Open Garden Days Amsterdam

About

Open Garden Days Amsterdam (Open Tuinen Dagen) is a magical weekend when private gardens throughout the city open their gates to visitors, offering a rare glimpse into Amsterdam's hidden green spaces. Children will love exploring secret gardens tucked behind historic canal houses, discovering urban farms, rooftop oases, and creative outdoor spaces that are normally completely off-limits. It's like a citywide treasure hunt where each garden reveals a unique surprise, from butterfly-filled cottage gardens to modern sustainable plots with vegetable patches and chickens.

What to Expect

Families will spend the weekend hopping between dozens of privately-owned gardens scattered across Amsterdam's neighborhoods. Each garden has its own character—some are formal with manicured hedges and fountains, while others are wild meadows or edible gardens full of herbs and vegetables. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with garden owners often present to chat about their plants and design choices. Many gardens feature interactive elements like small ponds, fairy-tale pathways, treehouse-like structures, and educational displays about urban gardening and biodiversity. Kids can observe insects, spot different bird species, and learn about sustainable gardening practices in a hands-on way.

Highlights for Kids

• Discovering secret gardens hidden behind unassuming canal house doors and down narrow alleyways
• Spotting wildlife like frogs, dragonflies, butterflies, and birds thriving in urban garden ecosystems
• Finding creative play elements like stepping stones, small bridges, and whimsical garden art
• Exploring rooftop gardens with amazing views over Amsterdam's skyline
• Meeting friendly garden owners who share stories about their plants and sometimes offer samples of fresh herbs or vegetables

Pro Tips for Families

1. Purchase the official garden route map from tourist information centers or online beforehand—it shows all participating gardens and helps you plan a walking route through one neighborhood rather than crisscrossing the city
2. Start early Saturday morning when gardens are less crowded and kids are fresh; many families find they can comfortably visit 6-8 gardens in a half-day by clustering nearby locations
3. Bring a small notebook and crayons for garden sketching or a nature journal where kids can draw their favorite plants or collect fallen leaves as souvenirs (never pick from the gardens)
4. Pack water and snacks as not all neighborhoods have convenient cafes, and consider combining garden visits with a picnic in one of Amsterdam's public parks like Vondelpark or Westerpark

Best Time to Visit

Saturday morning between 10am-1pm offers the best experience—gardens are freshly opened, less crowded than Sunday, and you'll have energy to explore multiple locations. Early afternoon is also pleasant, but avoid late afternoon as some private gardens may close earlier than posted times. Sunday mornings work well too, though some gardens can be busier as it's the final day. Visiting during these morning hours also means better light for photos and cooler temperatures for walking between locations.

Food & Drinks

Food is not provided at the private gardens themselves, so plan accordingly. Most neighborhoods hosting gardens have nearby cafes, bakeries, and restaurants where you can stop for snacks or lunch—Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken) and stroopwafels are always kid favorites. Consider packing a picnic lunch and planning a break at one of Amsterdam's parks between garden visits. Bring refillable water bottles as you'll be walking extensively. Some neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp have excellent family-friendly cafes with outdoor seating perfect for refueling during your garden tour.

Parking & Access

Amsterdam's city center has limited parking and most gardens are best accessed by walking, cycling, or public transport. Consider staying in central Amsterdam and using the excellent tram system to reach different garden neighborhoods—buy a GVB day pass for unlimited tram/bus/metro travel. Bicycles can be rented (including cargo bikes for younger children) and are ideal for covering more ground, though you'll need to park and walk to enter gardens. Stroller accessibility varies significantly—many gardens have narrow gates, steps, or uneven paths, so baby carriers are recommended for infants and toddlers. Most gardens are in residential areas with cobblestone streets, which can be challenging for strollers.