Cruise Through The Canals
Let’s kick things off with Amsterdam’s world-famous canals, which are as synonymous with the city as clogs and tulips. Whether your teenager is an aspiring sailor or more of a landlubber, there’s a way to enjoy these waterways. Opt for a classic canal cruise to soak up the history and architecture from the comfort of a boat. Or, for the more adventurous, rent a pedal boat and pedal your way around the 17th-century canals. Just remember, sharing the canal lanes with others requires more finesse than your teenager’s Mario Kart skills!
Hit the Streets on Two Wheels
Long before Lime scooters made their debut, Amsterdam was having its own love affair with two-wheel transportation. Biking is practically in the Dutch DNA, and what better way to join the ranks of seasoned cyclists than by grabbing a bike and setting off on an exploration of the city’s best spots? Encourage your teenager to live like a local. Be it a ride through Vondelpark or zipping past the Rijksmuseum, remember to sound that bike bell with enthusiasm. Note: Proclaiming “Look, Ma! No hands!” in shaky Dutch is highly optional.
Museums Worth Your Time
In a city packed with art and history, there’s a museum for practically everything—even cats! While the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are must-sees, don’t overlook the quirky side of Amsterdam. Remember to swing by the Moco Museum, featuring works by Banksy and other contemporary artists that might intrigue your too-cool-for-art teenager. And, if your kid is buffing up on their Fortnite dance moves, the Anne Frank House will offer a more contemplative perspective, worth the potentially eye-roll-inducing wait in line.
Shopping Sprees and Flea Markets
Teenagers and shopping—name a more iconic duo! If your teenager is a fashion enthusiast or just keen on setting trends, the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) area in Amsterdam offers a variety of boutique shops perfect for some retail therapy. If it’s thrilling bargains they’re after, lead them to the Waterlooplein Flea Market, where they can haggle over vintage finds and quirky keepsakes. Just ensure they know a few Dutch phrases or bring along Google Translate. No one wants to leave with more rubber ducks than they’d bargained for!
Foodie Adventures
What’s a trip to Amsterdam without indulging in the local food scene? Help your teenager devour Amsterdam one dish at a time. Head to Foodhallen, a hip indoor food market where taste buds can be tantalized with everything from gourmet hotdogs to Vietnamese spring rolls. Make sure they try the famous stroopwafels—thin waffles filled with a gooey caramel sauce—that are more satisfying than any TikTok dance routine they will ever learn. But caution them: consuming five stroopwafels in one sitting may result in an uncontrollable sugar high.
Explore The City’s Attractions
From [attractions in amsterdam](https://www.enjoyamsterdam.com/category/attractions-in-amsterdam/) like the Heineken Experience, where the beer-making process is as fascinating as the interactive exhibits, to the mesmerizing Waterlicht installation at the NXT Museum, Amsterdam is a treasure trove of experiences both parents and teens can enjoy. And not to forget, the A’DAM Lookout swing—Europe’s highest swing, perched high above the city. Perfect for teenagers with a head for heights and parents with a strong grip on their own fears.
Get a Breath of Fresh Air
Sometimes, even the coolest teenager needs a nature fix. Head to the Amsterdamse Bos for a day of outdoor adventure with everything from canoeing to obstacle courses. The sprawling park is ideal for stretch sessions beyond the screen. For a more laid-back outing, how about trying some bird-watching? Or test your van Gogh skills by attempting plein air painting? Yes, they might initially groan, but you never know: they just might Van-Gogh for it!