Family holidays to Amsterdam

by Linda Crowder Stockton Heath Travel
If you are considering your family summer holiday with the children then you will probably have looked at the usual destinations, which you have covered time and time again. So how about considering a new location? Holland is not the most obvious choice, but this child-friendly country has lots to uncover for parents and little ones!
Just a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam has been one of the world’s most important ports since the 17th century, when the canals were built, and in more recent times has gained UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Dutch capital is best known for its thousands of bikes, world class art museums like the Hermitage (which even has a dedicated children’s wing) and, of course, its charming canals, but there is so much more to it.
Families should make time to enjoy the city’s pristine parks, like the 116 acre central Vondelpark, but also Amstel Park where younger visitors will love the open-air petting zoo with its ducks, rabbits and goats, as well as mini-golf. The city also offers the big popular big name attractions, such as Madame Tussaud’s and The Amsterdam Dungeon.
A weekend break is the perfect way to discover the city’s obvious sights, as well as hidden gems like the Hollandische Manege, the country’s oldest riding school where horse-riding lessons start at 30 Euros (£21) for half an hour. Take time to try the various local delicacies, from Gouda cheese to herrings (eaten raw at a food truck), with stops at the very family friendly pancake houses for the famous miniature poffertjes (baby pancake puffs), usually served in the summer.
Exploring the city from the water is a great way to see the landscape from a different perspective and a day cruise makes a superb family day out. One of the best cities to explore on the water is Utrecht, where canal cruises are often more popular than the traditional city walking tours.
The children, meanwhile, will love using the floating transport system, jumping off to enjoy lunch at a waterside pancake restaurant, a quick look around the Dick Bruna House (dedicated to the creator of Miffy, the classic children’s character) or simply eating ice-creams while dipping toes into the water.
Amsterdam has been quick to capitalise on the global trend for funky urban beaches, with no fewer than three hip hangouts. Plus; theme parks, with Efteling, Holland’s biggest park, open every day of the year and within easy reach of both Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The majestic park started our as a fairy-tale forest, but has expanded significantly and now includes rollicking roller coasters, and enormous water show and other exciting attractions that draw more than four million visitors each year.
When to go: Holland’s climate is influenced by the sea. February to May is the driest months, with May to August the sunniest. On average the Netherlands experiences a mild winter and warm summer.
Getting there: Numerous airlines serve the Netherlands from UK airports. Eurostar rail services operate from London St Pancras, Ebbs fleet and Ashford International stations to Brussels, where there are regular connections to cities and towns all over Holland.
While Holland may still be under the radar for family holidays, those who know the country well will agree it deserves to be a serious contender. The potential is there for all to see.