDAM CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIESArtis Zoo - Kerklaan 38-40 (Plantage). Open daily this complex is fantastic for kids. In addition to the animals there is a planetarium and an aquarium.

NEMO - This is a state of the art educational center for science and technology. It is housed in a futuristic looking building that resembles a ship. This is not only for children, adults are guaranteed to enjoy this outing and will definitely learn something new. Open Tuesday to Sunday, or daily in school holidays – perfect for a rainy day.

Leidseplein - This is one of the most colourful squares in the city, perfect for a sunny day, you are sure to find jugglers, fire-eaters and performers here in the daytime.

AMSTERDAM PARKS & GARDENSAdd your favourite park & gardenVondelpark – Amsterdam is depressingly short of parks, and only this one is truly mentionable. Opened in 1865 it is located on a 45-hectare plot and is home to over one hundred species of trees and many indigenous and exotic plants. Attractions alsoinclude a rose garden and many children’s play areas.
I found a good link here from amsterdam tourist site for kids activities:

http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/cityguide/for/kids/index.html

and if he's into skating:

http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/cityguide/for/skaters/index.html

and here's the general ideas one:

http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/cityguide/for/index.html