Amsterdam (Rough Guide) - Martin Dunford [163]
Artis Zoo Plantage Kerklaan 38–40 (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/523 3400, www.artis.nl; metro Waterlooplein, tram #9, #10 or #14. Opened in 1838, this is the oldest zoo in the country, and it’s now one of the city’s top tourist attractions, though thankfully its layout and refreshing lack of bars and cages mean that it never feels overcrowded. Highlights include an African savanna environment, huge aquariums and an aviary. In addition to the usual lions, monkeys and creepy-crawlies, there’s also a children’s farm where kids come nose-to-nose with sheep, calves, goats, etc. Feeding times always draw a crowd and take place as follows: 10.45am birds of prey; 11.30am and 3.45pm seals and sea lions; 12.30pm crocodiles (Sun only); 2pm pelicans; 3pm lions and tigers (not Thurs); 3.30pm penguins. The on-site Planetarium has five or six shows daily, all in Dutch, though you can pick up a leaflet with an English translation from the desk. An English guidebook for the whole complex costs €2.50. No dogs allowed. Daily: April–Oct 9am–6pm; Nov–March 9am–5pm; June–Aug till sundown on Sat with special activities. Adults €18.50, 3- to 9-year-olds €15.
Artis Zoo
Madame Tussaud’s Dam 20 (Old Centre) 020/523 0623, www.madametussauds.nl. Large waxworks collection with the usual smattering of famous people and rock stars, as well as Dutch celebrities and the royal family, plus a few Amsterdam peasants and merchants thrown in for local colour. Hardly the high point of anyone’s trip to the city, but some parts might be of interest to teenagers, such as Karaoke Corner, the “Models” zone, and the odd actor jumping out at you at unexpected moments. Daily 10am–5.30pm, school summer holidays till 8.30pm. Adults €21; 5- to 15-year-olds €16; family tickets available.
NEMO Oosterdok 2 (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/531 3233, www.e-nemo.nl; bus #22 to Kadijksplein, ten-minute walk from CS. The whopping great green building that marks the entrance to the IJ tunnel is home to NEMO, a large, six-floor science and technology centre, whose interactive exhibits are geared towards children. Interaction is encouraged and the whole experience is very hands-on. Labelling is in Dutch and English. Tues–Sun 10am–5pm, plus Mon during school holidays in July & Aug. €12.50, under-4s free.
The Amsterdam Dungeon Rokin 78 (Old Centre) 020/530 8500, www.thedungeons.com. Tram #4, #9, #16, #24 or #25 from CS. Popular but rather pricey sight housed in a former church. Tours last for around an hour, during which you’re handed from one ham actor to another, making believe you have been sentenced by the Inquisition, press-ganged onto the high seas, chased by witches and surrounded by plague victims – until you’re finally swept around the interior of the church on a short roller coaster ride. Discount coupons are available in many hotels. Daily 11am–5pm; €21, children €16, half-price if booked online.
Tropenmuseum Junior Tropenmuseum, Linnaeusstraat 2 (Amsterdam Oost) 020/568 8233, www.tropenmuseumjunior.nl; tram #9 from CS. Designed especially for children between the ages of 4 and 12, the museum’s aim is to promote international understanding through exhibitions, tours and performances on other cultures. It’s nowhere near as dry as it sounds, and although the show is in Dutch only, this is more than compensated for by the lively exhibits, which are expertly presented and supported by music and dance performances, all designed to fascinate children, with lots of things for kids to get their hands on. Workshops on Sat, Sun & school holidays 1pm & 3pm, plus Wed 3pm; call to reserve. Adults €8, 6- to 17-year-olds €4, under-5s free.
Kids’ Amsterdam |
Cafés and pancake houses
KinderKookKafé Vondelpark 6b/Overtoom 325 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/625 3257, www.kinderkookkafe.nl. A café especially for kids, with a self-service bar where kids can prepare