Amsterdamse Bos
Beyond Oud-Zuid, straddling Amsterdam and Amstelveen, the largest of Amsterdam's parks covers 1,000 hectares (almost 2,500 acres) and incorporates 200 km (124 miles) of foot, bike, and bridle paths traversed by 116 bridges—67 of which designed in the early-20th-century Amsterdam School style, with characteristic redbrick and sculpted-stone detailing. There are wide recreational fields, a boating lake, the impressive Olympic Bosbaan rowing course (overlooked by the terraces of grand café De Bosbaan), and numerous playgrounds and wonderful water-play areas for toddlers.
One popular family attraction is the Geitenboerderij "De Ridammerhoeve" goat farm ( Nieuwe Meerlaan 4, follow blue signs past Boerderij Meerzicht 020/645–5034 www.geitenboerderij.nl) with a playground and lunchroom, a sunny terrace, and lots of chickens hopping about between the goats. Your kids can bottle-feed the four-legged kind and cuddle bleating babies in the barn.
For public transport to the Amsterdamse Bos, there are various options: visit 9292.nl for up-to-date information or call 0900–9292. You can also rent bikes ( 020/644–5473) year-round at the entrance of the Amsterdamse Bos opposite the visitor center; maps, suggested routes, and signposting are plentiful throughout the park.
If you didn't pack your own lunch, Boerderij Meerzicht is a traditional Dutch pancake house, with a small deer zoo and playground for kids ( Koenenkade 56 020/679–2744 www.boerderijmeerzicht.nl).
