In 2019 I popped my Amsterdam cherry. Only a short 60 minute flight from my home town in the UK, it seemed the perfect birthday long weekend (well, mid-week but 3 days) away! Me and my mom have been abroad together quite a bit and we love it! We are both into the same activities and interests making us great travel buddies. Thus, I asked my mom if she would like to come with me to Amsterdam for 3 days to celebrate my birthday and she said yes.
Taking your mom to Amsterdam...I know, seems odd. Amsterdam is very well known for it's red light district and their green cafes (you know what I mean). Neither of these things interested us but it's all that seemed to pop up when we looked online for things to do in Amsterdam. However, once there we found Amsterdam an absolute dream, a stunning city break, reasonably priced and friendly locals! So below are my suggestions of Safe For Work activities to do in Amsterdam...
1- Apenheul and Artis zoo
This is the main reason I was desperate to visit Amsterdam. Being a (ex)zookeeper, zoo's are usually what decide my travel destinations. Considering this was my birthday trip, I wanted to do a zoo a day! So first we did Artis, located in the city centre. Some of the enclosures in this zoo really did take my breath away, and the variety of animals was great! Absolutely fabulous for a city zoo.
Then, oh then, we went to Apenheul. Further out the city (we had to navigate a two trains and a bus) but totally worth it. A huge park, with open enclosures where you can get up close with the smaller primates. The Gorilla enclosure is an open island with a stunning viewing platform AND they have Bonobos there. Just perfect. The variety of primate species at Apenheul is insane! I was definitely in my element, not so sure about my mom, but she was enjoying walking around and playing pokemon go...
Some pictures from my trip to Artis*first image not mine).
Some pictures from my trip to Apenheul (first image not mine).
At the time of my visits to both these zoos, I was still working as a great ape keeper, I had pre arranged free entry to the zoo's and had my letter signed by my boss. Me and mom agreed to half her ticket fee to both zoo's, but we didn't need to, because they both let her in for free with me which just made the trip honestly. Nothing beats the zoo community, amazing people all around. Thank you Apenheul and Artis.
2- Tulip fields and museums
A tulip museum I hear you question? Yes indeed...although I also questioned it! As me and mom was only there for 3 days, and 2 days were spent at zoos, we didn't have much time left. Unfortunately we never made it to see the Tulip fields or museum, but it is something I recommend as a SFW activity. The museum is in the centre of town making it easily accessible, and costs 5 euros entry. You can also book onto tulip field tours!
Tulip fields (image from Amsterdam Tulip Festival) and the Tulip Museum (image from Amsterdam Tulip Museum)
3- Jewish Cultural walking tour
This is what we did on our last day! Originally, we wanted to visit Anne Franks house, but when we went to book tickets (about 4 months before visiting) the house tour was fully booked for 12 months. Sometimes, there are cancellations, and you can turn up very early to the house to try and get one of these cancellation spots.
While looking at this online, I found a Jewish Culture tour, where a guide walked us through the town, pointing out important and historic buildings etc. The tour was a good 3 hours, we got refreshments along the way and the tour ended right outside the Anne Frank house. We both agreed that the tour was much better value for money, as we got to see so much of the town, learn so much more about the history and then we got to see the house anyway (just not go in it)!
Across the street was a gift shop, so I went in and purchased an English version of Anne Franks Diary. It's a book I felt I should own and read, so what better place to purchase it, than opposite the house where she wrote it?!
Some of the sights we seen on our walking tour, last image is of the Anne Frank house.
4- Sightseeing boat/bus tour
I blooming love the city sightseeing company. I've been on their bus tours all over Europe and I did a similar thing in Australia. I just think they are such a good way to see the city and move around it. For anyone who doesn't know about sightseeing buses- they are big, open topped buses that do a loop around the city, stopping at the most visited/touristy places (like castles, museums, shopping centres etc). You buy a ticket (for 24 hours or 48) and you can hop on and hop off through-out the duration of your ticket. My top tip, is to do a full loop once, listen to the facts and make note of the stops that sound interesting to you. Then on the next loop, you can jump off at the places you want to explore!
In Amsterdam, they do a bus and boat ticket! I was gutted we didn't have time for this, as it covers so much of Amsterdam, including Artis Zoo! The boat tour also stops at the famous ice bar.
The Amsterdam City Sightseeing boat and bus (images from Tours and Tickets). For more information and tickets, click here.
These are just some fun ideas of 'family friendly' things to do in Amsterdam. I have absolutely nothing against the red light district and their all inclusive cafes/bars. If you want to visit Amsterdam for these kind of things, then go for it! I just wanted to show the other side of Amsterdam, as it's often clouded by the more well known side of Amsterdam.
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