How do you make a centuries-old palace interesting for kids? With stories told by their peers! At the Royal Palace on Dam Square, your little ones go on a free treasure hunt with Prince Louis (for kids aged 5 to 8) or Jacob (for children aged 9 to 12). A brilliant free indoor activity for rainy days in Amsterdam.

The two audio tours feature exciting stories and secrets about the building, while your kids solve a treasure hunt along the way. More into animals? Sculptor Artus Quellinus hid hundreds of animals throughout the palace — great fun to spot together with the very youngest visitors (3+).

Well, creative is an understatement. At OBA Maakplaats, way more than crafting happens. Across Amsterdam you'll find 10 creative hubs for the little makers among us. Tiny inventors, robot builders, designers and budding tech wizards work on their creative and digital skills here. From 3D printing to coding or learning to sew — anything goes. The Maakplaatsen are all located inside libraries. So while your kids have the time of their lives, you can finally disappear into a book for a couple of hours.

Where better than creative Amsterdam-Noord for a children's art museum? KiMu celebrates the wonder of our little artists with a space that invites genuine exploration. No assignments here, no works your kids have to stare at in silence — thankfully. Here, your kids are in charge. An afternoon of playing, experimenting and above all imagining tickles the most important skill there is: creativity.

This children's art museum in Amsterdam is ideal as an indoor weekend activity with kids. KiMu is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only.

No matter how old you are, the Maritime Museum never stops being impressive — if only for the enormous (replica) VOC ship and the star-filled ceiling inside. Kids can climb around like sailors, explore the underwater world with Diver Doris and learn all about the largest animal on earth: the blue whale. A brilliant kids' activity with a genuinely educational edge. And when you've had your fill? Grab a toastie or a pancake at the Open Plein, or on the terrace in summer. Plenty to keep the whole family busy for a full day out in Amsterdam.

Get your tickets for Het Scheepvaartmuseum at a discount through Playtix, of course.

Why? Why? Why? Your kids are bursting with questions, and science museum NEMO answers at least some of them. Dressed in a real lab coat, they conduct their own experiments, discover gravity and take optically mind-bending photos. NEMO also hosts plenty of exhibitions, workshops and even theatre shows for children. And don't forget the rooftop terrace — stunning views over the city, and you're welcome to bring your own packed lunch. A kids' activity that easily fills an entire day.

NEMO is very easy to reach by train. Going by car? Park in Noord and take the ferry to the museum. That's already an adventure in itself.

The sweetest concept store for children in Amsterdam. You could also call it a (stuffed) mouse museum. Whatever age you are, there is so much to discover at Lily Loulou. Peek inside the cosy dollhouses of the Maileg mouse family, treat your little one to a princess dress, or find small gifts you won't find anywhere else. Because a little gift is always a good idea — especially when it's from Lily Loulou.

Lily Loulou is an 8-minute walk from Dam Square in Amsterdam.

On Postjesweg in Amsterdam-West, you'll find children's clothing store Otis en de Wolf. A cosy gem full of second-hand finds that have been thoroughly tested and checked. No worn-out castoffs, just beautiful pieces with plenty of life left in them. From dresses and trousers to toys. And just as fun: handmade children's clothing, including leggings with the most brilliant prints.

Bring your little one along, Otis en de Wolf has a drawing corner and a changing table in the toilet.