Nice outdoor spots with the kids

HThe weather is finally better again. April has been doing what it wants, May was rainy but hopefully there will be some really nice days in June! And what do you prefer to do on those nice, beautiful and long days? That's right, being outside. It is also very healthy to spend your time outside. Especially for the children. And if they run and play outside in the afternoon, they will sleep wonderfully in the evening, so that you can enjoy a quiet summer evening.

What are the best places in Amsterdam to spend an afternoon outside with the kids? We have looked that up for you!

 

1. Plan West nature playground

You wouldn't immediately notice Plan West nature playground. Yet there is an oasis of peace in the courtyard of Van Speijkstraat. The nature playground is large and there is something to do for every child. There are beautiful climbing rocks for the daredevils, but there is also plenty of other play equipment for children who find it exciting. In the warmer months, children can enjoy splashing around in the water of the water fountain. For sports enthusiasts, there is also a beautiful sports field where you can do all sorts of things.

As mentioned, it is a natural playground and Plan West certainly is. Even though the location is in the middle of the city, you still feel like you are in calm nature. Also great for parents and babysitters!

 

2. The Oosterpark

The Oosterpark has been a place for residents and visitors of Amsterdam East to relax, exercise and meet each other for more than 100 years. There is a beautiful sports field with artificial grass and a tennis court. There are plenty of places to sit and picnic around the pond. There is also a nature playground, perfect for the children. In summer there is even a paddling pool, where children can play in the water.

The Oosterpark has a lot to offer, and many fun events or performances are organized there in the summer months. In short, a perfect place for parent and child to relax and play.

 

3. Play islands in the forest

The islands in the Grote Vijver of the Amsterdamse Bos form an adventurous play forest for children. There is an exciting water play area where children can have fun. The islands are accessible by shaky footbridges and a self-operated ferry. Bridges have been built in and over the water, ropes hang, there are poles for climbing and nets and rafts float. 

An afternoon at the playgrounds is for real adventurers, but your children can also have a great time here if they want to take it a bit easier. There is enough space to build huts, have a picnic or lie in the sun.

 

4. VerboerdIJ

The entire neighborhood is welcome at the VerbroederIJ. At this green location you will find, among other things, a Vegetable Garden and Flower Ribbon, Het PiggenverbIJf for the sweet pigs Barry & Rosita and the DIY spot De ZagerIJ. All these projects were conceived and maintained by local residents. So plenty for the children to do, and also educational. Grow your own plants in the vegetable garden, or learn how to care for pigs.

The terrace on the sunny side of 't IJ is open to the public. But don't worry, there is plenty of room. In addition to the terrace, there are also seats on the city beach and in De MoestuinderIJ. Enjoy soups, sandwiches and other lunch and main dishes. And there are lots of sweets to order, delicious for the kids and yourself!

 

5. Pluktuin Amstelveen

There is plenty to do in the Pluktuin, for young and old! Whether you want to pick flowers, paint a vase, make something for the birds or build a robot. Everything is possible at the Pluktuin Amstelveen. The picking garden is a play paradise for children, it is large enough to romp around, slide down the slide or climb in the play castle. They have delicious apple pie, cake of the week, coffee in all versions and tea and new in the range the ice creams from the NICE brand. 100 % organic and full of fresh fruit!!

In short, there is plenty to do in the Pluktuin, for young and old!

 

6. Fruit garden in West

The Fruit Garden in West is a combination of a farm with a large playing field and a farm. There is also a beautiful orchard to trot in. There are no standard playground equipment, but large tubes to crawl through, a tree trunk course, and swinging between the fruit trees. In short, a real adventure. Getting dirty is part of it, and to accommodate parents, there is a discount of 5% on detergent from the organic store for children who leave dirtier than when they came in.

The Fruit Garden in West is a wonderful place for children and parents to play and learn from the farm. In the garden cafe you can also order a delicious soup or cake. Tasty, organic and for the big and small hunger. In short, this place is perfect for young and old to spend a nice afternoon.

 

7. The Vondel Garden

Come by for a snack and a drink and enjoy the sun in the Vondelpark!

The Vondeltuin is a large terrace located at the southernmost point of the Vondelpark and you will notice this in the colorful, summery atmosphere. Here you are outside in the garden, where you can hang out, drink, laugh, read, or have a bite to eat!

The menu for both lunch and dinner can be viewed via the site. There is also a choice between different types of pastries. There is a special children's menu for the children, including Pirate and Princess Pasta! Next to the restaurant is a small play area with a slide and sandbox. A wonderful place to get together with other parents!