Europe · Best Apr–Sep
Amsterdam packing list for families
Amsterdam is compact and kid-friendly, but steep stairs, cobblestones and quick showers change what you should bring. This list keeps your bags light and your family ready for canals, museums and bike paths.
Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Amsterdam
- Canal houses and older hotels often have very steep, narrow stairs, so I pack light, skip the big stroller and bring a carrier for little ones.
- Anne Frank House tickets are sold online for set time slots and go quickly, so book as soon as you have dates. It's best for tweens and teens who are ready for the story.
- Bike lanes are as busy as the roads, and visitors step into them constantly, so keep kids close at crossings. A family bike tour on quieter routes outside the center is a fun way to join in.
Best timeApr–Sep
PlugsType C/F, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro (cards preferred, and some places are card-only)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Amsterdam
This time of year
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable rain jacketKristina's pickShowers blow through quickly in every season.
Something orangeThe whole city wears orange for King's Day in April.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure1
Kids' bike helmetHelmets aren't the norm in the Netherlands, so rentals may not have them.
Little ones13
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C/F, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
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Month by month
Amsterdam weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43°F 6°C | Cold, gray and damp with short days and occasional frost | Amsterdam Light Festival along the canals |
| February | 44°F 7°C | Cold, gray and damp with short days and occasional frost | |
| March | 50°F 10°C | Cool and breezy with showers as the tulips bloom | Tulip season at Keukenhof and the bulb fields |
| April | 57°F 14°C | Cool and breezy with showers as the tulips bloom | Tulip season at Keukenhof and the bulb fields King's Day on April 27, with the city in orange |
| May | 64°F 18°C | Cool and breezy with showers as the tulips bloom | Tulip season at Keukenhof and the bulb fields |
| June | 68°F 20°C | Mild and pleasant with long evenings and the odd warm spell | Summer canal boats and outdoor cafes |
| July | 72°F 22°C | Mild and pleasant with long evenings and the odd warm spell | Summer canal boats and outdoor cafes |
| August | 72°F 22°C | Mild and pleasant with long evenings and the odd warm spell | Summer canal boats and outdoor cafes |
| September | 66°F 19°C | Cool, windy and increasingly rainy | |
| October | 58°F 14°C | Cool, windy and increasingly rainy | |
| November | 50°F 10°C | Cool, windy and increasingly rainy | Sinterklaas arrives by boat in mid-November Amsterdam Light Festival along the canals |
| December | 45°F 7°C | Cold, gray and damp with short days and occasional frost | Amsterdam Light Festival along the canals |
Questions families ask
Amsterdam with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam with kids?
The best time is Apr–Sep. Mild and pleasant with long evenings and the odd warm spell
What's the weather like in Amsterdam?
Typical daytime highs range from about 43°F (6°C) in January to about 72°F (22°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Amsterdam?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Amsterdam?
Type C/F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Amsterdam with kids?
Canal houses and older hotels often have very steep, narrow stairs, so I pack light, skip the big stroller and bring a carrier for little ones.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.