Friday, March 1, 2013

Seeing Amsterdam In A Child-friendly Way

Amsterdam has long been the place where the young and the reckless go to spend wild weekends, so it has gained the reputation of being a place to party but not really a place where families go on holiday. However, the city is actually a place full of fun and exciting things for children to see and do, and offers wonderful experiences for families looking to see the culture and history of the region.

From the NEMO Science Center, just across the Oosterdok, to the boats bobbing in the canals around your city hotel, Amsterdam is packed full of amazing sights, family-friendly restaurants and fun places to play. This article will give you some good ideas about activities and places to visit while here with your family.

Boat spotting along the canals

The canals that network across the city are truly the most iconic of sights for visitors of any age. These lovely waterways that weave through the city like tree roots are each unique and interesting in their own right. You can start off at the marina that looks out onto the Oosterdok and the new Metropolis Bridge, just a short stroll from any city hotel. Amsterdam's harbour is renowned and you will find old ships with tall masts and canvas sails that look the pirate ships from films children of any age will be entranced. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, every five years there is a wonderful Parade of Old Ships, called SAIL Amsterdam, where hundreds of old boats gather on the canals of the city.

If you stay in a central city hotel, Amsterdam's waterways will be easy to explore by foot; another one not to be missed is the Waalseilandsgracht Canal. Some of the most colourful and eclectic boats are moored in this central canal, and the challenge might be to encourage children to find their favourite.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The National Maritime Museum) - Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam

If your children liked looking at the boats in the canals and seeing the big ships from a distance, then there is no doubt they'll love the National Maritime Museum. Head east for a few blocks and through the IJTunnel and you're there. The museum is housed in a beautiful old building that in itself is worth the visit. There are plenty of exhibitions and programmes aimed at young children, explaining the ship building process and talking a bit about the history of maritime exploration in The Netherlands.

The NEMO Science Center - Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam

There are a host of attractions within easy reach of your city hotel; Amsterdam's NEMO Science Center, just on the Oosterdok Pier, is without doubt one of the best for children, however. This place is truly a fantastic experience for everyone involved, with theatre, films, and exhibitions on science and technology - much of which is hands on and interactive.

About the Author:
Looking for a city hotel, Amsterdam? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering the best rooms in a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Seeing-Amsterdam-In-A-Child-friendly-Way/4461915

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