
Rijksmuseum, Courtesy IAmesterdam
There are three direct flights from Europe to Salt Lake City, through London, Paris, or Amsterdam. Following our time in Rome, I knew we’d have to connect in one of these cities, and based on a great deal I found on Delta, Amsterdam was the best option. So, I decided to push for one more day of Punching the Travel Fun Button with a layover in Amsterdam. We won’t have much time, so I opted for maximum convenience in all our planning.
Getting to Amsterdam
Amsterdam Flight Details
Depart Rome – 8:20 AM – Arrive Schipol – 10:50 AM
Depart Amsterdam: 10:05 AM
Amsterdam Hotel Details
Crowne Plaza Schipol
Planeetbaan 2, 2132 HZ Hoofddorp, Netherlands
+31 23 565 0000
Trains run regularly from the station just around the corner from the hotel. There is also an airport shuttle to the airport and train station.
The Schipol Crowne Plaza hotel offers free wifi, a gift shop, bar and restaurant, fitness center with pool and gym, and bike rentals for the nearby town center (along with complimentary shuttle service on request).
Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids
NEMO Science Museum

NEMO Science Museum, Courtesy Travel with Bender
The NEMO Science Museum features interactive exhibits and experiments designed specifically for kids and teens and a rooftop square providing the highest viewpoint in Amsterdam.
- Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
- +020 531 32 33
- 10:00 AM TO 17:00 PM
- Not open Mondays except during school holidays
- Plan for three hours at the museum
- Cost:€16,50 – Free with IAmsterdam Card
Vondelpark

Courtesy Project Waag – Vondelpark Map
Vondelpark is a public urban park of 47 hectares featuring sprawling gardens, bridges, cafes and playgrounds.
- South of Leidseplein near Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum.
- Attractions include the Groot Melkhuis playground and restaurant Vertigo
- Features rope bridges, zip lines, and in-line skate rentals.
Heineken Experience

How to Pour Your Heineken, Courtesy Mike’s Travel Guide
This interactive museum provides a behind-the-scenes journey through the wild world of pilsners. And, it’s one of the city’s most visited attractions, with plenty of fun non-alcoholic sensory experiences for kids.
- Stadhouderskade 78,
1072 AE AMSTERDAM - Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:30 – 19:30 Friday – Sunday: 10:30 – 21:00
- Cost:€18
- Discounted Admission with I Amsterdam Card
Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House, Courtesy Amsterdam Travel Guide.Net
The Anne Frank House is a writer’s house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk.
Note: Tour reservations should be booked online two months ahead of time
- 263 Prinsengracht
- 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Schedule a tour time (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Cost: €9,50
Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum, Courtesy IAmerstand
The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history of Amsterdam located in the central museum district.
Note: Discounted Admission available with I Amsterdam card
- Museumstraat 1,1071 XX, Amsterdam
- 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM
- Cost: €17,50
Hop On Hop Off Canal Cruise

Amsterdam Hop on Hop Off Tour, Courtesy Stromma.nl
This hour long cruises explores Amsterdam’s UNESCO protected canal ring providing facts about the city along the way – perfect if the weather, or tired feet, aren’t cooperating.
Note: The tour can be taken in a continuous loop for free with the I Amsterdam card, or with convenient ‘hop-on hop-off’ service offered by Canal Bus.
- Stadhouderskade 42, 1073 AX AMSTERDAM
- Cost: Adult €16,00, Child (4 – 12 year) € 8.00
Amsterdam Resources:
- As We Saw It,One Day in Amsterdam
- Travel with Bender, 10 Family Friendly Things to Do in Amsterdam
- IAmsterdam
- I Amsterdam City Card (24 Hour Pass €57), Includes public transit
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