Amsterdam Dance Event

About

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is primarily an adult-oriented electronic music conference and festival, but it has increasingly introduced family-friendly daytime programming including ADE Junior and special workshops. While the main festival is geared toward industry professionals and electronic music fans, select daytime events offer children interactive music-making experiences, DJ workshops, and family raves with age-appropriate entertainment. This is best suited for music-loving families who want to introduce their kids to creative sound exploration in Amsterdam's vibrant cultural scene.

What to Expect

Families should expect a city-wide celebration of electronic music with most evening events being 18+ or 21+, but daytime family programming offers interactive workshops, kid-friendly DJ sessions, and music technology demonstrations. The family-specific events typically feature colorful, energetic atmospheres with hands-on activities where children can experiment with music creation, learn about sound, and dance in supervised settings. Most family events are held in dedicated venues separate from the main nighttime festival, creating safe, age-appropriate environments with earlier time slots.

Highlights for Kids

• Hands-on DJ workshops where kids can try mixing music and using professional equipment
• Interactive music-making sessions with child-friendly electronic instruments and sound exploration
• Family raves with age-appropriate music, dancing, and colorful light shows
• Meeting creative musicians and learning about music production technology
• Experiencing Amsterdam's creative culture in a unique, modern way

Pro Tips for Families

1. Book family-specific ADE events well in advance as they sell out quickly and represent only a small portion of the overall festival programming
2. Most ADE events are scattered across Amsterdam, so stay in a centrally located hotel near public transport and plan your route to family events ahead of time
3. Check the official ADE website for the specific family programming schedule as it varies year to year and is released closer to the event dates
4. Bring ear protection for children even at family events, as music volumes can still be loud for young ears

Best Time to Visit

Attend the specifically designated family events which typically occur on weekend afternoons (Saturday and Sunday) between 12pm-5pm during the festival. These daytime slots are designed for families, while evening and nighttime events are adults-only. The Saturday afternoon sessions tend to be most popular and vibrant for kids.

Food & Drinks

Family event venues typically have limited on-site food options, usually offering snacks, drinks, and basic refreshments. Plan to eat meals before or after events at Amsterdam's many family-friendly restaurants and cafes nearby. Most venues allow you to bring sealed water bottles for children. The Dutch love their stroopwafels and poffertjes (mini pancakes), which you can find at nearby markets and make great treats for kids before or after events.

Parking & Access

Amsterdam's city center is best navigated by public transport, walking, or cycling rather than driving. Use the excellent tram, metro, and bus network to reach venues—purchase an OV-chipkaart or GVB day passes for unlimited travel. Most family event venues are accessible, though older Amsterdam buildings may have stairs. Strollers can be challenging on cobblestone streets and in crowded venues, so baby carriers are recommended for younger children. If driving, use P+R (Park and Ride) facilities on the city outskirts and take public transport into the center.