Amsterdam · With kids

A green copper ship of a building full of chain reactions, bubbles and experiments, with a free rooftop terrace and city view. Four and up.

An 1838 zoo in the middle of town with an aquarium, planetarium and butterfly house, plus lawns to collapse on. Any age, half a day.

A replica East Indiaman moored outside to climb over, and treasure-hunt trails inside. Two hours, and better than it sounds from about five.

Several fenced playgrounds, a paddling area in summer and cafés with terraces beside them — the default afternoon when museums have run out.

Hire a bakfiets cargo bike and the whole city opens up; helmets are rare but ask. Canals have no railings — reins for toddlers.