Café de Waterkant

Café de Waterkant is a delightful lakeside escape in Amstelveen where families can enjoy relaxed dining while kids burn energy at the on-site playgrounds. With scenic waterfront views, delicious ice cream, and a laid-back atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon where parents can actually sit and enjoy their coffee while children play safely nearby.

• ✓Multiple playgrounds right next to the dining area for easy parent supervision
• ✓Beautiful lakeside terrace with peaceful water views
• ✓Delicious Dutch ice cream in various flavors
• ✓Spacious outdoor seating perfect for families with strollers
• ✓Safe, enclosed play areas where kids can explore independently

1. 1.Arrive early on sunny weekends to snag a coveted lakeside terrace table with direct views of the playground.
2. 2.Don't worry if you don't speak Dutch: most staff in Amstelveen speak excellent English, and menus often have English translations.
3. 3.Bring a change of clothes for little ones, as they may want to play near the water's edge, especially in warmer months.
4. 4.The café accepts cards, but it's wise to carry some euros for the ice cream counter which occasionally has cash-only periods.
5. 5.Combine your visit with a bike ride along the Amstel River: bike rentals are available nearby and the area has excellent family-friendly cycling paths.

Visit on weekday afternoons (Tuesday through Thursday) for a quieter experience, or embrace the lively atmosphere on weekend mornings. Spring and summer offer the best weather for enjoying the outdoor setting, with May through September being ideal for waterfront dining.

This is a budget-friendly spot with affordable café prices. Parking is available nearby, though cycling is a popular and very Dutch way to arrive. The café offers typical Dutch café fare including pancakes (pannenkoeken), sandwiches, and excellent coffee.

While open year-round, the experience is best from April through October when outdoor seating and playgrounds are most enjoyable. Winter visits are possible but the atmosphere shifts indoors. Dutch school holidays (especially summer break in July and August) can get crowded.