Visit these spots for the best picnics in Amsterdam and some great family bonding
Going on picnics has become one of our family’s favourite bonding activities. We chill, share stories, and eat together. Most of the time, we just bring sandwiches, but when the budget allows, we pack a feast.
Luckily, we don’t have to go far. Amsterdam has so many picnic spots that we’ve hardly ever needed to leave the city. I think my family and I have visited almost all of them.
I’ve even made a list of the best picnic spots so you can check them out yourself.
1. Vondelpark
Website: https://www.hetvondelpark.net/
Address: Vondelpark 1071 AA
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
We went to Vondelpark for our first-ever family picnic because it’s Amsterdam’s most famous park. The first thing that stood out was how spacious it is, allowing the park to accommodate many families at once.
Vondelpark has expansive green lawns, crystal-clear ponds, and colourful flowerbeds. These features make it perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. Its sheer size also means you won’t have to worry about overcrowding.
But you know what’s even better? Vondelpark also boasts attractions such as an open-air theatre and playgrounds for the kids. Put simply, it has everything families want on a picnic day: open space, greenery, and kid-friendly activities.
2. Oosterpark
Media credit: Oosterpark
Address: Oosterpark, 1012 AA
Contact: +31 20 201 8800
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
I wanted to check out Oosterpark because of its history as formerly an Old Eastern Cemetery. I was curious to see if it had that “spooky” vibe. It turns out there’s nothing eerie about this gem of a park.
Instead, Oosterpark gives off a joyous, vibrant vibe because many people enjoy their stay there. Families can sit or lie on the park’s lush greenery, kids can frolic on the paths, and seniors can meditate overlooking a beautiful pond.
Oosterpark is also adorned with sculptures and monuments, including the National Slavery Monument. These added attractions make this park an excellent spot for picnics, jogging, meditation, cultural festivals, and urban sightseeing.
3. Park Gaasperplas
Media credit: tpc_gaasperpark
Website: https://www.gaasperpark.amsterdam/en/park
Address: Amsteldijk Noord 55
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: € (for use of sports facilities)
Gaasperplas Park is a lesser-known park, but it’s my pick for the most beautiful. It perfectly blends nature and recreation, with sprawling green lawns, a large lake with pristine waters, and even sandy beaches.
The park has over five kilometres of walkways, playgrounds, and designated barbecue areas. That’s why you won’t run out of things to do here—read a book on the grass, practice yoga under the trees, and stroll on the paths.
But that’s not all. You can admire nature and wildlife, go for a swim or ride a canoe, and do some horseback riding, too. You’re even welcome to bring your fur babies but keep in mind there’s a designated area just for them to play.
4. Beatrixpark
Media credit: fredvandrunen
Website: https://www.amsterdam.nl/toerisme-vrije-tijd/parken/beatrixpark/
Address: Diepenbrockstraat 21, 1077 VX
Contact: +31 20 624 1111
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
Beatrixpark, named after Queen Beatrix, is one of Amsterdam’s oldest green spaces. Pristine ponds and colourful flowerbeds crown its lush greenery. The park also has a small pool for children and a large playground with a sandpit.
One of my favourite things to do here is lie on a picnic mat and enjoy my favourite pastry under the trees—it’s just so peaceful. Aside from picnics, the park is a total playground for families—kids can even go wild on the playground.
Beatrixpark is also known for the Artsenijhof, a dedicated herb garden featuring hundreds of medicinal plants. It’s a cool way for families to check out various plants and critters up close.
5. Flevopark
Media credit: indischebuurtbeelden
Website: https://www.flevopark.nl/
Address: Valentijnkade, 1098 XA
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: € (for use of outdoor pool)
Flevopark is situated in Amsterdam’s eastern Indische Buurt neighbourhood. Sprawling greeneries, tranquil ponds, dense woodlands, and meandering walkways mark it. These make Flevopark ideal for both a serene retreat and a thrilling adventure.
I like that Flevopark isn’t just a pretty place—it actually has plenty to keep everyone busy! I’m all for a lazy picnic, but if you’ve got kids, there’s a playground for them to run wild and even a youth centre called Jeugdland to keep them entertained.