Itinerary Summary
Arrive in Amsterdam and open at Artis zoo. Day two pairs the NEMO science museum (with its rooftop square) with a canal cruise. Day three is an NS-plus-bus trip out to Giethoorn for a silent boat trip…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Schiphol arrival and an afternoon at Artis Royal Zoo
14:00
1h
NS train from Schiphol to central Amsterdam
Clear immigration and take the NS train into the city, a 17-minute ride with lifts for strollers and suitcases. Family tickets are available at the machines if you are travelling with children.
📍 Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal
16:00
2.5h
Artis Royal Zoo and aquarium
Spend the late afternoon among Artis's historic zoo grounds, then duck into the aquarium and the planetarium. Closing time shifts between 17:00 and 18:00 by season, so check it at the gate.
📍 Artis Royal Zoo, Amsterdam
19:00
1.5h
Early family dinner in the Plantage
Eat in the quiet Plantage district near the zoo, where restaurants are used to families and serve generous plates. Most kitchens open at 17:30, which suits jet-lagged children.
📍 Plantage, Amsterdam
💡 Pro Tip: Schengen entry rules depend on your passport, so check the visa section of the Netherlands country page. The Dutch drinking age is 18 and is enforced at supermarkets and bars. Artis is a 15-minute tram ride from Centraal and its ticket includes the aquarium and planetarium. Efteling and NEMO tickets are cheaper online and sell out during school holidays.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$44035%
Family rooms in central Amsterdam, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$25020%
Pannenkoek, frites with sauce, chocolate milk and stroopwafels
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Efteling good for young children and should we book tickets ahead?+
Efteling has a fairy-tale forest and gentle rides aimed at younger children alongside bigger coasters, so mixed ages work. Buy dated tickets online before you go; walk-up queues and sold-out days are common in school holidays, and check height rules for each ride.
How do we get from Amsterdam to Giethoorn with children?+
Take an NS train to Steenwijk, then a local bus to Giethoorn; the whole trip takes around two hours each way, so an early start matters with kids. Pre-book the guided silent electric boat rather than renting a self-drive whisper boat if you want no steering.
What should a 5-day Netherlands family trip cost?+
The guide lists roughly $1,050-1,500 per person excluding flights, covering family rooms, Artis, NEMO, Efteling and the Giethoorn boat. Child tickets are usually discounted at theme parks and museums, so ask for family rates when booking and travel outside July and August for lower hotels.
When is the best time to visit the Netherlands with kids?+
April to June and September are easiest: mild weather, shorter queues at Artis and NEMO, and cheaper hotels than July and August. Summer brings long daylight hours and outdoor events but also peak crowds at Efteling, so book dated tickets early if you go then.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,500 (≈ €910–1,300), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Family
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