Amsterdam With Kids: Complete Guide (2026)
ARTIS
At a glance
Best for
- Animal lovers
- Education on conservation
Not ideal for
- Very young toddlers (0-3)
Highlights
- Enjoy over 900 species in a beautiful park setting — ARTIS is a green oasis in the city.
- Visit the aquarium and planetarium, which are perfect for curious minds and enhance the educational experience.
Why families love ARTIS
Why this place is special
ARTIS is not just a zoo; it is a historic site with botanical gardens, making it a unique destination for families. The zoo encourages wildlife conservation and education, ensuring kids leave with valuable lessons about nature and animal care.
Date planning tips
Check for quieter times around 18:00 to enjoy a more peaceful visit. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid crowds, especially during peak hours from 11 am to 3 pm.
Age guide
Which ages get the most from ARTIS — use this table to match your children.
| Age group | Recommendation | Level | Focus & suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 (Toddlers) | Limited | Fair | Short visits only. |
| 4–6 (Preschoolers) | Good | Good | Interactive corners. |
| 7–10 (School kids) | Excellent | Excellent | Main target audience. |
| 11–14 (Teens) | Good | Good | Let them set the pace. |
| 15+ (Adults) | Good | Good | Architecture and views. |
ARTIS with toddlers
Keep visits to 60–90 minutes. Avoid midday sun.
ARTIS with preschoolers
Do interactive rooms first, then a calm break.
ARTIS with teenagers
Give teens a challenge — autonomy keeps them engaged.
Tickets & pricing
Typical prices for ARTIS — confirm ticket options before you travel.
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission | Check tickets |
- Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
Practical information
Opening hours & best time to visit
- Weekday mornings are quietest.
- Check holiday hours before traveling to Amsterdam.
Tickets & passes
- Price guide: From €24.
- Verify city card compatibility before you buy.
Food & breaks
- See nearby recommendations below.
- Plan a mid-visit break to avoid rushing.
Suggested visit plan
Suggested visit timeline
10:00
Arrive and Explore
Start your visit by exploring the animal enclosures, particularly the elephants and chimps, which are crowd favorites.
12:00
Lunch Break
Take a break at the on-site cafe, allowing kids to recharge for the afternoon adventures.
13:00
Visit the Aquarium
Head to the aquarium to see colorful marine life, a perfect spot for curious young minds.
15:00
Planetarium Show
End your day with a planetarium show that captivates children's imaginations and teaches them about the universe.
Family hotels near ARTIS
Family-friendly stays from our with-kids guide within a short walk or ride.
Connecting Rooms
Luxury Suites Amsterdam
4.8(621 reviews)A family-friendly stay in Amsterdam — look for family rooms or connecting options and book early in peak season.
1.0 km · 14 mins walking
Aparthotels
Chassé Hotel Residency & Serviced Apartments
4.5(313 reviews)A family-friendly stay in Amsterdam — look for family rooms or connecting options and book early in peak season.
1.7 km · 22 mins walking
Nearby family attractions & restaurants
Attraction links stay in this guide; restaurants open in Google Maps.
Attractions near ARTIS
Rainy day alternatives
If ARTIS is sold out on your dates, redirect the plan to these family-friendly backups.
3 mistakes to avoid at ARTIS
Mistake 1
Not planning for crowds
Avoid peak visiting hours from 11 am to 3 pm to ensure a more enjoyable experience.
Mistake 2
Skipping the aquarium
Children often love the aquarium, so don't miss this part of ARTIS.
Mistake 3
Forgetting snacks
Bring snacks or plan for lunch at the on-site cafe to keep the kids energized.
Traveler reviews
Katie R.
★★★★★a month agoMy husband and I took our four kids to the zoo this week. We were visiting from South Florida, USA. Artis is the best zoo I’ve ever been to. I was blown away by its beauty. It’s essentially a botanical garden and a zoo. The gardens are beautiful. The animal enclosures are well designed and thoughtful. We felt like we got a good view of all the animals. I can’t say enough. 10/10 would recommend a visit here.
Adam
★★★★★2 months agoWell presented zoo. The grounds are well kept and clean. The animal enclosures seem reasonable and well sized and the animals appear happy. The highlights were the Asian elephants. We were there for what appeared to be feeding time or play time. Great to see a family of elephants playing together. We spent about 3 hours in total and saw everything. The toilets inside were limited and only found one on the map. The cafe we wanted to try only had vegan options !
Selected reviews sourced from Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ for ARTIS Amsterdam Zoo for Kids: Family Fun in Nature
What animals can we see at ARTIS?
You can see a variety of animals including elephants, zebras, and chimps.
Is ARTIS wheelchair accessible?
Yes, ARTIS has wheelchair-accessible facilities including entrances, seating, and toilets.
What are the hours of operation?
ARTIS is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Is there a gift shop at ARTIS?
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.
Are there any food options available?
Yes, there are cafes on-site offering various food options for families.
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